Dr. Hyun Jin Moon gave an exclusive interview to the Korean Media during the Global Peace Convention (GPC) 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia.

He encouraged the journalists to use the media to “educate well instead of coming up with conspiracy.” The Korean media, Dr. Moon said, has a critical responsibility to inform the public of  “real news that will affect the fate of the Korean people. ”

Shin Dong-A ran the interview in its January edition.

See the original article in Korean.

Interview with Global Peace Foundation Chairman, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon 

Below is the unofficial English translation.

“Trust must first be established on a grassroots level for the reunification of North and South Korea”

Global Peace Foundation Chair Hyun Jin Moon stressed in his opening speech at the Global Peace Convention, GPC Atlanta 2012, “We need a new framework rooted in our shared spiritual aspirations and principles that give rise to the values needed to build peace.”

During the interview, he gave an overview of GPC Atlanta 2012 and talked about GPF’s movement for Korean reunification.

Shin Dong-A: Why was Atlanta selected to host the GPC?

Dr. Moon: Atlanta is a place rich with history and faith. It was the center of the civil rights movement, led by Dr. Martin Luther King; it is also the home of former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, who has been deeply involved with the Habitat for Humanity movement.  The King Center and The Carter Center are located here. They both were a part of the conference. I have always seen the civil rights movement as not just the struggle for African American civil rights, but as a great spiritual movement to awaken all humanity. We can rekindle that spirit in Atlanta and make a global awakening that will offer a new perspective for peace.

Shin Dong-A: You mentioned that the co-prosperity of North and South America, the reunification of North and South Korea, and the Middle East are all connected to a single theme.

Dr. Moon: What is the relevance to Korea? This is an international gathering. I’m actually building awareness of how important the unification issue and the unification movement that we initiated is in terms of American foreign policy.

Before that unification process happens, America also needs to help Korea. Of course Korean people should actually initiate, but it actually needs the aid of many international parties to support the process, and this is an effort to build that support.

This whole process that is happening right now, I went from Mongolia to Korea, now to the United States, and I’m planning on doing a GPF in Japan, I’m basically bringing this entire region, not just the United States, North and South America. So it’s this entire Pan-pacific rim that is recognizing this as a major issue not only in terms of security but in terms of stability of the region.

Shin Dong-A: You underlined the importance of civil diplomacy. What do you think of the current government’s policy towards North Korea?

Dr. Moon: It needs to re-engage. No matter who wins [the Korean election], most likely there will be re-engagement.

Shin Dong-A: Dialogue between North and South Korea has stalled. How can this situation be resolved?

Especially if the Korean people take ownership, if this really becomes a national movement that really moves, “North and South Unity” will be just around the corner. Dr. Moon: In order for unification to happen in Korea, there has to be trust established. Trust is essential.

I believe in the Korea United initiative that I started. I think there is tremendous power there. Especially if the Korean people take ownership, if this really becomes a national movement that really moves, “North and South Unity” will be just around the corner.

Shin Dong-A: There is criticism that aid to North Korea will end up benefiting only the government of North Korea.

 Dr. Moon: It all depends on what kind of aid is provided. If we offer flour aid for example, it can be used for another purpose. But if we set up a bakery plant and have baked goods produced for consumption, we don’t have to worry about those kinds of problems.

That is one of the great things about how we framed the Korea United movement. We’re talking about outcomes, we’re not talking about, “We need to get rid of this regime”; we’re talking about outcomes for the entire Korean people. You give room so that it does not become a confrontational issue. And not only that, it’s non-threatening. That’s the power of the framework of establishing the outcome, and what are the principles and values that are going to lead you there.

Shin Dong-A: Have you been to North Korea?

Dr. Moon: I have been invited several times, but I haven’t been, yet. I would like to go when I have established a foundation upon which I can make a substantial contribution towards reunification. I do not want to go for political show, to just take pictures.

See also Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon’s speech at the Opening Plenary of the Global Peace Convention 2012 in Atlanta.

The post Shin Dong-A Prints Interview with Global Peace Foundation Chairman, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Korea’s leading magazine Shin Dong-A, published a ten page feature of Global Peace Convention Atlanta 2012 in its New Years edition. The third segment of the article highlights The All Lights Village Movement. To date, the project has donated over 3,000 solar lamps to rural villages in developing nations. The project recently expanded its donor base to the United States and Japan.

See the original article in Korean.

Below is the unofficial English translation.

All Lights Village Movement Most Popular in GPC 2012

By Young Chul Choi ftdog@donga.com
Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Solar Lamps bring Peace and Love 

Mr. Kyoung Eui Yoo, president of GPFF Korea explains about solar lamps which were donated to the remote villages of the developing nations.

The Global Peace Foundation’s (GPF) Alllights Village was the most popular booth at GPC Atlanta 2012. Solar-powered lanterns afforded to remote villages in developing countries are saving lives that could be lost from smoke and soot inhalation, giving light for better education, and raising people out of poverty.

GPF Korea chairman, Mr. Kyung Eui Yoo, initiated the solar lantern project that has donated these environment-friendly lights to some of the 1.9 billion people who live without electricity.  The lamps have improved education, reduced illiteracy, reinforced sexual ethics, cut kerosene expenses, and increased household income. The campaign kicked off in March 2011, and by close of 2012, reports to have donated 3,000 solar powered lanterns and streetlights to 50 towns and villages in the Philippines, Malaysia, Mongolia, Kenya, and Indonesia.

The solar-powered lanterns need only a few hours to be fully charged for both indoor and outdoor use. GPF Korea has raised funds to procure the lanterns from the manufacturer who specially offers them at cost value.

Leaders from emerging countries who attended the GPC witnessed the power of these lanterns and invited GPF to bring the lights to their own countries. Leaders from developed countries expressed interest in joining the campaign.

GPF Korea President Kyung Eui Yoo said, “The Alllights Project is one of the substantive peace activities that GPF is carrying out in order to build model communities from these villages in developing countries.” He added, “During GPC 2012, leaders from several countries got together to discuss how to expand this campaign.”

President Yoo recently received an honorary doctorate degree from José Rizal University, Philippines, in recognition of his efforts with the Alllights Village Project.

Read the 1st segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/koreas-leading-magazine-shing-donga-covers-global-peace-convention-2012/

Read the 2nd segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/christianity-and-islam-join-hands-peace-koreas-leading-magazine-shing-donga-gpc-2012-feature-part-2-2/

Read the 4th segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/unification-north-south-korea-key-world-peace-koreas-leading-magazine-shing-dongas-gpc-2012-report-part-3-2/

See also Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon’s speech at the Opening Plenary of the Global Peace Convention 2012 in Atlanta.

Visit the Alllights Village site.

The post All Lights Village Movement Brings Light and Hope ~ Shin Dong-A special report appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Korea’s leading magazine Shin Dong-A, published a ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 in its New Year edition.The third section reported the historic launching of the Latin American Presidential Mission under the names of 19 former heads of state from Latin America. The January issue also ran the announcement of  Park Geun-hye’s presidential win, first woman president of the Republic of Korea.

