Toward Interdependence and Mutual Prosperity: The Role of Religious Leaders and Parliamentarians

WFWP Session: Brief Report when the selfishness of nations pushes continuous effort. Dr. Hysi defined six harmony away, we must look to family areas where MP’s must be vigilant. Session IV: Beyond Coexistence: as the basic unit of all human These include, defending non- Dealing with the Challenges of organizations. While the participation discrimination laws, promote inter of women is needed everywhere, the religious /cultural understanding and Interdependence highest priority is educating our society cooperation, adopt measure that reduce Values Education and Healthy with a righteous value system and love inequalities and poor education, to motivate. encourage self regulation to prevent Families – Fostering an Environment hate language in media, lawmakers and for Prosperity, Citizenship and Hon. Dr. Vasilika Hysi, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Albania faith leaders need to work together to Interreligious Harmony focused her statement on the prevent extremism and promote good models.

B responsibility of parliamentarians in uilding a peaceful world of co- strengthening inter-religious harmony. Hon. Nina Nováková, Member of prosperity and shared values has Albania has a tradition of religious Parliament (2013-2017), Czech long been the goal of religion, coexistence. In these times of politics and educational institutions. In radicalization, preserving it requires a stable, loving family, individuals may naturally develop capacities for love, respect, communication, cooperation, service, conflict resolution, forgiveness and other social skills that are relevant to life in the wider society. How can this universal principle be applied and extended to encourage harmonious social relations and partnerships for peace in our communities and in the family of nations? The Moderator, Ms. Carolyn Handschin, UN Office Director, Women’s Federation for World Peace International welcomed a full room, describing the session’s theme as being the critical component in all discussions on peace. Professor Yeon Ah Choi Moon, Chairwoman, WFWPI spoke of creating a culture of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universally shared values, as espoused by the Founders of WFWPI. To make our peace culture sustainable at a time

Republic is currently working with Switzerland, is a pastor, writer and is also a human rights researcher and civil society in search of solutions to founder of a media network. He values activist and member of the Bahai faith. current threats. Three worlds, family and the role of women. It was This day is the celebration of the “pragmatism” with its uncritical belief women who remained with Jesus to the founding of her religion. Having in technology to society, “hedonism” end, he said. Speaking in metaphor and suffered torture as a child, smuggled to that is and denial of time honored parable, he referred to humanity’s need freedom, she turned to human rights. values and instant gratification - and to live together in harmony referring to While education is critical to human “bureaucracy” a dehumanized system the life cycle of ants and their need for rights, legislation is equally so. We of regulation. All three ignore ethical community for survival. When people need to form families that last. consideration. If society is ecosystem, change from self-absorption to concern Millennial generation is different from family is basic structure. Need to for others, quality of life and breadth of their parents. The internet has understand and respect it. It is a place accomplishment changes dramatically. transitioned the younger generation to to learn virtue. Our society lacks But we have to learn to live together. the intangible, accumulating fidelity, which cultivates empathy. Only with God as our center, that can experiences (metaphysical). Living in a Pragmatic criteria wants to claim be done. Incredible insight comes to time where spirituality is priority, objectivity, but the safe environment of solve problems with this connection, search for authenticity, becoming true family is only breeding ground for not through ideology, but by self. That is first function of parents in healthy conscience, commitment recognizing our innate common core. a family, loving and letting go- love is and true freedom to love deeply and Annemarie Sasek, wife and mother of also the creative force for civilization live virtuously. No society, as no Rev. Sasek’s 11 children added a few building. family can survive without fidelity at words from the audience in closing. Almost 20 minutes of discussion with its core. Ms. Tahirih Danesh, Senior the audience provided opportunity for Rev. Ivo Sasek, President, Organische Programme Consultant, Ward and many views to be shared. Christus Generation (OCG), Brown Foundation, United Kingdom,

Speech of Prof. Yeon Ah Moon Your Excellencies, distinguished and concerns of the today’s world. One of the lifestyle of living for the sake of speakers, and honored guests! of the most recent is the Hyo-jeong others and responsibility for creating It is my sincere pleasure to participate Academy, an institution that develops the better environment for the future in the panel discussion here at the academic curricula and training generation. Even the SDG Preamble Parkhotel Schonbrunn in Vienna. I am programs for youth with the intention got it right, “No one will be left also bringing the greetings and to cultivate global citizens and future behind”. appreciation on behalf of Dr. Hak Ja leaders of integrity and compassion. Beloved global citizens, Han Moon, Co-Founder of WFWP, Distinguished leaders, I would like to remind you the who wishes to encourage and convey This is the critical question, how to founder’s vision on the role of family, her love to all of you for your great make peace culture sustainable, from especially women, in creating the endeavors for empowering women and generation to generation, in this time, sustainable harmonious world as the promoting peace in your own fields. when the selfishness of nations, in peace-maker of the 21st century. Peace-loving leaders, pursuing only their own interest has “Peace must first be realized in the The theme of the discussion today is pushed harmony and unity further individual and in the family because “Values Education and Healthy away. these form the basic unit for all human Families - Fostering and Environment To counter this ongoing plight, WFWP organizations and systems. When true for Prosperity, Citizenship and emphasizes that the real cement of a parents, a true husband and wife, and Interreligious Harmony.” To be Culture of Peace has more to do with true children all attend God and form a effective, this debate must be taken true love, which is the implementation true family of peace, and when that seriously on many fronts: in early childhood education in families, in school curricula and in broader socio- cultural relations. Ever since WFWP’s establishment in 1992 in Seoul, Korea, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and her late husband, Rev. Sun Myung Moon, as co-founder and the biggest supporter of empowering women’s rights, worked to promote an ideal of “One Global Family under God,” and the culture of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universally shared values. Their efforts through various volunteer and educational programs brought closer to the realization of an era of peace, harmony and coexistence. Moreover, they have created dozens of peace and education based organizations touching many issues

family expands to form a clan, nation and world, a true world of peace will be realized. The role of the mother and wife in creating peace in the family is an absolute and eternal one. Thus, participation by women is needed in all aspects of society, from diplomacy and politics to the economy and legal system reform. Women also need to be active in education and culture, in sports and the arts, not to mention the diverse activities of NGOs. However, I want to emphasize that before all these things, the highest priority for our activity needs to be education of our society with a righteous value system, plus the True Love and True Family movement. We need to encourage and foster the practice of living for the sake of Beginning with link-minded leaders Development (IAPD) today. It is a vast others.” (from “World Peace and the and practitioners, especially in the network of people and associations, Role of Women”; April 10, 2002, fields of education, law, media, ultimately interlinked through our Tenth Anniversary of the Women’s religion and culture, who are working desire to secure a world where children Federation for World Peace) together for the common purpose can can really grow up free to develop their Beloved peace-loving leaders, bring the true culture of goodness and unique contribution to a While I would have more to say on this interdependence, mutual prosperity flourishing peace culture. pivotal topic, I also look forward to and universally shared values. We look forward working together listening to your thoughts, activities This in fact is the vision behind the with you. and proposals. We cannot bring the inauguration of the Inter-religious Thank you. changes we want to see, alone. Association for Peace and