The following is the address delivered by Dr. Jun Sook Moon, Chairwoman of Global Peace Women, in front of 1,000 women leaders form across Latin America who convened for a special women’s plenary during the Global Peace Convention 2014. “Peace beings in the home” she told the women, uplifting the unique and sacred role of women in the family as mothers, wives, sisters and daughters.

Venue: Bourbon Conmebol Assunção Convention Hotel

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Good Morning, ladies and the few gentlemen – Thank you so much for coming here to this event, the women’s session. And I’m especially delighted to see also the gentlemen also attending this session. Can I see a raise of hands for the men gathering here this morning? Gentlemen? Thank you very much. We women always feel so much more energy when we feel like the men are there to support us. So thank you very much. I am honored to be among such beautiful and accomplished women from around the world. [Repeated in Spanish] Each time my husband and I come here to Paraguay we truly feel that we have come back to our second home.

To all the leaders here from our host nation Paraguay and from across the Latin American region, “Buenos dias y bienvenidos!” And to all our distinguished leaders from around the world, welcome to Paraguay and the 2014 Global Peace Convention.

I would like to especially recognize the former President of Costa Rica, Her Excellency Laura Chinchilla. We also have together with us, the Honorable Senator Lilian Samaniego and Dr. Haehoon Lee, the former Congresswoman of the Republic of Korea.

I would also like to recognize Governor Marlene Ocampos of Alto Paraguay, the government ministers of Paraguay, and Ana Maria Ortiz, President of the Association of Businesswomen of Paraguay, who have joined us today.

Please warmly welcome from Europe, Dr. Eva Latham, where is she? She’s the President of Human Rights Teaching International.

From the United States, Collete Caprara, editor on family issues at the Heritage Foundation, Ms. Diann Dawson, president and CEO of DDA & Associates, and Donna Schuller, where are you? She’s from our Global Peace Women advisory board. Thank you so much for coming this morning.

I would like to especially appreciate the directors of Area Mujer for all the work they are doing here in Paraguay and for hosting this great program today. The theme of this convention is, “Roadmap for National Transformation” and here in this women’s session we are discussing the theme “National Transformation – Women’s Leadership and Contributions toward Social Models That Promote Development and Wellness for All.” This topic is very close to my heart because I believe women play a critical role in the process of national transformation.

What do we mean when we speak of national transformation? What type of nations do we aspire to build? History teaches us that the strongest nations with the longest and lasting experience of peace were those built upon spiritual principles and values that gave them a higher sense of purpose to serve a greater good. We have examples from as far back as the Pax Mongolia that grew out of the Mongol empire’s aspiration to create One World under One Heaven and encouraged exchange amongst the cultures, faiths, and regions of the empire. A more recent example is the United States, the oldest and most stable democratic society, built upon the dream of forming One Nation under God. In such a nation, people of every race and land could come to enjoy equal rights and freedom of worship.

What we learn from these examples is that vibrant and enduring nations need a guiding vision and a foundation of spiritual principles and values. How is such a nation formed? It is through the moral virtues of the nation’s citizens, who embody these spiritual principles and values in their lives.

Left to right: H.E. Laura Chincilla, former president of Costa Rica, Dr. Jun Sook Moon, Chairwoman of Global Peace Women, Hon. Lilian Samaniego, national senator of Paraguay.

Where do people learn these principles and values? Where do they become the “habits of the heart” of a people, where acting morally becomes as natural as breathing. I believe it is in the home and in the family. Strong nations must be built upon strong, healthy families. This makes the central role every mother plays in her family an essential component of national transformation. That is why my husband and I recently coined the Global Peace Women motto, “Peace Starts with the Home.” Can we all say that with me? “Peace Starts with the Home,” thank you.

In the home, peace is more than a concept or an ideal. It is visible, it is substantial, and can be felt emotionally, physically, spiritually. As such, it becomes a lived daily reality.

A child experiences love and learns the value of life through the unconditional embrace and untiring investment of a mother from the moment of their birth. A mother plants the seed of a lifestyle of self-sacrifice, and living for others by her example, as she teaches the child to share with siblings, and think about the happiness of the family as a whole. Most of all, through exemplifying spiritual principles and values, parents form the roots of faith, love for God, and for their fellow human beings in their children.

The extended family model is especially suited to nurture virtuous men and women who can lay the foundations for a culture of peace in their nations and, ultimately, the world. In an extended family, a child grows up surrounded by the richness of diverse relationships with so many different relatives. Through them they learn how to respect and honor elders while cherishing and investing in those younger than them. This is the basis of the social norms to be practiced in the wider society. Through the multitude of family interactions, a person naturally experiences the benefits of teamwork, cooperation, and harmony. Moreover, they learn how to resolve conflicts, forgive, and truly live in peace. The extended family prepares a person to relate to the diversity of the human family and live for the benefit of the whole. A beautiful example of this extended family can be found right here in a Paraguayan home. I heard that every Sunday, in a Paraguayan home, families gather around with their parents and they share asado, and talk about soccer, and have a beautiful meeting every Sunday. I think it’s such a beautiful tradition you have in Paraguay.

The inescapable conclusion is that the family is not just a private realm, set apart from the broader society but rather is an essential element of national transformation. This is what Global Peace Women champions. We must uplift the contribution of women in national transformation and emphasize the role of families, especially mothers, in forming the foundation of an ethical, prosperous society.

Once we understand that principles and values are preserved and passed on within families, then it is natural that a nation aspiring to model such principles and values should create policies and infrastructure to strengthen the family. Communities, schools, businesses, and governments, both local and national, should invest in programs that support the family unit and find innovative ways to empower the family and encourage the work of raising ethical, global citizens. This could come in the form of couple counseling benefits or parenting support programs that tackle the issues that have led to the family decline we are experiencing in so many countries today. Micro-financing initiatives like the Grameen Bank or Kiva could provide much-needed financial support to launch a family business and incentivize active participation, especially of women, in a growing economy. Failure to invest in the family is the same as doing nothing to prevent family breakdown and the high social costs that come with it. We are all too aware of the growing global trend of divorce, out-of-wedlock births, and the loss of moral standards of our youth.

