The post Global Peace Foundation Kenya Fosters Environmental Stewardship appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

“Where can peace be found? Can you legislate it? Can you build it through economics, politics, or diplomacy? No. You have to change the hearts of men.

When we live for the sake of others, we are building a new cultural paradigm and breaking down barriers, not with words, but through action. In the process of breaking down those barriers, we transform ourselves, our families, our neighborhoods, our nation, and eventually the world. This is how you find peace.” 

Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, 2002, Service for Peace Rally, Washington, D.C.

This week the Global Peace Foundation announced that their Mongolia chapter’s online volunteer community, “My Club,” was recognized for “Best Voluntary Activity of 2014” by the Network of Voluntary Organizations at a special program hosted at the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme of Mongolia on International Volunteer Day.

International Volunteer Day is an official United Nations International Day designated to recognize central role of volunteer efforts in securing peace and development.

As the quote above points out, volunteering is not just about tackling a shared social or economic issue, it is about a transformation of the heart. Service is an act that affirms humanity’s connection to each other and taps into a divine ability to put others before oneself.

The Global Peace Foundation-Mongolia has engaged young university students from all parts of the nation in creative projects to address literacy, environmental sustainability, and elder and family care.

Local university student volunteer reads to kindergarten students before naptime in Mongolia.

The eye-catching photo on the report is from the “Desk Book” project. It depicts a university student reading to local kindergarten children right before nap time.

According to the Service for Peace approach, the short time the university student invests is not only about increasing the children’s literacy, but about acknowledging the kinship between she and the children. The simple act of reading to children she barely knows says, “I may not know you, but I care about you, because we are all family.” For the children, it is an affirmation of the larger national and global community that is concerned for them.

Take a moment, 10 minutes, to serve, and reflect on the transformation that occurs, the small piece of peace that emerges as one puts the good of humanity first.

The post Global Peace Foundation-Mongolia Recognized for Volunteer Work with Youth appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Dr. Hyun Jin Moon participates with former PM Raila Odinga in a project to revitalize the Nairobi Dam in Kenya.

The world commemorates Mandela Day on July 18th with 67 minutes of service. Global Peace Foundation’s African Peace Service Corps partnered  with the South African High Commissioner and the United Nations Environmental Program to launch a massive tree planting initiative with 67 trees, one for each year of Mandela’s years in prison.

Service is becoming the way to commemorate the lives and values of notable heroes of our time. But why service?

In his speech at the 2011 international IAVE conference, Dr. Moon said, “I believe that service will play a pivotal role in changing the global ethic.”  Perhaps this is why service. The world is realizing what notable change makers have already –  the timeless principle of living for others is the remedy for the conflicts and ailments of society.

In the United States, Richard Stengel wrote an article in Time Magazine entitled, “Service is the Silver Bullet” where he makes the case for national service as the perfect solution to healing a divided nation and addressing daunting national issues like education, unemployment, childhood hunger and conservation.

E.J. Dionne Jr. points out in his op-ed that that the well-known line of the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” is only made possible by the final line, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our Sacred Honor.” Service, he argues, is part of the United States’ DNA, and essential to the preservation of the nation.
The same holds true to the global community. At the recent National Conference on Volunteerism and Service, GPYC-USA President, Kenshu Aoki said, “Service is about going out of your comfort zone.  As you work together for a common cause to improve the lives of others, you come to realize that human beings are truly meant to help one another.

“I believe that service will play a pivotal role in changing the global ethic.”  Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, IAVE Conference 2011

Service is more than just serving:

1. First, service is a deeply personal and spiritual act that connects individuals to the highest and noblest qualities of humanity.  It is a transformation tool for leadership and character development.
2. Second, service unleashes human creativity as people own the problems facing their communities and collaborate to find solutions. It places change in the hands of every man and women who possesses the desire to serve the greater humanity.
3. And third, service is a universal value that can bring understanding and peace among dissonant religious, racial, national and even political factions.

