North-South Unification Issue Cannot Be Resolved through Politics and Foreign Diplomacy alone… A Civilian Track will be More Effective.

04-8-2013 | 0 Comments | HJM

April 6th, the JoongAng Daily Newspaper published the following article of a recent interview with Dr. Hyun Moon. From the issue of North and South Korean Unification to raising nine children, the article is an intimate conversation with Dr. Moon on his perspectives of leadership, spirituality and peace.

[JoongAng Ilbo] Inputted 04.06.2013 00:49 / Revised 04.06.2013 00:52

GPF International Chairman Dr. explains the Korean reunification movement at a hotel in Seattle on the 26th of March. [Photo courtesy of GPF] Global Peace Foundation International Chairman Dr. Hyun Jin Moon

The Columbia graduate (1995) has certainly made good use of his history degree. During the two and a half hour interview he went back and forth between the histories and philosophies of both East and West. He underscored the concurrence between the philosophy of Hongik Ingan (홍익인간) that Dangun elucidated 5,000 years ago, and the meaning of freedom and human rights outlined in the U.S. Declaration of Independence, written 230 years ago.

This is Dr. Hyun Jin Moon (44), GPF International Chairman and UCI President, 3rd son of the late Rev. , leader of the . Dr. Moon was interviewed at a hotel in Seattle, Washington, on the 26th, two days after President Kook Jin Moon (43) was discharged by the Unification Foundation, which serves as a holding company for the Unification Church and Tongil Group. Kook Jin Moon’s dismissal may be a turning point for Dr. Moon. Last September, Dr. Moon returned home unable to pay his final respects to his father. Thereafter he was considered removed as a possible heir. Although Dr. Moon was repeatedly questioned about the issue of succession, he adamantly said, “I am not interested in the internal conflict.” Instead, he wanted to talk about ‘moral authority’ that would benefit the entire world. During the interview, he never got side-tracked, always returning to his main points: Hongik Ingan and the founding spirit of the United States. He said of his father, “He is not the founder of the Unification Church, but the pioneer of the Unification Movement, a peace movement that worked outside of the religious box.”

Q: Your brother was just removed from his position. Is this a good thing for you?

“I have never been involved with this heir issue. If you are framing the issue similar to that of shareholders within a corporate entity then you completely misunderstand who I am. There are leaders in the Unification Church that still want to remain in the Unification Church box. This is the case for any other religion. This is not how it should be. These leaders should strive to become spiritual leaders rather than just religious leaders. If they can get out of their own religious boxes, they can do great work which can influence entire humanity.”

Q: Could you put that in simpler terms?

“If Mahatma Gandhi just represented the Hindus, he could not have led the national movement of India, which was made of Hindus, Sheiks, and Muslims. But, he aspired for something greater than just the religion that he was a part of. It was the same thing with Martin Luther King, Jr. If he talked on behalf of just Southern Baptists, there is no way he could have led the Civil Rights Movement. I believe that there are fundamental universal principles and values that all the faith traditions share. Actually, I would say about 80 to 85% of what people of faith believe, regardless of their faith tradition, are the same.”

Q: What is your take on the trouble between your siblings?

“I have explained countless times that this is not a fight amongst brothers, but to no avail. The premise that the Unification Movement is like a (business conglomerate) was completely wrong to begin with. In a spiritual movement, position does not matter. Moral authority is what is most important. I’m not a political person. Therefore, I have no interest in the internal politics of an organization. Rather, as a person of deep faith, my mission is of great importance to me. I believe in the saying: “All good things come to those who wait.” (The 2.4 billion dollar legal battle between Dr. Hyun Jin Moon and former President Kook Jin Moon over the PARC 1 construction in Yeoido, Seoul, is pending a final ruling by the Supreme Court. Dr. Moon won in both the first and second cases.)

Q: What are the values that you speak of?

“North and South Korean unification. If you study the Hongik Ingan philosophy and the founding story of (Korea’s first kingdom), you realize all the basic merits that advocate for fundamental human rights and freedoms that the United States espoused with its creation in 1776 are there. This is not an ancient philosophy. It is amazing that this was the founding idea of Korea five thousand years ago. The Hongik Ingan philosophy is in a way the thread that holds the two people of South and North together. The issue of Korean unification will fundamentally impact the course of how human history advances. I am very frustrated about how narrow and how small the leadership of Korea is thinking. True leadership is based on moral authority.”

