Address to World Summit 2014, Seoul, Korea, August 9-13, 2014
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for such a valuable opportunity to get to know each other and exchange opinions in such a wonderful atmosphere.
Regarding our three days of discussion, it was very heated but very constructive and valuable. I have never seen such an impressive exchange of views. Especially this morning’s anniversary program was very impressive, and I was deeply moved by Rev. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon’s philosophy of “Forgive, love, unite.”
In my closing remarks the key words are also forgiveness, generosity and looking forward to unity. I’m very pleased and excited to find the same words in Father Moon’s teachings.
I believe that a human being is not almighty. We often make mistakes. Throughout history humanity has often made mistakes. It is inevitable. But people have the ability and capability to reflect on their mistakes; they can apologize and cultivate a spirit of forgiveness and generosity. These abilities have constituted humanity’s driving force in our culture throughout history.
Let me mention a few examples referring to the sheets of photos delivered to your table. Please look at the first photo. This year is the centennial of World War I, which was the first all-out war that divided Europe into two. However, it was reported ten days ago that French President Hollande and German President Gauck jointly attended a memorial ceremony with smiles in Alsace, near the French border. [For photos, click here.]
The second photo is from Hiroshima, in my country. The U.S. ambassador, Caroline Kennedy, daughter of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, attended the memorial peace ceremony with Japanese Prime Minister Abe and representatives from 67 nations. Seeing pictures of the American ambassador remaining at the ceremony despite the rainfall, the Japanese people were deeply moved. It was August 6, six days ago. [For the photo, click here.]
Incidentally, let me remind you that in Japan and the United States, former Japanese soldiers and American veterans are meeting regularly. They talk about their wartime experiences, speaking with admiration about their counterparts’ brave fighting.
Those two photos clearly show the idea of forgiveness, love and unity.
The third photo shows the return of the Japanese soccer team to Tokyo international airport from Brazil. The Japanese soccer players are not smiling. The truth is that in the FIFA World Cup in Brazil in June Japan was defeated, despite high prospects.
When the team returned to Tokyo in low spirits, very dejected, the more than 1,000 fans waiting in the lobby gave them a great cheer, waving their hands and shouting joyously. Can you guess what they said? “Thank you very much for giving us an exciting dream. You did your best. You are heroes.” [For the photo, click here.]
They didn’t blame the team at all for the poor result. They didn’t hurl eggs. They didn’t spray water. They expressed the Japanese sense of politeness, forgiveness and generosity.
Forgiveness and generosity are important key words to solve the many political and historical problems we are facing.
With this in mind, we should overcome the differences of the past, tackle misunderstandings, unite and cooperate in a forward-looking spirit.
For more information about the World Summit, click here.