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President Otto Perez Molina, of Guatemala greets members of the Latin American Presidential Mission.

On September 11, the 4^th Esquipulas Regional Forum was hosted in Guatemala City. The forum entitled, “The Central American Dream: A Reality in Construction” was an in-depth discussion of challenges facing Central America.

The Esquipulas Foundation together with the Latin American Presidential Mission were the primary organizers. Co-conveners included the Ministry of International Relations and the Presidential Office of Guatemala, local and regional businesses, and NGOs including the Global Peace Foundation, Guatemalan Red Cross, think-tank IDPPS, and the National Leadership Conference of Uruguay.

Ms. Olinda Salguero, Director of Esquipulas Foundation, said of the forum, “This space is to promote the development of the region, democracy, peace and integration.” Nine former heads of state of the Latin American Presidential Mission, participated in the forum along with many other experts from fields such as human rights, education, and business.

The regional representative of the Global Peace Foundation for Latin America, Mr. Thomas Field, introduced the former presidents at the plenary entitled, “Strengthening Democracy and Integration for Latin American Development”, while the former president of Guatemala and founder of the Esquipulas Foundation, Dr. Vinicio Cerezo, called on forum participants to consider paths to move the process for integration of Central American forward. . “The models of development since 1994 have not resolved many of the issues that remain after the peace process, such as social problems and the equal inclusion of the people in the country’s wealth and welfare,” he said.

Top to bottom: Members of the Latin American Presidential Mission present at the 4th Esquipulas Regional Forum, former presidents: Carlos Mesa of Bolivia, Ernesto Semper of Colombia, Dr. Antonio Saca, of El Salvador, Vinicio Cerezo of Guatemala, Nicolás Ardito Barletta of Panama, Gustavo Noboa of Ecuador, and Alvaro Colom of Guatemala, Global Peace Foundation regional representative of Latin America introduces former presidents, Olinda Salguero, Director of the Esquipulas Foundation

The forum featured six panels addressing a wide-range of issues related to Central American development.

• Panel one addressed how to protect and raise youth to become active participants in nation-building. It also addressed issues of gender based violence, a major hindrance to development.
• The second and fifth panel discussed development opportunities through science, technology and a green economy. Panelists urged cross-sector cooperation, and innovation driven by a common regional vision.
• The third panel, entitled, “Peace, Democracy and Integration for Development” examined the progress that has been made in Central America since the Esquipulas Agreements I and II. While the region has seen a relative period of peace and democracy, there are still outstanding issues like impending conflicts and unequal access to development opportunities. Panelists took a closer look at how to forge ahead using assets like its geographical location and increased regional integration.
• The fourth panel took on a hot topic in Central America: justice and regional security in light of the ongoing battle against drugs. Dubbed the “North-Triangle” of Central America, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras have seen increasing drug activity. Drug activity has migrated there to avoid international surveillance in Mexico, Colombia and the Caribbean. The drug trade has had major adverse effects, from compromising rule of law, to affecting youth culture, and increased local violence. The panel examined concrete alternative to fighting the drug war.
• The sixth panel reframed the geopolitics of the region. Panelists recognized that improved transportation and communication technology has made the world a “global village. Recognizing the changing landscape allows for new opportunities for business and trade, regional cooperation and democratic participation.

The Latin American Presidential Mission (LAPM) continues to grow and expand since its launching at the 2012 Global Peace Convention in Atlanta. Each former president brings their particular experience and wisdom to the table. Staying true to its founding commitment, the LAPM focuses on the underlying universal principles and values when discussing hot topics concerning the American Hemisphere.

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Latin American Presidential Mission Discussion Panel (left to right Juan Carlos Wasmosy, Jaime Paz Zamora, Gustavo Noboa, Carlos Mesa )

Since its inception in 2012, the members of the Latin American Presidential Mission have pledged their experience, leadership and action in service to the development, stability and growth of the American Hemisphere.

Recently the Latin American Presidential Mission organized two conferences in Montevideo, Uruguay on August 19-20. The first, “Democracy, Rule of Law and the Judiciary System,” took on specific and timely challenges that have threatened the democratic stability and economic development of particularly, the Central American region.

