The recently held Global Peace Convention
is an eye opener for many. We may have come a long way in upholding peace but
is saddening to see that there are still some divisive country, neighboring
country even and it somehow affect the global peace we all dream of.
This year, the Global Peace
Covention is held in Manila. It is a preeminent, world-level platform to share
best practices and develop collaborative strategies in areas of education,
health care, environmental sustainability, community-driven development and
conflict resolution. It opened last February 28 at the Marriott Hotel
Convention Center.
The multi-sectoral assembly is organized
by Global Peace Foundation (GPF), an international non-sectarian, non-partisan,
non-profit organization, which promotes an innovative, values-based approach to
peace building.
“We believe that the starting point
is a vision for a shared future that uplifts universally recognized principles
and values as essential tools for building a cohesive global economy of genuine
peace, freedom and high ideals,” said Dr. Hyun Jin P. Moon, chairman and
founder, Global Peace Foundation.
Operating on the theme, “Moral and
Innovative Leadership: New Models for Peace and Development,” the convention brings
together leading global experts and practitioners who will share best practices
in important tracks that include interfaith collaboration, innovation in
education, community development and empowering women and youth.
James Flynn, International President
of the Global Peace Foundation, said “The special focus on youth leadership and
service will ensure that the spark we ignite in this convention will grow with
positive momentum for years to come.”
Global leaders in the Convention
In her opening remarks, the former
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and incumbent deputy speaker of the 17th
Congress and a member of the House of Representative representing the 2nd
District of Pampanga said she was happy to have the Global Peace Convention
back to the Philippines. The first Global Peace Conventionwas held in 2009
during incumbency of Arroyo.
Vinicio Cerezo, the former president
of Guatemala spoke on ways to stop war and further promote peace. “Despite the differences, we should build
bridges, not walls, build solidarity, because we are but One Family Under One
God.” During his term as president,
Cerezo established respect for human rights, economic recovery and sustainable
development. Today, he promotes the process of regional integration through the
Latin American Presidential Mission, an association of former heads of state
committed to greater regional integration, effective and transparent
governance, and sustainable and equitable development.
Other global leaders attending this
Convention are Dr. Amani Abeid Karume, former president of Zanzibar;H.E.
Nicolas Ardito Barletta, former president of Panama; Hon. Jacob Oulanyah,
Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Uganda and Honorable Jin Pyo Kim, member of
the Korean National Assembly and former Deputy Prime Minister.
Why the Philippines?
With more than 600 million people,
the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) represents one of the most
dynamic economic blocs in the world. “As a rising Southeast Asian nation with
unique geographic, cultural and historic connections, the Philippines is
ideally positioned to play an important role for peace in this region and the
world,” explained Dr. Moon.
Moon
further describedthat given the principles and values-based perspective of the
Global Peace Convention, “it is natural that we are convening here because of
the God-centered, family-oriented heart of the Filipino people, as reflected in
the Philippines national motto: “Maka-Diyos,
maka-tao, maka-kalikasan, at maka-bansa – For the love of God, people,
nature and country.”
It is almost ten years when the GPC
first started in Manila.
“We at GPF have been learned many lessons from our many initiatives around the globe and want to share these best practices that will enrich participants to think globally, act locally,” said Flynn.
“We at GPF have been learned many lessons from our many initiatives around the globe and want to share these best practices that will enrich participants to think globally, act locally,” said Flynn.