Let us put our hearts and minds together to find ways to counter that global trend and protect and uplift the sanctity of family and the essential role of women in the home first and foremost, and as an extension the important contributions women make in the greater community, nation, and in our world today. I feel there is no better place to have this women’s conference than here in Paraguay. I know how active the women of GPF have been in Paraguay, supporting educational initiatives, and forums on good governance and leadership. They have also provided access to medical and dental health, food and clothing, and education and jobs to the most remote villages. This nation has great women leaders who have championed the fight against corruption and engaged government ministries in providing services to the poorest and most remote regions of Paraguay.

Here in the heart of Latin America, or as my husband calls it, the “womb” of Latin America, I believe that our work as women, through the models it creates, will bring about a sweeping spiritual awakening here in Paraguay, in Latin America, and throughout the hemisphere.

Ladies and Gentlemen, “La Paz Comienza desde el Hogar.” “Peace Begins with the Home.” Muchas gracias. May God bless you, thank you very much.

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“Peace starts in the home!” Global Peace Women Chairwoman Dr. Jun Sook Moon declared, calling on more than 1,000 participants of the first Women’s Panel at the 2014 Global Peace Convention to recite the phrase with her. “In the home peace is more than a concept or ideal, it is visible.”

Global Peace Women Chairwoman Dr. Jun Sook Moon addresses 1,000 women leaders at the special women’s plenary during the Global Peace Convention 2014.

Seven distinguished women leaders from across Latin America and beyond contributed to the panel, Women’s Leadership in National Transformation, hosted as part of the 2014 Global Peace Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay.
“Failure to invest in the family is the same as doing nothing to prevent family breakdown,” Dr. Moon said adamantly. In order to create ethical, prosperous societies, families must be strong and serve as a school of values, she said. As essential matriarchs and “hearts” of the family, women especially must be empowered by their society in order to take on the role of teacher and leader, not just for their children and extended family, but for their communities, nation, and world.

The International Director of Global Peace Women, Cristina Jaesoon Field, reflected on the nature of women, observing that “the heart of a woman . . . is the most powerful force that can unite the family and society.” Described as an often untapped “human resource,” the very nature of women, specifically motherhood, exemplifies empathy, compassion, and the ability to look at a bigger picture; identifying the best course of action for the entire family, not the individual.

These characteristics are essential in leadership, especially in the process of transforming deeply embedded social concepts. Paraguayan National Senator Lilian Samaniego called for the establishment of new social and political strategies to demonstrate tolerance on a national level, moving forward with a common agenda. She recognized the value of empathy and understanding the needs of others in order to “give value to our cultures and families,” ultimately leading to the “construction of the culture of service here in Paraguay.”

Among the many women leaders (left to right) Ms. Sanchez, CEO Zambrano Foundation, Mrs. Guldenzoph, Global Peace Women Uruguay, Gov. Ocampos of Alto Paraguay, and Congresswomen Coari from Peru.

Making up half of the world’s population, women throughout history have not been recognized for their capacity or taken on the responsibility that is required of them for the establishment of a peaceful world. Hoping to shed a positive light on the issue, the former President of Costa Rica, Laura Chinchilla, encouraged her female compatriots to embrace their inner strength. President Chinchilla called on society to use “the soul of women” for social development, furthering gender equality in roles of leadership.

A perspective repeatedly revisited by panelists was that the family is at the center of national transformation. “We are all leaders because the family is directed by the woman.” Ms. Ana Maria Baiardi, Minister of Women in Paraguay, told the assembled women.

Ms. Field reflected on the value of experience within the family, saying that it is “through experience that one becomes the owner of knowledge.” The basic principles and values that are instilled in us as young children, she said, are provided through the family unit and ultimately determine our contribution to our society and world. The distinguished women leaders appealed to the audience to look towards the family not only as a private sphere of life but as intrinsically public, with essential relevance to society. In order to promote national transformation every society must take ownership of the family unit as an essential component of a healthy society, nation, and world. Ms. Baiardi looked out soberly among the gathered women, stating, “We are all responsible here.”

Speakers of the Global Peace Women Plenary (left to right): Dr. Jun Sook Moon, Chairwoman, Global Peace Women; Hon. Lilian Samaniego, National Senator of Paraguay; H.E. Laura Chinchilla, former president of Costa Rica; Ms. Maria Ester Jimenez, Global Peace Women Paraguay; Ms. Ana Maria Baiardi, Minister of Women in Paraguay; Cristina Jaesoon Field, International Director of Global peace Women-Latin America; and Ms. Shinsook Kwak Kim, General Secretary of Global Peace Women International

Also addressing the women’s panel were the President of Global Peace Women-Paraguay, Ms. Maria Ester Jimenez; and Ms. Shinsook Kwak Kim, General Secretary of Global Peace Women International.
The 2014 Global Peace Convention: Roadmap for National Transformation: Liberty, Prosperity and Integrity through Moral and Innovative Leadership, concludes on November 21.

The original article can be found at globalpeace.org 

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2014 Global Peace Leadership Conference Korea 

Theme: “Vision, Principles and Values of a Unified Korea”
Concurrent Session: The Role of Women for a Unified Korea
Address by: Global Peace Women Chairwoman Dr. Jun Sook Moon
September 30, 2014 • Grand Hilton Hotel, Seoul, Korea

Dr. Jun Sook Moon, Chairwoman of Global Peace Women urges women to revive Korean families as the foundation for revitalizing the nation, leading to unification.

Distinguished leaders, ladies and gentlemen.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your participation in this significant Global Peace Leadership Conference in Seoul, Korea focusing on “The Vision, Principles and Values for a Unified Korea.” Today at this session we are gathered to touch on a theme that is very close to my heart “The Role of Women for a Unified Korea.” It is a deeply personal topic, not only because Korea is my homeland or because I am a woman, but also because I believe Korea’s destiny is deeply connected to the future of the world and for the peace, security and prosperity of the entire human family.

THE KOREAN DREAM

My husband has just released his new book, “The Korean Dream: A Vision for a Unified Korea.” It is a timely book as Korea stands at a crossroads today.

In the book he seeks to present a new approach to unification. It is one that draws on the rich heritage of the Korean people to form a framework for a nation uniquely our own. It is an approach that speaks to the Koreans in the North, Koreans in the South, Koreans in the diaspora scattered around the world. It is an approach that provides a platform that can reach beyond the 60-year ideological divide remaining from the Cold war and show that this short division is nothing compared to the 5000-year common history the people of Korea share and the destiny we are meant to fulfill together.

