Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, Global Peace Foundation International Chairman and UCI Group President, was interviewed last month during his visit to Seoul. He did not hesitate to answer any question and spoke eloquently. In high school he was a top football player and was a member of the Korean national equestrian team during the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games and 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.Photo Courtesy of DongA Daily: by Hyuk Joon Choi, sajinman@donga.com

In early June, DongA, a top Korean daily newspaper, published a feature story of Dr. Moon, chairman and founder of the Global Peace Foundation. The article focuses on Dr. Moon’s approach to North and South Korean relations. It also tries to explore the roots of his convictions: his thoughts on the Declaration of Independence and the ancient Korean philosophy of Hong Ik Ingan as a foundation for unity between the two Koreas, his approach to business and spirituality, and his relationship to his father.

Below is an excerpt from the article by Moon Myung Heo,  angelhuh@donga.com

Dr. Moon is a big and tall man. He said, “My Korean is not that good, and English is better for me,” so a GPF official translated for him.

He said, “I want to instill in Koreans an interest in reunification. The global circumstances regarding the Korean peninsula are changing.  Many Korea experts in the U.S. used to view North and South Korea as a two-state regime, but now they see that the reunification of North and South Korea is favorable for world peace.”

With ‘North Korea’s nuclear trouble’ neighboring countries are showing interest in the reunification of North and South Korea

 ―Do major powers like the U.S. and China genuinely want the reunification of the Korean peninsula?

“First of all, it is important to understand that the U.S. never imposed diplomatic policies on the Korean peninsula. The U.S. has always followed South Korea’s lead. The Chinese are reasonable people.  The Western World has a short history relative to China that boasts a 5,000 year history.. These are issues of trust with Japan. Thus, it seems China can have better relations with Korea than with Japan or the U.S.”

 ―What could possibly be the reason for the change in the global situation?

“It is because of the North Korean nuclear program. The global community has realized that the reunification of North and South Korea is the way to deal with the nuclear issue and bring stability to the Korean peninsula. You know that North Korea supports the nuclear program in Iran. North Korea’s nuclear program is closely related to western society’s war on terror. Northeast Asia is one of the most volatile regions in the world, and crucial for the security of the global economy. If a conflict breaks out in this region, it is highly likely that it will spread to the entire world. Global security in the 21st century begins with security in Northeast Asia. At this pivotal juncture, Koreans must seriously think about their own fate.”

 ― They are giving a serious thought to it.

“I do not think so. The conservatives and liberals within Korea warned me ‘Korean people are not interested in reunification,’ particularly youth.  Some suggested that I should instead deal with welfare issues since they are more interested in that topic than reunification.”

―At this point, he mentioned that ‘Mongolia’ is a key nation.

“The Six-Party Talks create a 3-on-3 situation, which always brings trouble. I suggest that Mongolia be included as the 7th member nation. Mongolia is on good terms with China and Russia. They used to belong to the Soviet bloc, but successfully transitioned from a communist to democratic nation without bloodshed. They have embassies in North and South Korea respectively. Historically one of Genghis Khan’s favorite wives who accompanied him during his conquests was the princess from Korea.”

Hongik-ingan and U.S. founding philosophy are interconnected

 ―To achieve reunification, North Korea has to change.

“You can think of North Korea’s situation as a cup half full or half empty. One of the problems of politics is that it pursues only short-term policies. Korea’s Sunshine Policy brought positive results but also created problems. It was unable to create a national vision that went beyond regimes. They had provide a vision that inspired the leader of North Korea. The biggest error in South Korea’s North Korea policy is that it has been Korea-centric.”

 ― At this point, I want to ask you a basic question. Why should Korea be reunified?

“Koreans have a destiny that begins at the founding of the nation. When I studied history in college, I was highly impressed by the 5,000-year history of Korea. The Korean founding mythology of Dangun and the philosophy of Hongik-ingan assert that Koreans are endowed by Heaven with responsibility to live for humanity. What is essential in leadership is moral authority. It is a great blessing that Koreans are given a national mission to live for humanity; and it is a position that holds incredible moral authority.”