See the original article in Korean.

Below is the unofficial English translation.

The Atlanta Declaration 2012 launched the Latin American Presidential Mission to promote hemispheric cooperation with North and South America under the names of 19 former heads of state.

GPC Atlanta 2012 Presents a New Paradigm for Global Peace

By Young Chul Choi ftdog@donga.com
Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Former Heads of State from North and South America Promote a Vision of Hemispheric Cooperation for Mutual Prosperity

During GPC Atlanta, 10 former Heads of State from 8 South American countries and delegations from 40-nations convened to launch a mission committed to a hemispheric Great Awakening in North and South America. An additional 8 former Heads of State from South America, who were not present, sent video messages of support. Together they launched a historic declaration, the Atlanta Declaration for Hemispheric Cooperation, resolving to use their past experience and leadership to work for the mutual prosperity of North and South America.

Based on its substantial Christian foundation, the American hemisphere has a common ethic.  However, North and South have walked disparate paths, harboring a protracted love-and-hate relationship. For example, the phrase ‘Down with American Imperialism’ became popular when anti-U.S. sentiments in South America peaked during the Falklands Wars, a territorial dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom (U.K.) when the U.S. sided with the U.K.

Over the past decade, vast numbers of Latin Americans have crossed the border into the United States to pursue the “American Dream”. Today, the Hispanic population in the U.S. has surpassed Blacks to become the largest minority. No longer can it be politically and economically disregarded. Resolving the discrimination and contempt towards the Hispanic population is critical to resolving the problem between North and South America.

The United States can no longer ignore the importance of Latin America. As the economic recession in the United States continues since the financial crisis in 2008, the fast-growing Latin American economic region could offer a way forward. Circumstances have prepared North and South America to redefine their relationship and secure peace and equality in the American hemisphere. In his keynote address at the GPC opening plenary, Dr. Moon called for a Hemispheric Great Awakening through North and South America based on a consensus of common spiritual values.   Dr. Moon noted, “North and South America have shared values that emerge from their common Christian heritage. Cooperation and unity should be based on these universal principles. This is how the western hemisphere can recover its moral authority and make positive impact around the world.”

Over the past two years, GPF in Latin America has promoted moral and innovative leadership and increased regional and hemispheric cooperation based on shared values. The results are reflected in two significant declarations, the Asuncion Declaration issued during the 2010 Global Peace Leadership Conference in Paraguay and the Brasilia Declaration pronounced in Brazil during the 2011 Global Peace Leadership Conference.  The Americas Summit commenced at The Carter Center and was integrated within GPC Atlanta. The summit sought to discover avenues for improved hemispheric relations based on shared values and common challenges for lasting peace and mutual prosperity for North and South America..

“the unity and integration of the Americas must be based on the recognition and respect of unique national and cultural identities, and that efforts should be directed at obtaining not personal advantages but a common advantage.” ~Atlanta Declaration for Hemispheric Cooperation The summit concluded with the establishment of the Latin American Presidential Mission. The declaration was published in the name of 19 former presidents. Built upon the recognition of the vision of “One Family Under God”, it affirms, “that the unity and integration of the Americas must be based on the recognition and respect of unique national and cultural identities, and that efforts should be directed at obtaining not personal advantages but a common advantage.”

Former Guatemalan president Vinicio Cerezo said, ”A leader has to have a special character, with thought and skill, but also deep moral conviction to follow a path marked by his principles.” He added, “In international relations and politics, the leader of each nation should not abandon his ethical values under any circumstances.”

 “The commitment of the United States is to the belief that fairness, not force should lie at the heart of our dealings with the nations of the world. If any agreement is to last, it must serve the best interest of both nations.” ~Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

Dr. Jennifer McCoy, director of the Carter Center’s Americas Program, stressed ethics among nations quoting former President Jimmy Carter. “The commitment of the United States is to the belief that fairness, not force should lie at the heart of our dealings with the nations of the world. If any agreement is to last, it must serve the best interest of both nations.” Meanwhile, business leaders from around the world participated in the Global Peace Business Forum to discuss how trade and commerce can generate economic prosperity in North and South America, Africa, and the Iraq-Kurdish region. They agreed that the crisis of modern capitalism rooted in corruption and greed can be resolved through moral values and principles in business. Dr. Manu Chandaria, CEO of one of Africa’s largest businesses, Comcraft Group, received resounding applause when he said, “To offer economic opportunity to Africa is the realistic means to establishing world peace.”.

See all four sections of Shin Dong-A feature on GPC 2012.

The post "Hemispheric Cooperation for Mutual Prosperity" – Shin Dong-A feature report on the Americas Summit 2012 – part 3 appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Korea’s leading magazine Shin Dong-A, published a ten page feature of Global Peace Convention Atlanta 2012 in its New Years edition. The second segment of the article highlights the Muslim and Christian dialogue at GPC 2012 pushing for interfaith cooperation for regional peace.

Shin Dong-A, a leading monthly magazine in Korea’s feature on GPC Atlanta 2012 highlighted Muslim and Christian interfaith deliberations.

See the original article in Korean.

Below is the unofficial English translation:

GPC Atlanta 2012 Presents a New Paradigm for Global Peace

By Young Chul Choi ftdog@donga.com

Atlanta, Georgia, United States –

Christianity and Islam join hands.

Global Peace Foundation (GPF) chair, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon said in his keynote address, “America’s true strength lies in its moral authority as a nation rooted in spiritual principles and values which has championed human rights and freedoms at home and abroad.” These principles, he said, are enshrined in the American Declaration of Independence, making America “a nation with the aspiration to become ‘one nation under God.’” He recounted the United States’ contribution to the world over the past century, from “challenging European colonial imperialism,” to “creating international assemblies to foster peace through dialogue and reason,” resulting in The League of Nations after the First World War, and the United Nations after the Second World War. During the Cold War “American leadership, and faith in human rights and fundamental freedoms, paved the way for the eventual collapse of totalitarian, communist regimes around the world.”

“This moment may prove to be a historic crossroads, for the United States, and for the world,” Dr. Moon noted. “The time is ripe for a new spiritual awakening that galvanizes the community of righteous and faithful citizens around universal principles and shared values, not just in the U.S. but throughout the Western hemisphere and the world.”

Dr. Moon expounded on the significance of Atlanta, Georgia as the host city for GPC 2012, “a place rich with history, faith, and more importantly the center of the American Civil Rights Movement.” Atlanta is also where Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife have brought important focus to the work of  Habitat for Humanity.  Atlanta is also home to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Non-Violent Change (The King Center) and The Carter Presidential Center, both co-sponsors and participants of GPC Atlanta 2012.

Dr. Moon considers the civil rights movement to be “not just as a struggle for civil rights but as America’s ‘Great Awakening’ of the 20th century.”

The youngest daughter of Dr. King and King Center CEO, Bernice A. King, said, “I don’t characterize my father as a civil rights leader, I characterize him first and foremost as a spiritual leader, as a man of God, as a moral leader who just happened to impact civil and human rights.” Dr. King’s famous, “I have a dream” speech, alludes to the self-evident truths stipulated in the Declaration of Independence, that “all men were created equal.”

