(Updated on Jan. 15, 2021)

On Martin Luther King Jr. day, the United States celebrates the man, his legacy and his call for a worldwide brotherhood of man. Dr. King understood the importance of working together beyond differences and demonstrated non-violent social action driven by love and peace.

In his final book, Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?, he describes the challenge we face as a world community in ways that are still relevant today:

“We have inherited a large house, a great “world house” in which we have to live together—black and white, Easterner and Westerner, Gentile and Jew, Catholic and Protestant, Moslem and Hindu—a family unduly separated in ideas, culture and interest, who, because we can never again live apart, must learn somehow to live with each other in peace.”

Even though he wrote these words in 1968, the message itself is timeless. Today, we continue to grapple with how to live together, figuring out the tougher topics of equality, fundamental values and rights, and unity amidst diversity.

The challenges the world community currently faces requires more, not less cooperation and collaboration from all the members of our diverse human family. Each and every culture and faith tradition has sought to encapsulate and pass down universal principles and shared values such as treating others with respect and kindness. Yet many times these have been distorted or misunderstood to be guidelines for only those within the identity lines of one’s own faith. There is an urgent need to acknowledge universal principles and moral guidelines to revolutionize the fate of our common “world house”.  

In short, we must realize – and soon – that we are deeply interconnected as one global family.  As Dr. King warned so prophetically:

“Together we must learn to live as brothers or together we will be forced to perish as fools.”

Throughout history, we have seen examples of inspired leadership in the lives of such figures as Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Rev. Martin Luther King., Jr. Each found inner resources to bear the weight of injustice. Each advanced a moral vision that overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles and then brought reconciliation through love and the spirit of forgiveness.

Gandhi’s march to the sea, King’s nonviolent civil disobedience, were innovative expressions of the transcendent vision expressed in America’s founding Declaration, that “All men are created equal, and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights.” These examples demonstrate that there are important universal truths, ideas that are not exclusive to one religion, nation, race, or culture. Peace needs such leaders who are driven by a vision to embrace all humanity and willingly commit their lives in pursuit of this vision.

Let us make this next year one where we can see through the lens that Martin Luther King once did – seeing the world in a familial vision and developing innovative new pathways to greater peace and prosperity. If we are all living in the “world house” together, we have to find a way to work together and to do it joyfully. To go one step further, inside this “world house”, lives a great big family, where are all connected as sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles, grandfathers and grandmothers.

To achieve lasting peace, this vision of “One Family Under God” cannot simply stay as a vision. It must be lived out in the everyday as a living, breathing reality.  It takes each and every one of us to believe, understand and practice this mindset of love and kindness to all. With the right kind of role models and moral, innovative leaders, communities, nations and the world can change right before our eyes. 

Happy Birthday Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

 

The following address was delivered at the opening plenary of the Global Peace Leadership Conference hosted in Ulaanbaatar’s Sukhbaatar Square, Mongolia on August 26, 2011.

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Introduction

 

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.  Welcome to the vast steppes of Mongolia for this historic Global Peace Festival.

Celebrating the 2,220^th year anniversary of the Hun dynasty as well as the centennial of Mongolian independence, this festival, in conjunction with the Global Peace Conference to be held later in Seoul, will introduce new approaches and insights to a Northeast Asian peace initiative centered upon a successful resolution to the ongoing crisis of the Korean peninsula. It will highlight Mongolia’s unique historic, cultural, and diplomatic status in the region, marking its important role as a leading advocate for peace, human rights, the rule of law, and the democratic process.

This is truly a momentous occasion for Mongolia and I am honored to recognize its leaders who made this festival and conference a reality. I would like to thank my friend President Elbegdorj for his support of the preparations for the Global Peace Festival of the Hun Origin People and the Global Peace Leadership Conference in addition to acknowledging the bold leadership of this nation’s Prime Minister Batbold in promulgating the official government decree sponsoring these events. I would also like to extend our appreciation to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Zandanshatar, for his important leadership and to recognize the work of our co-sponsoring organizations, the World Mongolian Convention and the Mongolian Peace and Friendship Union, represented here by Ambassador Tsakhilgaan and Ambassador Gombosuren.