I was very surprised that a Columbia graduate who spoke fluent English, dressed in a smart suit was talking to me about the ‘Dangun Mythology’ ‘Hongik-ingan.’ He continued.

“The U.S. rose to global power because the nation was founded upon fundamental principles of human rights and freedom described in the Declaration of Independence. But the Korean people were already advocating  principles and values that are essentially connected to the concepts of modern human rights and fundamental freedoms 5,000 years before. If we examine the spiritual heritage of the Hongik-ingan philosophy, we might discover a DNA that can resolve religious conflicts that have escalated into a global war on terror.”

When I asked again, “So are the benefits if Korea is reunified,” he  said what you might expect from a Harvard MBA graduate, words like ‘innovation’ and ‘creation’.

“In terms of investment and its consumer market, South Korea is already saturated. North and South Korea speak a same language, share the same culture, history and identity.  From a business perspective, it is a great asset that a developing country is located just to the north (post reunification). Korea can become a top 5 nation. Apple stocks are in decline in the U.S. The new Smart Phone is Samsung’s. Koreans strive for excellence and are very self-reliant. Japanese like to go in groups, but Koreans want to be the master, taking charge. Thus they are well suited for entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity. If a strong concept like national destiny can be infused into them, they will be able to seize the opportunities which are made possible through reunification and the position of leadership which Koreans can acquire.”

 ―  Are you a man of religion?

“If I talk about spiritual principles and values, people think I am evangelizing, but that is not it (Laughs). Most people think that a man of religion or a man of faith can only be active within the boundaries of faith, but that is not true.  Major reforms in every society throughout human history were sparked by a vision and principles that impressed people. These are spiritual values. North Korea’s Juche Idea is more like a religion than a philosophy. Religious leaders nowadays want to advocate their own faith and belief exclusively.”

 ― Are you saying you want to create a new religion?

“No. I have no such intention.”

 ― You are also a business man, but is it possible to make money based on spirituality?

“Business activities generate value through profits. Spiritual activities enrich our lives and add a meaning and purpose to our lives. Sometimes these two areas overlap each other, but based on my experience, it is more beneficial that they have their own purpose.”

 ― How can you maintain these separate purposes and be successful at the same time?

“I believe the biggest value can be created through moral and innovative leadership.”

 His answer was not concrete, but rather abstract and puzzling. I felt a sense of genuineness in his expression and his voice, yet he also seemed to impress upon me that he would only show me what he wanted to show…

“The Unification Church’s internal conflict stemmed from dissenting views regarding its future direction”

I tried to change the topic to Unification Church. I wanted to talk about succession controversy, but he firmly rejected the subject. I asked in writing ‘why do you refuse to talk about Unification Church’s internal strife including lawsuit among siblings.’ The following is his reply.

“The so-called conflict within the Unification Movement is rooted in contending views on the purpose and direction of the movement.  My siblings were unfortunate pawns set up to fulfill the nefarious purposes of some bad leaders. As a man of faith, I believe these conflicts will be resolved in due time.”

 ― What was your father like?

“Just like the title of his autobiography, he was a ‘Peace-loving global citizen.’ As a deeply patriotic Korean, he recognized that Korean people have a special role to play in God’s providence for the sake of all humanity. His work went beyond denominational and religious interests, spanning politics, business, NGOs, academia, culture, arts, sports and media. He always told me that he was willing to sacrifice the Unification Church for the sake of Korean Unification and world peace.  Now that my father has passed, I hope that he can be understood correctly without the biases and misunderstanding that surrounded his incredible and momentous life.”

For the full article in Korean visit: http://news.donga.com/3/all/20130610/55743310/1

The post Korean Daily DongA Publishes Feature on Dr. Hyun Jin Moon’s Stance on Korean Reunification appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Dr. Hyun Jin Moon gave an exclusive interview to the Korean Media during the Global Peace Convention (GPC) 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia.