The essence of this destiny lies within the philosophy Hongik Ingan that we are Divine sons and daughters of Heaven, called by God to fulfill a mission to live for the benefit of the world. Throughout its history, Hongik Ingan became deeply embedded in our nation’s traditions, culture, political and social systems, and especially in our family values taking form in what became the extended family tradition of Korea. This family model allowed the Korean heritage to be passed on from generation to generation and raised people to embody a deeply spiritual tradition with virtues such as self-sacrifice, filial piety, and jeong song.

The Korean family tradition is such a beautiful treasure we have. We are warmed by the image of the sacrificial Korean mother and her complete devotion to her children, her husband, and her aging parents. We are moved by the stories of children and their filial piety and loyalty, living to fulfill their family’s legacy and fulfill their parents’ dream. We watch historical dramas made to capture the compassion and father-like heart a king or a leader showed toward his people. We all grew up learning about characters like Shimcheong, Chunhyang, and Heungbu and Nolbu who exemplify the highest virtues of the Korean culture. We are moved by the iconic heroes of the Korean legacy that honors human life that were all willing to sacrifice themselves for a loved one or for the betterment of the whole.

In the extended family, the past, present and future generations are connected and concepts such as lineage, heritage, and destiny come to life. A child learns about identity, culture, traditions, and norms in an environment of mutual love and respect. A child learns to honor and care for the elder generations as they watch their parents attend the grandparents and prior generations. The elders pass on their wisdom to the next generation who carry on the dreams and lifelong work of the previous generation.

In the context of extended family, marriage is not only the concern of just two people. It is the bonding of two families into the lineage that continues through their children. Newly married couples and young families have elders who can serve as ready counselors, offering their advice and example. Naturally the family honors both men and women, boys as girls as two counterparts, unique and different, designed to serve and complement each other, together creating a family and society, harmonious, balanced and whole.

Through the wide range of relationships built with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and the immediate family of mother, father, brothers and sisters, an individual gains a sense of decorum and manners, learning what is right and what is wrong in human relations, and develops the lifestyle of responsibility, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence. The essence of the values formed within strong families and especially the extended family is the culture of service, living for others and living for the greater good. Individuals raised in such families were to carry that culture out to the world. Most of all, the extended family prepared our people to interact with the diversity of the human family.

OUR FIRST TASK: REBUILD OUR FAMILY TRADITION

Today, this family tradition, which has been the crown jewel of Korean culture, is disappearing under the pressure of our world’s circumstances. Today the issue of family breakdown has become a global epidemic, and this deterioration of family values has had unspeakable negative impact on our children, our communities, and our school environments.

Therefore, the first step for building an ethical, just Korea that is true to our heritage is to strengthen the culture and tradition of the Korean family. The role of the women in this monumental task will be imperative.
Global Peace Women must look to our spiritual and traditional roots to revive the family ideal. We cannot let the contemporary trends take away from our people the ideal of family and the extended family model. It is part of our root, our core, and our heritage. Family is the most important social unit for building a strong nation that can serve our world. It will provide the solid bedrock to undergird our national and global aspirations. The family is the foundation for just, ethical, cohesive and prosperous societies. The family is the “school of love and virtue” in which the character and heart of each individual is formed at the deepest level. Faith is first put into practice as values and lived out as virtues at home. Within strong, healthy families virtuous men and women are raised, who can govern themselves in accordance with their conscience and live for the sake of the well-being of others.
Without it we cannot produce the moral and innovative leaders that Korea and our world needs. Without it, our society will not be able to withstand corruption, conflict, and an immoral, selfish culture motivated only by money and power. Without a stable foundation built on strong families, it would be like building a skyscraper without a solid base, doomed to crumble under its own weight.

BUILDING A NATIONAL MODEL FOR THE WORLD

The world today faces serious challenges fueled by identity-based conflict. We have a world where still too many die of starvation, malnutrition, disease and poverty. We need a vision and leaders who can pull together our fragmented world. The Global Peace Foundation advances the vision of “One Family under God” together with a network of leaders around the world. Based on a common aspiration and universal principles and shared values, the Global Peace Foundation is creating new models of development and building a platform that can transcend national, ethnic, and religious divisions. It recognizes that “family” is fundamental to the meaning and fulfillment of that dream. It is at the essence of what all people cherish and the foundation of forming just, ethical, cohesive and prosperous societies.

That is why I have created the tagline for the Global Peace Women: “Peace Starts with the Home.” Home is where you find peace, home is where you are surrounded by family. Home can mean so much more. Home can be the hometown where you were born. Home can be your homeland, your nation. And one day, this world, will become “One family under God” and truly become our home of peace, happiness, and fulfillment.

I feel Korea has a mission beyond just its own nation. Unifying the Korean peninsula and forming a nation unique to our heritage is the first step to fulfilling the Korean Dream. We must work to build a much-needed model for the world where modernization and economic prosperity does not come at the cost of morality and the family tradition. We need to form a nation that all humanity would aspire to resemble. We need to produce global leaders and models of development that all people would welcome into their nations.

For this, we must work to strengthen the family unit and from there, expand the family values and traditions into the culture and structure of the nation. The love, respect, self-sacrifice, and virtues that are embodied within the family must become the ways of the school systems, economic systems, political systems, and social systems. Within our own nation, we must create a culture that honors every life and upholds every human being’s God-given human rights and dignity. I believe, our people have the qualities of character and the deep spiritual heritage to do so.

The story of Dangun that tells of the origin of our people paints a beautiful picture of the Korean people as Divine children of Heaven. We see each human life as something valuable to treasure and treat with dignity. This is the time we must bring this ideal vision to life and create a nation where every community, every policy, and all the systems put in place honor this principle and uphold such values. When we begin to see every human being as a member of our family whom we are meant to protect, nurture, and love, then our society will move beyond squabbling political viewpoint or personal agendas. We must create a society where the value of men and women, of boys and girls is not determined merely by career advancement or financial success, nor by political power or social status. Rather it is determined by the quality of each person’s character and how much they use their creativity and skills to better this world. Once we revive our family foundation, Korea will give rise to the greatest men and women of history and raise a generation of Koreans prepared to live for sake of humanity in fulfilment of the Hongik Ingan ideal.

CLOSING

If we, Koreans can reclaim our Korean identity and connect our daily lives to the lofty aspirations of Hongik Ingan, we can create a unified Korean homeland and build a nation that truly can live for the benefit of all humanity. This process must begin through awakening the vision of the Korean Dream in our families since they are the school that can raise people of character who will become owners of Korea’s providential destiny to live for the sake of the world and devote their lives to its fulfillment.

