LGW Defends Peace and Understanding at the United Nations
The innovative concepts proposed by the President of the Legion of Good Will (LGW), journalist, radio broadcaster, and educator José de Paiva Netto, are the unique approach and the soul of the official recommendations presented by the Organization to government delegations, agencies, and the entire international community linked to the United Nations (UN).
The message of the leader of the LGW always proposes the dissemination of the Goodwill Cause and emphasizes the importance of Ecumenical Spirituality as a catalyst for sustainable development in countries. Paiva Netto has the permanent concern to promote the complete Education of human beings as an essential tool for solving great global challenges faced by this new millennium.
The LGW actively participates in the dynamic process of creating resolutions that influence the public policies of the United Nations’ 193 Member States through its representative office to the UN, located in New York, United States.
An Organization in general consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1999, the LGW has submitted, in various ways, fraternal recommendations and good practices to the UN. It presents them, for example, through oral statements during High-level meetings and international conferences; through written statements translated into the official languages of the United Nations; and by organizing thematic panels focused on subjects related to human and social development, with the participation of several world diplomacy players. In addition to this, it publishes special editions of the GOOD WILL magazine, in which it discusses priority topics of the global agenda.
SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION ON THE AGENDA
One of the greatest moments for the LGW to present its contributions occurred during the High-level Segment of the UN Economic and Social Council, held from July 17 to 20, 2017, in New York. The Organization was invited to represent Latin America by making an oral statement during the conference, which was broadcast live by UN Radio and TV. The LGW defended a proactive approach given the required definitions of the global goals and presented its good practices as appropriate alternatives to help overcome the social, economic, and environmental challenges of the planet.
The Organization has always considered the complete Education of human beings and their Eternal Spirit as the starting point for every reform. So much so that the highlight of this statement was these words by educator Paiva Netto: “While effective education desired by all those of common sense does not prevail, any nation will suffer the captivity that the lack of preparation imposes upon itself.”
Danilo Parmegiani during the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), in 2017.
Given the challenge to promote a profound change in human behavior on a global scale, it becomes necessary to instruct the minds of creatures, but above all to instill in their hearts universal values, such as those taught by Jesus, the Ecumenical Christ, the Divine Statesman, in His New Commandment, more than two thousand years ago: “Love one another, as I have loved you. Only by this shall all of you be recognized as my disciples. There is no greater Love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (The Gospel according to John 13:34 and 35 and 15:13).
The task that the LGW undertakes is to ecumenically awake people to the collective benefits provided by the experience of Solidarity, of Complete Charity, of Compassion, finally, of the Love taught by the Heavenly Educator.
LGW RECEIVES THE SPIRIT OF THE UNITED NATIONS AWARD IN NEW YORK
On October 23, 2017, the Legion of Good Will received the Spirit of the United Nations Award, given by the Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns at the United Nations to representations of government missions, international agencies, and civil society organizations that articulate and develop discussions related to Spirituality within the agenda of the United Nations.
The LGW was chosen for its great efforts in promoting Peace. This can be seen in its relevant social and educational work, in its commitment to sustainable development, in the formation of solidary leaders, and in its fight against poverty.
The Organization is frequently invited by the UN to present the results achieved with its educational line, which is successfully applied in more than ninety social and educational units in several countries. Paiva Netto’s teaching proposal prioritizes spiritual, ethical, and ecumenical values, without losing sight of an intellectual education grounded in excellence. Its approach is based on the complete aspects of human beings, because it considers them in all their spiritual, biological, psychological, and social dimensions.
We believe that Education is the key to a more just, inclusive, and altruistic society. However, for this to happen Education must go “beyond the intellect,” as Paiva Netto defines it. He created the innovative Pedagogy of Affection and the Ecumenical Citizen Pedagogy, which propose the link between brain (reason) and heart (feelings). In other words, an intellectual background is not enough: it is also necessary to fill hearts with good feelings and values, in order to prepare generations to face up to the profound transformations that the world requires for supporting life in society.
It was a remarkable ceremony that counted on the presence of the Camargo Guarnieri Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, from Brazil, which at that time was on a cultural tour in the United States and was invited to take part in the event to perform works by famous Brazilian composers. The piece Marcha dos Soldadinhos de Deus [March of the Little Soldiers of God], by composer Paiva Netto, was part of the orchestra’s repertoire, which delighted everyone attending the ceremony.
Moved by the beautiful performance, renowned conductor Daniel Martins declared: “The atmosphere of Spirituality was very beautiful. I noticed people’s wish to contribute so that Spirituality and goodness are truly in everyone’s daily lives. The LGW is part of this. Being able to participate in this event with my orchestra is emblematic, especially in a place that is as important as the UN. It’s very exciting! People really enjoyed the presentation. Brazilian music is very joyful, including the song Marcha dos Soldadinhos de Deus by Brother Paiva, who is also part of this legion of renowned Brazilian composers. It was an honor to play one of his compositions in this beautiful tribute to the LGW. We’re honored to be part of the Legion of Good Will’s family.”