Since the turn of the decade, the Central American countries that stand in the thoroughfare of the south to north trafficking of illegal drugs, firearms and people, have witnessed an insurgence of violence and lawlessness. Studies have shown that lawlessness and political instability have direct impact on foreign investment, effectively stalling economic development.

The conference directly confronted issues such as the rising corruption and violence in Central America, as well as the necessity for a separation of state powers: judicial, executive and legislative, to ensure good governance and judicial transparency. According to IDPPS, a conference co-sponsor, “The separation of powers is a major determinant of whether Latin America progresses towards or regresses away from securing the liberties and rights of its people, which are the symbols of a free society.”

Along with former presidents Juan Carlos Wasmosy of Paraguay, Luis Alberto Lacalle and Jorge Batlle of Uruguay, Gustavo Noboa of Ecuador, Vinicio Cerezo of Guatemala, Jaime Paz Zamora of Bolivia, other leaders signed the Montevideo Declaration, pledging to defend democracy in Latin America.

Vinicio Cerezo mentors up and coming leaders at the conference on mentoring current and up and coming leadership

The second conference was a step towards forging mentorships between the former presidents and the next generation. The conference entitled, “Emerging Leadership and the Experience of Former Presidents” allowed the former leaders to candidly put forth their experiences and wisdom to the younger generation. They concluded that principles and values are the compass by which good leaders navigate through crisis.

Olinda Salguero, Director of the Esquipulas Foundation urged Central American leaders to work towards securing a better rule of law and democratic system to ensure the engagement of the young population. The majority of the population in Central America is under 35 years old, however, despite being better educated, a deficit of opportunities and civic and character education has led to their disenfranchisement. As a result, many youth have become a part of the violence and illegal activities of the region. Inter-generational dialogue such as the second conference, offer new paths for cultivating positive values and role models as well as opportunities.

The network of former presidents continues to grow, and they have made notable impact on the region. During conferences, they provided a much needed principled-based perspective to address challenging issues like governance, development and most recently rule of law. Moreover, their commitment to “the values and civic virtues of the best spiritual, democratic, and pluralistic traditions of humanity” has secured stability and attracted foreign investors in countries such as Paraguay.

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Members of the Latin American Presidential Mission, former presidents (left to right) Alvaro Colom and Vinicio Cerezo of Guatemala, Ernesto Samper of Columbia. Carlos Mesa of Bolivia and Juan Carlos Wasmosy of Paraguay.

Five former presidents, members of the Latin American Presidential Mission , demonstrated their continued commitment to public service, offering their experience and insights during the special sessions of the international conference on “Governance, Ethics and Development”, held in Asuncion, Paraguay on June 11. The Latin American Presidential Mission was a co-convener of the conference.

The conference highlighted Paraguay as the foreground for Latin American growth. Korean businessmen from banks, investment firms, and construction companies attended to consider prospects of furthering Paraguay-Korea trade relations.

 “Development and Democratic Sustainability vs. Populism”

In the session entitled “Development and Democratic Sustainability vs. Populism” former presidents Carlos Mesa of Bolivia and Alvaro Colom of Guatemala candidly described the challenges of establishing political stability and development. They emphasized the importance of republican values and service to the people.

Former President Mesa warned against constructing systems of power based on one person. “When the political process is a person, when a person is revolution, is change, is legitimacy, democratic institutions are weakened or destroyed completely. It is a terribly destructive factor,” said President Mesa according to ABC Color.

President Mesa said that the presence of what he called “neo-populous states” in Latin America does not signify a trend towards authoritarianism. Instead he observes that Latin America “is progressively strengthening its democratic mechanisms of reform and republican values.”

ABC Color reported President Colom describing the significant progress that Guatemala has made. Ten years ago, it would have been unthinkable to have investments from Chile, Brazil and Peru like there are today. President Colom commented that healthy populism works for the citizens: to reduce poverty, improve health coverage, education, and care for the young. However, populism instated for personal electoral interests is damaging.

Former senator and current Minister of the Court of Accounts of Uruguay, Ruperto Enzo Long, who also sat on the panel, stressed that ethics must underlie all policies for economic and social development. In his home country, policies have not closed the gap between rich and poor by stimulating a vibrant middle class, instead cash transfer programs have stagnated generations of citizens in poverty.