To this end, the Global Peace Foundation has wielded service as a major tool in the pursuit of the vision of One Family under God. It has promoted social entrepreneurship and community driven development initiatives that are owned by local partners and has fostered a culture of service, particularly with youth, to develop creativity and character in the leaders of tomorrow.

Everyday can be a transformational moment in history if every day is lived in service to humanity.

The post Service is More than Just Serving appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

GPA and partners released fish into the Bagmati River at the start of World Environmental Week in Nepal

At the start of World Environmental Week in Nepal, fish were released into the Guheshwori section of Bagmati River. Weeks prior, volunteers came to clean the riverbanks.  Kishor Kumar Rajbhandari commented on Facebook, “…time has come to resurrect life in the water of this section.”

The earth indiscriminately supports life, particularly of all 7 billion people that inhabit it.

Yet, every year massive amounts of food are wasted. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that every year 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted, the same amount produced in the whole of sub-Sahara Africa. Meanwhile, 1 in every 7 people in the world still go to bed hungry, and more than 20,000 children under the age of 5 die daily from hunger. This year’s World Environment Day focuses on anti-food waste and food loss with the theme “Think, Eat Save”.

Humanity is connected as one family. Innovative solutions need to be generated to better care for and share the resources of the planet that support the growth and development of our human family.

From June 1-June 6 GPA Nepal and partners hosted a week of programs to explore ways to conserve and care for rivers, trees, plants and earth. Citizens, old and young had an opportunity to engage in everyday changes like composting and reducing food waste, and concerted civic efforts like cleaning the banks of the Bagmati River and tree planting.

The original report of GPA Nepal’s World Environment Week appears on  Global Peace Foundation

.

The post Exploring Innovative Solutions to Preserve and Share the Bounty of Our Earth appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

March 22nd was UN World Water Day 2013, with the theme of International Water Cooperation. The following is a report from GPF-Nepal. They have been building a network of partners to clean up the sacred Bagmati River since 2010. This project is a great example of how the Rivers of Peace initiative fosters water cooperation: bringing diverse parts of the society together to restore and protect the Bagmati River, a sacred river and  provider of water and life to the city of Kathmandu.

01-Mar-2013 | 

Volunteers clean refuse from the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu.

Volunteers clean refuse from the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu.The Bagmati River is is considered a holy river in Nepal by both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindu devotees perform rituals during religious festivals and also cremate the dead on its banks. Although Hindu temples are located on the river banks in Kathmandu, due to negligence and lack of environmental safeguards, the Bagmati River became the dumping site of solid wastes and untreated sewage.

The River of Peace Campaign (RoPC), an initiative of Global Peace Association (GPA) Nepal, has been working to restore and protect the Bagmati River in collaboration with concerned NGOs, government agencies, other private sector stakeholders and volunteers since its inception in 2010.

On February 9, 2013, some 200 leaders, journalists, security officials, representatives of NGOs and volunteers joined hands in a major river clean-up effort and public awareness campaign.  Rubbish bins were also placed along the river to encourage local residentsto dispose of their refuse properly.

Mr. Krishna Hari Baskota, Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, speaks during the program.During the Public Awareness program, Er. Gajendra Thakur, Project Director of High Power Committee for Integrated Development of Bagmati Civilization, said that Bagmati is struggling to flow freely because of a ten-foot layer of wastes in the river. “We shouldn’t stop until the Bagmati River will turn into the ancient, clean Bagmati,” he added.

Mr. Krishna Hari Baskota, Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister and
Council of Ministers, speaks during the program.

Quoting the late former Prime Minister of Nepal Hon. Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, Mr. Damodar Gautam of Bisho Hindu Mahasang said, “You hold the mud of your country and think what you have done for your country.” He said Nepal’s people had polluted the river and for too long ignored the problem. He then thanked the River of
Peace Campaign and its supporters for working to restore the Bagmati River.