① Dr. Hyun Jin Moon smiles during the interview. ②During the Global Peace Leadership Conference held in Korea last year, U.S. Congressmen Hon. Eni Faleomavaega (Left) and Hon. Mike Honda (Right) present Dr. Moon with an appreciation plaque. ③ Dr. Moon meets with former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher after a Global Peace Conference in the United Kingdom in 2008.

Q: It seems like you have exceptional conviction in the reunification of North and .

“Thanks to my father, I had the unique opportunity to observe his efforts for unification. I have also met so many different kinds of people regardless of position, nationality or race. So, I can curse with the best of them, I can speak highbrow with the best of them. I see no contradiction. My father was the one who opened the door to , and the current unification efforts are based on what I learned through those experiences with my father. What is more effective than the inter- governmental dialogue and political solutions of ‘Track 1’ diplomacy is a ‘Track 2’ civilian level peace movement. This is the approach GPF is taking.”

Q: North Korea’s Kim Jong-un is making military threats, thus worsening the relations between North and South Korea.

“Tell me one region in the world, any crisis in the world that was solved through diplomatic and geopolitical solutions. A Great Awakening was a key factor for the movements led by Gandhi and Dr. King. These two pioneers touched upon universal principles and values that moved their nations and its people to eventually have political solutions that secured the rights of Blacks and all minorities.”

Q: Have you been to North Korea?

“Not yet. My son went to North Korea to volunteer in service projects. If I go, it will not just be to take photos. Last year GPF established a bakery in North Korean to feed undernourished children. Every day the plant produces 5,000 baked goods that are distributed to local kindergartens and grade schools for lunch. Bread has a short shelf-life compared to flour, and this way, there is less possibility for the food to be used by the North Korean military. My hope is that we will be able to eventually bring the Alllights project into North Korea to provide light in regions with no electricity.”

Q: Can you describe your reunification movement?

“One of the things that the Korea United initiative is doing is bringing together all of these NGOs under one banner. Currently about 400 organizations are working together including conservatives, liberals, Christian, and Buddhist organizations. One of the fundamental flaws during President Dae Jung Kim’s Sunshine Policy was that NGOs created many independent initiatives to engage with the North. As a result, much of the aid sent to North Korea did not reach the North Korean people. However large or small, every Korean should be able to contribute to the unification process.”

Q: It seems your convictions towards reunification are stronger than your religious beliefs.

“It was actually a populous movement of both Eastern and Western Germans that brought about the end of the division between the two Germany’s. The same needs to happen in the case of North and South Korea unification. We need to move the people of North and South Korea. The solution is to build a populous grassroots movement.”

Q: How would you define an ideal leader, ideal leadership?

“The standard of leadership that I am advocating around the world is moral and innovative leadership. The financial crisis in America is not due to a breakdown of the global financial system. It was due to the erosion of the moral and ethical foundation that made American capitalism great. Simply put, the political-class legislated economic policies eventually led to the collapse of the housing market here in America.”

Q: Do you have examples of how you are changing the world?

“Let me give you two examples. We recently helped arrange a meeting with national representatives of the Mongolian government in Washington D.C. to meet with top think-tanks. Mongolia wants to become a seventh member of the six-party talks. These are based on ideas that I shared with the Mongolian government in 2011. This type of vision can change the landscape of geopolitics in Northeast Asia. In Africa, in Kenya, GPF contributed to the drafting of a new constitution. Our efforts led to the recent successful election without bloodshed. Civic NGOs are able to accomplish what the UN has not been able to do. “

Q: What was the most difficult moment in your life?

“No comment. It is usually the most difficult moments in your life that are the most reflective and greatest teaching moments. I don’t really express my emotions. You cannot turn an apple into an orange or an orange into an apple. You will have to take me as I am.”

Q: Do you still ride horses? (Dr. Moon competed in the 1988 and 1992 for the Korean Equestrian Team). “I don’t compete, but I ride for recreation. I love the countryside and I love creation and animals. I grew up with really ‘the salt of the earth’ type of people. My father loved fishing. Every summer I used to go fishing so I basically grew up with fishermen and people who hunt.”

Q: You are only in your 40s, but you have a lot of gray hair and you already have a grandson.

