Europe: Peace Starts With Me Reception

WFWP EUROPE
MAY 31, 2018

Women Leaders Gather for WFWP Co-Founder Speech in Vienna

Preceding the main event at the Vienna Statthalle with WFWP Co-founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, a luncheon reception was held at the Wimberger Hotel for WFWP's international guests, members of the Vienna diplomatic community and faith leaders on April 29, 2018. Nearly 140 gathered to enjoy the buffet, create friendships and discover one another's passion and focus in the areas of peace and human development before walking to the Hall together.

Emcees for the event were Ms. Tina Coombs, Special Advisor for WFWP Europe, and Ms. Natascha Schellen, Vice President of WFWP Germany. Words of appreciation were given to the Vienna WFWP team who had been preparing for this and other events for months.

Some of the Ambassadors, their wives and guest from the government missions and the UN were introduced, as were representatives of each region present.

Over 35 nations were counted. True to Vienna's reputation, the evening's entertainment created a lovely atmosphere. Isabel Krapf and Karoly Berki warmed the audience by performing typical Viennese waltzes and a North Korean song about the beauty of nature, prepared especially with Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, who would be giving the keynote address at the Stadium later. An impressive video was shown highlighting goals and vast network of WFWP's programs worldwide.

Remarks were offered by the Ambassador of Costa Rica to the UN in Vienna, H.E. Pilar de Rocafort. She explained that Costa Rica was a nation that had decided to disband its military and reinvest in education and development decades ago. While they can be proud of that move, it doesn't solve everything. A framework for peace and behaving like family is needed. This is where values and family education comes in.

Government and legal issues are one aspect. Referring to the slogan of the day's event, "Peace Starts with Me," she explained how important it is to foster a culture of listening and respecting one another and different views on a personal level with the goal to learn and be better.

Ms. Carolyn Handschin, WFWP International Vice President, welcomed and thanked the guests for coming. She explained about some of the other exciting events taking place throughout the city, including an important conference to inaugurate the European chapter of an organization bringing religions together to contribute to peace (IAPD). Many youth and cultural events brought over 600 young people together to train in leadership and peace building. The WFWP panel on, "Values Education and Healthy Families: Fostering an Environment for Prosperity, Citizenship and Interreligious Harmony," brought together over 60 women lawmakers, educators, business leaders, human rights defenders and other civil society leaders to discuss best practices and build networks within the larger frame of the "Peace starts with me" convention.

Entertainment continued with a stirring string quintet, composed of Adam Szentannai and four other talented young Hungarian musicians, closing with a soulful version of "Never Enough" by young Swiss vocalist and composer, Julia Handschin.