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As the world faces an unprecedented challenge together, we can learn from small acts of service taking place around the world. We live in strange and uncertain times, but there are many ways to continue to care for one another, spreading our human compassion to uplift each other and know that we will pull through together.

In February, allegedly the worst natural disaster in the past decade for Indonesia hit the greater Jakarta area. Heavy rainfall resulted in dangerous floods that affected tens of thousands of people overnight. Seeking to be a light in the sudden calamity, volunteers with Global Peace Foundation Indonesia visited orphanages affected by the flood. Calling it the “Small Action, Big Impact” service project, volunteers spent nearly a week teaching the orphans how to prepare emergency disaster bags to protect important items while also finding time to simply play games with and mentor the children. Over the course of the week, volunteers also distributed over 850 boxes of food donated by food and beverage companies in the local community.

Across the world, people have silently and diligently carried out other acts of compassion to uplift their neighbors out of everyday fears and provide for their most basic needs.

GPF volunteers in India are helping orphans and seniors affected by the inequalities resulting from remnants of caste discrimination through seemingly small actions like cleaning their centers and distributing pens and notebooks for children to learn math and writing. They demonstrate simple acts of service that will make a huge impact and leave an enormous imprint on their hearts and minds in the years to follow.

Volunteers set up water pipes around the village in Malaysia

In Malaysia, families in rural areas face danger every day simply because they lack access to clean water. GPF Malaysia strives to ease this burden by providing villages with solar-powered water pumps and education on hygiene that has completely transformed their communities, allowing families to invest their newfound time, money, and energy into their children’s education and jobs to generate new income.

Small actions like this one show the essential role we all play in uplifting each other as brothers and sisters of the same human family. No action is too small. Whatever challenges we face, it is important to remember that one of the quickest ways to draw ourselves out of our own self-pity, anxiety, and fear is to think of the people most in need around us.

What can we do today to help others?

 

The original post appears on Global Peace Foundation. Global Peace Foundation is an international non-sectarian, non-partisan, nonprofit organization, which promotes an innovative, values-based approach to peacebuilding, guided by the vision of One Family under God.  GPF engages and organizes a global network of public and private-sector partners who develop community, national, and regional peace building models as the foundation for ethical and cohesive societies. Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon is founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation.

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I believe that America’s true strength lies in its moral authority as a nation rooted in spiritual principles and values which has championed human rights and freedoms at home and abroad.  This is a nation with the aspiration to become “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”   It was this vision that inspired millions from all corners of the world regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, and religion to make the long and perilous journey to a new nation filled with hope and opportunity. In order for the United States to exercise genuine global leadership in today’s more complex and fragmenting world, it must rekindle that position of true servant leadership, offering its inclusive national promise to the world.Dr. Hyun Jin P. Moon

In his book, “Korean Dream: A Vision for a Unified Korea,” Dr. Moon references the founding of the United States alongside the story of Genghis Khan and the creation of the Mongol Empire and the dream of the Korean people.

The principles and the dream that inspired the creation of America provide insights for the United States as well as the world today. Among clashing political, ideological, cultural differences we are all looking for a way to connect and engage and be one nation.

A recent workshop hosted by the Family Peace Association in the United States, organized by a high school student as his Eagle Scout project, explored universal principles of the American founding and how it applies to global citizenship.

The following post is based on the personal reflections of a participant and speaker:

Sometimes called the melting pot of all nations, America’s founding principles and shared values have enabled it to embrace diverse cultures and religions while maintaining some social cohesion. Its Declaration of Independence states that God the Creator grants all people inalienable rights. At the same time, it calls for each person to live their lives for a greater purpose because every person’s value and equal rights are given to us from a source greater than ourselves.

These founding values have formed the spirit of service based on human rights and the opportunity to build a culture and a society that transcends the  barriers of race, religion, and other divisions to find common ground in fundamental rights, the ideal of freedom, and to serve those who could not protect those freedoms for themselves.

Workshop participants explaining what “We hold these Truths to be self-evident” from the Declaration of Independence means.