“Because of my background, I had to grow up very quickly. I had to quickly grow into adulthood. I got married when I was 20. Being married at a young age and being a grandfather in your 40s is not abnormal within my family. I know it seems very strange now (laughter). You can say I am a real traditional Korean. Korean society has changed a lot but I’m still carrying on the Korean traditional family model in America.”

Q: You have nine children. How did you raise them all?

“I have to give a lot of credit to my wife, who not only bore nine children, but also has raised nine children to be children that I’m very proud of. My oldest son graduated from West Point and my second one will be attending. My wife graduated from Julliard in both undergraduate and graduate schools. She could’ve had a career as a concert pianist, but she gave up her own personal ambitions for her family.”

Q: You had a grandson a few years ago. How did it feel?

“It has been wonderful.”

Donga] Bringing on a 21st Century Eco-Friendly “New Village Movement”

03-16-2013 | 0 Comments | HJM

The following feature article on Global Peace Foundation-Korea President Kyung Eui Yoo was originally published in the Weekly Donga, from Korea. It was reported on http://www.gpfkorea.org/. President Yoo talks about the All-Lights Village Project, Korean Reunification and his thoughts on the importance of sportsmanship for international civil diplomacy.

By Ji Eun Kim [email protected] “Global Peace Foundation-Korea President Kyung Eui Yoo’s All-Lights Village Project Receives International Attention “

Global Peace Foundation-Korea President Kyung Eui Yoo is better known as a sportsman than a peace activist. He has been engaged in numerous athletic activities and programs: he founded several sports organizations, including the International , International Women’s Soccer Cup, and the Peace Star Cup Celebrity Soccer Tournament. He also organized a soccer training program in Spain for the Korea Football Association and was K-league director. In 2008, he worked as Deputy Chairman of the Asian Football Confederation Social Responsibility Committee and for FIFA’s Special Project Office.

His new role as Global Peace Foundation-Korea President triggered many people’s curiosity. At first glance it is not easy to find the relation between sports and peace initiatives, but President Yoo has a totally different perspective.

Kissa’s Sports and Cultural festival engaged foreign students in Korea and Korean students in sports and cultural exchange.

Sportsmanship connects people from around the world

In November of last year, President Yoo organized a Foreign Students Sports and Culture Festival on Incheon University’s Songdo Campus , hosted by KISSA (the Korean International Student Support Association), which he also runs. The Sports and Culture Festival was a great success, attracting 2,000 foreign students. KISSA has since become a major agency that is working with foreign students.

KISSA was founded to provide support for foreign students studying in Korea, but KISSA has also opened avenues for foreign students to get involved in different programs like sports matches, agricultural volunteering, environmental clean-ups and outreach to people who have been isolated in Korean society. The foreign students sometimes teach sports that they enjoyed in their home countries like basketball and croquet. President Yoo believes that getting an authentic experience helps the foreign students adjust to their lives in Korea and will leave a positive impression of their time in Korea.

“We need to acknowledge that there are some foreign students who love Korea at first but end up really disliking Korea. The majority of foreign students who come to study in Korea are the cream of the crop that will in 10 or 20 years be defining the important policies of their home countries. If they have negative sentiments towards Korea, our future will be bleak. We have to engage their assets strategically. KISSA is a channel for civil diplomacy.

Sportsmanship is not something that only children in the 3rd world countries need. Through sports, one learns how to create team work, be considerate of others, and boost self-esteem. Koreans and foreign students can both benefit from sportsmanship.

President Yoo sees sportsmanship like the fertilizer or soil for peace initiatives. To him, it is a central element.

“Most college students in Korea decide to go abroad to volunteer just to add something to their resume. They do not see the importance of living for others. But when they actually go abroad, even though it’s for a short period, they have a tremendous experience. They come back much more mature. Some of them confess that the harsh reality of the developing world reminded them of their parents’ generation. This generation hasn’t experienced poverty the way their parents have. When they see the dire situation of some of these developing countries they realize Korea was not much different in the 1960s and the 70s.”

He knows that service is not effective when it is just a one way interaction. He sees overseas service activity as ‘Global Exchange.’.

‘The All-Lights Village Project’ supplies solar-powered lanterns equipped with a radio to remote villages that do not have access to electric power.

The All-Lights Village Project is bringing solar powered lamps to remote villages in developing countries as a way to combat illiteracy and build self-reliance.