He encouraged the journalists to use the media to “educate well instead of coming up with conspiracy.” The Korean media, Dr. Moon said, has a critical responsibility to inform the public of  “real news that will affect the fate of the Korean people. ”

Shin Dong-A ran the interview in its January edition.

See the original article in Korean.

Interview with Global Peace Foundation Chairman, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon 

Below is the unofficial English translation.

“Trust must first be established on a grassroots level for the reunification of North and South Korea”

Global Peace Foundation Chair Hyun Jin Moon stressed in his opening speech at the Global Peace Convention, GPC Atlanta 2012, “We need a new framework rooted in our shared spiritual aspirations and principles that give rise to the values needed to build peace.”

During the interview, he gave an overview of GPC Atlanta 2012 and talked about GPF’s movement for Korean reunification.

Shin Dong-A: Why was Atlanta selected to host the GPC?

Dr. Moon: Atlanta is a place rich with history and faith. It was the center of the civil rights movement, led by Dr. Martin Luther King; it is also the home of former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, who has been deeply involved with the Habitat for Humanity movement.  The King Center and The Carter Center are located here. They both were a part of the conference. I have always seen the civil rights movement as not just the struggle for African American civil rights, but as a great spiritual movement to awaken all humanity. We can rekindle that spirit in Atlanta and make a global awakening that will offer a new perspective for peace.

Shin Dong-A: You mentioned that the co-prosperity of North and South America, the reunification of North and South Korea, and the Middle East are all connected to a single theme.

Dr. Moon: What is the relevance to Korea? This is an international gathering. I’m actually building awareness of how important the unification issue and the unification movement that we initiated is in terms of American foreign policy.

Before that unification process happens, America also needs to help Korea. Of course Korean people should actually initiate, but it actually needs the aid of many international parties to support the process, and this is an effort to build that support.

This whole process that is happening right now, I went from Mongolia to Korea, now to the United States, and I’m planning on doing a GPF in Japan, I’m basically bringing this entire region, not just the United States, North and South America. So it’s this entire Pan-pacific rim that is recognizing this as a major issue not only in terms of security but in terms of stability of the region.

Shin Dong-A: You underlined the importance of civil diplomacy. What do you think of the current government’s policy towards North Korea?

Dr. Moon: It needs to re-engage. No matter who wins [the Korean election], most likely there will be re-engagement.

Shin Dong-A: Dialogue between North and South Korea has stalled. How can this situation be resolved?

Especially if the Korean people take ownership, if this really becomes a national movement that really moves, “North and South Unity” will be just around the corner. Dr. Moon: In order for unification to happen in Korea, there has to be trust established. Trust is essential.

I believe in the Korea United initiative that I started. I think there is tremendous power there. Especially if the Korean people take ownership, if this really becomes a national movement that really moves, “North and South Unity” will be just around the corner.

Shin Dong-A: There is criticism that aid to North Korea will end up benefiting only the government of North Korea.

 Dr. Moon: It all depends on what kind of aid is provided. If we offer flour aid for example, it can be used for another purpose. But if we set up a bakery plant and have baked goods produced for consumption, we don’t have to worry about those kinds of problems.

That is one of the great things about how we framed the Korea United movement. We’re talking about outcomes, we’re not talking about, “We need to get rid of this regime”; we’re talking about outcomes for the entire Korean people. You give room so that it does not become a confrontational issue. And not only that, it’s non-threatening. That’s the power of the framework of establishing the outcome, and what are the principles and values that are going to lead you there.

Shin Dong-A: Have you been to North Korea?

Dr. Moon: I have been invited several times, but I haven’t been, yet. I would like to go when I have established a foundation upon which I can make a substantial contribution towards reunification. I do not want to go for political show, to just take pictures.

See also Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon’s speech at the Opening Plenary of the Global Peace Convention 2012 in Atlanta.