 “Economic Integration with Ethics without Ideological Prejudices”

Former president Juan Carlos Wasmosy urged for regional economic integration based on shared interests rather than competing national interests and ideological differences in the session entitled “Economic Integration with Ethics without Ideological Prejudices”

UltimaHora reported President Wasmosy calling Paraguay’s recent exclusion from MERCOSUR, a regional trade organization, “selfish” and based on “meaningless ideological disputes.” He said, “Without freedom there can be no trade integration.” He called for greater regional cooperation based on shared values and common interests.

 “The democratic system must be functional and deliver the promise of the citizens’ well-being. Therefore it cannot be ideological. It is permissible for political parties to have ideology, but the democratic system must transcend the right or left; it must be fair and functional.” Former President Vinicio Cerezo, Guatemala

According to UPI Español, fellow panelists, Brazilian Deputy Nelson Maquezelli, assured Paraguayan leaders that Brazil is working to receive Paraguay back into MERCOSUR “with the red carpet”.

The session also examined the challenges of ethical and sustainable economic growth, particularly the challenge of conserving natural resources for future generations while meeting the urgent needs of the most vulnerable in Latin America. Conclusively the session recognized the need to identify the unique strengths of each nation while generating a common regional and global vision upon which long-lasting economic relations can grow.

“Economic Investment for Democratic Stability and Social Development in Latin America,”

Members of the Latin American Presidential Mission stressed the importance of ethics in governance and development.

Former presidents Vinicio Cerezo of Guatemala and Ernesto Samper of Columbia spoke during the session entitled “Economic Investment for Democratic Stability and Social Development in Latin America,” with Gonzalo Quintana, former senator of Paraguay.

President Cerezo said, “The democratic system must be functional and deliver the promise of the citizens’ well-being. Therefore it cannot be ideological. It is permissible for political parties to have ideology, but the democratic system must transcend the right or left; it must be fair and functional.”

President Semper stressed the need for a return to ethics in politics. Politics, he said, should be a dialectic of ideas discussed before the people, not a monopoly of one ideology.

Both former presidents stressed that democratic stability will open doors to international trade and investment and economic progress in Latin America.

The members of the Latin American Presidential Mission have pledged  to secure better hemispheric cooperation and regional development, and put forth  their experience, knowledge and testimony to do so. They have reached a consensus that these goals can only be achieved by upholding certain universal principles and values.

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Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, Chairman of the Global Peace Foundation interview with Kyung Hyang Newspaper.

During the recent international conference on “Governance, Ethics and Development” in Asuncion, Paraguay, Kyunghyang Newspaper writer JooYeon Park sat down with GPF Chairman Dr. Hyun Jin Moon. The following is a translation of her article printed at the end of June – a look at Dr. Moon’s thoughts on Korea as a model for economic and social development, Paraguay as the center of Latin American advancement, and spiritual principles and values as the force for sustainable peace.

Third son of Rev. Sun Myung Moon, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon says “Paraguay is the land of opportunity if Korean companies invest.”

Asuncion (Paraguay) | 박주연 jypark@kyunghyang.com
People and IssuesㆍUCI Group President Dr Hyun Jin Moon

On the opposite side of the globe, in Paraguay, he was the ‘VIP (國賓)’. When he traveled from place to place, he was escorted by a squad of police cars complete with blaring sirens.  He received warm welcomes from the incumbent president and former presidents of Paraguay, and  was invited to meet president-elect Horacio Cartes at his residence.  Cartes begins his term in August. The City of Asuncion presented him with a special recognition as a Distinguished Visitor. This man is UCI Group President and GPF Chair Dr. Hyun Jin Moon (44·pictured), third son of the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon of the Unification Church. UCI is a global organization established by the late Rev. Moon in 1977. It owns True World Foods, a major U.S. seafood distributor, Washington Times Aviation, and Ilsung Construction. Dr. Moon founded GPF, an NGO, in 2008 that implements inter-religious peace initiatives and social innovation programs in 22 developing countries including Paraguay and Kenya.