May we give Minister Zandanshatar and the leadership of our host nation a warm round of applause?

We are honored to be joined by so many of the leading statesmen, academics, social activists and religious leaders from more than 30 different nations throughout the region and world.

And, given the regional importance of this festival in promoting peace, I believe specific mention needs to be made to the organizers of the historic Parliamentary Roundtable on Northeast Asia peace. I would like to thank and applaud the leadership of MPs Ochirbat and Ganbyanba of Mongolia’s State Great Hural, National Assemblywoman Young-sun Song of the Republic of Korea and Congressman Eni Faleomavaega, the Ranking Member of the US House of Representatives Asia Subcommittee. Their devotion to peace and stability in this region is commendable and we hope that their deliberations with their parliamentary counterparts will establish a framework for peace and prosperity for all people of Northeast Asia.

Let us join together to give all the parliamentarians who have joined us here today a warm round of applause and encourage their significant work.

Unique Heritage and Position of Mongolia

It is a great pleasure to return to Mongolia following the first Global Peace Festival held here over three years ago. The Global Peace Festival Foundation has convened leadership conferences, festivals for peace, and ongoing social impact programs in 30 nations and seven continents around the world. In less than four years, it has established itself as a globally recognized peace brand, working locally, regionally and internationally with governments, NGOs, religious organizations, social activists, businesses, academics and the media to promote a world of peace through the vision of “One Family Under God.”

GPFF is honored to be partnering with the Mongolian government and leading NGOs in this year’s historic Festival to celebrate the 2220^th anniversary of the Hun Empire and the 100^th anniversary of Mongolia’s restored independence. As you are aware, the creation of the Hun Empire in the 3^rd century BC and the Mongol Empire in the 13^th century were directly attributable to the need to end the incessant violence and conflict between the steppe clans and their lawless neighbors. Both Modun Shanyu and, later, Chinggis Khan yearned to bring peace by uniting the people of their worlds under “One Heaven.”

In particular, Chinggis Khan’s accomplishments in setting the stage for a Pax Mongolia are impressive even by modern standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Hundreds of years before the Reformation and the Enlightenment in Europe and, later, the creation of the United States, the vast continent of Eurasia saw the longest sustained reign of peace under the Mongol Empire. Central to this peace was a system of Great Laws which recognized the sanctity of human life, the importance of individual merit and effort and the family unit, as well as the freedom of trade, thought and religion.

Today Mongolia has crossed the threshold from its glorious past to the present. Modern Mongolia has already offered important examples to the world. In 1990, Mongolia made a transition from a single-party communist system to a multi-party democracy without violent civil conflict. It was a revolution of historic proportions, but the Mongolian character molded from the vast steppes and their nomadic past yearned for the freedom which could only be found in a western style democracy and the capitalist system. Since then, unlike other young democratic nations, it has held elections and changed governments several times without major disturbances. It is not surprising, then, that Mongolia, although fairly new to democracy, was recognized this year as the chair of the Community of Democracies. Let’s give Mongolia a round of applause.

It is also boldly making the transition to a free market economy with all its rewards and challenges. Its abundance of natural resources and pristine natural beauty is fueling industries in the mining, agriculture, tourism and service sectors as well as stimulating major direct foreign investments in infrastructural and industrial development. The Mongolian “gold rush” is at full steam but it is also followed by a growing concern about  irresponsible stewardship of the environment. Unlike some developing nations where the ideas of conservation and natural resource management are foreign concepts, it has been a way of life here in Mongolia for thousands of years and for many generations as nomadic herdsman carved out a living in these lands. With this heritage, Mongolians are leading the way in setting a standard for good natural resource governance.