The post Shin Dong-A Prints Interview with Global Peace Foundation Chairman, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Korea’s leading magazine Shin Dong-A, published a ten page feature of Global Peace Convention Atlanta 2012 in its New Years edition. The third segment of the article highlights The All Lights Village Movement. To date, the project has donated over 3,000 solar lamps to rural villages in developing nations. The project recently expanded its donor base to the United States and Japan.

See the original article in Korean.

Below is the unofficial English translation.

All Lights Village Movement Most Popular in GPC 2012

By Young Chul Choi ftdog@donga.com
Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Solar Lamps bring Peace and Love 

Mr. Kyoung Eui Yoo, president of GPFF Korea explains about solar lamps which were donated to the remote villages of the developing nations.

The Global Peace Foundation’s (GPF) Alllights Village was the most popular booth at GPC Atlanta 2012. Solar-powered lanterns afforded to remote villages in developing countries are saving lives that could be lost from smoke and soot inhalation, giving light for better education, and raising people out of poverty.

GPF Korea chairman, Mr. Kyung Eui Yoo, initiated the solar lantern project that has donated these environment-friendly lights to some of the 1.9 billion people who live without electricity.  The lamps have improved education, reduced illiteracy, reinforced sexual ethics, cut kerosene expenses, and increased household income. The campaign kicked off in March 2011, and by close of 2012, reports to have donated 3,000 solar powered lanterns and streetlights to 50 towns and villages in the Philippines, Malaysia, Mongolia, Kenya, and Indonesia.

The solar-powered lanterns need only a few hours to be fully charged for both indoor and outdoor use. GPF Korea has raised funds to procure the lanterns from the manufacturer who specially offers them at cost value.

Leaders from emerging countries who attended the GPC witnessed the power of these lanterns and invited GPF to bring the lights to their own countries. Leaders from developed countries expressed interest in joining the campaign.

GPF Korea President Kyung Eui Yoo said, “The Alllights Project is one of the substantive peace activities that GPF is carrying out in order to build model communities from these villages in developing countries.” He added, “During GPC 2012, leaders from several countries got together to discuss how to expand this campaign.”

President Yoo recently received an honorary doctorate degree from José Rizal University, Philippines, in recognition of his efforts with the Alllights Village Project.

Read the 1st segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/koreas-leading-magazine-shing-donga-covers-global-peace-convention-2012/

Read the 2nd segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/christianity-and-islam-join-hands-peace-koreas-leading-magazine-shing-donga-gpc-2012-feature-part-2-2/

Read the 4th segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/unification-north-south-korea-key-world-peace-koreas-leading-magazine-shing-dongas-gpc-2012-report-part-3-2/

See also Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon’s speech at the Opening Plenary of the Global Peace Convention 2012 in Atlanta.

Visit the Alllights Village site.

The post All Lights Village Movement Brings Light and Hope ~ Shin Dong-A special report appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Korea’s leading magazine Shin Dong-A, published a ten page feature of Global Peace Convention Atlanta 2012 in its New Year edition. Fittingly, the fourth segment of the report featured GPC Atlanta 2012’s “entirely new” approach to the reunification of the Korean Peninsula with the magazine’s announcement of Park Geun-hye’s presidential win, making her the first woman president of the Republic of Korea.

Read the unofficial English translation of the fourth segment of the article below.

See the original article in Korean.

GPC Atlanta 2012 Presents a New Paradigm for Global Peace

By Young Chul Choi ftdog@donga.com
Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Unification of North and South Korea a key to world peace

“The ultimate resolution to tensions in Northeast Asia is the reunification of the Korean peninsula. The international community must proactively cooperate to support Korean reunification.”In 2012, political leaders in the U.S., Japan, China, and Russia were newly elected. It was the same for North and South Korea. These significant changes in leadership will be accompanied by changes in the national leadership, and in turn will have major impact on the political situation of Northeast Asia.

Northeast Asian Peace is a critical issue for the entire world that has tremendous implications on not only security and peacekeeping, but for the global economy.