Ms. King opened her address saying, “I earnestly believe that if my father were living today, his heart would be warmed by the work of this great organization around the world. And in fact, I believe without a shadow of a doubt, he would be a part of your group.“ She also called for a New Great Awakening, a “radical revolution of values”, to secure peace.

The complex situation of the Middle East, including the recent military confrontation between Israel and Palestine, the prolonged civil war in Syria that began during the regional movement for democracy, show that military and diplomatic solutions to peace have reached their limit. America has poured billions into military resources for peace in the Middle East and is now facing an economic crisis.

Shin Dong-A acknowledged the contributions Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center, director of the Carter Center’s Americas Program, Jennifer McCoy, and Georgia State Senator, Jason Carter, grandson to former U.S. president Jimmy Carter.

Middle East experts and leaders agree, ”Decades of failures to resolve the problems of the Middle East show the limitation of Track-1 diplomacy.” Track-1 diplomacy is a government-centered approach that seeks to resolve disputes through political and economic negotiations and military force. The alternative, Track-2 diplomacy, seeks solutions through non-military means, such as through spiritual and religious approaches. Dr. Moon said, “For peace to be established there must be reconciliation. But reconciliation cannot be forced; it has to occur naturally from the heart. It is logical that alternative approaches to peace-building are becoming more appealing.”

Civil society, particularly religious leaders who are familiar with the spiritual dimension of humanity, are critical parts of effectively implementing this new approach, namely Track-2 diplomacy, for peace and reconciliation in heavily disputed areas. Influential Muslim leaders and Western Christian leaders who convened at GPC Atlanta, all emphasized the need for interfaith cooperation.

 Dr. Said of Nahdlatul Ulama, the largest Islamic group in Indonesia with 60 million members worldwide, said, “The possibility of reconciliation between the Islamic world and the Western world can be found in moderated Islamic forces that can bring change to extremist Islamic groups that are propagating terrorism.” Rev. Robert A. Schuller commented, “Western Christian leaders should move beyond the limitations of  their Christian world-view and accept their central responsibility – to practice universal values in the public square.” They both concluded that a fundamental spiritual paradigm shift is needed to prevent a clash of civilizations.

The Middle East is divided; tensions are escalating along religious, racial and cultural differences. GPC 2012 has been instrumental in developing solutions. If we can continue such endeavors, we can mitigate and ultimately end all conflicts. Minister of Education of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq, Asmat Khalid For a number of years, GPF has worked together with influential Muslim leaders in Indonesia and Malaysia to build consensus around universally shared values. GPF was also a part of launching the Coalition for American Renewal, calling faiths to their common mission to awaken the American spirit and character, and work inter-religiously. Participating at GPC 2012 from Islam, were the prominent Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama and the ministerial delegation from the Iraq Kurdistan Regional Government, and from Christianity, Rev. Robert A. Schuller from the United States, and Bishop Manoel Ferreira of the Assemblies of God, the largest Christian denomination in Brazil. All agreed that the profound and common mission of religions leaders is to secure peace through inter-religious cooperation.

Muslim and Christian leaders agreed that the vision captured in the phrase “One Family under God” and promoted through the interfaith work of GPF and Dr. Moon, is the vision needed resolve religious and regional conflicts. They committed to do their best to accomplish this vision, affirming that “One Family under God” is the common aspiration of all religions that expounds universal values and is the only means through which global peace can be attained.

Minister of Education of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq, Asmat Khalid said, “The Middle East is divided; tensions are escalating along religious, racial and cultural differences. GPC 2012 has been instrumental in developing solutions. If we can continue such endeavors, we can mitigate and ultimately end all conflicts. The experience of the Korean Zaitoon unit in Iraq will attest that we Kurds are fundamentally peace loving people.”

Read the 1st segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/koreas-leading-magazine-shing-donga-covers-global-peace-convention-2012/

Read the 3rd segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/all-lights-village-movement-most-popular-gpc-2012-shin-dong-a-special-report/

Read the 4th segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/unification-north-south-korea-key-world-peace-koreas-leading-magazine-shing-dongas-gpc-2012-report-part-3-2/

See also Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon’s speech at the Opening Plenary of the Global Peace Convention 2012 in Atlanta.

The post “Christianity and Islam join hands.” Korea’s leading magazine, Shin Dong-A, GPC 2012 feature – part 2 appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Korea’s leading magazine Shin Dong-A, published a ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 in its New Year edition. The January issue also ran the announcement of  Park Geun-hye’s presidential win, making her the first woman president of the Republic of Korea.

Shin Dong-A, a leading monthly magazine in Korea, published a feature article on GPC Atlanta 2012 in its New Year edition.

See the original article in Korean.

Below is the unofficial English translation of the first segment of the article.

GPC Atlanta 2012 Presents a New Paradigm for Global Peace

By Young Chul Choi ftdog@donga.com

Atlanta, Georgia, United States –

“Global peace will come through a Great Spiritual Awakening based on the vision that all humanity is One Family Under God !”

Imagine a day when Israelis and Palestinians hold hands and declare the end of war, when the Korean peninsula is united and the DMZ erased, when democratic governments emerge in the Middle East and Africa and gunpowder smoke vanishes from the region… Imagine the day when struggles between nations, races, and, religions around the world disappear, when there are no more refugees, when poverty is ended, when military forces are dismantled, and all humanity is one family under God….

It sounds like a dream. But significant steps have been made to make these dreams a reality. An international conference was held In Atlanta, Georgia, considered the “Mecca” of the American Civil Rights Movement, addressing the moral and innovative leadership needed to establish peace transcending religious and cultural differences.

800 leaders from 40 nations, including 10 former heads of states, convened for the Global Peace Convention 2012 in Atlanta. Held from November 29 to December 2, the convention presented a new paradigm for global peace. The conference is considered the world’s largest international and high-level conference hosted by a civic organization.

Moral Innovative Leadership

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center), The Carter Presidential Center, and the international service and volunteer organization, Points of Lights Institute, c0-hosted and participated in the convention. In addition, 10 former presidents of 8 Latin American nations, as well as delegations from global hot-spots like the Kurdistan Regional Government, the Nigerian government, and the Kenyan government attended the convention.

The Global Peace Convention is an annual international conference hosted by the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), a non-profit, civic organization chaired by Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, that is convened by business, political, civil society and religious leaders, scholars, and media experts from across the globe to explore solutions and generate proposals and policies for world peace. GPC Atlanta 2012 is the fourth in the series that began in 2009 with GPC Philippines in Manila, GPC Kenya in Nairobi in 2010, and GPC Seoul in Korea in 2011.
The world needs a next Great Spiritual Awakening for the 21 century in order to create world peace that transcends current disputes and struggles.
GPF is a global civic organization that is working towards the UN Millennium Goals through ongoing community driven sustainable development programs in emerging countries, and a growing global network of experts and partners from various fields. The Washington D.C.-based organization was founded in 2007 and is chartered in 22 nations. Under the vision of “One Family under God” GPF programs cultivate reconciliation, mutual respect, harmony and cooperation. Through partnerships with numerous organizations around the world, GPF is a spearheading inter-cultural and inter-religious cooperation, strengthening the family and society, and promoting a culture of service and peace.