Most of all, we are here today because Mongolia lies at the heart of the most volatile, geopolitically and economically charged region in the world. Nevertheless, it maintains good diplomatic relations with all major international and regional powers, particularly with both North and South Korea. Its recent history serves as a successful model of a peaceful transition from a communist political and economic system to a democratic political process and market-oriented economy. In addition, it’s unique past and the open-minded and friendly character of the Mongolian people puts it in a natural position to arbitrate the historic, diplomatic, ideological, political, economic and cultural divide which continues to plague this region.

The Importance of Universal Aspirations, Principles and Values

Ladies and gentlemen, the yearning for fundamental human rights and freedoms is a basic human aspiration that has been the motivation for all humanitarian and peace-building efforts around the world since after the Second World War. With the creation of the United Nations in 1945 , the global community has made great efforts to elevate the human condition through political, diplomatic and economic frameworks that address the symptoms of an ailing humanity, such as poverty, disease, environmental degradation, conflict and war. Yet, today, even after 66 years, people on every continent still experience hunger, lack basic medical care, endure violence on a daily basis. In my view it is fair to say that the United Nations, although founded upon lofty principles, has not fulfilled the mission it set out to fulfill.

Mongolia’s unique past and the open-minded and friendly character of the Mongolian people puts it in a natural position to arbitrate the historic, diplomatic, ideological, political, economic and cultural divide which continues to plague this region.

This critique of the UN is not to say that we should abandon these lofty goals or the institution, but to suggest that we need to explore new solutions and alternatives to accomplish a peaceful world. Some have proposed that scientific advancements in technology during this age of globalization, the internet, and social networking could dramatically improve the lives of average people by giving them instant access to information, trends and events around the world. These tools were a catalyst to the historic events unfolding in North Africa and the Middle East. Yet, it did not provide the means to bring a peaceful transition or end the still ongoing civil strife in that region.

Ladies and Gentlemen, at the end of the day, conflicting parties need to come together upon “common ground” for any serious dialogue to occur. We must recognize that the most fundamental human problems cannot be solved by politics, diplomacy, economics, or even science alone. Sustainable solutions ultimately must address root causes and, thus, must include the intrinsic spiritual dimension of the human experience.  Simply put, political authority cannot mandate, nor can money buy the virtues needed to resolve conflicts and build ethical and moral societies. Qualities such as compassion, forgiveness, respect, responsibility, integrity and, most of all, living for the sake of others, must be genuinely motivated by the heart and the human spirit. Thus, we need to establish a new framework for peace rooted in spiritual aspirations, principles and values which could be the common ground for disparate parties to meet.

In our post 9-11 world, there are many concerns about conflicts rooted in extremist, divisive doctrines and exclusivist practices promoted in the name of religion. What is needed today is a new perspective that recognizes the distinction between a greater spirituality versus a narrow religious advocacy for one’s own sectarian views. All human beings have an innate spirituality which is an essential dimension of life whether or not they hold any religious affiliation or are part of any organized religion. It is important to note that our modern notions of fundamental human rights and freedoms came from such a spiritual perspective.

Spirituality is a basis of fundamental truths – the universal aspirations, principles and values acknowledged by all people, regardless of race, regardless of nationality, regardless of ethnicity and most of all, regardless of religion. For me, the clearest evidence and greatest lessons about this essential spirituality are found in nature.  In the wilderness, one comes to understand that there is an essence to life far greater than things in our material lives. That is why I go to the mountains when I want to reflect deeply and renew my spirit.  I believe this is also why I feel so at home in Mongolia, because your culture is infused with an appreciation of nature and an innate spirituality expressed in the creation.

There are immutable principles and laws which govern the natural universe. These principles are also the foundation for a just, ethical and peaceful world.  It is vital that we seek greater understanding of these principles, as they can form the basis for a universally shared value system,  ultimately a global ethic.  At this time of greater integration through globalization and technology, there are contravening forces of increasing social, cultural and religious fragmentation. Therefore it is essential to establish shared aspirations, principles and values as the common ground for cohesion within society and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

United States and the Modern World

 Ladies and gentlemen, in examining the history of the last century, one development that stands out is the remarkable rise of the United States and its influence throughout the world. In its relatively short history, America has become the proverbial “city on the hill” where the diversity of humanity congregated to realize the “American dream.”  What is the American dream? The key to understanding the American miracle is not solely attributable to the democratic and capitalist system of governance and commerce. Those systems were but “empty vessels” where the spiritual aspirations, principles and values of a new nation were poured.

