WFWPI’s 30th Anniversary Celebration
Written by: Mion Tsuchiaka
The traditional symbol for the 30th anniversary is the pearl, a symbol of beauty that is cultivated over time; the unity and love represented by 30 years show commitment, patience, compromise, and wisdom.
Founded in 1992 in the Republic of Korea, Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) International is a women’s non-governmental organization that has General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. WFWP has more than 120 chapters worldwide, united globally to promote women as an essential partner in creating a peaceful global society, addressing the unique issues and barriers in each region on the grassroots level and through high-level events. WFWPI hosted the virtual “WFWPI 30th Anniversary Celebration” on May 7. The program consisted of the official celebration, friendly awards, and appreciation with important announcements. The program was open to the public, with nearly 3000 people worldwide joining each session live via the Zoom and YouTube platforms.
The moderator for the first part of the anniversary celebration was Dr. Paris Moon, WFWP International Secretary-General. She introduced Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, Co-Founder of WFWP, who encouraged the participants to continue raising women leaders who live by the logic of true love.
Dr. Julia H. Moon, WFWP International President, noted “This day is truly a momentous occasion in which we not only celebrate the outstanding milestone of WFWP, but truly honor the efforts and sacrifices made by our Co-founders, leaders, members, and volunteers. It is through the unified efforts of each of you here that WFWP is able to welcome its 30th Anniversary. With this celebration, let us redetermine to once again, spring forth, with even greater vigor and love for humanity and the world.”
Dr. Sun Jin Moon, WFWP Vice President, shared “It is my greatest honor to serve and work with WFWPI towards realizing this glorious legacy of peace set forth by my beloved parents. I have also had the distinct privilege to work with our global network of WFWP leaders, chapter members, and amazing volunteers who have moved my heart with their amazing work. On all levels of this movement, is this inherited passion for peace and a sincere loving heart that sees all 7.8 billion people as ‘one family under God.’ Serving the world with a familial heart and knowing the sacred value of all our beloved global brothers and sisters of our human family and our precious Mother Earth has definitively furthered this dream of peace on earth. My mother’s movement, WFWP, like my father said is the key to world peace, and the collective loving power of women, [that] will save the world, is saving this world.”
For the special occasion, Mme. Liri Berisha, First Lady of Albania (1992-1997), delivered a congratulatory greeting, saying “Today WFWP is at its most beautiful and most creative age. Today this 30-year-old has many reasons to be proud. Proud of her parents, of the great family that she has created of sisters and brothers spread around the world and above all proud of her noble mission, which today is being embraced and respected by all.”
For the special entertainment, WFWPI young professionals from around the world prepared an inspiring cover of the song “It’s Okay” by Nightbirde. The second part of the commemoration was moderated by two WFWPI young professionals, Ms. Kefilwe Lebepe from South Africa and Ms. Christine Bulayo from the Philippines. In this portion of the program, a video of congratulatory messages from WFWP national chapters around the world was displayed, and we could feel one in heart, despite the virtual setting.
The Meet-and-Greet that followed provided an interactive platform for global participants to meet and congratulate their international colleagues and friends and prepared them for the next program which was the “Outstanding Volunteer Award Ceremony.” WFWPI has prepared special awards for long-time volunteers to recognize their great work and commitment to peace. This year, the award was divided into four categories: 30, 25, 20, and 10 years of service, and representatives of each category gave inspiring testimonies about their experience working with WFWP.
The next program was “Honoring the Memories of WFWP Leaders” to honor WFWP leaders who are no longer with us but had left a profound impact in the hearts of many and laid a solid foundation for the development of WFWP in every corner of the world. The program was followed with “Appreciation Acknowledgment” to recognize the important supporters and partners of WFWP who have enabled WFWP to expand its impact even further.
The climax of the day was the inauguration of the Global Women Peace Ambassadors Award (GWPA). The GWPA award was created in conjunction with the WFWP International Vice Presidents, to recognize the achievement of women leaders from diverse backgrounds, nationalities, cultures, races, religions, abilities and ages, who are especially dedicated to building a worldwide community of peace through applying the principle of “living for the sake of others.”
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Paris Moon, who thanked all the leaders and members for contributing to the foundation of WFWP and wished for more cherished memories and new victories for the next 30 years, towards the vision of "One Global Family.”