The theme of GPC Atlanta 2012 was: “Moral and Innovative Leadership: Building Healthy Families, Ethical Societies and a Global Culture of Peace.” The conference underlined the importance of leadership based on moral principles and innovation in all areas: public and private sectors, civil society and non-profit, for an integrated effort for peace.

The key tracks included building peace in the Middle East, greater hemispheric cooperation in the Americas based on common principles and values, peace through the reunification of the Korean peninsula, and interfaith reconciliation and cooperation. Participants agreed that the ideals described in the American Declaration of Independence – that responsible participation of citizens to make a free, ethical, and righteous society – is what made America the mightiest country in the world. They also concluded that, based on these principles,the world needs a next Great Spiritual Awakening for the 21 century in order to create world peace that transcends current disputes and struggles. The Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self–evident, that all men are created equal,” The founding principles of America eventually enabled the United States to repeal slavery.

Read the 2nd segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/christianity-and-islam-join-hands-peace-koreas-leading-magazine-shing-donga-gpc-2012-feature-part-2-2/

Read the 3rd segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/all-lights-village-movement-most-popular-gpc-2012-shin-dong-a-special-report/

Read the 4th segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/unification-north-south-korea-key-world-peace-koreas-leading-magazine-shing-dongas-gpc-2012-report-part-3-2/

See also Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon’s speech at the Opening Plenary of the Global Peace Convention 2012 in Atlanta.

The post Korea’s Leading Magazine Shin Dong-A covers Global Peace Convention 2012 appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Two weeks ago, UPI reported on three Kenyans in Atlanta who assured, “Kenya next year will avoid the ethnic violence that tore the country apart during the 2007 elections.”

The statement references painful memories of post-election violence in 2007-2008 that Hon. Alfred Khangati said, “Brought our economy to its knees.”

Three Kenyans at the Global Peace Convention 2012, assured that Kenya’s next elections will be peaceful. Left to right, Dr. Manu Chandaria, Hon. Alfred Khangati, and Mr. Daniel Juma Omondi.

Over 1,200 deaths were reported. Tens of thousands more were displaced. Much of the violence was concentrated in the Rift Valley, a province outside of the capitol of Nairobi. Later studied traced the violence to long-standing social injustices, deep seated ethnic animosities,  and tribal divisions.

These men, Hon. Alfred Khangati, a minister from the Office of the President of Kenya, Mr. Daniel Juma Omondi, Chief Executive Officer of Nairobi’s Global Peace Youth Corps Kenya and renowned businessman and philanthropist Dr. Manu Chandaria, are approaching peace not just through politics and economics; but with the principles of peace and social cohesion. They were in Atlanta at the Global Peace Convention 2012 to present the best practices of the Rift Valley Peace Initiative.

Although it was officially launched in April of 2012, the Rift Valley Peace Initiative has been working on the ground since 2007 to address the root causes of the post-election violence. Dr. Chandaria OBE, EBS, chairman and CEO of the Comcraft Group, and member of the Global Peace Council, is a key player in the initiative. Dr. Chandaria has helped rebuild two primary schools in Mutate and Sasamua which were burned down during the riots, and is a patron of the National Youth Summit series. He explained his approach to ensuring peace, “The best way to reform mankind is through education of the children.”

The National Youth Summits are seeking to do just that. The summits are empowering Kenyan youth to take personal responsibility for their country’s future. The workshops are training the youth to be peace-builders. Young leaders are being equipped with vision, values of moral leadership, and skills such as communication, reconciliation and conflict management. This type of youth engagement is unlike 2007, where according to Mr. Omondi, unemployed youth were paid to incite violence. “Young people threw the stones,” said Mr. Omodi.

The National Youth Summits are empowering youth with character and leadership as well as engaging them in the civic process.

Last week the Nation Youth Summit convened for youth from the coastal region of Kenya. The regional summits are leading up to a National Youth Summit to be held in January 2013, prior to the elections. On December 19, Dr. Chandaria facilitated a meeting where the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) signed an MOU with Brand Kenya to sponsor the National Youth Summit.

Other efforts such as the East Africa Peace Service Corps (EAPSC) are addressing the issues of youth unemployment and education through volunteerism. During the Africa Conference on Volunteer Action for Peace & Development where the EAPSC was launched as part of the Volunteer Peace Corps, Dr. Chandaria said, “we need to change the mindset from one of what is in it for me, to one of service.” Dr. Chandaria explained that volunteerism is the “basis of our happiness,” and the means through which “to take action for peace and development.”

On December 17-18, the Kenyan Parliament and Kenya Private Sector Alliance convened the Speaker’s Round Table conference to deliberate Kenya’s preparedness for the general elections expected in March next year.

The event was streamed live on Kenya’s NTV. Current Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki said, “No fight will provoke or do any good for you. It is the best thing we can do for our nation to have a peaceful election.” Prime Minister Raila Odinga, meanwhile, urged sobriety in the political campaigns and Vice President Stephen Musyoka pledged, “This election will be peaceful.” The Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Mr. Issack Hassan appealed to the youth. He said while his commission was ready to deliver a free, fair and credible elections, it is up to the Kenyan youth to help.

Top commenter on NTV’s report of the Speakers Roundtable wrote, “ULTIMATELY it’s the ordinary Kenyan who makes the decision either to refuse to harm a FELLOW Kenyan for the sake of politics or to do so.”

The Dr. and Mrs. Chandaria received the Global Peace Award at the Global Peace Convention 2012.

With the emphasis on vision and values, programs like the Rift Valley Peace Initiative and the East African Peace Service Corps  are educating Kenyans to make good decisions.

Dr. Chandaria and his wife Mrs. Aruna Chandaria were awarded the Global Peace Award for Exemplary and Innovative Philanthropy for the extensive work they have done to enhance the quality of life for Kenyans.

UPI and NTV reports were referenced in this story.

Credit to Mr. Insu Choi, GPFF Africa, Regional Representitive

The post “The best way to reform mankind is through education of the children.” ~Dr. Manu Chandaria appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Former President of Paraguay, Juan Carlos Wasmosy, opened the Americas Summit by stating, “What is happening before my eyes here in Atlanta is a dream come true.”

Presidents Wasmosy, Lacalle and Cerezo spearheaded the Latin American Presidential Mission launched at the Global Peace Convention 2012. In 2010 they signed the Asuncion Declaration, and have worked together since.

His journey to Atlanta began in October 2010, at the first Global Peace Leadership Convention in Paraguay. At that convention, Global Peace Foundation founder Dr. Hyun Jin Moon challenged Latin American leaders to “pave the path to peace and reconciliation in this hemisphere by becoming a leader in the global peace process through the vision of ‘one family under God’.”