The most often cited secular document to champion the cause or idea of “inalienable rights”-which became the basis of our modern notion of human rights and freedoms –  the Declaration of Independence  It states that “we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, and that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Thus, essential human rights are not granted by any human institution but by the Creator and, therefore, cannot rightfully be denied or abridged by any government.

Our diverse and fragmented world sorely needs a universal application of such a model that transcends the divisive attributes of race, ethnicity, nationality and religion.  Such a vision is expressed in a simple phrase that holds profound meaning, that phrase is: One Family under God.  Thank you very much.

The transformative power of the vision to create One Family under God is found in the fundamental truth that all people, regardless of their differences are spiritual beings who share a common heritage in the one Creator. This powerful idea and vision is being advanced by the Global Peace Festival Foundation (GPFF) and its partners, and is resonating with people from diverse backgrounds on virtually every single continent.

Mongolia’s role is crucial. Unlike the participants of the Six Party Talks which have been polarized with vested historic, ideological, and strategic interests, Mongolia is a friend to all those participants with no vested interests besides the desire to broker good will, dialogue and cooperation. In addition, it has diplomatic relations and open contacts with both Koreas.

We have reached an inflection point in history with circumstances ripe for a paradigm shift of monumental proportions. Whether this affects our century in a positive or negative manner depends on the choices we make today. As a man of faith, I cannot but feel the hand of divine providence guiding these developments. At the same time, I feel the urgency for a new generation of global leaders to step forward and to make their mark in history. I submit to you that the deciding factor at such times is always moral and innovative leadership, on every level.  Such leadership exists to promote a “greater good” that can benefit not only individuals but the larger society, nation and world.

Moral leadership provides the roadmap for nation building by outlining a vision rooted in universal aspirations, principles and values, while innovative leadership provides the methods in which that vision can be realized. Both are like two sides of the same coin.

Unique Context and Challenge for Peace on the Korean Peninsula

Such leadership is nowhere more needed today than in addressing the issues on the Korean peninsula. Without a resolution to this longstanding stalemate, there can be no guarantee of peace and stability in the wider region.

After almost 60 years, there is still no official peace treaty ending the Korean War. In fact, the peninsula remains a source of instability not only for the region but globally. The past year has been perhaps the most contentious conflict in recent memory on that peninsula, with military clashes frequently making global headlines. The time is ripe; therefore, to explore new approaches to advancing peace and stability on the peninsula and the greater region through alternative track two efforts and cultural exchanges that can help mitigate tensions on the Korean peninsula. In that context, the Global Peace Leadership Conference and its theme, “Mongolia and Northeast Asia Peace,” is both timely and fitting.

Mongolia’s role is crucial. Unlike the participants of the Six Party Talks which have been polarized with vested historic, ideological, and strategic interests, Mongolia is a friend to all those participants with no vested interests besides the desire to broker good will, dialogue and cooperation. In addition, it has diplomatic relations and open contacts with both Koreas. Thus, given the current impasse and possibility of future disagreements down the road, Mongolia can play a unique role that countries like the United States, Japan, China and Russia could not fulfill. It is well-suited for an emerging role in developing innovative initiatives and best practices for reconciliation and development in the region, because of its historical background and geopolitical position as well as its own recent experiences.

Your collective discussions as parliamentarians, senior governmental officials, scholars, business people and civil society representatives should bear fruit in practical proposals for initiatives that can open doors and create new opportunities for a peaceful future in the region.

Northeast Asia and Korean Peninsula Peace Initiative

We must be cognizant that our world has entered the Pacific Rim era in which the nations in Asia along with the United States must find common cause.  What happens with North and South Korea is inextricably linked to the surrounding actors of Russia, China, Japan, Mongolia and the larger neighborhood of nations including the United States and ASEAN countries.

