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In August 2000, Rev. Sun Myung Moon outlined his vision at a speech he delivered at the United Nations. He explained that just as each of us has both a mind and a body, and just as each one of us is both a spiritual being and a material or physical being, so too are human institutions and organizations. They too must have a mind and a spiritual center. Thus he proposed a council composed of exemplary and mature representatives and learned advocates of the world’s spiritual traditions that would uphold the spiritual wisdom and heritage of humanity, representing God’s guidance for all of us.
A culture of peace can only be achieved by a culture of heart. A culture of heart is living for the sake of others. It is living for the sake of the whole. It is a culture where in all aspects of society, from businesses, academia, the government, civil society, the media, and entertainment are geared for the sake of the whole.
Peaceful coexistence is prescribed not only to Muslims but also to the global community as a whole. Under the specific circumstances of the time and the existing culture, one would expect a system destined to improve the conditions of only the Bedouin tribes in their desolate habitat. The Quranic revelations, however, contain not only expressions on themes of local trade, commerce, and the concerns of the simple communities in those barren areas but also invocations of exalted spiritual and global values directed to all of mankind.
Development taken as a human right has major implications for the states that recognise it as such and also for international institutions for cooperation between developed and developing countries. A rights-based development implies that all development has to be based on equity, non-discrimination and a participatory transparent process with identified and accountable stakeholders.
Though our challenges are fearsome, so are our strengths as part of a diverse, cosmopolitan Canadian family! But, we cannot always dwell on the developmental strains of the past. Rather we must acknowledge past mistakes, embrace the present, and execute pragmatically for the future.
I appreciate what Universal Peace Federation is doing to work for peace. It is an appeal to everybody to have and make peace. But you will agree with me that, with all my respect to all peace warriors, that to be successful in bringing peace, in making peace for others, you need peace in your heart, peace in your family, peace in your neighborhood, peace in your community. For you cannot give what you don’t have!
Welcoming migrants from the so-called developing countries may be viewed in the perspective of solidarity and subsidiary altruism, and with a show of oneness in humanity under One Godhead.
The answer to many world problems is quite simple—strengthen the institution of the family. Governments have a huge interest in protecting the family.
Qatar will continue its advocacy for the promotion and protection of the family as the basic unit of society, and to promote a culture of partnership based on consensus and common grounds.
The family constitutes the basic unit of society and therefore deserves special attention. Hence, the widest possible protection and assistance should be accorded to families so that they may fully assume their responsibilities within the community.