It also installs solar-powered streetlights for the community hall and streets. This project is moving into the level to build multi-purpose halls in the center of the villages and to eventually supply electricity to the entire village through developing the villages’ solar energy capacity. The All-Lights Village Project has brought the bright light of hope so far to 15 villages in the Philippines, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, and Kenya that used to be pitch-dark.

The All-Lights Village Project gets some of its inspiration from Korea’s ‘Samuel Undong’ (New Village Movement). President Yoo added his concern for the environment and peace to birth this 21st century rendition of an eco-friendly Saemaul Undong. President Yoo’s activities are unlike any other overseas service and peace building initiatives; and they are attracting the interest of government agencies in various countries, some which are now project partners. .

“If we give them food and clothing, will it impact their lives 50 years from now? We focus on giving them a foundation for self-reliance. We want them to feel that their lives are full of hope. The All-Lights Village Project was first conceived as a way of reducing illiteracy. For these people who had been living in darkness, the ‘lights’ brought more hope we ever imagined. The radio has also opened the world to them: they hear news and have a form of entertainment.”

The Final Destination of world peace is “Korean Reunification”

Last May, President Yoo received the ‘Medal of Merits’ from the Malaysia Awards Office in recognition of his efforts made for civil exchanges through the Global Peace Leadership Exchange. The Medal of Merits is one of the greatest honors in Malaysia. President Yoo is the first foreigner to ever receive a medal from the government of Malaysia. His enthusiastic partnership and civil diplomacy with Malaysia and the Philippines is bearing fruit.

What then is the final destination of world peace for President Yoo? Without hesitation, he utters, “The reunification of Korean peninsula.”

North Korean children are eating bread from a bread factory made from donations raised from the Miracle of 1000 Won.

“There are two major hot spots in the world. One is the Middle East, the other is North Korea. In other words, we cannot talk about world peace without talking about peace on Korean peninsula.”

President Yoo reminds us that there is a world without light not far from where we live. In North Korea there are countless people who are living in the dark without electricity. A part of President Yoo’s strategy for reunification is the “Everyday Reunification Movement”. It is seeking to bring reunification into the lives of every Korean by giving them simple ways to contribute. Campaigns like the All-Lights Village Project. and the “Miracle of 1000 Won” fundraising drive which has raised enough to build a bakery in Sariwon, North Korea to provide bread for children of the city, are enabling Koreans to be a part of reunification in their everyday lives.

One of the programs he is promoting to bring reunification into our daily lives is the ‘Korea United Pledge Drive.’ The pledge asks a signer to pledge goods, money, time or talent to help North Korea. This is based on President Yoo’s belief that if every single Korean invests their whole heart into the reunification of the Korean peninsula, it will happen soon.

“Some might ask about the benefits of Korean reunification. We do not need flashy mottos to tell us that the reunification of the Korean peninsula will lead to world peace. Current data shows that the potential growth of Korea is only 3.3 %. This says something about our future. Reunification is the only way to increase Korea’s growth potential to make it one of the world’s top nations. The ‘Korean Dream’ of becoming a symbol of peace to the world signifies also our bright future.”

Just as President Yoo dreams of the day that an All-Lights Village will be built in North Korea, each of us can make efforts on a daily basis to bring reunification closer. This will become a great beacon of hope for those living in the dark as well as for us.

Home / Blog / Two Rays of Light in Kenya Two Rays of Light in Kenya

02-26-2013 | 0 Comments | HJM

The following report was published in the Chosun Ilbo (Daily), a Korean newspaper on the launch of the Alllights Village Project in Kenya.

[International] Kenya

Two Rays of Light in Kenya

By Byung Mook Choi

Nairobi, KENYA, February 1, (Cheoson Ilbo)

⊙ GPF has brought solar- powered lanterns and character education programs to Kenya.

⊙ GPF Korea Chairman Kyung Eui Yoo, “The Alllights Village Project is creating a brighter world.”

⊙ Principal of Moi Forces Academy in Kenya, “GPF’s character education program has changed everything about the school”

February 1, 4 pm, Chosun Daily sent our reporting crew to Kwa Ngure, a village in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, Africa. Kwa Ngure is a slum. Kibera is the biggest slum in Nairobi and the African continent, but we did not visit Kibera due to official advisories that warned against holding big events in Kibera.