Leaders from different levels convened at GPC Atlanta agreed, “The ultimate resolution to tensions in Northeast Asia is the reunification of the Korean peninsula. The international community must proactively cooperate to support Korean reunification.” They acknowledged that Korean reunification is an issue that has significance not only to Northeast Asia but the world. Dr. Moon noted in his keynote address that North Korea and the Middle East have military ties. The record breaking U.S. deficit is fueled by enormous government spending to prevent nuclear proliferation and provocation.

Experts from various fields were impressed with Dr. Moon’s keynote address that connected three critical challenges: interfaith cooperation for peace, the need for a hemispheric great awakening in North and South America and Korean Unification. One participant commented, “This is an entirely new approach.”

Kyungnam University Emeritus Professor Tae Hwan Kwak hosted a session on the reunification of Korean peninsula with scholars representing U.S., Japan, China, Russia and Korean perspectives.

In 2012, Dr. Moon and GPF-Korea launched the “Korea United Campaign”. The campaign is an integrated movement of grassroots and high level campaigns that connects reunification to everyday practice. The initiative has brought together 400 civic organizations to develop a shared vision for a united Korea. In his keynote at GPC Atlanta, Dr. Moon particularly emphasized the importance of a grassroots driven movement for unification. During the conference, Kyungnam University Emeritus Professor Tae Hwan Kwak hosted a session on reunification of Korean peninsula. Scholars representing the U.S., Japan, Russia, and China discussed each nation’s view and role for Korean unification.

GPC 2012 also attracted renowned international policy research institutions such as Brookings Institution and the Heritage Foundation. The Carter Center co-hosted the Americas Summit, the King Center held a special session on the

Legacy of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement, and the Points of Light Foundation, held special sessions on volunteerism and social entrepreneurship. Dr. Douglas Johnston, America’s premier expert in religion and diplomacy, gave a particularly interesting presentation.

GPC Atlanta 2012 concluded that world peace cannot be achieved without considering humanity’s fundamental values. It called on leaders in every sector of moral principles and values to lead a spiritual great awakening. GPC 2013 will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the multi-cultural, inter-religious center of Asia.

Read the 1st segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/koreas-leading-magazine-shing-donga-covers-global-peace-convention-2012/

Read the 2nd segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/christianity-and-islam-join-hands-peace-koreas-leading-magazine-shing-donga-gpc-2012-feature-part-2-2/

Read the 3rd segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/all-lights-village-movement-most-popular-gpc-2012-shin-dong-a-special-report/

See also Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon’s speech at the Opening Plenary of the Global Peace Convention 2012 in Atlanta.

The post “Unification of North and South Korea is central to world peace”; Korea’s leading magazine, Shin Dong-A GPC 2012 report, part 4 appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Korea’s leading magazine Shin Dong-A, published a ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 in its New Year edition.The third section reported the historic launching of the Latin American Presidential Mission under the names of 19 former heads of state from Latin America. The January issue also ran the announcement of  Park Geun-hye’s presidential win, first woman president of the Republic of Korea.

See the original article in Korean.

Below is the unofficial English translation.

The Atlanta Declaration 2012 launched the Latin American Presidential Mission to promote hemispheric cooperation with North and South America under the names of 19 former heads of state.

GPC Atlanta 2012 Presents a New Paradigm for Global Peace

By Young Chul Choi ftdog@donga.com
Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Former Heads of State from North and South America Promote a Vision of Hemispheric Cooperation for Mutual Prosperity

During GPC Atlanta, 10 former Heads of State from 8 South American countries and delegations from 40-nations convened to launch a mission committed to a hemispheric Great Awakening in North and South America. An additional 8 former Heads of State from South America, who were not present, sent video messages of support. Together they launched a historic declaration, the Atlanta Declaration for Hemispheric Cooperation, resolving to use their past experience and leadership to work for the mutual prosperity of North and South America.

Based on its substantial Christian foundation, the American hemisphere has a common ethic.  However, North and South have walked disparate paths, harboring a protracted love-and-hate relationship. For example, the phrase ‘Down with American Imperialism’ became popular when anti-U.S. sentiments in South America peaked during the Falklands Wars, a territorial dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom (U.K.) when the U.S. sided with the U.K.

