Responding to the UN Reform
The Prioritization of Global Development and Improvement
-- Implementation of MDG’s
UN ambassadors, NGO chairpersons, FOWPAL International Committee members, distinguished guests, members of the UN NGO Association of World Citizens, FOWPAL, the Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy, ladies and gentlemen, Good morning/afternoon:
We are happy that we meet again and welcome to discuss on assisting UN and consolidating opinions from around the world to Secretary General Koffi Annan for the request and reference of UN Reform. UN reform has been discussed for over 10 years. However, how many decades does one have in one’s lifetime? Secretary-General Kofi Annan hopes that after he retires in 2006, that he can lead the life of an ordinary farmer and enjoy a peaceful country life. Stepping down after culmination and success carries one of the best meanings in life.
Nevertheless, the world continues to turn. In the Year 2000, the International Conference on Financing for Development in Monterrey, Mexico, and the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa, provided us with an opportunity to review the progress of reform. The results have been discouraging. My real-life observations from various countries I’ve visited while leading the Cultural Goodwill Group to five continents has demonstrated room for improvement in reform and development in order to meet the Millennium Development Goals.
However, we must not be discouraged by the lack of progress. Instead, we should stand firm for the sake of the world we live in. People from around the world gather in New York City in search of increased gain, more manufacturing, and improvements in infrastructure for their country. It is a real challenge to shoulder the responsibility of bringing happiness and development. However, joyful laughter on a child’s face is the best reward for a great man, who will forget his hard work. The most painful experience is to live in a democratic society without having real democracy. The world still does not live up to the definition of “larger freedom.” In discussing global development, the priority of reform is of real practical importance as there is no real progress and achievement without reforms based upon practice. Time will reveal the weakness of humanity. Therefore, we should not just talk, but put our words into action right away. We still have a good chance to achieve our goals.
I established the Federation of World Peace and Love to spread the message of love and peace, and promote world peace through cultural exchange programs and ceremonies of ringing the Bell of Peace. FOWPAL also conducts the World Summit of Love and Peace by inviting Heads of State and world leaders to ring the Bell of Peace. These activities are to gather people with the same vision to work together for the common goal of creating a future of peace and harmony. The progress so far has been quite productive. We have gathered together many distinguished international committee members, such as Dr. Susan Zipp, Mrs. Beth Lamont and others to promote the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.
Since my speech entitled “Sharing Goals for Economic and Social Development—The Urgent Need for Global Solidarity” at the 53rd Annual DPI/NGO Conference, I have supported Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s proposal that people around the world take responsibility to do their part. Recently, on August 2, 2005, during the 30th anniversary of the Association of World Citizens in San Francisco, where the United Nations originated, I proposed two key solutions to facilitate UN reforms:
(1) Never allow emotion to influence decisions, and (2) wisdom can be cultivated through tranquility. By following these suggestions, one can become a world citizen who approaches difficulties and obstacles in a balanced way with a positive attitude and with the wisdom of yin and yang, allowing one to manage evil with goodness. It is a path to UN reform. These are to be conveyed to Secretary-General Kofi Annan, which will form a unique perspective for participating Heads of State at the UN conference. We also suggest establishing a Commission on Economics, Society, and Justice as well as a Commission on International Law so that people’s voices will be heard within the UN to facilitate UN reforms.
(1) People’s voices can be received by Secretary-General Kofi Annan directly and bias should be eliminated; (2) The concept of a balanced body and mind should be advocated to improve all people’s health of the body and mind; (3) We hope people’s hearts and thoughts are strong and will not act out irrationally; (4) UN reform is reform of people’s hearts. We propose that the success of UN reform depends upon the elimination of personal interests and exercise the philosophy of Tai Ji and Yin and Yang.
We appreciate supports and responses from Dr. Ramu Damodaran, Chief of the Civil Society Service in the Outreach Division of the UN DPI, and all of you. We hope that Reform in UN and every country success and the world stability.
I have exchanged FOWPAL’s ideas of love and peace with Secretary-General Kofi Annan. I have also met Pope Benedict XVI in Vatican City and exchanged the important concept that “without love, there is no peace; peace needs love, and love needs to be in balance.” His Excellency Abdoulaye Wade, the President of Senegal, made his wishes when he rang the Bell of Peace, saying, “Its people and the President want peace to all women and men of goodwill to build and consolidate peace in the world.” A determined leader is the pioneer in making changes and reforms happen.
All reforms must begin from within ourselves. We believe that Kofi Annan’s determination to fully reform the UN begins from deep within himself. This is an opportunity for a new UN of the 21st century.
May Your Excellency Kofi Annan have good health and may you enrich the lives of people around the world. May our world be on a sustainable path to development and prosperity, and may every one of our distinguished guests have endless merits and good fortune. Thank you all.