The founding fathers of America recognized just how important these fundamental freedoms were. They willingly put their very lives on the line to protect the values that would be later articulated as the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The original phrase was “life, liberty, and property.” However, it was rewritten to the more appropriate “pursuit of happiness,” which conveys the spiritual pursuit of all humanity.

The pursuit of happiness rests not on the aspiration of one individual but depends on relationships founded in virtues. Happiness cannot be achieved alone; it is found only in dynamic relationships. It is a collective effort between people and within the family. Some of the most charitable efforts, from alleviating poverty to responding to natural disasters, are motivated by this spiritual pursuit of happiness.

It is this same spirit of service that motivates many military personals in the United States to champion human rights for all people, not just their own nation. This spirit of selfless service is what inspires servicewomen and men to get up every day, train, and work hard to not only protect the fundamental freedom of all people but to protect the ability to create a culture of values, raising healthy families with the potential to pursue happiness. In many ways, it is the legacy of the American story – “the pursuit of happiness” for all people.

Jeremy sharing his experience on service.

Jeremy is a serviceman who shared his testimony at a recent Family Peace Association family workshop. As a husband, father, graduate student, and Captain in the United States Army, the values he strives to build up in his own family are the same values that gives him the motivation and passion to serve his country, willing to even lay down his life to protect fundamental human rights and the founding ideals that made America a melting pot of people and cultures from every other nation around the world.

“I absolutely love the USA. What made me feel this way were the values that America’s founding represented.”

When he first became a cadet, Jeremy vowed that he would “not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.” He described that standard and the values that come with it as more important than life itself. A values-based culture is what makes values a reality in everyday life.

There are ideals and values, like the sense of service to humanity, that is bigger than any one nation or organization. They are universal. Global citizenship is something all of us can practice with every generation as we continue the legacy of service through our families and communities around the world.

The original post appears on Family Peace Association. Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon is the founder of the Family Peace Association.

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Dr. Soon Ok Kang, Secretary-General of Global Peace Women delivers congratulatory remarks on behalf of GPW Chairwoman Dr. Jun Sook Moon

The 7th Annual “Living for the Sake of Others Awards” honoring the selfless service of Paraguayan women was hosted at the National Congress in Asuncion, Paraguay on April 28, 2015. This year, nine women who have served the Paraguayan people in various fields such as education and empowerment of indigenous populations, service and volunteerism, national leadership and culture and arts were recognized.

Dr. Soon Ok Kang, newly appointed Secretary-General of Global Peace Women delivered the following congratulatory message on behalf of Dr. Jun Sook Moon on the auspicious occasion.

Esteemed dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen,

Bienvenidos!   Thank you.

Being here always warms my heart.  Paraguay is a nation built on a strong foundation of faith and family.  I have been moved by the bright and enthusiastic spirit of your people and it is no surprise that Paraguay was rated the “Happiest nation in the World” three years in row.  You have opened your doors to my husband and I and welcomed us in as family. To us, Paraguay is our second home.

Welcome to the 7th Annual Global Peace Foundation “Living for the Sake of Others” Awards Ceremony being held here in the Bicameral Room of the National Congress in Asuncion, Paraguay. It is always such an honor to meet with such distinguished women leaders. You are my heroes! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to take part in this significant event.

Front Row (left to right) : Recipients of the Living for the Sake of Others Awards – Gloria Concepción Criccione Pineda, Singer, Maria Juana Guainer de Carema, Town Mayor of Ybycuí, IX Paraguarí Department, Mirna Orrego Social Action Volunteer for indigenous communities of Carmelo Peralta Disctrict, Alto Paraguay, Feliciana Estela Acosta de Riquelme, President of the Lions Club, Asunción Kaaguy – Rory, Mari A Juana Guainer De Carema, Indigenous Guaraní Community, Department of Boquerón, Sister Amelia Fernández García, Religious Order of the Sacred Family of Burdeos, María Evangelista Troche Soler de Gallegos, President of the Town Women Network in Paraguay and Town Councilor to Asunción, Former Mayor of Asunción, María Dolores Galli de Florentín, President of the Santa Lucía Association, Maria Eliza G. de Samaniego, President of the Corazones Solidarios Foundation

Before I begin, I would like to recognize the hard work of the members, staff and supporters of GPW Paraguay. You have built a significant foundation over these past 7 years through the tradition of this special award. Without leaders like you GPW Paraguay could not have produced the many outstanding achievements that it has.