I ask you to join with me in this noble effort because this responsibility rests upon each and everyone one of us.

Thank you very much.

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Shin Sook Kwak-Kim, Secretary General of Global Peace Women addresses Forum Participants.

Representatives from faith communities, government agencies, community organizations and academic institutions attended a forum highlighting the critical role of women of faith in peace-building. Ms. Diann Dawson, a, child welfare advocate, human services consultant and former federal official at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services served as the moderator for the forum held at the U.S. Capitol.

Shinsook  Kwak-Kim, Global Peace Women Secretary General told participants, “The ability of women to perceive the intangible aspect of life, the unspoken emotions, the characters of each person, the spiritual dimension, is part of what makes women especially valuable for the work of building peace.” She clarified, “Lasting peace is a state of heart, manifested in action, putting the benefit of others first.”

Gail Hambleton, Vice-President of Global Peace Foundation- USA gave a poignant example that illustrated Mrs. Kwak-Kim’s point. During the genocide in Rwanda, a Hutu gang arrived at a school for girls and demanded for the Hutus to be separated from the Tutsis. The students refused to be separated, clinging to each other and their teachers. “To end identity-based conflict we need to recognize our common humanity, a shared identity that is prior to any ethnic, religious or gender status,” she said as she honored the girls’ example as peacemakers.

Ms. Etmadi, Vice President of the Muslim Women’s Association described the vast role of women in peace-building.  Not only do they play roles as leaders in faith, community and politics, they play essential roles in creating peace in the home.  “As traditional caretakers, as mothers and healers, women can play a major role, in the context of their culture, when they regain their confidence.” Her work for peace, justice and women in nations such as Afghanistan has shown political and religious divisions have left women without a voice.

The advice that Dr. Jun Sook Moon, Chairwoman of Global Peace Women and wife of Global Peace Foundation chairman, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, offered during the special session on women in peace during the Global Peace Convention in December last year, offers a concrete illustration of how peace-building can begin at home.

To the men in the audience she said, “When you go back, show how much you appreciate your wife, and tell her you love her. Because you know what? If you make your wife happy, not only is she going to become a great wife, but she’s going to be a great mother. Because a happy women makes a great mother.”

To the women she said, “Please appreciate your husband. Love him, tell him you love him, you really appreciate the efforts that he does for his home and children. That will give him strength to do better when he goes out.

She concluded, “When we all do that as husband and wife that is going to be the greatest start to make peace, and eventually it’s going to bring peace all around the world.”

Her approach empowers men and women to engage in peace in small and large way by determining their attitude towards their relationship. She advises husbands to concern themselves with the well-being of their wives, and wives to invest in the well-being of their husbands. Establishing a culture of living for others starting with the basic relationship of the family extends into the relationships between the children, and in turn affect the relationship in the larger society.

As mothers, sisters, daughters and wives, women are powerful agents of peace, in both their personal and public relationships.

As Ms. Hambleton told the forum, “We have a role as women in peacekeeping and we need to step up and take our place at the peace table. Because after all, who usually sets the table?”

Global Peace Women is a division of the Global Peace Foundation, which is a convening partner of the Strengthening Families and Communities Coalition.

This post is an adaptation from the report that first appeared on www.globalpeace.org.

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On December 6th, during the Global Peace Convention 2013 held in the Shangri La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Dr. Jun Sook Moon, chairwoman of the Global Peace Women spoke during a special session on Women and Peacebuilding entitled, “Toward and Ethic of Compassion and Cooperation.” Joining her as esteemed panelists were: Hon Gina de Venecia, Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Rafiah Salim, Ms. Julia Maciel, H.E. Hajia Mrs. Amina Namadi Sambo and Mrs. Collete Caprara. In her address, Dr. Moon emphasized the unique and crucial role that women play in raising peaceful and happy families and securing peace in the wider society.

Below is her full address:

Your excellences, Honorable guests, women leaders from around the world, ladies and gentlemen:

And I really want to thank all of the gentlemen who are gathered here. Thank you very much for coming. A couple years ago when we started, at first, this women’s session, there was no man in the room. But every year, I see more men attending. I don’t know why, but they start to come. And this year, I think about one-third of the room is occupied by men, so thank you very much for coming.

Dr. Jun Sook Moon, Chairwoman of the Global Peace Convention speaks during a special session on Women in Leadership during the Global Peace Convention 2013.

Salam Sejahtera, Good afternoon.

Today, we mourn the passing of a great leader from South Africa, Nelson Mandela, who was not only a political leader, but a spiritual leader from whom we can learn much about forgiveness and service.

I also see many representatives here with us from our neighboring country, the Philippines.  I would like to take a moment of silence to send our prayers to the families and communities that are recovering from the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan-Yolanda. Our heart goes out in solidarity to the women who are sustaining recovery efforts. We are with each of you as you rebuild your nation to emerge even stronger.  Bangon Pilipinas Kaya Natin To. We know your spirit will never be defeated. Can we observe a moment of silence for the Philippines, and also for Nelson Mandela.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We have an amazing group of men, women, and young people gathered from around the world for this 5th annual Global Peace Convention. The moment could not be more timely nor the place more fitting for this year’s convention theme: “Unity in Diversity: Building Social Cohesion for Sustainable Peace through Universal Aspirations, Principles, and Values”, than Malaysia today.

Malaysia has been pioneering  a path towards social cohesion and harmony amongst the many faiths, cultures, and ethnicities  who call this nation home.  While faith and cultural differences have often been at the heart of conflicts around the world, Malaysia is trying to create a tangible precedent of inter-religious, inter-cultural and international cooperation based on common aspirations for the betterment of the greater community, nation, region and world.

I believe peace, harmony and unity are the essence of the Malaysian spirit. I was inspired by your custom of Rumah Terbuka, “Open house”.  During the cultural celebrations and holy days of your many faith traditions, Malaysians open their house to welcome any person as a valued member of their family – no matter their belief or ethnicity.  It is a moving example of the most devout practice of faith – to make one’s holy day a time to embrace and serve the human family.

I would like to thank the people of Malaysia for the “Rumah Terbuka” that they have created for this Global Peace Convention. You have embraced us from all over the world, from many faiths and ethnicities, as part of your family. Thank you.