Residents of Kwa Ngure in Nairobi, Kenya, put on a special performance prior to the presentation of solar-powered lanterns. /photo courtesy of GPF Kenya Our reporting crew traveled to the opposite side of the globe to attend an Alllights Village Project event, organized by Hyun Jin Moon’s Global Peace Foundation. The Alllights Village Project supplies solar-powered lanterns and solar-powered streetlights to villages that do not have access to electricity. These solar-powered lanterns are easily charged: five hours of exposure to daylight provides power for 10 hours. In the remote areas of Kenya, people still use kerosene lamps that resemble lamps that we used to use decades ago in Korea.

Residents welcomed GPF with traditional dances

Our crew was welcomed by a delegation of ten well-dressed black African men and women performing traditional dances. They waved their hands, shook their hips and shouted to the music. Although it was 22 degrees Celsius, the dancers had sweat beading on their foreheads. Members of the crew were pulled in to join the dance as they escorted us to the main venue. It was like a scene out of the movie Out of Africa.

About 100 people were gathered under a canopy set up in the middle of the slum. Many of them were Kenyan locals engaged in GPF programs. Prior to the opening plenary, a team of 4 athletes roused the crowd with a demonstration of acrobatics and even a few Taekwondo kicks.

The Kenya-styled event began with an address from each and every significant guest. One by one they stood and spoke in English and Swahili. One female NGO activist who cares after abandoned children remarked, “This solar-powered lantern will be the miracle of light that will fundamentally change the lives of those who have had to inhale the fumes of kerosene lamps in dark night.” Kenyan government officials also attended the event, expressing words of gratitude to GPF for the solar-powered lantern project. In Kenya it is customary that every participant be given a chance to speak, no one was left out.

GPF Africa President In Soo Choi said, “We came here not as visitors but as brothers and sisters. We hope to build a happier village through the Alllights Village Project.” GPF Korea President Kyung Eui Yoo said, “The Alllights Village Project is a movement to create a brighter world through giving light.” He added, “We invite everyone to be part of the Alllights Village Movement.”

Solar-powered lantern project expands from Mongolia to Kenya and beyond

After the congratulatory address was delivered, President Kyung Eui Yoo and other GPF officials presented the solar- powered lanterns. As a launching event, 90 lanterns and 5 streetlights were given. One by one, each village household was presented a lantern; the residents were deeply moved. They finally found ‘light’ in the darkness. They will no longer have to use kerosene lamps in their closed living spaces — stinging their eyes and polluting their lungs, causing lung and eye disease. GPF Korea Chairman Kyung Eui Yoo shakes hands after presenting a solar-powered lantern. Afterwards, our crew visited a family who is now using a solar-powered lantern, a single-mother and her seven children. Her husband had packed up and left one day, never to return. Their small home was about 50 ft2. The door leading into the small space screeched open, it was a patchwork of galvanized steel and only big enough for one person to fit through at a time. It was only 6 pm, but it was completely dark inside. On one side was a bed loosely constructed of scrap wood and on the other side was a small couch they had found on the street. The table was slightly larger than a cutting board and the closet thinner than a hand. We could not imagine how all of them slept and lived in such a small space. They showed us how the solar-powered lantern enables them to study now. Their big smiles spoke loud enough of their happiness.

GPF first started the solar-powered lantern project in March of 2011. By the end of last year, more than 3,000 solar-powered lanterns and solar-powered streetlights have been distributed to villages throughout the Philippines, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, and Indonesia. This event marked the commencement of the project in Kenya.

President Kyung Eui Yoo, who initiated the Alllights Village Project explained:

“The Alllights Village Project does not seek to merely provide lanterns to those in need. This project seeks to help local leaders change the mindset of the residents and help them overcome poverty. We are working together to develop economic independence and community driven development to secure the happiness of all the residents. It is like the Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) of Korea in the 1970s. In the future, it will expand into a Saenara Undong (New World Movement) that will secure peace that transcends race, religion, and nation.”

GPF is getting positive responses in other countries from the solar-powered lanterns and solar- powered streetlights. In 2012, the province of Nueva Ecija in the Philippines voted to endorse the Alllights Village Project and laid out a project plan that allocates local government resources. The first step Nueva Ecija has been to form a committee, chaired by Cardinal Rosales and composed of university presidents, vice minister of Education, Red Cross directors. This year, the Kenya government will kick off the Kerosene Free Movement and GPF is a likely partner. According to a GPF official, GPF Korea President Kyung Eui Yoo has already discussed specifics with UN HABITAT, Kenya Ministry of Energy, UNIDO, and Light Africa officials during his recent visit to Kenya.