I would also like to give a very special recognition to my dear friends, Senator Lilian Samaniego and Governor Marlene Ocampos, both of whom have been members and supporters of the Global Peace family for many years and who truly exemplify the ideal of “Living for the Sake of Others?” Don’t you agree?

To the 9 exemplary women being awarded tonight – My heartfelt congratulations! Your untiring dedication to the people of Paraguay truly expresses the ideal of Living for the Sake of Others.

I know that Paraguay’s growing strength and bright future is built upon the efforts of the multitude of selfless women like yourselves working every day to realize true peace.

I am very moved by the story of Paraguay’s women, who played such an important role during the War of the Triple Alliance, fighting and sacrificing for their nation.

These hard-working women labored the land with their hands and with their bodies and gave birth to many loyal sons and daughters. But they did more than that to reconstruct this nation. These women who were wives and mothers and sisters took upon the task of educating the future of this nation, instilling in them the essential values of the importance of family, love for the nation, and perseverance in front of adversity.

I understand it was these women who rebuilt the culture, and maintained Paraguay’s proud identity, including its continued use of the Guaraní language. As mothers, wives, sisters, friends… this story truly shows the beautiful spirit that is rooted in your culture. It’s woman leaders like all of you here who are truly setting the precedent of living for the sake of others.

Four years ago, at the launch of Global Peace Women, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation said:

“The original nature and experience of women strengthen social activities and are essential to realizing the dream of establishing One Family under God.”

What are the aspects of the original nature of women that contribute to global peace?

Current research by numerous neuroscientists, psychologists, and sociologists support the conclusion that, in general, women have a greater capacity for empathy, compassion and the understanding of others’ hearts.

These qualities motivate women to aid in reconciliation and find resourceful, innovative ways to support the overall well-being of their families, the wider community and the world. These qualities foster the culture of living for the sake of others, which is essential to building world peace.

There are many examples of women who have transformed their communities and impacted our world. Their stories are a testament of women who have been driven by their original heart to seek global peace. If these virtues can be established as a public ethic in contemporary society, we can build beautiful, healthy communities and find creative new approaches to the many critical issues that remain unresolved.

A packed Bicameral Hall at Paraguay’s National Congress Building honor nine outstanding women.

Where does the original nature and experience of women most support the building of world peace?

It is in the family. We know that the family is the fundamental social unit and encapsulates the most intimate bonds of the human experience. Global peace will be built in expanding stages upon healthy, peaceful families.

The family is where we learn the most concrete lessons about living for the sake of others. Within the healthy family, most important is what is learned from the unconditional love of the mother.  A mother’s empathy and intuition toward her husband and children are the most important elements of family cohesion. They help sustain physical and mental health. The mother nurtures and educates her children to build trust among themselves, find meaning in life, develop good character, experience being loved and learning to give love in return.

Healthy, vibrant families prepare individuals to become productive and responsible members of society. All the fundamental relationships exist within the family: mother and father, husband and wife, brother and sister, sons and daughters, and the extended family. These relationships teach us how to relate to our diverse human family.

That is why Global Peace Women’s first task is to uplift the inherent qualities and true value of women, and empower them in their important role in the family to advance the vision of One Family under God. Global Peace Women recently introduced its motto, “Peace begins in the home.” We believe that a peaceful world first begins with building peaceful homes, and recognize that women are the driving force in that endeavor.

Events such as today’s award ceremony, affirm that the nation of Paraguay is making great strides to advance important goals such as: empowering women to proactively transform themselves and their families; fostering healthy and happy families; articulating the innate value of femininity; recognizing the indispensable leadership of women in the family and society; networking with local and global women leaders; and spreading the culture of service.

