A united world is possible!

Hundreds of solidarity and awareness activities were carried out by youth throughout the world to celebrate the 10th United World Week from October 9 to 16.

I am posting here a an article written by Jay Malaga of Cebu City, Philippines:

What better way to complete a week of events aimed towards generating unity around the world than for young people to spend a night sharing songs, dances, experiences and food?

That, and a conference call linking various cities in the world, all carrying out activities for universal brotherhood, capped the United World Week celebration here in Cebu on October 15. Together with guests from various schools and churches, the Youth for a United World spent their Saturday night with a showcase of talents and a communion of stories all reflecting the glorious work of God. Campus ministry members from one college did a dance interpretation of a religious song. One girl shared how the movement inspired her to help her father sell fish in the market, despite being the only young person among fishermen and their wives.

What a beautiful way, indeed, to finish a week that started with the Cebuano youth “giving their city a hand” through a sticker campaign. Donning white shirts that read “Give our City a [Hand]”, members of the Youth for a United World positioned themselves in various areas of the city and posted stickers on jeepneys that feature short yet encouraging reminders for the riding public to help contribute to a harmonious society. Simple phrases in Cebuano such as “Suportahan nako ang bu-otan nga drayber” and “Ipasa nako ang pliti with a smile” surely brought big smiles to both the drivers’ and passengers’ faces.

All these are manifestations that if we just join hands in responding to the call of our times, even if we come from different nations, races, cultures and religions, a culture of peace and harmony is indeed possible. In fact, it is already a reality in various parts of the globe. The United World Week doesn’t end there. Building unity all over the world is a lifetime commitment. As long as we don’t lose the enthusiasm and openness to share and help, brotherhood will forever “stick” around with us and songs of harmony will constantly echo in our hearts and minds.