The international conference was held at Hotel Excelsior in Asuncion on June 10^th and 11^th, organized by IDPPS, a Paraguayan strategic think-tank for national development supported by Dr. Moon, and a coalition of former heads of states in Latin America. Geopolitically speaking, Paraguay is the heart of Latin America, but it is the poorest country in the region. The conference ultimately aimed to present a roadmap for the advancement of Latin America by boosting the economy through a transformation of Paraguay’s consciousness  and foreign investment. The conference convened 400 people, including 6 former heads of states from Guatemala, Colombia, Bolivia, and Paraguay, cabinet ministers of Paraguay, dignitaries from various sectors, and media. Participants from Korea included Woori Bank, Shin Financial Group, Korea Expressway Corporation, and Korail.

Dr. Moon was interviewed on the morning of the 12^th at Hotel Excelsior. He repeatedly emphasized the need for the Korean government and corporations to take an interest in the issues of world peace and Paraguay’s development. He preferred to speak in English rather than his limited Korean.

“Within 60 years, Korea was able to emerge from the ruins of war and become an economic powerhouse .  It can be a role model for many developing countries,” he said. “In order to enhance its global leadership, Korea needs to take an interest and invest in the region of Latin America. It is the second biggest bloc in the world with enormous resource and development potential,” he stressed.

The greatest outcome of this global conference is the consensus reached among the leadership of this region to eliminate feudalism, which is a prerequisite for progress in Latin America.

“In particular, Paraguay is bordered by Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia. Once infrastructure like roads, rail lines, and harbors are established, the country can become a gateway and hub in Latin America. Yet, the reality is there are still remnants of feudalism where small elites control the political, economic and social lives of their nations. This has contributed to widespread poverty, political instability and corruption. Until now, foreign investment has been deterred by these high-risk factors. However, in recent years the government has implemented new democratic procedures and the country has begun operating as a free market economy. In addition, the new government is highly interested in economic development and hopes to increase foreign investment. I am voluntarily serving as a mediator. I hope that Korean corporations can get a step up in the market.”

“The greatest outcome of this global conference is the consensus reached among the leadership of this region to eliminate feudalism, which is a prerequisite for progress in Latin America,” he continued.

“I shared my vision for Paraguay during my discussion with president-elect of Paraguay Horacio Cartes, two days ago. I made it clear to him that for the advancement of Paraguay he should look beyond the agriculture and energy industries. I emphasized that it is necessary to develop the service sector and value-added industries and to stimulate the education of this work force.”

He said, “We were able to test Paraguay’s potential in Puerto Casado, in the Chaco region of Northern Paraguay. The results were quite fruitful.” Puerto Casado, a small city populated by 6,000 people, is one of the poorest areas in Paraguay and has been historically afflicted by corruption and crime. GPF and IDPPS have been engaged in numerous community programs that involve local residents including poverty eradication projects like creating a fish farm and organic vegetable farm, reform movements, and city beautification since 2008. So far jobs have been created for 800 families and the city has been revived.

Dr. Moon wants to be regarded as ‘spiritual leader.’ He talked about the Unification Movement and his father, but declined to comment further on the situation of the current Unification Church, which is going in a direction different from his, or the contentious topic of succession. He remarked, “Some Unification Church leaders with ill intentions are creating problems. They manipulated media to their advantage. They blame my father and come up with sensationalized stories of sibling strife like the “Revolt of the Princes”, in order to  drive me and my brothers out of the Unification Church, but it is not true.”

Then, what world does he dream of building? He says his dream is to fulfill the vision of One Family under God. That is to create a peaceful happy world that is not divided by religion, race, and national borders.

For the original article in Korean visit: Kyunghyang Shinmun

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Latin American Presidential Mission published its June report.

In its June report,the Latin American Presidential Mission covered the recent conference on “Governance, Ethics and Development” held in Asuncion, Paraguay from June 10-13.

The conference addressed critical issue of Latin American Development such as:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. The importance of international investment and economic endeavors in Latin America
               2. The challenges of democratic consolidation
               3. Development and regional democratic sustainability
               4. Economic integration with ethics without ideological prejudices
               5. And investment in social development.

The report also has candid photos of the Day of Peace in the Chaco commemoration where the former presidents of Paraguay (Juan Carlos Wasmosy) and Bolivia (Carlos Mesa) embraced in peace and brotherhood, and the impromptu trip to the Itaipu Dam development project, courtesy of former President Wasmosy.