Panel on Women in Leadership during the Global Peace Convention 2013: (left to right) Ms. Julia Maciel, Diplomat, Permanent Mission of Paraguay to the United Nations, Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Rafiah Salim, Former Director, NAM Institute for the Empowerment of Women, Hon. Gina de Venecia, Member of the House of Representatives, Republic of Philippines, H.E. Hajia Mrs. Amina Namadi Sambo, Founder and Chairwoman, I Care-Women and Youth Initiative: Wife of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mrs. Collete Caprara, Editor, DeVos Center for Religion and Civil Society, The Heritage Foundation, USA, Dr. Jun Sook Moon, Chairwoman, Global Peace Women, USA.

The task before us for the short time we have together is critical. I know that Malaysia is not the only nation looking for real solutions for creating lasting social cohesion and harmony.  In this room, each of us are seeking to address similar challenges in our nations and regions. This convention is our opportunity to open new paths for a better tomorrow.

As I reflect on the goals of unity, appreciation of diversity, and social cohesion based on universal principles and values, I know with certainty, that none of this can be accomplished unless women play a central role. These goals resonate deeply with the precious role women play in our families, communities, nation and world, and bring into play the characteristic and strengths of women as the mediators, healers and communicators in all facets of society.

In the family – the most essential unit of society–women are the daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother.  As a girl grows up, she grows not just in physical strength or intellectual ability, but also, she grows her heart.  Within the family, she receives and gives love, and she deepens and widens her ability to understand others as she passes through each stage.  Mothers, nurture and raise the next generation, as they model and educate children in living a life of service and love for others.  The grandmother is often the person who can be the confidant of every person in the household—because her heart is big enough to relate to every different situation.

The family is, thus, the school of love, and its graduates will form the basis of vibrant communities and stable nations. They will be the responsible citizens, and the moral and innovative leaders of tomorrow. Without instilling such a moral and spiritual foundation within the family—nurtured largely by women– the vision of One Family under God will remain an idealistic dream.

To give substance to this vision calls for leadership that is both moral and innovative, that takes ownership of the vision and strives to make it a reality. Leadership takes many forms and many women today are playing important roles in public life. But in the emphasis on careers for women we sometimes forget the unique and essential role that women play that is equally an act of leadership. That role is the formation of qualities of character and habits of the heart within the family.

The ability of women to perceive the intangible aspects of life—the unspoken emotions, the characters of each person, the spiritual dimension—is part of what equips us uniquely for the work of building peace.  As many people have observed, peace doesn’t come by force, and it doesn’t happen by just signing papers.  Peace is a state of heart that is manifested into action.  Peace ultimately comes from putting the benefit of all others first, and then receiving the benefit into one’s own life.

This role, responsibility, and heart expands as women take roles in the larger society whether it is as administrators and teachers in schools, community organizers and peace advocates, or leaders in politics, business, or faith communities.

We have examples of the great women of GPW, playing these roles all around the world.

Professor Leah Marangu received the 2013 Global Peace Award for Strengthening Families for her pioneering work in the areas of ethics and character development for youth in schools in Kenya. (left to right), Mrs. and Dr. Chandaria, Professor and Mr. Marangu, (in the back) Mr. Daniel Juma.

One year ago, here in Malaysia, three hundred women gathered for a grand launching of the Malaysia chapter of GPW. It was said that women have “a natural sense of nurturing, solving conflicts with compassion, tolerance, and tender-heartedness, which can offer a lot more toward the betterment of our society.” The women and organizations present pledged to work together to empower women to contribute to peace in areas such as women’s rights, women’s leadership, strengthening of the family, and community service.

In Indonesia, Global Peace Women helped flood victims and enlisted college students to serve residents of a home for the elderly.  They have hosted Parenting trainings for top public officials. Our women leaders from Indonesia have joined us at this convention.

In Nepal, GPW has organized projects to safeguard the water supply and begun to provide clean cookstoves for mothers.  The Cookstove Project has also been working in Uganda, teaching women to construct clay cookstoves from local materials, eliminating indoor pollution and reducing the need to gather fuel.  Since half the population of the world cook over open fires, this one project has the potential to transform the lives of billions. The workshop tomorrow will feature this project and I hope you will give it your interest and support.

In the Philippines, GPW has been active with the solar-powered lanterns and street lights of the All Lights Village project­­, and most recently, with the rebuilding and relief work following the destruction of Typhoon Haiyan-Yolanda. Many women leaders working in the Philippines are also present with us here today.

In Nigeria, the wife of the vice president, Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo, launched our newest national chapter, Global Peace Women Nigeria, at the recent Global Peace Leadership Conference in Abuja. We are graced with her attendance and her words today.

In Kenya, GPW helps encourage moral and ethical character development for youth in schools throughout the country.  Professor Leah Marangu is receiving this year’s Global Peace Award for Strengthening Families for her pioneering work in this area. In Latin America, Global Peace Women have been working in Uruguay and Paraguay, addressing the issues of family breakdown.  In Taiwan, Global Peace Women have been active in sponsoring Global Child Peace Clubs, creating libraries and youth empowerment projects. In Korea, Global Peace Women have played a key role in supporting  the AllLights Village project.

I hope you will take the chance to connect and share with each other throughout the duration of this convention. I want to thank all the women of peace who are bringing the vision of One Family Under God into their communities and nations.

From these examples of what women are capable of and the passion and heart they bring to the table, I think we are all in agreement that women are natural bridge-builders and a critical part of the peacemaking process.  I believe that is what has drawn us all here today.

I want to use the opportunity of this annual convening of women leaders to pull together our talents, professions, and projects under a unified theme that I hope will guide the coming year.  We can find that theme in the title of this session: Women in Leadership – Toward an Ethic of Compassion and Cooperation.

I believe these two elements, compassion and cooperation, reflect the nature of our Creator and His culture of love and service to others.

In order to achieve global peace we need a vision that encompasses the aspirations of the human heart, and finds expression in universal principles and shared values that bear fruit in qualities of character. GPW is connecting and encouraging women who are already active to a larger network of women who share such a common aspiration.  The vision of One Family under God has become the foundation for partnerships and cooperation in practical service projects that are making this vision a concrete reality.

I hope that the collective efforts of our grassroots network worldwide will result in a cultural shift, transforming a culture of self-centered values, conflict and division into one of compassion and cooperation.

Thank you for bringing your expertise and experience to grow this body of knowledge. It is both hard-earned and invaluable.  I sincerely hope that you will gain substantially by hearing from each of our speakers, but also, by sharing with each other in the informal moments as well.  Every moment of our short time together is precious. I thank you for being here, and for all the work that you are doing to build peace in your homes, your communities and your nations.