The challenge in mounting an enduring peace on the Korean Peninsula and across Northeast Asia must begin with recognition of the massive gulf in economic status between both Koreas.  In the case of Germany’s reunification, this was a paramount challenge that had to be overcome. Beyond the enormous cost factors of reunification, a far larger challenge is presented in the area of culture.  In the German case, East and West had vastly different ideologies and cultural practices despite their common history prior to the Cold War.

Hence in my earlier remarks I outlined a peace-building vision rooted in universal principles and values which are the essential foundation for peace.  We must form this common framework for peace and advance new track two cultural diplomacy that fully engages the values-generating institutions of civil society.  These institutions include our families, NGOs and faith-based institutions, academia and the private sector working in partnership with parliaments, governmental entities and the United Nations.

This Global Peace Leadership Conference and GPFF’s ensuing Global Peace Convention in Seoul have begun to frame and generate a whole array of partnerships across Northeast Asia and its surrounding neighbors. Our GPF Northeast Asia and Korean Peninsula Peace Initiative is being launched at this global conference with a range of public-private partnerships together with Mongolia and representatives from more than 30 different nations.   This new track two peace initiative of civil society joining in partnership with national governments, corporations and philanthropy has already established a track record for conflict resolution and peace in hot spots around the world.

Young people have the greatest capacity to dream big and think outside the box of past enmities.  I want to congratulate the more than 500 leaders assembled here this morning from Northeast Asia who are the vanguard of these cultural exchanges.  The International Youth Convention and Global Peace Youth Corps are equipping the next generation of peacebuilders working on college campuses and in community service projects to demonstrate living for the greater good beyond one’s own nationality or ethnic group.

I am also pleased to announce that the Dream Camp located here in Mongolia will be working with the Youth and Sports Ministries across the region, the International Peace Sports Foundation, Asia Football Conference and other GPF partners to develop a Northeast Asia Sports for Peace tournament in 2012. Thank you.

GPFF’s Character Competency Initiative is supporting ongoing character education partnerships with schools and communities not only here in Mongolia but across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the United States. The Power of Ten Turgik initiative has engaged tens of thousands of Mongolians in serving and supporting programs that help needy Mongolian children fulfill their dreams.

Today, we are also announcing that the GPConnect arm of GPFF will be establishing a regional center to support innovative models of community-driven development.  We are also laying the groundwork for a Northeast Asia Peace Service Corps. Young people, starting here this week in Mongolia, have commenced cross border service projects including tree planting to combat desertification, tackling challenges that face not only Mongolia but North and South Korea as well as China.  Over one million trees will be planted, tree nurseries will be launched and partnerships established with ministries, embassies, corporations and NGOs.

We are collaborating on community driven development with the Office of the President to further equip emerging leaders with best practices that can be seen across all of Northeast Asia on a regional basis and internationally through the Community of Democracies.

I am very pleased that a key part of this conference is the launch of the Northeast Asia Parliamentary Roundtable that includes not only Mongolia and its surrounding neighbors but parliamentarians from Southeast, South and Central Asia, the United States as well as Africa.

Our Northeast Asia and Korean Peninsula Peace Initiative will support the Mongolian government’s proposal for a new Northeast Asia dialogue mechanism for peace, such as the ASEAN and European communities have developed..  Through collaborations with think tanks, universities and other experts in the world of policy and academia, the best minds in the field of peace and security are being assembled to support these initiatives and Mongolia’s role in the Northeast Asia peace process.

Today’s sessions will also include the launch of an important global forum on “Peace through Trade and Investments.” I am pleased that a number of companies from Mongolia, Korea and other nations have joined this important forum, including the noted founder of the East Africa Business Alliance, my good friend Dr. Manu Chandaria.

Conclusion

We stand at a crossroads in history. The choices we make today and the leadership we exhibit, will have far-reaching impact on the future peace in the region and the world.

The Mongolian people have a rich and proud history, a strong spiritual heritage, and deep family traditions.  Mongolia is now poised to play a unique role as a leader for global peace which we will celebrate tomorrow at the culminating Global Peace Festival of the Hun Origin People.