Five former presidents, members of the Latin American Presidential Mission, offered their experience, testimony and leadership to foster international cooperation and regional development.

Read the report in Spanish: http://misionpresidencial.com

Or download the full Latin American Presidential Mission Report on the International Conference.

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Dr. Moon receives honorary citizenship from Mayor Samaniego of Asuncion, Paraguay. (photo credit: NewsIs)

Korean news outlet, NewsIs reported Dr. Moon receiving the honor of  “distinguished visitor” from the Mayor of Asuncion for the work of the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) in Paraguay on June 11,2013.

At the international conference on “Governance, Ethics and Development” Dr. Moon said, “Ever since I first visited this nation, I have always believed that Paraguay, given its geographic centrality as well as its unique historic and cultural roots, could and would be the metaphoric “womb” of a rebirth of Latin America.”

GPF began assertively investing in Paraguay in 2008. That year, Dr. Moon organized a cattle drive for peace that took him and a number of rising leaders of Paraguay across the Chaco region. He recalls, “I saw the greatness of the Paraguayan people and the bright future for this nation if it was encouraged to dream big, to think big and to act big.” Shortly after, GPF held the first Global Peace Festival in Paraguay.

Since then, GPF has built partnerships and initiatives for the development and stability of Paraguay.

In Alto Paraguay, abandoned fish ponds have been revived to provide fish and livelihood for the nearby villages. Universities and the local government have worked with GPF to create an organic community farm.  The villagers collectively support it and in return they have fresh vegetables to add to their diet.

GPF has supported the think-tank, IDPPS, to promote democratic values, transparency and good governance in Paraguay as well as the rest of Latin

GPF partnerships and initiatives in Paraguay (top right to bottom left): “Living for the Sake of Others” awards, Latin American Presidential Mission, IDPPS, organic community farm, social service projects

America. An outcome of its work has been the formation of the Latin American Mission, supported by 19 former presidents who have committed to strengthening North-South American relations and sparking a hemispheric awakening.

One of the key areas of focus for the Latin American Presidential Mission is business. A delegation of Korean businessmen attended the international conference on “Governance, Ethics and Development” and are scheduled to go on a fact-finding tour to explore trade and investment opportunities.

For the youth who are the future of Paraguay, GPF has worked with the Department of Education and other partners to implement character education programs and social service projects such as cleaning parks and painting schools.

Through the annual “Living for the Sake of Others” awards, self-respect classes and various social service programs, the women’s division of GPF works for the advancement of women.

Dr. Moon told the attendees of the conference, “Now is Paraguay’s time to shine.”

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June 12, 2013| Asuncion, Paraguay

Global Peace Foundation Chairman Hyun Jin Preston
Moon addresses a conference on Governance, Ethics, and Development in Asunción.

Stressing their shared moral and spiritual roots, Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Chairman Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon called for closer cooperation between the nations of North and South America, in Asuncion, Paraguay, on June 11 2013. “Leaders in both the U.S. and in Latin America need to understand the import and opportunity that can be found in the mutual relationships of the Americas,” he told participants at the international conference on “Government, Ethics, and Development.”

The one-day conference was sponsored by Instituto de Desarrollo del Pensamiento Patria Soñada, a GPF-supported research institute in Asunción, and

Global Peace Foundation Paraguay, with support of the Latin American Presidential Mission, Esquipulas Foundation of Guatemala, the Leadership Conference of Uruguay, and others. The conference included the participation of former Presidents Juan Carlos Wasmosy of Paraguay, Vinicio Cerezo and Alvaro Colom of Guatemala, Ernesto Samper of Colombia, and Carlos Mesa of Bolivia.

The program presented sessions of the challenge of consolidating democracy in Latin America; economic investment to advance stable democratic governance and social development; the tension between democracy and populism; and economic investment to moderate conflict and instability.

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

He stressed the need to seriously and comprehensively address issues such as security and social inequity in the country. “Many people are looking to Paraguay after years of international isolation,” Dr. Altamirano said, “and for the first time this forces the country to think strategically.” Dr. Jose Altamirano, Director of Instituto de Desarrollo del Pensamiento Patria Soñada, said that the incoming government will need to emphasize effectiveness and efficiency as an “inevitable direction, because otherwise efforts disperse.”