Dr. Moon referenced the United States to stress that peace and stability are not determined by the economic or political structure of the state, but by its founding principles. The United States was founded upon a declaration that all men are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights” that supersede any man-made authority.

President Wasmosy recalls how he and a handful of others, including  Luis Alberto Lacalle (former president of Uruguay) and Vinicio Cerezo (former president of Guatemala), responded to the challenge and signed the Asunción Declaration. They affirmed their “desire to work – beyond religious, political, social, and ethnic differences – for the unity of Latin America as a continent of peace and future that can shine light in a world filled with uncertainties and confusion.”

The Declaration is constructed upon spiritual and universal “civic values and virtues,” as a means to address the social and economic issues of the region as well as build greater Latin American solidarity and hemispheric cooperation. It has become the impetus for a continental movement.

Over the next year, the Global Peace Foundation, worked together with the “Instituto de Desarrollo del Pensamiento Patria Soñada”(IDPPS), a think-tank in Paraguay, the “Esquipulas Foundation for the Intergration of Central America” based in Guatemala, and the “Uruguay Leadership Conference” gathering notable former and current national leaders who resonate with the vision elucidated in the Asuncion Declaration.

Eight former presidents from Latin America convened in Atlanta to launch the Latin American Presidential Mission. Additional support came from six additional Latin and Central American countries.

President Wasmosy recounted how his circle of friends and colleagues who shared in the dream of a Latin American revival continued to grow.

The next year, 2011, a second international conference was convened in the Brazilian capital of Brasilia. It focused on the issues of ethics, energy, and food security, emphasizing that sustainable development must be built upon ethical principles. It resulted in the Brasilia Declaration that expanded on specific points of the Asuncion Declaration and called on Latin Americans “to recognize and overcome our past mistakes and to dream again and achieve the great goals of this continent.”

Shortly thereafter, former Presidents Wasmosy, Cerezo and Lacalle met together in Paraguay with the directors of the supporting foundations and think-tanks of their respective countries and proposed the creation of the Latin American Presidential Mission to be officially founded at the Global Peace Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The mission calls upon current and former Latin American heads of state to bring their “Leadership, Testimony and Action” to secure the future of Latin America and forge greater hemispheric cooperation based on principles, values and aspirations common in both Americas.

President Wasmosy stated, “Our conscience and ideals chart the map for our lives, our families, our leaders, our nations and an ideal world.”

The Americas Summit examined the shared values of the Americas, the common challenge and need for better education, and opportunities for hemispheric integration through trade and investment.

President Mesa of Bolivia signs the Presidential Mission as President Colom from Guatemala and President Barletta of Panama look on.

On December 1^st, the Americas Summit concluded with the signing of the founding document of the Latin American Presidential Mission by eight former presidents from the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Panama, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. They were supported by eight additional former presidents from Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Guatemala and El Salvador who were unable to attend but sent video messages and letters of support.

It may be a “dream come true” but is also a challenge to pursue a bigger dream. Every member of the Latin American Presidential Mission is committed to “take up the mantle of moral and innovative leaders and build a legacy of the highest ideals for our communities, nations and the entire human family.”

Credits to Mr. Thomas Field, Regional Coordinator, GPF Regional Representative for Latin America

The post The Story of the Latin American Presidential Mission appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

November 29, 2012

Carter Presidential Center, Atlanta, Georgia

Nine former presidents of Latin America convened during the Global Peace Convention 2012 for the Americas Summit. They signed the Presidential Mission, committing to further hemispheric cooperation not merely based on economic and political cooperation, but on share principles and values of both North and South America to create a model  of peace for the world.

The following is the remarks by Dr. Hyun Jin Moon given at the Summit opening at the Carter Presidential Center.

A Great Spiritual Awakening in the Western Hemisphere

What a special honor it is to join in this prominent gathering of former presidents and statesmen from Latin America and the US, here at the prestigious Carter Center which itself carries on the important work of a former US president.

It would take too long to mention each one of you by name, but I especially want to salute former Presidents Juan Carlos Wasmosy of Paraguay, Luis Alberto Lacalle of Uruguay, and Vinicio Cerezo of Guatemala for their support of our work at the Global Peace Foundation over the past few years.

This meeting of leaders is of great and timely significance.

I say this because we are living at a unique moment in the history of the Americas and the world. At this time when the world’s focus is shifting towards the pan-Pacific rim region, the Western hemisphere of North, Central and South America have a vital role to play to ensure that proper principles and values, rooted in the affirmation of our spiritual nature as human beings, are not only transmitted, but become the core of any effort to spread democracy and a free market system to other nations and future generations.

The challenge before us, the moment we must seize, is an opportunity to kindle the fire of a great hemispheric awakening rooted in spiritual values.

It is important to recognize that  the task ahead of us is not merely the promotion of democracy and capitalism.

Why do I say this?

Because it was not the democratic process itself, nor the free market system alone that shaped America into the nation it is today. Rather it was its underlying principles and values that enabled it to become a great nation.

We here in the Americas, must be anchored in  spiritually oriented principles and values in order to present a counterweight to what some emergent states are offering today.

 

Nine former presidents of Latin America signed the Latin American Presidential Mission. (Left to right: H.E. Alvaro Colom, Pres. of Guatemala (2008-2012), H.E. Carlos Mesa, Pres. Republic of Bolivia (2003-2005), H.E. Nicolas Ardito Barletta, Pres. Panama (1984-1985), H.E. Juan Carlos Wasmosy, Pres. Paraguay (1993-1998). Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, Chairman, Global Peace Foundation, Mrs. Jun Sook Moon, Global Peace Woman, H.E. Gustavo Noboa, Pres. Ecuador (2000-2003), H.E. Hipolito Mejia, Pres. Dominican Republic (2000-2004), H.E. Luis Lacalle, Pres. Uruguay (1990-1995), H.E. Vinicio Cerezo, Pres. Guatemala (1986-1991), Mr. Thomas Field, Global Peace Foundation, South America)

Spiritual roots: North, Central, and South America

There are many who stress the differences between the United States and Latin America. But to focus on our differences is a serious mistake.

However, if we embrace our commonalities, we can come to a proper understanding and appreciation of our differences.  The Americas, as a whole, have significant historic and geographic connections.

The Americas are also experiencing substantially expanding ethnic ties. The Hispanic community in the U.S. produced the largest minority voting bloc in the recent elections here, and made a significant impact on key races throughout the nation. Also, a considerable portion of income produced by the hard work of this community is sent through remittances to their families in their countries of origin, which has a huge economic impact on many nations.

The bonds between the United States and Latin America are more important than ever.

Leaders in both the U.S .and in Latin America need to understand the import and opportunity that can be found in the mutual relationships of the Americas.

Enduring relationships that yield good results must be based upon ethical principles and shared values.  They provide the foundation that fosters mutual respect, collaborative efforts, and shared benefits.

There is broad common ground for the peoples of the Americas, and indeed all of humanity, in universal spiritual principles as conveyed in the essence of our faith traditions.