I encourage you to put your best ideas, talents as well as resources in the deliberations of this conference and its culmination which will be the Ulaanbaatar Declaration.   We are pleased to announce that the Global Peace Convention in Seoul Korea this November 28-30 will continue these deliberations and action oriented partnerships to further advance the Northeast Asia and Korean Peninsula Peace Initiative.  I would like to welcome you to my homeland of Korea in November.

Ladies and gentlemen:   Let us join together with the proud Mongolian people to create a new dawn of peace beginning here in Northeast Asia that can cast a bright ray of hope for all the world’s peoples.

Thank you very much.

 

The following is Dr. Moon’s remarks at the close of the Global Peace Leadership Conference 2013 held at the Abuja Sheraton Hotel – Abuja, Nigeria. 

 

Thank you very much.  First of all, for all of the participants of this convention, both international and from here in Nigeria, please give yourself a round of applause. (Applause)

I know that the last two days have been a very hectic in schedule, because we wanted to make sure that as much could be brought out from this conference, because it is you, especially the leaders here in Nigeria that will need to carry the mantle forward to really bring about substantial change, in your communities in this great nation of Nigeria.

I know that you are challenged in many ways but at the same time I think that many of you were enlightened by the possibility of this great moment because of the ability of this great nation and this continent of Africa.

As I mentioned in my speech, the plenary, I believe that Africa is at a moment of transition.  You have reached a high pinnacle, and yet there are greater heights before you if you are willing to take on the challenge. And I am so moved by the very fact in meeting and speaking to the various leaders in this nation, that you are truly willing and ready to take that challenge.

When I mentioned that this is an exciting moment in the history of this continent, it is because it really is a break from the traditional relationship that this continent had with the developed world.  I believe that the developed world has lost its patina of  credibility over the last several years. With the breakdown of the financial system, with the lack of leadership on the global stage dealing with very real problems that are facing many, many people, millions of people around the world.  In this vacuum there is opportunity for new leadership to rise and set a new precedent.

Now, being someone from a developed country, I call America my home today, I know the potential of America, but at the same time I know the challenges within America.  When I come to a continent such as Africa, where all you have is your future ahead of you, and you can learn from the lessons of the nations that have charted the path of development before you.  You can pick and choose the path to your development.

This gives Africa and the developing world a tremendous bevy of opportunity to chart the path to their development, for their prosperity without having to sacrificing some of the more important things that many of the nations that came before you had to sacrifice for the sake of modernity.

Now as a Korean, I know this personally.  Yes, Korea, was at one point in its history, South Korea, was the poorest nation in the world after the Korean War. Yes, it was poorer than Nigeria.  Yet today,60 years later, it is the 12th largest economy in the world.  The Korean people reached those heights because they chose to be self-reliant.  They chose to determine their own future. In one sense they bought into the whole western model of development, even giving up some of their most cherished and most important parts of their culture and tradition. One of which is the Korean family.

I believe that the developing world, in Southeast Asia, in Latin America and in Africa, can learn from these lessons, so that they can chart a path for development that affects the lives, in a positive way, for all of their citizens, but at the same time, not lose something in the process.

And I believe that through this vision of ‘One Family under God’ and the fact that we are touching upon these root issues that can bring about a peaceful, harmonious united  humanity, which is our spirituality, rooted in principles and values, in a common spiritual vision.  Now in the past many institutions, organizations, individuals and nations have tried to deal and tackle the issue of conflict and peace and corruptions and they have done it through political or diplomatic means or economic aid.  And they have done and followed that same paradigm over decades and decades and decades with the same results, without resolving any major conflict in any part of our globe.

Without really, sincerely dealing with the issue of peace and defining what that means and without rooting out corruption that plagues all nations around the world even in the developed world.

The reason why, I believe, is because we have failed to identify how to address those issues. Those issues fall in the realm of ethics, morality, sense of right or wrong that is tied to humanity’s spirituality.