Over the past decade, vast numbers of Latin Americans have crossed the border into the United States to pursue the “American Dream”. Today, the Hispanic population in the U.S. has surpassed Blacks to become the largest minority. No longer can it be politically and economically disregarded. Resolving the discrimination and contempt towards the Hispanic population is critical to resolving the problem between North and South America.

The United States can no longer ignore the importance of Latin America. As the economic recession in the United States continues since the financial crisis in 2008, the fast-growing Latin American economic region could offer a way forward. Circumstances have prepared North and South America to redefine their relationship and secure peace and equality in the American hemisphere. In his keynote address at the GPC opening plenary, Dr. Moon called for a Hemispheric Great Awakening through North and South America based on a consensus of common spiritual values.   Dr. Moon noted, “North and South America have shared values that emerge from their common Christian heritage. Cooperation and unity should be based on these universal principles. This is how the western hemisphere can recover its moral authority and make positive impact around the world.”

Over the past two years, GPF in Latin America has promoted moral and innovative leadership and increased regional and hemispheric cooperation based on shared values. The results are reflected in two significant declarations, the Asuncion Declaration issued during the 2010 Global Peace Leadership Conference in Paraguay and the Brasilia Declaration pronounced in Brazil during the 2011 Global Peace Leadership Conference.  The Americas Summit commenced at The Carter Center and was integrated within GPC Atlanta. The summit sought to discover avenues for improved hemispheric relations based on shared values and common challenges for lasting peace and mutual prosperity for North and South America..

“the unity and integration of the Americas must be based on the recognition and respect of unique national and cultural identities, and that efforts should be directed at obtaining not personal advantages but a common advantage.” ~Atlanta Declaration for Hemispheric Cooperation The summit concluded with the establishment of the Latin American Presidential Mission. The declaration was published in the name of 19 former presidents. Built upon the recognition of the vision of “One Family Under God”, it affirms, “that the unity and integration of the Americas must be based on the recognition and respect of unique national and cultural identities, and that efforts should be directed at obtaining not personal advantages but a common advantage.”

Former Guatemalan president Vinicio Cerezo said, ”A leader has to have a special character, with thought and skill, but also deep moral conviction to follow a path marked by his principles.” He added, “In international relations and politics, the leader of each nation should not abandon his ethical values under any circumstances.”

 “The commitment of the United States is to the belief that fairness, not force should lie at the heart of our dealings with the nations of the world. If any agreement is to last, it must serve the best interest of both nations.” ~Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

Dr. Jennifer McCoy, director of the Carter Center’s Americas Program, stressed ethics among nations quoting former President Jimmy Carter. “The commitment of the United States is to the belief that fairness, not force should lie at the heart of our dealings with the nations of the world. If any agreement is to last, it must serve the best interest of both nations.” Meanwhile, business leaders from around the world participated in the Global Peace Business Forum to discuss how trade and commerce can generate economic prosperity in North and South America, Africa, and the Iraq-Kurdish region. They agreed that the crisis of modern capitalism rooted in corruption and greed can be resolved through moral values and principles in business. Dr. Manu Chandaria, CEO of one of Africa’s largest businesses, Comcraft Group, received resounding applause when he said, “To offer economic opportunity to Africa is the realistic means to establishing world peace.”.

See all four sections of Shin Dong-A feature on GPC 2012.

The post "Hemispheric Cooperation for Mutual Prosperity" – Shin Dong-A feature report on the Americas Summit 2012 – part 3 appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Korea’s leading magazine Shin Dong-A, published a ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 in its New Year edition. The January issue also ran the announcement of  Park Geun-hye’s presidential win, making her the first woman president of the Republic of Korea.

Shin Dong-A, a leading monthly magazine in Korea, published a feature article on GPC Atlanta 2012 in its New Year edition.

See the original article in Korean.

Below is the unofficial English translation of the first segment of the article.