Faith in God, the Creator, was the guiding inspiration for those who pioneered the cause of independence for the Americas.

The most important expression of universal principles as the basis of human liberty is found in the Declaration of Independence.

As a “vision statement” of the United States, it asserts: “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.”

 These lofty principles are not just applicable to the citizens of the United States; they establish the fundamental foundation for human rights and dignity for all people throughout the world.

Even our respected presidents, here with us today, have to recognize that they are first and foremost human beings with a spiritual nature, guided by principles and values.

That’s the essence of our humanity. We are moral beings guided by an ethos that has been part of our nature since human creation. The same recognition of universal, spiritual principles that extend beyond religious or philosophical differences was expressed in the words of Simon Bolivar, when he said: “Jesus, who was the light of the Earth, desired no dignity or crowns in the world; he called men his brothers and taught them about equality, about the most republican civil virtues, and commanded them to be free.”

When I toured throughout Latin America and met with presidents, parliamentarians and civil society leaders, I found the same, shared resonance with these principles as the foundation for just, prosperous and democratic societies.

The important similarities between the United States and Latin America are found in ethical, moral and civic values, in the call to patriotism, and in the understanding of the value of the family.

H.E. Colom and H.E. Cerezo look on as fellow Latin American president H.E. Mesa signs the Presidential Mission statement.

Being a man of faith, I feel the hand of Divine Providence leading us to a new era of opportunity and prosperity in the hemisphere of the Americas.

Beginning from a common ethos that honors God and the intrinsic value of all people, we should now aspire to build nations where the respect for human dignity, the love of liberty, and the accomplishment of responsible citizenship may flourish.

The challenge for us in the Western Hemisphere of North, Central, and South America, is to come together to champion these principles and values; and especially to champion the global vision of “One Family under God”. Our common heritage rooted in Christian faith strongly resonates with this universal vision. The essence of Jesus’ teaching was meant to create a new ethos based on true love which could transform cultures, societies and the world, Yet that ethos has yet to be realized, and remains as a hope and aspiration of all people.

It is for this reason that a great awakening is needed today.

So, I challenge the leadership of the Americas gathered here to not only address issues of this hemisphere that pertain to an economic, political, or diplomatic context, but also to address the need for a spiritual awakening that uplifts the shared values that can accomplish true integration and enduring development.

 

Focus of the Americas Summit

Toward the fulfillment of that goal, this hemispheric conference will analyze critical concerns and gather insights; with the contributions of the Latin American statesmen gathered here—former presidents and leaders of nations who came to share their wisdom and experience.

This Americas Summit will focus on three key issues.

1. The first is the common ethical values that should govern relations among us. I spoke on the importance of shared principles and values.

They are essential to any relationship and form the glue that binds us together.

2. The second is education as a source of values, knowledge and skills. Quality education should result in citizens of good moral character who have confidence in themselves, and are able, through critical thinking, to reach their goals.

Quality education should be an investment, a priority for any nation that seeks a bright future. It should engender objectivity, rational thought, and a willingness to participate in the practice      of good citizenship.

3. The third issue is trade and investment, necessary for the prosperity and well-being of all. Business practices must be guided by ethical standards to create societies of equity and peace.

I think most would agree that a major cause of the global recession and financial crisis can be directly attributed to the erosion of ethical principles and values.  If those in power do not regulate themselves, then any system or institution can experience corruption and eventually collapse.

We are striving to fulfill the goals articulated in the Asuncion Declaration which was adopted by former presidents and leaders at the Global Peace Foundation’s first Latin American Leadership Conference in Paraguay in 2010. Centered on this Declaration, a large number of former Latin American presidents, many of whom are with us here today, have agreed to join forces to create what will be called the “Latin American Presidential Mission”.

I applaud the commitment of this Latin American Presidential Mission in convening with such a lofty purpose.

It is a call to civic activism that draws on the experience and talent of former presidents, and is supported by other leaders from different areas of the continent.

With the slogan: Leadership, Testimony, Action, it will offer innovative perspectives to critical issues and contribute to their solutions. It will be idealistic yet realistic, going from less to more, from the grassroots to the summit.

 

Our Future: Moral and Innovative Leadership

Dr. Hyun Jin Moon urges a hemispheric great awakening at the Americas Summit Opening Session at the Carter Center.

The task we face requires the incorporation of professionals and experts in different fields, but more than that it requires our moral and innovative leadership. What do I mean by moral and innovative leadership?

First, it is leadership which promotes a “greater good” that can benefit not only the individual, but the whole society, the nation, and ultimately the world.

Such leadership must be guided by clear vision, irrevocable principles and universal values; with the breadth and depth to encompass the diversity of the human family.

Second, we need to harness innate human creativity to advance and develop the human condition. This is the innovative component of leadership.

In every culture, extraordinary men and women have propelled humanity forward in the fields of philosophy, ethics, science, sports and cultural arts, freely exercising their God-given talents even to the point of challenging existing paradigms.

With a dream of a bright future, the Global Peace Foundation, an international NGO that I chair, is leading efforts for peace based on a spiritual vision expressed in the simple but profound phrase, of “One Family under God.”

The transformative power of this vision is found in the fundamental truth that all people, regardless of race, religion, nationality, tribe or ethnicity, are spiritual beings who share a common heritage in one God or Creator.

Moral and innovative leadership provides vision and action that builds a positive legacy for the future. It recognizes that the most fundamental human problems cannot be solved by politics, diplomacy, economy, or science alone. Essentially, sustainable solutions must address root causes, and therefore must include the intrinsic spiritual dimension of the human experience. In short, political authority cannot force, nor can money buy, the virtues necessary to resolve conflicts and build moral and ethical societies.

 

A Great Awakening Starts Now

 Recognizing the growing influence of Latin American communities in North America and the growing geopolitical and geo-economic influence of Latin American nations on the global stage, I want to conclude by saying once again that this time and circumstance are ripe for calling forth a great spiritual awakening, in our hemisphere and beyond, that can summon the creativity, energy and motivation for a global ethical, social, political and economic transformation.

I firmly believe that now is the time for such transformation.

The vision of “one family under God” can inspire and motivate a spiritual peace movement that is the vanguard for this great awakening, beginning here in the Americas.  My hope is that this Americas Summit and the larger Global Peace Convention will serve as catalysts that ignite and invigorate that movement.

I challenge each of us, especially our presidents here, to take up the mantle of moral and innovative leadership, that together we can build a legacy of the highest ideals, for our communities, nations, and the entire human family.

Thank you.

The post Dr. Hyun Jin Moon Remarks from the Americas Summit appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Moral and Innovative Leadership: Building Healthy Families, Ethical Societies, and a Global Culture of Peace

Carter Presidential Center, Atlanta, Georgia 

Your excellencies, honored guests, and distinguished participants from around the world. It is a distinct pleasure to welcome you from the four corners of the world here to the United States and to this fourth annual Global Peace Convention. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Georgia Senator Emanuel Jones, and Dr. Robert Schuller, for hosting and serving as Co-Chairman of this Convention. To the members of our Global Leadership Council, to the many distinguished Latin American Presidents, and to the dignitaries from 40 nations assembled here today: thank you for your visionary leadership and ownership of our mission of peace.

