Initiatives like the Global Peace Youth Corp have played a key part in instilling regional identity and civic responsibility centered on a common vision.

Latin America has a great opportunity. The global financial meltdown in 2008 brought to question traditional models of development and opened exploration for alternative examples. I believe Latin America is poised to lead the way in generating new balanced and sustainable models.

To seize this opportunity, however, it takes moral and innovative leaders who are willing to put aside their differences and agendas to work towards the common good of not just their country and region, but the world.

I am inspired that initiatives like the Instituto de Desarrollo del Pensamiento (IDPPS) that have opened the way for regional cooperation towards a Latin American Union. Courageous and large-minded leaders have stepped forward with great care to draft a roadmap for Latin American development that outlasts economic fluxes and changes in government. They are building a model based on enduring principles and values that recognize human rights and dignity and our responsibility towards the environment. These leaders have taken up the task of owning the vision of one family under God, a vision large enough to embrace the unique qualities of each nation and create a common goal upon which to build regional cooperation.

I am certain that we will see the best of Latin America leading the way for developing regions. Its deep spirituality, ready hospitality and warmth, and innate sense of extended family are the foundations upon which new models of cooperation and development are being created not just for Latin America but the rest of the world.

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

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

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

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

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