It seems it will be just a matter of time before GPF will be fully engaged in the Kerosene Free Program. The Kenya government is fully aware of GPF programs, especially the support and funding that these projects are attracting. If that happens, it will be a precedent for a Korean NGO to be a contributing member of ‘Nation Building Movement’ in an African country. For Kenya, it is a small cornerstone for progress..

GPF’s Character Education in Kenya transformed school culture

The solar-lantern project is not the only GPF program in Kenya. Moi Forces Academy, which we visited on January 30, is the flagship school for GPF’s character education. During our visit, the principal of Moi Forces Academy gave us a tour. He was full of praise for the school.

80% of the students at Moi Forces Academy are from military families. Moi Forces Academy is one of several Kenyan youth attended the GPF’s National schools in the pilot phase of Youth Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya, on implementing the Character and Creative February 1. Initiative (CCI), done in partnership with the Kenyan government and GPF since August 2010.

Rather than focusing on rote learning, CCI focusing on cultivating the school culture. A CCI school forms a School Character Competencies Committee that consists of principals, teachers, staff, and students. Unlike conventional education models where teachers teach students, at a CCI school, teachers and students collaborate to design, choose and implement project ideas.

The student body president at Moi Forces Academy explained a project called ‘Power of 1% for Peace and Change.’ Participating students are asked to share 1% of what they have with others in need: not just money, but time, talents, and skills. This project works with participating students who engage the entire school community in discussions to improve their school and surrounding neighborhoods. The Student body president stressed, “Students must make the change. We need to change our thoughts, to be confident that ‘I’ can change society. We are seeing students making this pledge.” He described some of the project’s specific activities. “We post famous sayings and maxims within the school building. Whenever we see one, we take a moment of self- reflection. Students are encouraged to live prudently, we save our coins and unused items for donations. We even started gardening for ourselves.” Moi Forces Academy’s principal, who is also president of Kenya School Principals Association, explained the outcomes of CCI.

“As we integrated the CCI program into our school, we saw remarkable improvements in students’ attitudes and performance. This in turn had impact on the faculty’s satisfaction level and subsequently enhanced the quality of service provided to students. CCI has changed everything about this school. As students’ performance improved, the school’s reputation among parents soared. We have received a record number of applicants.”

Recently school officials were amazed to receive 400 applications for one available opening.

Kenyan Ministry of Education gives positive assessment of GPF’s character education program

The seven schools in the pilot phase have adopted different models of the Character and Creativity Initiative. For example, students in lower grade schools have planted trees that symbolize a personal motto for their inner growth. They reflect on their growth as the tree grows. Other schools have run the Talk to Me program that teaches self-talk and dialogue with peers.

Every model of CCI has been deemed a success. KIPPRA, (the Kenya Institute Kenya government official delivers a for Public Policy Research and Analysis), congratulatory address in the solar-powered published a report based on a two-year lantern presentation ceremony. research study that concludes that CCI programs have generated outstanding results, encouraging the Kenya Ministry of Education and Kenya School Principals Association. In 2013, the Kenya Ministry of Education issued an education management policy regarding character and creativity that establishes guidelines that make character and creativity education a major standard for evaluating schools and teachers. The Kenya School Principals Association will hold CCI meeting in each school district to expand CCI to a nationwide level. These discussion forums on CCI’s best practices will be held in all 47 regions, hosted by each chapter of the Kenya School Principals Association. This is the impact that GPF has made thus far on Kenya’s public education.

Until now, Africa has evoked negative images: poverty, starvation, tribal disputes, malaria, HIV, corruption, and military dictatorships. There is a saying that used to fittingly describe Africa’s situation, “Yesterday was dark, today is dark, and tomorrow will be dark.”

Aid organizations from across the world have poured countless amounts of supplies and capital to build hospitals and schools in Africa, and the situation seems dire. The term ‘Aid Trap’ was created to raise concern that aid was resulting in laziness, idleness, and corruption. However, despite these negative perceptions, through the collective efforts of the global community, there have been marked improvements on the African continent.

GPF is among such contributors. It is bringing in the diligence and commitment of Koreans who’s nation endured decades of Japanese annexation and then war, but managed to become one of the top 10 economies in the world. Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, Chairman of GPF is encouraging Koreans to work with their Kenyan brethren to share its success with the African continent. The Korean Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) implemented during the Park Jung Hee presidency, is recognized in most African countries as an exemplary model of social and economic development, making it easier for GPF to bring its programs to Kenya.

