In 1994 Martin Luther King Day became a day of service.

Twenty years ago the United States Congress declared Martin Luther King Day to be an official day of service. Up until that point, the third Monday of January was a national holiday commemorating the birthday of the spiritual leader and civil rights activist, but mainly through sermons, talks, meetings and lunches.

The bill in 1994 transformed the day into a “day on, not a day off.” Mrs. Coretta Scott King asked Americans to “commemorate this Holiday by making your personal commitment to serve humanity with the vibrant spirit of unconditional love that was his greatest strength, and which empowered all of the great victories of his leadership.”

At the heart of Dr. King’s example is his life of service to his nation and humanity. In his final sermon delivered in Ebenezer Baptist Church entitled, “Drum Major Instinct” he told congregants, “I’d like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King, Jr. tried to give his life serving others. I’d like for somebody to say that day that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to love somebody.”

Excerpt from “Drum Major Instinct” sermon delivered on February 4, 1968.

It is fitting that his memory be honored by embodying the value by which he lived his life. Martin Luther King Day of Service is a crucial reminder to all people of faith, of the fundamental and universal value of service.

In the same sermon, Dr. King warned Americans against pursuing their “Drum Major Instinct”, the desire to be recognized, for themselves: a better car, a better house or a satiated ego. He paraphrases Jesus’ response to his disciples John and James to present the noblest pursuit of life, “I want you to be first in love. I want you to be first in moral excellence. I want you to be first in generosity. That is what I want you to do.”

In essence, he redefines the definition of greatness not based on titles, positions, power or wealth, but “that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” The nobility of life is determined by how much one lives according the universal principles that govern this world, the most basic of these principles being living for the sake of others with “a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.”

“We must rapidly become a person centered society, rather than a thing oriented society.” Rev. Bernice King, GPC 2012.

For America it is a timely reminder of its founding principles and promise. U.S. Senator John Lewis said, “Our country, this little piece of real estate that we call America, was built, founded upon service. We didn’t wait for local, state of national government; we just came together and did it.” This is the power of the American spirit, but a power that has been waning over the years.

In her address to the Global Peace Convention in 2012, Rev. Bernice King said of her father, “He reminded us that we are at a very critical place in the world that we must have a radical, underlined by me, revolution of values. But we must rapidly become a person centered society, rather than a thing oriented society.” The time is ripe for such an awakening.

Martin Luther King Day of Service is an important reminder of service as the great equalizer and the means by which the “beloved community”, the dream of peace shared by all humanity can be realized.

This year Martin Luther King day will be observed on Monday, January 20. To find a way to serve visit: mlkday.gov.

This video was produced for the 25th Anniversary of Martin Luther King Day. It tells how Dr. King’s birthday evolved into a national day of service.

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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.

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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 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.

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We, former Heads of State and leaders of numerous nations and public and private organizations and enterprises in Latin America and the United States of America, gathered at the Global Peace Convention in Atlanta, USA, from November 29 through December 1, 2012, affirm that this is a historic opportunity for Latin America, North America, and the Caribbean Basin to begin a new era in its relations, leaving behind a past marked by discord and lost opportunity.

Dr. Hyun Jin Moon signing the Declaration

A new era, guided by tolerance, respect and solidarity, will finally change the Americas into the continent of promise that the great American patriots, North and South, dreamed of, and for which many sacrificed their lives. Neither self-interest nor entrenched methods or practices must thwart this destiny.

We recall, with deep respect, the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence of this noble land that welcomes us: “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.¨ We claim these principles as a heritage of all mankind.

As leaders of government, industry, academia, and faith traditions from throughout the hemisphere and gathered in the cause of peace and equitable development, we advocate the following:

First
We reaffirm the Declaration of Asuncion (Paraguay), of October 21, 2010, in full. It is a summary of our original purpose and the base that guides our efforts. In it, above any ideological conviction or religious profession, it was agreed to “ratify our faith in the Creator, who endowed the human being with unique value and dignity” and affirm the need to “revive the values and civic virtues that reflect the best spiritual, democratic and pluralistic traditions of humanity in the continent and in the world.”

Second
Recalling the courage and fortitude of the Pilgrims of the Mayflower, the Founding Fathers of the U.S., and the heroes of the Independence of Latin America, we reaffirm that the freedom and order that support democracy and the republican system require the highest ethical and civic virtues from every citizen, especially from those who are responsible for the administration of public affairs in each state.

Third
We affirm our total commitment to oppose the return, in our hemisphere, of any kind of dictatorship or authoritarianism that undermines freedom and the full development of humankind. Similarly, we oppose all forms of violence or discrimination toward those professing different beliefs or for belonging to a certain class, nationality, sex, religion or political party.

Fourth
We affirm that in these times of heightened economic uncertainty, Latin America and the United States of America must strengthen their ties – based on mutual respect and pursuit of the common good – through trade, investment, and exchange of experience and technology to achieve lasting results.

Fifth
We affirm that a quality education is a vital prerequisite for personal well-being, prosperity, and social cohesion, and fundamentally includes moral character education. Through quality education, citizens must be intellectually and ethically prepared to provide services, creativity and progress for the welfare of their societies.

Sixth
We affirm 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.

Finally, we urge all Governments of the Americas to encourage the pursuit of social and economic opportunities as a continent, affirming a sense of community as citizens of the Americans without subjugation or hegemony, to make the dream of freedom, equality, prosperity and peace in the Hemisphere come to life.

In support of the Declaration of Asuncion and by our signatures below, we endorse the newly created Latin American Presidential Mission, comprised of former Latin American presidents, assisted by leaders throughout the continent in a commitment to turn dreams into realities, through leadership, experience and action.

May our consciences and hearts guide our thinking and action, and may the welfare of the people be the main purpose of our efforts, for the Americas to be a light in making the world One Global Family under God.

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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.

Atlanta,Georgia, U.S.A. – The Global Peace Convention 2012 will be hosted in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A in late November.  The convention theme: “Moral and Innovative Leadership: Building Healthy Families, Ethical Societies and a Global Culture of Peace” will focus on the importance of principled leadership in all aspects of life and society: from family and service, to non-profit and business, regional cooperation and policy development, and peace building.

The fourth Global Peace Convention will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. November 29-Dcember 2.

The international gathering of representatives from civil society, the private sector and government is an exclusive opportunity for cross-disciplinary collaboration on issues such as sustainable development, peace building, volunteerism, youth leadership development and cross-cultural and inter-religious cooperation.

Specifically, GPC 2012 will examine significant models of multi-sector and interfaith collaboration for peace and development in Northeast Asia, particularly on the Korean peninsula, and approaches to hemispheric cooperation in the Americas.

As a central part of the American Civil Rights Movement, the conference location of Atlanta, Georgia is noteworthy. It holds a precious part of the American narrative, a nation of incredible diversity that is bound by a vision of a free, just and ethical articulated in the U.S. Declaration of Independence, and reference during crucial points in its history.

GPC 2012 is the fourth of its kind. The GPC has been the springboard for numerous significant and innovative initiatives and policy proposals that promote regional cooperation and development. Previous conventions were held in Manila, Nairobi and Seoul.

The post Global Peace Convention 2012 Theme: Moral and Innovative Leadership appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.