Panelists and attendees of the session on Women and Leadership at the Global Peace Convention 2013.

My father-in-law used to say that women are like water, flowing into those in-between spaces, finding ways into every crevice and fissure, to soften hardened hearts and smooth rough edges.

The hearts of women united together can create a tidal wave sweeping away the mightiest obstacles. I hope that when you leave here for your homes you will do so with renewed energy and with the firm conviction that the work you are doing is one brick in the building of a great vision that can bring peace to the world across all existing boundaries.

I ask you to join together with me, dream together with me, and build together with me. Let the world witness the transformative power of women for peace.

Before I leave, I would like to say a word to all the gentlemen who gathered here. When you think about peace, the true peace starts from home, and it starts from husband and wife. So when you go back, you show how much you appreciate your wife, and tell her you love her, because you know what? If you make your wife happy, not only is she going to become a great wife, but she’s going to be a great mother, because happy women makes a great mother.

And I’d like to also say something to the women. Please appreciate your husband. Love him, tell him you love him, you really appreciate the efforts that he does for his home and children. That will give him strength to do better when he goes out. So when we all do that as husband and wife, that is going to be the greatest start to make peace, and eventually it’s going to bring peace all around the world.

So thank you again for coming today. We really appreciate all the speakers today for their great words and wisdom. And when we go back home, let’s try to build one family under God.

Thank you very much.

The video is of the full session on Women in Leadership. Dr. Jun Sook Moon’s remarks begin at 1.37.30.

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The following is the Global Peace Women Chairwoman speech, Dr. Jun Sook Moon, at the Session, Women in leadership: Toward an Ethic of Compassion and Cooperation, held at the Shangri La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur 2013.

Your excellences, Honorable guests, women leaders from around the world, ladies and gentlemen,

And I really want to thank all of the gentlemen who are gathered here. Thank you very much for coming. A couple years ago when we started, at first, this women’s session, there was no man in the room. But every year, I see more men attending. I don’t know why, but they start to come. And this year, I think about one-third of the room is occupied by men, so thank you very much for coming.

Salam Sejahtera

Good afternoon.

Today, we mourn the passing of a great leader from South Africa, Nelson Mandela, who was not only a political leader, but a spiritual leader from whom we can learn much about forgiveness and service. I also see many representatives here with us from our neighboring country, the Philippines.  I would like to take a moment of silence to send our prayers to the families and communities that are recovering from the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan-Yolanda. Our heart goes out in solidarity to the women who are sustaining recovery efforts. We are with each of you as you rebuild your nation to emerge even stronger.  Bangon Pilipinas Kaya Natin To. We know your spirit will never be defeated. Can we observe a moment of silence for the Philippines, and also for Nelson Mandela. (Few seconds of silence)

Ladies and gentlemen, We have an amazing group of men, women, and young people gathered from around the world for this 5^th annual Global Peace Convention. The moment could not be more timely nor the place more fitting for this year’s convention theme: “Unity in Diversity: Building Social Cohesion for Sustainable Peace through Universal Aspirations, Principles, and Values”, than Malaysia today.

Malaysia has been pioneering  a path towards social cohesion and harmony amongst the many faiths, cultures, and ethnicities  who call this nation home.  While faith and cultural differences have often been at the heart of conflicts around the world, Malaysia is trying to create a tangible precedent of inter-religious, inter-cultural and international cooperation based on common aspirations for the betterment of the greater community, nation, region and world.

I believe peace, harmony and unity are the essence of the Malaysian spirit. I was inspired by your custom of Rumah Terbuka, “Open house”.  During the cultural celebrations and holy days of your many faith traditions, Malaysians open their house to welcome any person as a valued member of their family – no matter their belief or ethnicity.  It is a moving example of the most devout practice of faith – to make one’s holy day a time to embrace and serve the human family.

I would like to thank the people of Malaysia for the “Rumah Terbuka” that they have created for this Global Peace Convention. You have embraced us from all over the world, from many faiths and ethnicities, as part of your family. Thank you.

The task before us for the short time we have together is critical. I know that Malaysia is not the only nation looking for real solutions for creating lasting social cohesion and harmony.  In this room, each of us are seeking to address similar challenges in our nations and regions. This convention is our opportunity to open new paths for a better tomorrow.

As I reflect on the goals of unity, appreciation of diversity, and social cohesion based on universal principles and values, I know with certainty, that none of this can be accomplished unless women play a central role.

These goals resonate deeply with the precious role women play in our families, communities, nations and world and bring into play the characteristics and strengths of women as the mediators, healers, and communicators in all facets of society.

In the family – the most essential unit of society–women are the daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother.  As a girl grows up, she grows not just in physical strength or intellectual ability, but also, she grows her heart.  Within the family, she receives and gives love, and she deepens and widens her ability to understand others as she passes through each stage.  Mothers, nurture and raise the next generation, as they model and educate children in living a life of service and love for others.  The grandmother is often the person who can be the confidant of every person in the household—because her heart is big enough to relate to every different situation.

The family is, thus, the school of love, and its graduates will form the basis of vibrant communities and stable nations. They will be the responsible citizens, and the moral and innovative leaders of tomorrow. Without instilling such a moral and spiritual foundation within the family—nurtured largely by women– the vision of One Family under God will remain an idealistic dream.

To give substance to this vision calls for leadership that is both moral and innovative, that takes ownership of the vision and strives to make it a reality. Leadership takes many forms and many women today are playing important roles in public life. But in the emphasis on careers for women we sometimes forget the unique and essential role that women play that is equally an act of leadership. That role is the formation of qualities of character and habits of the heart within the family.

The ability of women to perceive the intangible aspects of life—the unspoken emotions, the characters of each person, the spiritual dimension—is part of what equips us uniquely for the work of building peace.

As many people have observed, peace doesn’t come by force, and it doesn’t happen by just signing papers.  Peace is a state of heart that is manifested into action.  Peace ultimately comes from putting the benefit of all others first, and then receiving the benefit into one’s own life.

This role, responsibility, and heart expands as women take roles in the larger society whether it is as administrators and teachers in schools, community organizers and peace advocates, or leaders in politics, business, or faith communities.

