The following document expresses the ideals of our gathering in Seoul, Korea. If you agree with its contents, then we ask that you kindly sign it. The framed document after it has been signed by the participants will be presented to the Founders at the final banquet, August 25. Thank you.
We former Heads of State and Government, former Prime Ministers, and citizens taking part in the Third World Peace Conference, gathered in Seoul, Korea, Aug. 22-24, 1995, do hereby declare our commitment to world peace, and call upon world leaders, policy makers, media directors, and leaders in education, science, economic development, the arts and all other citizens to join together in creating a world of freedom, peace, and unity for all humankind.
The participants of the Third World Peace Conference call upon leaders and responsible citizens to unite in a global effort to bring about peace and cooperation, to unite in an effort to restore, protect, and preserve the natural resources of our planet, to transcend the barriers of race and nationality, and to promote cooperation and harmony among all people and with the environment.
The reality of a peaceful global village is within our reach. What we need is a new thinking to match the present realities in our world.
Accordingly, we call upon the leaders of the world to maintain, support, and encourage a movement of true human solidarity through education and example. We make a special appeal to religious leaders of the world to put aside their differences and spearhead this call, guided by the following principles:
* That every human being, regardless of race, color, or religion, is a son or daughter of God endowed with tremendous potential for creating and giving that can be developed through education of both the mind and heart. Because of this relationship with the Creator, we are members of one human family, and as such, should take responsibility to improve and to alleviate the misfortunes of the family of humankind.
* That the purpose of a man and a woman is to form a family in a bond of true love as husband and wife. In the family we learn to embrace humanity by loving our brothers and sisters and learn to exemplify God's parental heart by loving our children.
* That human beings are to be "true owners" of the planet by respecting, preserving, and caring for the environment.
We call upon governments, legislators, and leaders of the world to create laws that will support a new education that focuses not only on academic and technical studies, but also on the fundamental education of the heart. This education will nurture virtuous, public-minded individuals who learn to give themselves to the community, country, and world.
With clear vision and a continuous commitment of internal and external resources, this worthy purpose will surely be accomplished.
Seoul, Korea
August 22-24, 1995