WFWP Middle East 30th Anniversary Celebration - Message from WFWPI President

Beloved women leaders from various nations in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, members of WFWP, and distinguished guests,

On behalf of our Co-founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, I would like to congratulate each and every one of you who have invested heart and effort on behalf of the Women’s Federation for World Peace over the past 30 years. It is truly my greatest honor and privilege to lead this worldwide organization of women leaders dedicating themselves to creating a better world for the future. I humbly extend my deepest gratitude and respect to all the peacemakers who have helped WFWP’s vision blossom around the world.

This day is a truly momentous occasion in which we are not only celebrating this milestone for WFWP, but we are also honoring the effort and sacrifice of our Co-founders, leaders, members, and volunteers. It is through the unified effort of each of you here that WFWP is able to welcome its 30th Anniversary.

In 1992 the Co-founders of WFWP, affectionately known as Father and Mother Moon, launched WFWP International. They declared the dawn of the era of women, in which true love, particularly the maternal instinct, must lead the world to unify as “One Global Family.” I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation, on behalf of the entire organization, to the Co-founders whose lives have been models of unconditional love, serving the world as their own family.

Mother Moon, with the support of her loving husband, spearheaded WFWP’s call for peace. In 1993, she launched speaking tours, traveling to 44 cities across the United States and to 40 countries globally. She spoke passionately, inspiring large audiences of leaders from politics, academia and religion with the unifying message of the central importance of women in building sustainable peace. In her talks, she stated, “Now women and men should play a major role in world history, by serving alongside each other like the wheels of a great engine pulling the construction of a peaceful world forward.”

In 1994, the Co-founders inspired an outpouring of volunteerism by 1,600 Japanese women, who left their comfortable homes to launch service projects in countries throughout the world. WFWP’s global efforts quickly expanded and by 1997, the organization was recognized by the United Nations. WFWP was granted General Consultative Status from the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which is the highest status granted to NGOs. What moved the hearts at the UN was how widely WFWP volunteers had established useful service projects in developing nations, such as vocational schools for women and children, mobile medical service clinics, family education programs, and more.

Now we have grown to 127 national chapters with over 173,000 members who are contributing to the empowerment of women, the protection of children, offering humanitarian aid, raising environmental awareness, and teaching practical ways to achieve peace and reconciliation on all levels of society. As the world evolves, the changing needs of our time evolve, but I am confident WFWP will adapt and embrace any challenges to come with true love.

I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for joining this 27th Middle East Women’s Conference. Since its beginning in 1997, the MEW conference has brought together prominent women leaders from the Middle East who care about a peaceful future for the region and the world. You have discussed pressing issues, shared expertise and ideas, and worked together on solutions to achieve a free, united, sustainable world. Starting with a small group of Japanese and Middle Eastern WFWP volunteers, you worked with hope, passion, and strong determination to create a peaceful environment and future for all women and their children.

Just as a great journey begins with a single step, the MEW conference has been so successful over the past quarter century because of your constant, faithful effort to move forward. So many brave women have raised their voices for peace, calling for ways to find win-win solutions and promote well-being on all sides, for the sake of elimination of serious conflict. MEW is now one of WFWP’s most significant endeavors, having developed a strong network of women utilizing their maternal character and love, strong will, and “soft” leadership to achieve peace together.

After each MEW meeting, participants have prepared statements of resolution based on topics discussed, and these statements were submitted to the UN. This had the effect of attracting the attention of UN representatives, who have attended several meetings. The world, now more than ever, needs courageous, true women who can bridge the divisions among nations and people, who can connect in heart, centered upon our Creator, the One we call our Universal Parent. Recognizing our common Creator, we can respect one another as members of one human family.

We will continue to embody the spirit of WFWP’s founding, centering on Mother Moon’s leadership, and join hands to be part of this great historical turning point.

With today’s celebration, let us redetermine to once again go forth with even greater vigor and love for humanity and the world.

Thank you very much.

CONGRATULATIONS WFWP!