During our short, less-than-a-week stay, we were pleased to see that Koreans have something to offer to Kenya as it looks ahead. ⊙

Home / Blog / Korea’s Leading Magazine Shin Dong-A covers Global Peace Convention 2012 Korea’s Leading Magazine Shin Dong-A covers Global Peace Convention 2012

01-5-2013 | 0 Comments | HJM

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 [email protected]

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.

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

Home / Blog / Shin Dong-A Prints Interview with Global Peace Foundation Chairman, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon Shin Dong-A Prints Interview with Global Peace Foundation Chairman, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon

01-22-2013 | 0 Comments | HJM

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 all articles from the Shin Dong-A feature on GPC 2012.

Home / Blog / “Unification of North and South Korea is central to world peace” Korea’s leading magazine, Shin Dong-A GPC 2012 report, part 4 “Unification of North and South Korea is central to world peace” Korea’s leading magazine, Shin Dong-A GPC 2012 report, part 4

01-7-2013 | 0 Comments | HJM

Korea’s leading magazine Shin Dong-A, published a ten page feature of GPC 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 English translation of the first segment of the article.

See the original article in Korean.

Below is the unofficial English translation. GPC Atlanta 2012 Presents a New Paradigm for Global Peace

By Young Chul Choi [email protected] 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 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.

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

Home / Blog / “Hemispheric Cooperation for Mutual Prosperity” – Shin Dong-A feature report on the Americas Summit 2012 – part 3

“Hemispheric Cooperation for Mutual Prosperity” – Shin Dong-A feature report on the Americas Summit 2012 – part 3

01-7-2013 | 0 Comments | HJM

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 [email protected] 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.

Home / Blog / “Christianity and Islam join hands.” Korea’s leading magazine, Shin Dong-A, GPC 2012 feature – part 2 “Christianity and Islam join hands.” Korea’s leading magazine, Shin Dong-A, GPC 2012 feature – part 2

01-7-2013 | 0 Comments | HJM

Korea’s leading magazine Shin Dong-A, published a ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 in its New Year’s edition. The second segment of the article highlights the Muslim and Christian dialogue at GPC 2012 pushing for interfaith cooperation for regional peace. 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’s feature on GPC Atlanta 2012 highlighted Muslim and Christian interfaith deliberations.

See the original article in Korean.

Below is the unofficial English translation.

GPC Atlanta 2012 Presents a New Paradigm for Global Peace

By Young Chul Choi [email protected]

Atlanta, Georgia, United States -

Christianity and Islam join hands.

Global Peace Foundation (GPF) chair, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon said in his keynote address, “America’s true strength lies in its moral authority as a nation rooted in spiritual principles and values which have championed human rights and freedoms at home and abroad.” These principles, he said, are enshrined in the American Declaration of Independence, making America “a nation with the aspiration to become ‘one nation under God.’” He recounted the United States’ contribution to the world over the past century, from “challenging European colonial imperialism,” to “creating international assemblies to foster peace through dialogue and reason,” resulting in The League of Nations after the First World War, and the United Nations after the Second World War. During the Cold War “American leadership, and faith in human rights and fundamental freedoms, paved the way for the eventual collapse of totalitarian, communist regimes around the world.”

“This moment may prove to be a historic crossroads, for the United States, and for the world,” Dr. Moon noted. “The time is ripe for a new spiritual awakening that galvanizes the community of righteous and faithful citizens around universal principles and shared values, not just in the U.S. but throughout the Western hemisphere and the world.”

Dr. Moon expounded on the significance of Atlanta, Georgia as the host city for GPC 2012, “a place rich with history, faith, and more importantly the center of the American Civil Rights Movement.” Atlanta is also where Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife have brought important focus to the work of Habitat for Humanity. Atlanta is also home to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Non-Violent Change (The King Center) and The Carter Presidential Center, both co-sponsors and participants of GPC Atlanta 2012.

Dr. Moon considers the civil rights movement to be “not just as a struggle for civil rights but as America’s ‘Great Awakening’ of the 20th century.”

The youngest daughter of Dr. King and King Center CEO, Bernice A. King, said, “I don’t characterize my father as a civil rights leader, I characterize him first and foremost as a spiritual leader, as a man of God, as a moral leader who just happened to impact civil and human rights.” Dr. King’s famous, “I have a dream” speech, alludes to the self-evident truths stipulated in the Declaration of Independence, that “all men were created equal.”

