Dr. Paris Moon, WFWPI International Secretary-General's First visit to WFWP Europe in July

As a European culture with different social, historical, and economic backgrounds, each WFWP Europe national activity and project has its own unique taste and purpose. They range from UN activities in Geneva and Vienna to humanitarian activities to support families, educational programs for young women leaders, and many more.
It had been three years since Dr. Paris Moon became International Secretary General of the Women's Federation for World Peace. This was her first trip abroad after the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions.

The first stop was WFWP Portugal, its location on the Atlantic Ocean has influenced many aspects of its culture and is one of the most dynamic chapters of WFWP Europe and an active supporter of WFWP IHQ. Portugal, like Korea, has a rich and deep history, including different wars and political upheavals. Mrs. Marta Maria de Carvalho Rodrigues, President of WFWP Portugal, warmly welcomed Dr. Moon and expressed her great appreciation to the International President for choosing a specific country as the site of her visit.

The chapter places particular emphasis on outreach to high-level populations, educational programs, and mental care sessions for women and families. In 2021, WFWPI, in collaboration with Dr. Isabel Costa, Ambassador of Peace and professional therapist, launched "Healing the Hearts of Women in Africa" therapy sessions. With many countries on lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was a much-needed and highly successful session for many in search of help with daily stress, as well as major problems such as domestic violence, early pregnancy, and financial difficulties. With Dr. Costa's help, a program for trainers has been created, first to heal the hearts of the leaders, then to share the therapeutic know-how as they visit rural areas and support families. The program has evolved a good "giving cycle."

The four days in Portugal were filled with gatherings with local WFWP leaders and members, a meeting with Ambassadors for Peace at the Peace Embassy Center, and a pilgrimage to the holy city of Fatima, where many Catholics from around the world come to pray for good fortune and good health. When Dr. Moon prayed for WFWP, the candle burst into a huge flame. She was surprised by this phenomenon and reaffirmed her commitment to moving forward to realize the vision of the WFWP.

The second branch Dr. Moon visited was Geneva, home to the European headquarters of the United Nations and the Red Cross and a global hub for diplomacy and banking. During her stay, together with Mrs. Carolyn Handschin, WFWP Europe International Vice President, many decisions were made that are important for the development of WFWP Europe, including the need to transform the projects for raising the next generation of leaders.

The climax was a meeting with UN CSW representatives at the World Meteorological Organization building. Dr. Moon met with eight women leaders, including UN Women Director for Geneva United Nations Dr. Adriana Quinines, Former President of NGO CSW Ms. Stacy Dry Lara, UN Coordinator for Geneva Mte. Berthe De Vos Soropimist International, and Co-chair of Zonta International/GWI Taskforce on Health and Human Rights Dr. Helen Lom.

Dr. Quinines emphasized that “UN Women appears to be big, but in reality, it lacks manpower. A few people are working on different projects to support and empower women around the world. While many organizations are thinking and measuring how many mosquitoes should be killed to create a better environment, UN Women is striving to be more effective and smarter in its research and policy making, which is so important to make the projects sustainable.”

Dr. Moon introduced innovative ideas for new WFWPI initiatives, such as educational programs utilizing the Metaverse, train-the-trainer courses, and the development of women's empowerment programs. She also emphasized the importance of glocalization, supporting local projects that will eventually develop for the benefit of the world.

Overall, the International Secretary General’s visit to WFWP Europe was a success. Dr. Moon was able to see firsthand the results and challenges of WFWP European chapters. In addition, she was able to meet with leaders and members to share the vision and heart of International President Dr. Julia H. Moon. The Secretary-General feels strongly that WFWPI needs to formulate short and long-term goals for SDG 2030 and shape its programs and activities through deeper communication and strategic planning together with chapters around the world. Such efforts and planning should result in a smoother and stronger cooperation and networking platform among international and national chapters.