GPC Atlanta 2012 Presents a New Paradigm for Global Peace

By Young Chul Choi ftdog@donga.com

Atlanta, Georgia, United States –

“Global peace will come through a Great Spiritual Awakening based on the vision that all humanity is One Family Under God !”

Imagine a day when Israelis and Palestinians hold hands and declare the end of war, when the Korean peninsula is united and the DMZ erased, when democratic governments emerge in the Middle East and Africa and gunpowder smoke vanishes from the region… Imagine the day when struggles between nations, races, and, religions around the world disappear, when there are no more refugees, when poverty is ended, when military forces are dismantled, and all humanity is one family under God….

It sounds like a dream. But significant steps have been made to make these dreams a reality. An international conference was held In Atlanta, Georgia, considered the “Mecca” of the American Civil Rights Movement, addressing the moral and innovative leadership needed to establish peace transcending religious and cultural differences.

800 leaders from 40 nations, including 10 former heads of states, convened for the Global Peace Convention 2012 in Atlanta. Held from November 29 to December 2, the convention presented a new paradigm for global peace. The conference is considered the world’s largest international and high-level conference hosted by a civic organization.

Moral Innovative Leadership

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center), The Carter Presidential Center, and the international service and volunteer organization, Points of Lights Institute, c0-hosted and participated in the convention. In addition, 10 former presidents of 8 Latin American nations, as well as delegations from global hot-spots like the Kurdistan Regional Government, the Nigerian government, and the Kenyan government attended the convention.

The Global Peace Convention is an annual international conference hosted by the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), a non-profit, civic organization chaired by Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, that is convened by business, political, civil society and religious leaders, scholars, and media experts from across the globe to explore solutions and generate proposals and policies for world peace. GPC Atlanta 2012 is the fourth in the series that began in 2009 with GPC Philippines in Manila, GPC Kenya in Nairobi in 2010, and GPC Seoul in Korea in 2011.
The world needs a next Great Spiritual Awakening for the 21 century in order to create world peace that transcends current disputes and struggles.
GPF is a global civic organization that is working towards the UN Millennium Goals through ongoing community driven sustainable development programs in emerging countries, and a growing global network of experts and partners from various fields. The Washington D.C.-based organization was founded in 2007 and is chartered in 22 nations. Under the vision of “One Family under God” GPF programs cultivate reconciliation, mutual respect, harmony and cooperation. Through partnerships with numerous organizations around the world, GPF is a spearheading inter-cultural and inter-religious cooperation, strengthening the family and society, and promoting a culture of service and peace.

The theme of GPC Atlanta 2012 was: “Moral and Innovative Leadership: Building Healthy Families, Ethical Societies and a Global Culture of Peace.” The conference underlined the importance of leadership based on moral principles and innovation in all areas: public and private sectors, civil society and non-profit, for an integrated effort for peace.

The key tracks included building peace in the Middle East, greater hemispheric cooperation in the Americas based on common principles and values, peace through the reunification of the Korean peninsula, and interfaith reconciliation and cooperation. Participants agreed that the ideals described in the American Declaration of Independence – that responsible participation of citizens to make a free, ethical, and righteous society – is what made America the mightiest country in the world. They also concluded that, based on these principles,the world needs a next Great Spiritual Awakening for the 21 century in order to create world peace that transcends current disputes and struggles. The Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self–evident, that all men are created equal,” The founding principles of America eventually enabled the United States to repeal slavery.

Read the 2nd segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/christianity-and-islam-join-hands-peace-koreas-leading-magazine-shing-donga-gpc-2012-feature-part-2-2/

Read the 3rd segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/all-lights-village-movement-most-popular-gpc-2012-shin-dong-a-special-report/

Read the 4th segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/unification-north-south-korea-key-world-peace-koreas-leading-magazine-shing-dongas-gpc-2012-report-part-3-2/

See also Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon’s speech at the Opening Plenary of the Global Peace Convention 2012 in Atlanta.

The post Korea’s Leading Magazine Shin Dong-A covers Global Peace Convention 2012 appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.