Ms. King opened her address saying, “I earnestly believe that if my father were living today, his heart would be warmed by the work of this great organization around the world. And in fact, I believe without a shadow of a doubt, he would be a part of your group. “She also called for a New Great Awakening, a “radical revolution of values”, to secure peace.

The complex situation of the Middle East, including the recent military confrontation between Israel and Palestine, the prolonged civil war in Syria that began during the regional movement for democracy, show that military and diplomatic solutions to peace have reached their limit. America has poured billions into military resources for peace in the Middle East and is now facing an economic crisis.

Shin Dong-A acknowledged the contributions Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center, director of the Carter Center’s Americas Program, Jennifer McCoy, and Georgia State Senator, Jason Carter, grandson to former U.S. president Jimmy Carter.

Middle East experts and leaders agree,” Decades of failures to resolve the problems of the Middle East show the limitation of Track-1 diplomacy.” Track-1 diplomacy is a government- centered approach that seeks to resolve disputes through political and economic negotiations and military force. The alternative, Track-2 diplomacy, seeks solutions through non-military means, such as through spiritual and religious approaches. Dr. Moon said, “For peace to be established there must be reconciliation. But reconciliation cannot be forced; it has to occur naturally from the heart. It is logical that alternative approaches to peace-building are becoming more appealing.”

Civil society, particularly religious leaders who are familiar with the spiritual dimension of humanity, are critical parts of effectively implementing this new approach, namely Track-2 diplomacy, for peace and reconciliation in heavily disputed areas. Influential Muslim leaders and Western Christian leaders, who convened at GPC Atlanta, all emphasized the need for interfaith cooperation.

Dr. Said of Nahdlatul Ulama, the largest Islamic group in Indonesia with 60 million members worldwide, said, “The possibility of reconciliation between the Islamic world and the Western world can be found in moderated Islamic forces that can bring change to extremist Islamic groups that are propagating terrorism.” Rev. Robert A. Schuller commented, “Western Christian leaders should move beyond the limitations of their Christian world-view and accept their central responsibility – to practice universal values in the public square.” They both concluded that a fundamental spiritual paradigm shift is needed to prevent a clash of civilizations.

The Middle East is divided; tensions are escalating along religious, racial and cultural differences. GPC 2012 has been instrumental in developing solutions. If we can continue such endeavors, we can mitigate and ultimately end all conflicts. Minister of Education of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq, Asmat Khalid For a number of years, GPF has worked together with influential Muslim leaders in Indonesia and Malaysia to build consensus around universally shared values. GPF was also a part of launching the Coalition for American Renewal, calling faiths to their common mission to awaken the American spirit and character, and work inter- religiously. Participating at GPC 2012 from Islam, were the prominent Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama and the ministerial delegation from the Iraq Kurdistan Regional Government, and from Christianity, Rev. Robert A. Schuller from the United States, and Bishop Manoel Ferreira of the Assemblies of God, the largest Christian denomination in Brazil. All agreed that the profound and common mission of religions leaders is to secure peace through inter-religious cooperation.

Muslim and Christian leaders agreed that the vision captured in the phrase “One Family under God” and promoted through the interfaith work of GPF and Dr. Moon, is the vision needed resolve religious and regional conflicts. They committed to do their best to accomplish this vision, affirming that “One Family under God” is the common aspiration of all religions that expounds universal values and is the only means through which global peace can be attained.

Minister of Education of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq, Asmat Khalid said, “The Middle East is divided; tensions are escalating along religious, racial and cultural differences. GPC 2012 has been instrumental in developing solutions. If we can continue such endeavors, we can mitigate and ultimately end all conflicts. The experience of the Korean Zaitoon unit in Iraq will attest that we Kurds are fundamentally peace loving people.”

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

Home / Blog / All Lights Village Movement Brings Light and Hope ~ Shin Dong-A special report

All Lights Village Movement Brings Light and Hope ~ Shin Dong-A special report

01-15-2013 | 0 Comments | HJM

The All Lights Village Movement was reported on by Shin Dong-A, Korea’s leading magazine, in its New Year edition. 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 [email protected] 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.

See all articles from the Shin Dong-A feature on GPC 2012.

Visit the Alllights Village site.