The Global Peace Convention

The Global Peace Convention started in Southeast Asia in 2009, in Manila, capital of the Philippines. We then moved to the continent of Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya, where president Kibaki was patron of the convention. Next, in 2011, we were in Northeast Asia, in my birthplace of Seoul, Korea; and finally this year we have arrived in the Western Hemisphere and my adopted home here in the United States. Thus, this convention brings together the fruits of those past conventions as well as of the numerous festivals, service and community development projects, character development programs, and partnerships that we have had the great fortune to initiate and develop with many of you in this room today.

The theme of this year’s Convention is “Moral and Innovative Leadership: Building Healthy Families, Ethical Societies and a Culture of Global Peace.” It is particularly fitting that this should be the theme for our gathering here in this great city of Atlanta, Georgia, a place rich with history, faith, and more importantly as a center of the civil rights movement. As a man of faith and student of history, I have always looked at that movement not just as a struggle for civil rights but as America’s “Great Awakening” of the 20th century – one of the great spiritual movements of American history which were the harbinger of transformations to come. Today we must rekindle that spirit and take it to a still higher level, laying out a path not only for American renewal but for a hemispheric and even global awakening that will offer a new perspective for peace and harmony in our time.

Where America’s True Strength Lies

Ladies and gentlemen, the United States may be the world’s sole remaining superpower, but we need to be clear about where America’s true strength lies. It is not in U.S. military might, greatly stretched in Iraq and now in Afghanistan. Nor is it in America’s geopolitical and economic dominance, now challenged by its debt crisis and questions about its leadership in the Middle East, Asia and the international community.

I believe that America’s true strength lies in its moral authority as a nation rooted in spiritual principles and values which has championed human rights and freedoms at home and abroad.  This is a nation with the aspiration to become “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”   It was this vision that inspired millions from all corners of the world regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality and religion to make the long and perilous journey to a new nation filled with hope and opportunity. In order for the United States to exercise genuine global leadership in today’s more complex and fragmenting world, it must rekindle that position of true servant leadership, offering its inclusive national promise to the world.

Now more than ever, the United States must look to its unique founding ideals as the basis for a new Renaissance in the 21^st century rooted in universally accepted aspirations, principles and values.   Just as the European Renaissance gave rise to the Reformation and the Enlightenment and, thereby laid the groundwork for our modern world, a new global movement for change needs to arise, anchored in the past but bringing a fresh, new vision for the future.  This is a time for bold leadership, that is guided by a universal aspiration and tied to those time-tested principles and values that form the basis of our common humanity.

In the course of the last century, the United States has been the catalyst for positive global change, challenging European colonial imperialism, and creating international assemblies to foster peace through dialogue and reason.  The League of Nations after the First World War, and the United Nations after the Second World War, were created as a result.  During the Cold War era, American leadership, and faith in human rights and fundamental freedoms, paved the way for the eventual collapse of totalitarian, communist regimes around the world. The historical role of the United States in shaping, and then leading, the world to where we are today, is undisputed. The question then is what should be America’s role going forward, as we look to this new century and the challenges that it brings.

Three Thematic Challenges Facing America and the World

As a concerned citizen and peace advocate, I see three major themes that the U.S., needs to address as a global leader in the 21^st century, together with the world community. The first deals with the religious dimension of U.S. engagement in the Middle East and the contemporary challenge of sectarian-fueled extremism and violence. The second is near to my heart as a Korean-American, namely the resolution of the Korean conflict. The final theme addresses the need for greater hemispheric integration between the United States and its southern neighbors in this era of the Pan-Pacific rim.

The current approach to addressing terrorism over the last eleven years has embroiled the United States in the ever changing politics of the Muslim world where religion and tribal affiliations are  powerful socio-political realities. How does the United States meet the threat of Islamist extremism without alienating mainstream Muslims and igniting a wider conflict along religious lines? Moreover, the rise of a potential nuclear Iran with its regional ambitions, coupled with the instability of the Middle East, makes for a still more volatile situation.

Further complicating matters is North Korea’s link to the Iranian nuclear program and its role as the arms supplier to rogue regimes worldwide. Given these challenges, the resolution of the Korean conflict is of paramount global importance. What should U.S. and international policy be toward the Korean peninsula given the threats to regional stability, and international security?

Finally, there is the question of the future of the Americas. It is clear that the Hispanic community will be ever more influential in the domestic, social, political and economic life of the United States. Whether considering immigration, socio-economic opportunity, or regional trade and partnerships, it seems clear that the future of the US and the hemisphere as a whole lies with greater integration and cooperation. This becomes even more important given the rise of China as a significant competitor and growing force on the global stage.

A Nation Founded on Principles

Ladies and gentlemen,

Let me repeat: to provide global leadership in meeting these challenges,  the United States must rekindle its founding ideals and find in them the inspiration for dealing with today’s realities. This nation was given birth through the declaration of certain universal transcendent principles and values that uplifted human dignity and freedoms. Those “self-evident truths” formed the foundation of a new nation in which a common commitment to shared ideals and values bound us together as “one nation under God.”

I have traveled widely around the world and gained a unique perspective that has enabled me to appreciate the distinctive genetic code of America’s greatness.  As a student of history I have often asked myself, “What is the essence of the American Dream?” I came to the conclusion that the American Dream is not about the democratic political process or the free market economic system. Processes and systems are external structures that succeed or fail depending on the spirit and values that infuse them. The secret of America’s success lies in the vitality of the spiritual principles and values that motivated the American experiment and were poured into the structures of the new nation.

They are conveyed in the Declaration of Independence, a secular document that nevertheless enshrines spiritual principles that form the basis of our modern notion of human rights.   Its ringing words declare : “we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, and that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” They make clear that those rights and the human dignity, freedom, and responsibility that flow from them, are not granted by any human power or institution but come as our natural heritage from the Creator and, therefore, cannot rightfully be abridged or denied. They are a shield against tyranny and corruption. In this context, the First Amendment to the Constitution is of particular importance, guaranteeing freedom of expression and religion. In so doing it set a precedent that has made a global impact, protecting and promoting essential freedoms of conscience, worship, and speech everywhere.

It is in these core principles that America’s greatness lies. It was to them, for example, that Dr. Martin Luther King appealed in his powerful and charismatic speeches that transcended sectarian religious differences and spoke to the larger humanity of us all. He said that the civil rights movement was not just a struggle for African-American equality but the pursuit of a timeless ideal rooted in the fundamental principles that shaped America’s founding.

From One Nation under God to One World Family under God

This moment may prove to be a historic crossroads, for the United States, and for the world. The time is ripe for a new spiritual awakening that galvanizes the community of righteous and faithful citizens around universal principles and shared values, not just in the U.S. but throughout the Western hemisphere and the world. In other words, humanity needs a vision that is more powerful than the forces driving us apart. American founding ideals gave rise to the vision of One Nation under God – a nation where people of diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds could live together and create the model of a unified world. The time is ripe for this model to be expanded to the global level — from the nation to the world.