Above: Former Heads on State from four Latin American
countries addressed the conference, which drew participation
from government leaders, scholars, and business professionals.

In his remarks, Dr. Moon also recalled his experience among the Paraguayan people, especially fireside talks at camps on a cattle drive through Alto Paraguay amid some of the poorest towns and indigenous communities. “Paraguay’s history reflects the heart of a peace-loving, inclusive people who, unlike other nations in the Americas, embraced the native population, even adopting their language of Guarani as part of the national heritage,” he said.

The GPF Chairman further underscored the importance of the founding of the Latin American Presidential Mission, comprised of nearly 20 former Heads of State, at the Global Peace Convention in Atlanta in December 2012. He said the Presidential Mission is committed to strengthening relations between the North, Central and South America and the Caribbean as well as promoting a hemispheric spiritual awakening centered on universal principles and values.

“Leaders in both the U.S. and in Latin America need to understand the import and opportunity that can be found in the mutual relationships of the Americas,” Dr. Moon said. “Most importantly, enduring relationships that yield good results must be based upon ethical principles and shared values, for these provide the foundation that fosters mutual respect, collaborative efforts, and shared benefits.”

Visit: www.globalpeace.org for the full story.

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Tuesday, June 11, 2013| Asunción- Paraguay

Dr. Moon calls on political, business, media and civil society leaders to spark a hemispheric movement for peace.

Esteemed former presidents, dignitaries and ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinct honor to greet you in this beautiful land of Paraguay—a nation which holds a special place in my heart—and to share a few words with this prominent gathering of national and international political, social, religious and business leaders.

It would take too long to mention each of you by name, but I would like to give special recognition to the former presidents who took the time out of their busy schedules to be with us today as special representatives of this distinguished and august group of leaders:

Let us express our appreciation to Presidents Juan Carlos Wasmosy of Paraguay, Vinicio Cerezo and Alvaro Colom of Guatemala, Ernesto Samper of Colombia, and Carlos Mesa of Bolivia for joining us here today.

Paraguay’s Time to Shine

Since my last visit here a year ago, “much water has flowed under the bridge,” as the popular Spanish saying goes. Despite serious difficulties, the interim government held general elections for a new president and administration on April 21^st, which was acknowledged by numerous international observers as a fully legitimate and properly conducted election. This is a time for Paraguay to shine.

Today, there is a duly elected government that will soon come into office, peacefully and with unquestioned legitimacy. I see this as a great moral and political victory for the people of Paraguay, clear evidence that true republican ideals and the first principles of a well-functioning democracy can take hold in this region.

Now, however, Paraguayans must look ahead and build upon their achievements by developing a proactive road map to unleash intrinsic social and economic opportunities. Paraguay has always had great potential, yet, was unable to harness that potential due to the political challenges it has faced in the early years. But, with the precedent of the recent elections, it stands on a new footing of legitimacy that is gaining recognition from the international community. I believe this is a time for Paraguay to shine.

Differing Heritages of North and South America

Today’s conference on “Governance, Ethics and Development” is of great and timely significance for Paraguay, this region and the entire hemisphere. As we in the West know, the American hemisphere’s unique contribution to modern global history would not have been possible without the paradigm shifts in worldviews brought forth by the Renaissance and Reformation in Europe.

Many who made the long voyage across the Atlantic came with hopes of a new beginning filled with opportunities in this new land. Yet, over the course of several centuries, the stories of North America and South America and Latin America unfolded very differently with real qualitative and quantitative consequences for their people, although they were all of primarily Christian and European descent.

The fundamental difference lay in their heritage. North America was shaped by the British legacy, which paved the way for the first constitutional government, and the recognition of “fundamental rights” of all Englishmen.

On the other hand, the Central and Southern regions of the Americas were largely influenced by the more feudal political-religious traditions of the Iberian Peninsula that remained a bastion and champion of old Europe.

Thus, the impulses for fundamental reform and changes that the Renaissance and Reformation brought to Great Britain did not materialize in Spain and Portugal.