The work of GPW Paraguay has been impressive. Last year alone, the international women’s plenary held during the Global Peace Convention here in Asuncion, convened over 1,000 women from around the region. In addition, throughout the year, GPW Paraguay hosted numerous workshops and forums, and supported multiple different social service projects. GPW Paraguay has distinguished itself and I hope you continue to set new precedents for future chapters.

Your efforts are opening new pathways that can inspire women around the world. Through connecting our international efforts with your local efforts, we can generate more creative and impactful programs and activities to improve the lives of our families, communities and world.

We have witnessed the capability and nobility of Paraguayan women, and are honored to recognize nine of you tonight for giving your hearts to secure this nation’s bright future.

Ladies and gentlemen, our world needs our continued commitment and effort, but most importantly, it needs our love. I hope that we can join together in advancing this noble cause to build One Family under God.

Muchas gracias y felicitaciones.

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I first visited Kenya in 2008. The nation was still suffering from the aftereffects of post-electoral violence. But, I knew that Kenya would recover to become a leading force for African development.

Under the coat of arms of Kenya is a Swahili phrase, “Harambee.” Literally, it means “all pull together.”  I saw the spirit of harambee in the people and leaders. They knew that together they had the power to rebuild their nation.

That year I joined  thousands of volunteers from former tribal enemies, grass-roots and high officials, from Kenya and around the world,  to clean the Nairobi River. Together we cleared the banks that were clogged with rubbish. The transformation was a symbol of hope for the nation.

The spirit of harambee continues to grow. The African Conference on Volunteer Action for Peace and Development reflects a growing trend of cooperation among governments, the private sector, NGOs, and individual citizens to cultivate this spirit of volunteerism and service.

Kenyans have shown that together we can secure the African Dream for Kenya and the African continent. Their example will help Africa to grow beyond its troubled past and stand on the global stage as a precedent-setting leader. The fate of Africa rests in the hands of Africans.

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May 3, 2012

Yeosu, Korea –

Dr. Moon spoke at the volunteerism forum at the 2012 Yeosu Expo.  The forum was focused on the theme “Conservation and Regeneration of the Marine Environment.”  This is the first of four posts with key themes from  his address.

 Stewardship Towards the Ocean

 We are moving into an “oceanic era” in which our stewardship of the environment and especially of marine resources, as well as better geo-economic cooperation of trade and travel routes, can lead to greater international prosperity and exchange.

 As an avid outdoorsman with a deep appreciation for the natural world, I am keenly aware of the importance of the oceans and marine resources.  We all know that life itself cannot be sustained without water. Oceans cover 71% of the earth’s surface, and encompass 97% of the earth’s water.  Marine ecosystems are remarkably rich in biodiversity, and our oceans can be a tremendous food and energy source for the burgeoning global population. Already fish is the largest source of wild or domestic protein in the world, and the total commercial fisheries harvest exceeds 85 million metric tons annually. In addition, the oceans hold some of the largest reserves of currently used sources of energy such as natural gas as well as bio and fossil fuels.

Not only are the oceans a vital source of sustenance, we also know the oceans have a significant impact on climate and weather patterns. Oceans hold tremendous potential as the source of renewable energy: tides could be harnessed as a clean and inexhaustible energy source; waves, wind and currents could also utilized; and the ocean surface is itself an enormous solar energy collector. In short, the oceans comprise the largest powerhouse on our planet.  In addition, by some estimates, 90% of international trade is transported by ship through the world’s waterways.  In today’s globalized economy, with total population now exceeding 7 billion, and increasing demand for food and energy resources, it is clear that our oceans hold the keys to resource innovation and sustainability for the foreseeable future.

Economic development and technological advances have led to dramatic improvements in standards of living around the world.  At the same time, however, rapid growth has placed significant and ever-increasing pressure on the environment.  The global population is predicted to exceed 9 billion by 2050, yet according to UN statistics, the percent of arable land (fit for cultivation) continues to shrink.  Undoubtedly water resources and food security will be issues of increasing concern with every passing year.  Clearly the oceans are the shared heritage of all people, and the hope for the future of humanity. Thus it is imperative that we institute proper stewardship and management over these vital marine resources.  We must commit ourselves to higher standards and a new approach if we are to seize the opportunity for a better future in the emerging oceanic era.