A shared spiritual vision for humanity is the objective needed for these challenging times. Such a vision is found in the simple but profound idea that all human beings, everywhere, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion, are part of “One Family under God.” Political authority cannot mandate, nor can money buy, the virtues needed to resolve conflicts and build ethical societies. We need a new framework rooted in our shared spiritual aspirations and principles that give rise to the values needed to build peace.

Moral and Innovative Leadership

What do I mean by moral and innovative leadership? First, it has to promote a “greater good” that can benefit not only the individual but the larger society, nation and eventually the world. This is the moral orientation of the leadership I am describing. For it to come to fruition it has to be guided by a vision or aspiration and a clear set of irrevocable universal principles and values that could have the breadth and depth to encompass the diversity of the human family.

Secondly, it has to harness mankind’s natural creative need to advance and develop the human condition. This is the innovative component of leadership. As you all know, every culture has examples of extraordinary men and women who propelled humanity forward in the fields of philosophy, ethics, the sciences, athletics and the cultural arts, by freely exercising their God-given talents even to the point of challenging existing paradigms. Although many faced difficulties due to religious, societal and legal constraints of their time, it is fair to say that the modern world with its greater freedoms and advancements has benefited greatly due to the sacrifices of these innovators.

Three Thematic Challenges Addressed

Ladies and gentlemen:

When fundamental human aspirations are expressed in universal principles and given form through shared values; and when moral and innovative leaders rise up to give them practical substance; then we will see profound change in our societies, nations, and world, and the dawn of a new era of harmony and peace. In particular, this will provide the key to resolving the three challenges facing America and the world, that I laid out earlier.

Interfaith Cooperation Based on Universal Principles

In order to meet the threat of global religious conflict, a new type of interfaith movement must appear, much like the civil rights movement of the 1960s which addressed the injustices suffered by African-Americans through an appeal to universal principles and values. This era should be one where people of every faith come together on the foundation of such principles and values in a new Great Spiritual Awakening. The promise that America makes to its citizens through the First Amendment must be extended to all the world’s peoples through such an interfaith movement.

On that common foundation, people of faith must stand together to uphold those principles and resist the violent appeal of religious extremism. I want to recognize the representatives here of Nadhlatul Ulama from Indonesia, one of our major international interfaith partners. NU is the world’s largest Muslim civic organization from the world’s most populous Muslim country. NU promotes a moderate and peaceful vision of Islam that supports the Indonesian polity based on unity in diversity and respect for religious freedom. They act vigorously against Islamist extremists whose actions are contrary to Islam’s core principles and mission of peace.

Here in America, the Coalition for American Renewal is building a grassroots network among religious and civic leaders to revive the American founding spirit and apply it in practical social and educational initiatives nationwide. It is upholding First Amendment freedoms, particularly freedom of religion, which is the foundation for freedom of conscience. I also want to recognize the many other interfaith partners in this room from around the world, such as the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy, who are building peace through track two diplomacy.

A Principled Approach to Korean Unification

With Korean unification, the Foundation has taken an innovative approach that has altered the framework of the debate. To start with, we challenged the idea that unification was impossible or could only be achieved over generations.   Our Global Peace Leadership Conferences put it on the table as an imminent possibility. Next, we took it out of the exclusive top-down realm of high international politics and made it a popular, bottom-up campaign that engaged ordinary Korean citizens. Through the Korea United campaign we have engaged a broad-based coalition of 400 grassroots civic organizations with an innovative values-based approach to Korean unification.

Finally, and most important, we shifted the debate away from the process to a focused discussion on the desired outcome – what sort of a nation, governed by what principles, should a united Korea be?  Thus, for the first time, a grassroots movement for Korean unification, based upon spiritual principles, has emerged. Ultimately, unification based on such principles is urgently needed to resolve the threat of North Korean nuclear arms and nuclear proliferation.

A Great Hemispheric Awakening for the 21^st Century

Work to promote greater integration within the western hemisphere, between the Americas, is already under way. Yesterday, eight former heads of state of Latin American countries, with the committed support of several others, met at the Carter Center to kick off the Americas Summit. This afternoon they will announce the founding of the Latin American Presidential Mission. Building on earlier meetings in Paraguay in 2010, and in Brazil last year, and the Asuncion and Brasilia Declarations that emerged from these meetings, they are developing a blueprint for the closer integration of the Latin American countries and a deeper connection between North and South America.

The project is not just about diplomacy or economics. At its core is the affirmation and propagation of our common spiritual roots and of the same “self-evident truths” that informed America’s founding. Upon such a foundation we can experience a Great Hemispheric Awakening and see the opening of a new era in the history of the Americas that will have a positive impact throughout the world. In particular the western hemisphere can establish societies that value human rights, freedoms, and responsibilities. These will stand as beacons for the aspirations of people everywhere and bulwarks against authoritarian regimes that deny those rights.

Worldwide Initiatives

Significant initiatives are also being undertaken with many dedicated partners in Africa and Asia. There are distinguished African leaders here today who have worked with GPF to forge national campaigns of social cohesion that have stemmed the post-election violence in Kenya. Also here are African religious and political leaders who convened recently at the United Nations in Nairobi for the Africa Conference on Volunteer Action for Peace and Development. There, 25 partners launched Africa’s own multi-national regional approach to a peace corps, engaging African youth in international service.

In Asia, young people are being engaged in development in rural villages such as the All Lights project that brings solar powered lighting to communities that are not on the electrical grid. This effort reaches out across Southeast Asian nations.

Conclusion

Ladies and gentlemen: The demands of this moment in history are great, but so are the opportunities to forge a bright future for humanity. Now is the time to revive America’s founding vision and expand that dream onto a global stage through the universal vision of “One Family under God.” This should be the clarion call of our age.  In the words of my father, who committed his life to the cause of peace, the time has come “to tear down the man-made walls of race, culture, religion and country, and establish the peaceful, ideal world of God’s cherished desire.”

The power of one human family united, can quell the turmoil of conflict throughout the world—from the strife and poverty of Africa, to the conflict in the Middle East, and the final remnant of the Cold War on the Korean Peninsula. As Americans and global citizens, let us make a solemn pledge to expand this dream to all people and lead the world to peace through the vision of “One Family under God.”  Then, as surely as light overcomes the darkness, an era of peace and prosperity will emerge from the depths of distrust and hatred, both at home and in the far corners of our world.

Join with me and all our partners, and dare to dream the greatest dream of all, that we can all live as One Family under God, and make that dream a reality.

Thank you for your support and engagement in this great work and may God bless you and your families.

Thank you.

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The Global Peace Convention 2012 will begin in the heart of the U.S. South, Atlanta, Georgia, tomorrow. Along with notable former and current heads of state, private sector, and civic and faith leaders, Dr. Moon will be attending.

Even if you can’t be here in person, you can watch the conference live on UStream.

www.globalpeace.org/news/gpc-atlanta-2012

Join the conversation.

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