We have examples of the great women of GPW, playing these roles all around the world. One year ago, here in Malaysia, three hundred women gathered for a grand launching of the Malaysia chapter of GPW. It was said that women have “a natural sense of nurturing, solving conflicts with compassion, tolerance, and tender-heartedness, which can offer a lot more toward the betterment of our society.” The women and organizations present pledged to work together to empower women to contribute to peace in areas such as women’s rights, women’s leadership, strengthening of the family, and community service.

In Indonesia, Global Peace Women helped flood victims and enlisted college students to serve residents of a home for the elderly.  They have hosted Parenting trainings for top public officials. Our women leaders from Indonesia have joined us at this convention.

In Nepal, GPW has organized projects to safeguard the water supply and begun to provide clean cookstoves for mothers.  The Cookstove Project has also been working in Uganda, teaching women to construct clay cookstoves from local materials, eliminating indoor pollution and reducing the need to gather fuel.  Since half the population of the world cook over open fires, this one project has the potential to transform the lives of billions. The workshop tomorrow will feature this project and I hope you will give it your interest and support.

In the Philippines, GPW has been active with the solar-powered lanterns and street lights of the All Lights Village project­­, and most recently, with the rebuilding and relief work following the destruction of Typhoon Haiyan-Yolanda. Many women leaders working in the Philippines are also present with us here today.

In Nigeria, the wife of the vice president, Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo, launched our newest national chapter, Global Peace Women Nigeria, at the recent Global Peace Leadership Conference in Abuja. We are graced with her attendance and her words today.

In Kenya, GPW helps encourage moral and ethical character development for youth in schools throughout the country.  Professor Leah Marangu is receiving this year’s Global Peace Award for Strengthening Families for her pioneering work in this area.

In Latin America, Global Peace Women have been working in Uruguay and Paraguay, addressing the issues of family breakdown.

In Taiwan, Global Peace Women have been active in sponsoring Global Child Peace Clubs, creating libraries and youth empowerment projects.

In Korea, Global Peace Women have played a key role in supporting  the AllLights Village project.

I hope you will take the chance to connect and share with each other throughout the duration of this convention. I want to thank all the women of peace who are bringing the vision of One Family Under God into their communities and nations.

From these examples of what women are capable of and the passion and heart they bring to the table, I think we are all in agreement that women are natural bridge-builders and a critical part of the peacemaking process.  I believe that is what has drawn us all here today.

I want to use the opportunity of this annual convening of women leaders to pull together our talents,professions, and projects under a unified theme that I hope will guide the coming year. We can find that theme in the title of this session: Women in Leadership – Toward an Ethic of Compassion and Cooperation.

I believe these two elements, compassion and cooperation, reflect the nature of our Creator and His culture of love and service to others.

In order to achieve global peace we need a vision that encompasses the aspirations of the human heart, and finds expression in universal principles and shared values that bear fruit in qualities of character. GPW is connecting and encouraging women who are already active to a larger network of women who share such a common aspiration.  The vision of One Family under God has become the foundation for partnerships and cooperation in practical service projects that are making this vision a concrete reality.

I hope that the collective efforts of our grassroots network worldwide will result in a cultural shift, transforming a culture of self-centered values, conflict and division into one of compassion and cooperation.

Thank you for bringing your expertise and experience to grow this body of knowledge. It is both hard-earned and invaluable.  I sincerely hope that you will gain substantially by hearing from each of our speakers, but also, by sharing with each other in the informal moments as well.  Every moment of our short time together is precious. I thank you for being here, and for all the work that you are doing to build peace in your homes, your communities and your nations.

My father-in-law used to say that women are like water, flowing into those in-between spaces, finding ways into every crevice and fissure, to soften hardened hearts and smooth rough edges.

The hearts of women united together can create a tidal wave sweeping away the mightiest obstacles. I hope that when you leave here for your homes you will do so with renewed energy and with the firm conviction that the work you are doing is one brick in the building of a great vision that can bring peace to the world across all existing boundaries.

I ask you to join together with me, dream together with me, and build together with me. Let the world witness the transformative power of women for peace.

Before I leave, I would like to say a word to all the gentlemen who gathered here. When you think about peace, the true peace starts from home, and it starts from husband and wife. So when you go back, you show how much you appreciate your wife, and tell her you love her, because you know what? If you make your wife happy, not only is she going to become a great wife, but she’s going to be a great mother, because happy women makes a great mother.

And I’d like to also say something to the women. Pease appreciate your husband. Love him, tell him you love him, you really appreciate the efforts that he does for his home and children. That will give him strength to do better when he goes out. So when we all do that as husband and wife, that is going to be the greatest start to make peace, and eventually it’s going to bring peace all around the world.

So thank you again for coming today. We really appreciate all the speakers today for their great words and wisdom. And when we go back home, let’s try to build one family under God.

Thank you very much.

Dr. Jun Sook Moon speech starts at 1:37:45

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In 2012, Mrs. Jun Soon Moon delivered the keynote at the “Living for the Sake of Others” awards ceremony.

The annual “Living for the Sake of Others” awards ceremony will be held April 25^th in Paraguay.

Last year, Dr. Moon and Mrs. Jun Sook Moon attended the “Living for the Sake of Others” awards. Mrs. Moon delivered the keynote address where she noted:

Women have increasingly important roles to play today in our communities and nations.  In fact, many today talk about this being the “age of women.” I believe you will also agree that women bring unique qualities to whatever roles we play. In fact, it has been said that women hold up one-half of heaven.

Join GPF-Paraguay on Live Stream at 7pm, in Asuncion, as they recognize the contribution of these remarkable women.

Below is the announcement of the 2013 awardees published by La Nacion.

The fifth annual awards ceremony will be held this Thursday, April 25th, and will recognize outstanding women of Paraguay whose life and work reflect the value of “living for the sake of others”. This award has been endorsed by the Ministry of Women in Paraguay, under-Resolution No123/13.

The annual “Living for the sake of others” awards was established by prominent women leaders in order to uplift women’s pivotal role on all levels of development, from their nation to the world. The “Living for the sake of others” award will be highlighting the contribution these women have made for the people of Latin America through their hard work.

This public distinction is encouraging and inviting other women to use their skills, capabilities and talents in the same way these remarkable women have. We invite you to join the endeavor of love and solidarity in living for the sake of others.

The Global Peace Foundation-Paraguay’s women’s initiative works to strengthen women’s central role in cultivating families and social, political, cultural and economic development.

GPF is also promoting the vision of “One Family under God” through its organization and partnerships that support building healthy families, and a culture of peace through service.