Other distinguished leaders attending the program included Chief Guest Mr. Krishna Hari Baskota, Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers; Mr. Kamaleshwor Agrawal, a representative of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Sushil Nahata, Member Secretary of Pasupati Chhetra Bikash Kosh; Er. Ganesh Shah, RoPC’s Coordinator and Former Minister of Environment Science and Technology; Dr. Sumitra Amatya, Executive Director of Solid Waste Management Technical Support Center (SWMTSC); Mr. Praladh K.C., President of Nonresidents Nepali U.S.A.; and Mr. Upadachya Rameshwor Shah, Vice-President of Non- Residents Nepali were also present in the program.

The initiative was hosted in collaboration with the Solid Waste Management Technical Support Center, Pashupati Bikash Kosh, High Power Committee for Integrated Development of  Bagmati Civilization, and Non Resident Nepali – USA.  The program was widely reported by television and print media.

 

–Reported by Bambie Gadon Panta, GPA Nepal

The original article was published on www.globalpeace.org.

The post Bagmati River Restoration in Kathmandu Draws Government and Private Sector Cooperation appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

What is the difference between fishing, and camping and hiking?

It is important to strengthen the attitude of a true owner and steward of creation so it can be sustained for generations to come.

When you camp and hike you participate in creation, but don’t take ownership of it. Owners are responsible and accountable for their actions. Participants come to an event and leave when it’s over.

When people trek through the wilderness, pitch tents and build fires, they fundamentally impact the ecosystem. But if they just pass through, they aren’t aware and accountable for the ways they change the natural world. They are participants.

In contrast, when fishing, fishermen are acutely aware of their human footprint. They are actively engaged with the natural world when they receive the fish’s life. They become an inextricable part of the ecosystem. Through such experiences in nature, they learn how to be better stewards of the environment.

It is the responsibility, the obligation of all people to know the impact that human beings make on the natural world.

It will make everyone better owners and stewards of the environment who can generate balanced and sustainable models of development.

The post Our Human Footprint appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Bright faces of young volunteers gathered for a youth forum.

Today was an exciting day in Korea. On May 5, Korea celebrates Children’s Day.

For Children’s Day, instead of being at a picnic or amusement park, hundreds of young students gathered at Jeon Nam University – Yeosu Campus to open their youth forum.

The forum focused on the theme “Youth Volunteerism for a Sustainable Marine Environment.” Over the next two days, the students will:

–          learn about the ocean and its related issues,

–          discuss what it means to become a “sea-tizen,”

–          do a study tour through the Yeosu Expo,

–          and brainstorm projects they can launch in the coming months.

We hope the young leaders can walk away with a greater vision for the world’s oceans and seas, and become advocates for volunteer service opportunities connected to the marine environment.

Sharing laughs with a young student.

I applaud and strongly encourage sea development programs and global volunteer opportunities such as those offered through Service For Peace.

Today I wanted to encourage all the young people to DREAM BIG and connect all their volunteer efforts to greater goals for their nation and for this world.

Enthusiastic youth shout YES! We want to DREAM BIG!

The young people are growing up during a time of globalization and their minds are not divided by nation or by culture. Many spoke English, some had lived in America.  I see so much hope in this younger generation leading the way to building a world of peace.

It was an enthusiastic group.  Many are actively involved in service activities.

I asked if any have been to North Korea.  Some had for projects, some as tourists. Some raised their hands when I asked if they had relatives in North Korea.  I asked the group, “Do you want to join a service project in North Korea, and will you bring along all your friends?”  They enthusiastically responded, “YES!”

I am excited to see what they will post in the coming days. I am eager to read their pledge slogans on how to become responsible stewards of the ocean, and I want to spread their marine environment volunteer projects ideas.

The post Youth Forum at the 2012 Yeosu Expo appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

May 3, 2012

Yeosu, Korea –

Dr. Moon spoke at the volunteerism forum at the 2012 Yeosu Expo.  The forum was focused on the theme “Conservation and Regeneration of the Marine Environment.”  This is the first of four posts with key themes from  his address.