Naturally, this had a great impact on the relative developments and history of the aforementioned regions and their respective national revolutions for independence from their European progenitors.

Therefore, although the South American revolutions in the 19^th century strove to establish regional political blocs similar to that in North America, they were unable to do so.

Latin America fragmented into many independent autonomous nation states that were still heavily influenced by the old systems and traditions of the Iberian Peninsula.

Even today, Latin America struggles with this legacy, since relatively small elites control the political, social, religious and economic lives of their nations, thus creating the circumstances of discontent in which radical ideals such as communism and liberation theology have emerged and taken root. Whereas many developing democracies around the world have dealt with the inequities of feudal societies, Latin America still faces that challenge.

That is why I am so excited about the transformations taking place here in Paraguay.

The “Womb” of Latin America’s Rebirth

Ever since I first visited this nation, I have always believed that Paraguay, given its geographic centrality as well as its unique historic and cultural roots, could and would be the metaphoric “womb” of a rebirth of Latin America.

Its history reflects the heart of a peace-loving, inclusive people who, unlike other nations in the Americas, embraced the native population, even adopting their language of “Guarani” as part of the national heritage.  But of all and most importantly, Paraguayans have always recognized and honored God in their families, communities, and in the life of their nation.

It was for this reason that I held the first Global Peace Festival here in Paraguay in 2008 during a period of immense internal political strife for this country.

I emphasized the importance of moral and innovative leadership and the need to set the proper precedents for this young republic to continue on a path toward the fulfillment of its great potential.

Dr. Moon and fellow cowboys sit around the fire during a cattle drive in 2008 across the Chaco region of Paraguay.

I still remember the one and a half hour debate I had with then President Nicanor Duarte on the importance of vision, principles and values and the need to set the proper legacy of a peaceful democratic transition in order for this fragile democracy to survive.

I also recall my speech at the National Congress where I once again I emphasized the points I made to the president as well as challenged the Congress to build a new country centered upon universal spiritual principles and values, and the vision of “One Family under God.”

My fondest memories come from my direct experiences with the Paraguayan people. I am told that the cattle drive I conducted with a group of young Paraguayan elites through the Chaco that same year is still talked about today.

I remember well the fireside talks I had with those young men as we camped each night on our journey through Alto Paraguay amid some of the poorest towns and indigenous communities.

I also vividly recall the transformation in them as we rode into the town of Maria Auxilidora and had the privilege to be offered a humble, yet delicious meal by its inhabitants. Many of those young men had never had such an experience, and I witnessed the social divide that had separated the rich and poor of this nation for centuries disintegrate in the face of our common humanity.

There, I saw the greatness of the Paraguayan people and the bright future for this nation if it was encouraged to dream big, to think big and to act big.

Upon my return to Asuncion after the cattle drive, I had the opportunity to speak to 30,000 young people at the first Global Peace Festival in Olympia Stadium.

There, I challenged them to dream the greatest dream of all and to build “One Family under God” and to take ownership for the future destiny of their nation. To my delight, the response was overwhelming.

I specifically recall the immense excitement, energy and sense of hope that shaped that evening events. The whole nation was being energized to take charge of its destiny and its effects were palpable.

GPF in Paraguay

In 2009, we launched the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) in Paraguay. Since then, GPF has been advancing character education programs in schools throughout the country in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.

We organize youth volunteers to do social service work such as plant trees, clean parks, and paint schools. In addition, we are promoting the advancement of women through our annual “Living for the Sake of Others” award as well as other programs which allow women to contribute directly to their communities.

In the town of Puerto Casado, GPF has worked unceasingly to provide relief to the townspeople in the form of medical and dental care, educational programs, donations of food, clothing, blankets, school and sports equipment and so much more.

Shortly thereafter, we established the Association for the Development of the Chaco, which has set up a communal vegetable farm, a major fish farm, and a bakery, providing jobs on a rotational basis to hundreds of people in Alto Paraguay and helping to improve their diet. All these efforts were to create a stable way of life for the people of Alto Paraguay, that they could take pride in and responsibility for.

Next, in 2010, recognizing the need for a think-tank which could help to make a road-map for Paraguay’s future development, I encouraged the founding of the “Institute for the Development of Thought: Patria Sonada (IDPPS) under the able leadership of the Honorable Dr. Jose Altamirano.