Paradigm Shift toward Social Development Involving Environmental Sustainability

Consideration of the environment has become an important factor of sustainable social development.

As you may know, “sustainable development” has become a major focus of the United Nations and other global development entities.  In the past, economic development strategies often did not adequately address issues of social development and environmental conservation. New models based on a sustainable development approach such as “green economy” represent a paradigm shift in development from isolated economic growth to a more balanced and comprehensive perspective of social development involving environmental sustainability.

The UN’s “Sustainable Development Goals” for 2030 addresses topics of water, energy, sustainable cities, oceans and small island developing states, natural disasters, climate change, forest, biodiversity and desertification, mountains, chemicals and waste, and sustainable consumption and production. In addition, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea establishes that we should rationally develop the ocean while likewise preserving the marine environment. This is the key to effective ocean governance: we must preserve the marine environment while developing the productive capacities of the oceans.

In my view, it is very significant that we are gathered here at this special forum on “The Conservation and Regeneration of the Marine Environment” at this Yeosu World Expo.  The fact that the ocean is the selected theme of this major world convocation illustrates the growing priority of sustaining our vital marine resources. Together we can develop innovative and multidimensional strategies with the appropriate balance of economic development, environmental conservation, and improving social well-being.

Moral and Innovative Leadership for the Oceanic Era

I have often stressed that what is needed in our world today is moral and innovative leadership.   The oceanic era should be motivated by a concern for the greater good. Thus, here too the need for moral and innovative leadership is crucial.

Moral leadership is guided by the shared principles and values that manifest in the noble qualities of human nature. In the context of the oceanic era, moral leadership affirms the intrinsic value of every person, regardless of ethnicity, nation of origin, or station in life. This natural world is our common home, a blessing to all people for our mutual benefit.  Therefore it is our shared responsibility to care for our environment, use resources in wise and sustainable ways, and conserve the bounty of nature for the well-being of present and future generations.

When we live in accordance with universal laws and in harmony with the natural world, we can best tap the resourceful energy of human creativity.  Innovative leadership focuses that energy to find new and inventive approaches to solve problems and create new opportunities.

In the oceanic era, that creative focus can help us as we explore the new frontier of the world’s oceans, and unlock the great potential of the vast expanses there. Likewise responsible action coupled with innovative problem-solving must be employed in renewing coastal wetlands and other marine ecosystems, as well as in protecting the natural balances in the oceans that impact weather patterns and climate.

In today’s highly interconnected world and global economy, it is vitally important that well-being and prosperity are available to people everywhere. Thus the oceans and sea routes should be open to the benefit of all, allowing for the free flow of trade and commerce. The oceanic era should be motivated by a concern for the greater good, and thus maritime disputes and conflicting claims to territorial waters must be solved through diplomatic, legal and hence peaceful means.

Leadership that considers the concerns of the entire human family, and that encourages “win-win” approaches to problem-solving, can best promote a higher quality of life for all, and the lay the groundwork for sustainable peace.

Global Volunteerism

 I firmly believe in the transformative power of service. That is why I consider it vitally important to promote volunteerism in the oceanic era.

 I applaud and strongly encourage sea development programs and global volunteer opportunities such as those offered through Service For Peace.

 The oceans are an essential component of this Earth which is our common home.  Through service initiatives we can experience a deeper appreciation for our environment. As we build a culture of service, we will also be creating a culture in harmony with the natural world, wisely using and caring for our resources of the land, sea, and air. With such a culture, we can implement effective strategies of oceanic governance, engaging all sectors in public-private partnerships for the common good.

 I have seen the power of committed people joining together in common cause, we are confident that together we can resolve the global need to preserve the marine ecosystem. I am certain that our focus on this issue will spread as a wave of international volunteer spirit just like dandelion seeds. When people everywhere become aware of this issue and make even small changes in their lifestyle, it will be a big step towards sustainable development that allows us to care for and live in this beautiful Earth of ours.

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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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