And yet, no one or organization has tried to deal with it from that perspective.  Yes, in the past there were many interfaith initiatives.  But, remember that the interfaith initiatives of the past have been vehicles to promote one faith tradition and gain acceptance by other faith traditions.  The interfaith approach of GPF, which is different from the interfaith approaches of the past, is that instead of just using interfaith as a vehicle to receive acceptance by other faith traditions, we have taken the approach that there is a common vision that motivates and animates all of humanity.  That vision is ‘One Family under God.’

But more importantly there is a common thread that exists in all of the faith traditions that articulates and identifies universal principles and values as the guiding compass of our daily lives. In other words faith traditions of people of faith have more in common than they do differences.  I would say that 80 % of what we believe, what we aspire to, and what we have in terms of a common ethic are identical. Maybe 10-20% in terms of our theology and doctrines might differ.  And yet it has been that 10-20% that has been the main reason why people of faith have never come together.

Well, GPF is offering another platform.  That we should come together on a common ground to deal with a common issue of our common humanity and that is to build ‘One Family under God.’  (Applause)

The amazing thing is, I remember when we were involved with this journey several years ago, when I started taking this message all around the world.  There were those cynics who would say ‘One Family under God’ sounds too much like a Christian message, will it work in the Muslim world? Well, ‘One Family under God’ sounds too much like an Abrahamic faith message, will it work in the Buddhist or Hindu world?   I think GPF over the years has developed a track record as we went to every single continent around the world, meeting and engaging with people of faith, of all different faith traditions.

If you look at this panel today, we have a Muslim, we have a Methodist, we have a Jain, we have Christians, we have Hindu’s, we have white, black, American, African,  Korean. In other words, all those pretensions that we put aside because we recognize our common humanity, and our common destiny together through the vision of One Family Under God.

 We can come together in agreement because we share common principles and values that can move the human family forward in building a world of peace. And that is the great contribution of this great work. It is tremendous honor for me to come to this nation of Nigeria, the largest nation on the continent. I was told, not by a Kenyan, but I was told, not by other Africans, I was told, by everyone outside of Africa, that if Nigeria moved, Africa will follow. (Applause)

Now, this is the first time I’ve come to Nigeria. And believe me, you showed me a lot. You know, many times I tell my staff, you know, I come to these nations and I never get to see the nation itself. Usually I’m stuck in this conference, I’m stuck in meetings, but actually, I value those meeting the most, as I‘ve met with the leaders of this nation. Because as I’ve said in my speech, I do not see the greatest value in its resources, although you have tremendous resources, you have tremendous potential. I see the true value of this nation in its people, in the potential of leaders that I can inspire. I hope to put a spark in them and enable them to dream big for this nation and for this great continent of Africa.

It is in those meeting that I saw, I told Bishop Sunday, you Africans, you guys joke so much, everything is a joke. But you have a tremendous sense of humor that is contagious. (applause)For someone who comes from outside this continent, because we see on CNN, Fox News, and on the media all the time, all the problems happening all the time. We see the pictures of starving children, of conflict zones where tremendous horrors have been conducted by one race or tribe to another, or one religion to another. And of course, we’re moved by that, and we’re concerned by that, but as I come to Nigeria, and I know this nation is facing challenges even today, when I come to this nation, you’d think the people might be depressed, or not full of spirit, yet the absolute opposite is the case. (Applause)

 Africans have not been overwhelmed  by their challenges. They have the spirit, they have the sense of hope to build a brighter future for themselves, their families, for their future generations. That, that is the more precious than all the gold, oil or diamonds that are on this continent. That is what will allow African to lift itself from its challenges that will bring a bright future for their children and their children’s children.

There always has to be a first step. Today, look at today as that first step.

We are going to be making a pledge, and I want you to make this pledge in the signing of the Abuja declaration your own. Make this your own, own it. Make this your mission in life to make sure that there is a positive future for this nation of Nigeria and the continent of Africa. Become the leaders of transformational change. And believe me, God’s abundant blessing will shine and a new tomorrow shall begin.

 

Thank you very much.