The Presidential Mission is committed to strengthening relations between the North, Central and South America and the Caribbean as well as promoting a hemispheric spiritual awakening centered on universal principles and values.The Institute has achieved a great deal in a short time, especially through its work on a development model for the vast, poverty-stricken Chaco region based on mobilizing public and private partnerships.

In addition, besides a number of local conferences, seminars and workshops, IDPPS has successfully carried out or partnered in three major Global Peace Leadership Conferences – in Asuncion in 2010, in Brasilia in 2011, and in Atlanta, in 2012. Each of these conferences also had the invaluable support of the Esquipulas Foundation of Guatemala, led by our illustrious former President Vinicio Cerezo, and the National Leadership Conference of Uruguay.

The Latin American Presidential Mission

At the Global Peace Convention in Atlanta last year, GPF, in alliance with these three prestigious institutions, launched the Latin American Presidential Mission, comprised of nearly, I wrote 20, but I guess it’s 19 former Heads of State.

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.

The Presidential Mission is committed to strengthening relations between the North, Central and South America and the Caribbean as well as promoting a hemispheric spiritual awakening centered on universal principles and values.

Another focus areas of the Latin American Presidential Mission is trade and investment, and on this trip I have brought with me a group of Korean investors to see firsthand the enormous opportunities that are now opening up for this country and region.

Could you please rise, our Korean business group. Please, give them a round of applause.

That’s not all, we also brought along because the story of Paraguay needs to be brought around the world. So that they can report about the transformations that are happening in this region of the world, so distant from Asia, yet so close in terms of their experiences. Could we also have the journalists from the Korean media stand up.

Finally, the most important area of focus for the Latin American Presidential Mission is in the area of education, given the enormous untapped potential of Latin American youth.

A huge part of that task involves a broad form of educational initiatives targeting moral and civic development as much as practical skills and knowledge.

With proper education that emphasizes vision, principles and moral values, a new generation of leaders will set a new paradigm of leadership far removed from the continent’s feudal systems and traditions and its subsequent problems with corruption.

As President Carlos Antonio Lopez, the first president of Paraguay, said, “Schools are the best monuments that we can offer to freedom.” In other words, education should be fundamental and total, transforming the cultural and historic underpinnings of the region’s challenges and providing equal opportunity for all.

I’m sure that if Paraguay manifests this kind of ethical and moral revival, the construction of a new Republic that gives legal certainty, opportunity and security to all its citizens as well as foreign investors will lead to a tremendous blessing of peace and prosperity for this nation.

Entrepreneurs will pour in to invest long term, and the doors will open wide to improvements in infrastructure, better ways of production, new emerging industries and expanded uses of Paraguay’s abundant and diverse energy resources and reserves.

All of this in turn will allow this landlocked country to reach out beyond its borders and connect to the larger world, not only its close neighbors within the MERCOSUR alliance, but also, looking towards the Pacific to the alliance recently formed by Chile, Peru, Colombia and Mexico, and beyond, to countries as far away as Korea and the rest of East Asia.

A Spiritual Movement in Paraguay and the Americas

What I have shared with you today comes straight from my heart.

I love this country and wish to see it prosper. I hope you will think big and never give up your dreams.

You have overcome many obstacles throughout your history, including devastating wars in the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

Many used to think that Paraguay was the “basket-case” of Latin America.

They even believed that this nation would revert to totalitarianism due to recent political challenges. Yet, here you are. You have overcome great adversity and are still standing tall, poised to grasp the future with all the hunger and hope of an undying champion.

In conclusion, let me say that the vision of “One Family under God” can inspire and motivate a spiritual movement of renewal here in Paraguay and throughout the Americas.

My hope is that this conference will serve as a catalyst to spark that movement to life. I challenge each and every one of you, especially our esteemed presidents with us here today, to take up the mantle of moral and innovative leadership and to build a legacy of the highest ideals, for our communities, nations, and the entire human family.

I urge you all to join with me in this great endeavor, and work in you respective fields to secure that bright future for Paraguay, and all of your countries in Latin America,  throughout the region and this hemisphere.

Thank you very much for your commitment and may God bless each of you and your families.

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