The “Living for the Sake of Others” annually recognizes women who have contributed to the development of Paraguay.

GPF is recognized by Paraguay through an Executive Power Decree. It promotes the values of reconciliation, recognition, cooperation and harmony among all members of the human family. It has implemented innovative and thoughtful programs in specific areas such as: education, cultural, social, women, volunteerism and their good governance think-tank, IDPPS.

“Living for the sake of others” 2013 awardees:

•  Liz Rossana Cramer, Minister of Tourism (Tourism)
•  Lic. Margarita Miro Ibars, CEO, Instituto de Bellas Artes (Culture)
•  Dr. Olga Ferreira de Lopez, National Deputy, Human Rights Advocate (Politics)
•  Sister Maria Cleofe Gimenez, Congregation Maria’s Company-Education and Rehabilitation of deaf people from the Educational Center Fortunata Gresner (Volunteer)
•  Lic. Mirtha Graciela Ovelar de Garcia, Director of Education Department, ABC Color (Education)
•  Beatriz Gonzalez de Bosio, Scholar (Communication and Culture)
•  Ing. Estela Leticia Rosales de Ortiz, Alto Paraguay-Bahía Negra (Social)
•  Lic. Elisa Ledesma de Duarte, National Police-Safety and Order (GPF Women’s Initiative)

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Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, chairman of the Global Peace Foundation and 2012 “Living for the Sake of Others” award recipient Mother Candelas Camarero in Asuncion, Paraguay.

In May 5, 2012, Mother Candelas Camarero received Global Peace Foundation-Paraguay’s annual “Living for the Sake of Others” award.  Every year the award is presented to unsung women heroes of Paraguay. Their exemplary and often unrecognized service has left many significant and positive marks on the communities and individuals that they have touched. Mother Camarero is director of a home for girls. She has taken in over 500 girls since the home opened. The home bears the name of San Luisa de Marillac, humanitarian and co-founder of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. Appropriately, Mother Camarero’s life closely emulates the teaching of San Luisa: “Take good care of the service of the poor. Above all, live together in great union and cordiality, loving one another in imitation of the union and life of our Lord.” In addition to her work as director of the San Luisa De Marillac Home for Girls, for the past 20 years, Mother Camarero has visited local prisons every Sunday. With the inmates she sings, prays and conducts mass.  Every other week, she also visits areas of the Chaco to take food to indigenous settlements. In the area she has supervised the construction of houses, schools, wells, windmills, roads, and a health center. Dr. Moon, Chairman of the Global Peace Foundation and Mrs. Jun Sook Moon, Chairwoman of Global Peace Women, attended the 2012 awards ceremony at the Excelsior Hotel in Asuncion, Paraguay.

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Dr. Jun Sook Moon delivers the inaugural address for the launch of Global Peace Women in 2011. Seoul, Korea.

At the close of the Global Peace Convention 2011 in Seoul, Korea, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon launched Global Peace Woman, an initiative to engage women as crucial participants of peacebuilding.

He said, “The dream of peace cannot be achieved without the support of women who constitute half of the world’s population.  The original nature and the experience of women strengthen social activities and are essential to realizing the dream of establishing One Family under God.”

Below is the address given at the launch by Dr. Jun Sook Moon.

I would like to share with you just briefly, some of my thought and hopes of what we as women can do to build a more just and peaceful world.

I’m sure that you would agree that women have increasingly important roles to play today in our communities and nations. In fact, many today talk about this as the age of women. I believe that you would also agree that women bring unique qualities, aptitudes and talents to whatever roles we play. It has been said that women hold up one half of heaven, without our support, heaven would crumble, and the dream of peace never be realized.

We live today in a world of rapid and often confusing transformation, yet, there are some things that do not change. No matter how far we might travel, most of us have a special place in our hearts for our hometowns, and even more so for our homes. When I say home, what comes to your mind? Perhaps some thoughts of warmth, comfort and nurturing, all within the embrace of family. Home after all is where the heart is.

And our thoughts and feelings about home are interrelated with family.  However grand or humble the external circumstances, what is most important to us is the heart that we feel within our family. Who is the center of the home, the source of nurturing within the family?  It is the mother.

My husband, as you know is very passionate in promoting the vision of One Family Under God, a vision that we sorely need to bring our fractured world together. Recently he has been urging me to get involved in the critical role that women must play in making this vision a reality. In fact, women have tremendous practical gifts, and a unique role in helping this vision take root and become a settled way of life.

After all, every man emerged from a womb, and every adventurer strode out of his lover’s arms to make his mark on the world. Women, as mothers, wives, sisters and daughters, have a natural gift to create an environment and experience of home and family. With those gifts they must take a lead in translating the vision of One Family Under God into a living reality, one family at a time.

That is why we are launching Global Peace Women. We believe that we can make an indispensable contribution to realize the dream of One Family Under God, by engaging and empowering women of all backgrounds and stations in life in this great endeavor.

Our first task, I believe, is to encourage and empower women in their unique roles in the family. Mother’s nurture and educate the next generation, and invest the heart that binds the family together. Ideally they instill in their children the seeds of hope and peace. To me, empowering women means providing information, understanding and tools that enables them to make positive advances in their daily lives. I want to connect efforts and share the successes that we achieve locally to our growing global network.

As all women know, and wise men understand, we women are tremendously resourceful. Give us a won and we will make it go a long away.

Last year at the GpF in Nepal I visited one of the community libraries that we had set up. Women were learning to read for the first time in their lives, and that experience was transforming to not only themselves but their entire families and communities. Those who could read wanted to teach their neighbors, especially other women who had not yet learned. Lesson such as this learned in Nepal, for example, could then readily be shared with women in the Philippines or Kenya, seeking new opportunities.

Motivated by the vision of One Family Under God, I believe that Global Peace Women can become a significant contributor in communities and nations around the world.

But experience shows that our work should not just be about engaging women from comfortable backgrounds in good homes, but reaching out to women in the poorest circumstances and giving them the little they need to elevate themselves and their families.

In conclusion, I would like to share with you our vision statement for Global Peace Women, which I believe encapsulates the spirit with which we begin this vital work.

“The patient heart of a mother, the sympathetic heart of a wife, the supporting heart of a sister, the devoted heart of a daughter, bringing humankind together into One Family Under God.”

Our troubled world surly needs our commitment, our effort and most importantly, our love. I hope you can join with me in this noble effort.

May God bless you and your family. Thank you very much.

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