 Stewardship Towards the Ocean

 We are moving into an “oceanic era” in which our stewardship of the environment and especially of marine resources, as well as better geo-economic cooperation of trade and travel routes, can lead to greater international prosperity and exchange.

 As an avid outdoorsman with a deep appreciation for the natural world, I am keenly aware of the importance of the oceans and marine resources.  We all know that life itself cannot be sustained without water. Oceans cover 71% of the earth’s surface, and encompass 97% of the earth’s water.  Marine ecosystems are remarkably rich in biodiversity, and our oceans can be a tremendous food and energy source for the burgeoning global population. Already fish is the largest source of wild or domestic protein in the world, and the total commercial fisheries harvest exceeds 85 million metric tons annually. In addition, the oceans hold some of the largest reserves of currently used sources of energy such as natural gas as well as bio and fossil fuels.

Not only are the oceans a vital source of sustenance, we also know the oceans have a significant impact on climate and weather patterns. Oceans hold tremendous potential as the source of renewable energy: tides could be harnessed as a clean and inexhaustible energy source; waves, wind and currents could also utilized; and the ocean surface is itself an enormous solar energy collector. In short, the oceans comprise the largest powerhouse on our planet.  In addition, by some estimates, 90% of international trade is transported by ship through the world’s waterways.  In today’s globalized economy, with total population now exceeding 7 billion, and increasing demand for food and energy resources, it is clear that our oceans hold the keys to resource innovation and sustainability for the foreseeable future.

Economic development and technological advances have led to dramatic improvements in standards of living around the world.  At the same time, however, rapid growth has placed significant and ever-increasing pressure on the environment.  The global population is predicted to exceed 9 billion by 2050, yet according to UN statistics, the percent of arable land (fit for cultivation) continues to shrink.  Undoubtedly water resources and food security will be issues of increasing concern with every passing year.  Clearly the oceans are the shared heritage of all people, and the hope for the future of humanity. Thus it is imperative that we institute proper stewardship and management over these vital marine resources.  We must commit ourselves to higher standards and a new approach if we are to seize the opportunity for a better future in the emerging oceanic era.

Paradigm Shift toward Social Development Involving Environmental Sustainability

Consideration of the environment has become an important factor of sustainable social development.

As you may know, “sustainable development” has become a major focus of the United Nations and other global development entities.  In the past, economic development strategies often did not adequately address issues of social development and environmental conservation. New models based on a sustainable development approach such as “green economy” represent a paradigm shift in development from isolated economic growth to a more balanced and comprehensive perspective of social development involving environmental sustainability.

The UN’s “Sustainable Development Goals” for 2030 addresses topics of water, energy, sustainable cities, oceans and small island developing states, natural disasters, climate change, forest, biodiversity and desertification, mountains, chemicals and waste, and sustainable consumption and production. In addition, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea establishes that we should rationally develop the ocean while likewise preserving the marine environment. This is the key to effective ocean governance: we must preserve the marine environment while developing the productive capacities of the oceans.

In my view, it is very significant that we are gathered here at this special forum on “The Conservation and Regeneration of the Marine Environment” at this Yeosu World Expo.  The fact that the ocean is the selected theme of this major world convocation illustrates the growing priority of sustaining our vital marine resources. Together we can develop innovative and multidimensional strategies with the appropriate balance of economic development, environmental conservation, and improving social well-being.

Moral and Innovative Leadership for the Oceanic Era

I have often stressed that what is needed in our world today is moral and innovative leadership.   The oceanic era should be motivated by a concern for the greater good. Thus, here too the need for moral and innovative leadership is crucial.

Moral leadership is guided by the shared principles and values that manifest in the noble qualities of human nature. In the context of the oceanic era, moral leadership affirms the intrinsic value of every person, regardless of ethnicity, nation of origin, or station in life. This natural world is our common home, a blessing to all people for our mutual benefit.  Therefore it is our shared responsibility to care for our environment, use resources in wise and sustainable ways, and conserve the bounty of nature for the well-being of present and future generations.

When we live in accordance with universal laws and in harmony with the natural world, we can best tap the resourceful energy of human creativity.  Innovative leadership focuses that energy to find new and inventive approaches to solve problems and create new opportunities.

In the oceanic era, that creative focus can help us as we explore the new frontier of the world’s oceans, and unlock the great potential of the vast expanses there. Likewise responsible action coupled with innovative problem-solving must be employed in renewing coastal wetlands and other marine ecosystems, as well as in protecting the natural balances in the oceans that impact weather patterns and climate.

In today’s highly interconnected world and global economy, it is vitally important that well-being and prosperity are available to people everywhere. Thus the oceans and sea routes should be open to the benefit of all, allowing for the free flow of trade and commerce. The oceanic era should be motivated by a concern for the greater good, and thus maritime disputes and conflicting claims to territorial waters must be solved through diplomatic, legal and hence peaceful means.

Leadership that considers the concerns of the entire human family, and that encourages “win-win” approaches to problem-solving, can best promote a higher quality of life for all, and the lay the groundwork for sustainable peace.

Global Volunteerism

 I firmly believe in the transformative power of service. That is why I consider it vitally important to promote volunteerism in the oceanic era.

 I applaud and strongly encourage sea development programs and global volunteer opportunities such as those offered through Service For Peace.

 The oceans are an essential component of this Earth which is our common home.  Through service initiatives we can experience a deeper appreciation for our environment. As we build a culture of service, we will also be creating a culture in harmony with the natural world, wisely using and caring for our resources of the land, sea, and air. With such a culture, we can implement effective strategies of oceanic governance, engaging all sectors in public-private partnerships for the common good.

 I have seen the power of committed people joining together in common cause, we are confident that together we can resolve the global need to preserve the marine ecosystem. I am certain that our focus on this issue will spread as a wave of international volunteer spirit just like dandelion seeds. When people everywhere become aware of this issue and make even small changes in their lifestyle, it will be a big step towards sustainable development that allows us to care for and live in this beautiful Earth of ours.

The post Ocean Governance and a Global Volunteer Service Movement: Address at the volunteerism forum at the 2012 Yeosu Expo appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

A beautiful shot of Yeosu. On the southernmost tip of Korea, it has a fantastic view of the ocean.

Today I arrived in Yeosu. It’s a beautiful coastal city on the southernmost tip of South Korea. It overlooks the ocean and numerous outlying islands. The Yeosu International Expo 2012  will officially open next week May 12, 2012. Its theme is “The Living Ocean and Coast”.  The Expo will bring together the global community to address the most pressing issues of the ocean. It will celebrate the beauty and biodiversity of the ocean and feature cutting edged research and technological advancement in ocean sciences. For more information go to: eng.expo2012.kr.

Here is the program we received: Volunteer Forum at the 2012 Yeosu Expo “Conservation and Regeneration of the Marine Environment”

I was moved to see that the Expo has been a national effort. The national and local governments have been working closely together. Moreover, grass-roots volunteer efforts have provided significant support. More than 14,000 Korean citizens have volunteered their time and expertise to ensure the Expo’s success. The Korean Council of Volunteering is responsible for the enormous task of organizing, educating, and preparing all the volunteers. I am happy that Service For Peace Korea could assist. I am here a week before the Expo opens to attend a forum hosted by the Korean Council of Volunteering, The Korean Forum of Volunteerism, and Service For Peace Korea. They saw the Yeosu Expo as the perfect opportunity to discuss the advancement of volunteerism in Korea and its contribution to managing the ocean. Korean volunteers, service organization leaders and professionals all interested in the future of our oceanic resources came together to study and discuss the theme, “Conservation and Regeneration of the Marine Environment.” Starting next week, millions will start coming to Yeosu Expo 2012 from all around Korea and the world. I hope this forum can be a part of building solutions for preserving and managing the ocean and spreading a wave of international volunteerism.

The post At the 2012 Yeosu Expo appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.