Contributed by Kengo Kawa
CARP LA member Kengo Kawa participated in a student competition called S!NERGY International 2022 held by the organization, International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP), on November 26th. In explanation of this competition by IAYSP,
“S!NERGY (Students×Ideas×Energy) is an engaging and dynamic public speaking competition for students to share their projects and innovative ideas. Presentations, given during competitions, propose solutions to current social issues while being aligned to the UN SDGs.”
There were five student presenters in total gathering from different regions with Kengo representing North America. IAYSP commented,
“[They] held S!NERGY International 2022 to support youth and students in voicing and sharing their solutions to contemporary issues in various aspects of society and focused on the theme, “Youth Action for Peace and Sustainable Development.” S!NERGY International 2022 was held on November 27, 2022 in the Hyojeong Cultural Center, South Korea with 600 participants."
The presenters and judges seated in the front of the hybrid audience. Credit: IAYSP
Aside from the 600 live audience, there were more participants viewing virtually through a 2-way broadcast.
He presented the project of turning the demilitarized war zone (DMZ) into a global peace park by advocating the United Nations to establish its fifth office at that location. This idea originated from the founders of CARP, Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ha Jan Moon. Upon achieving the peace park, this would support the advancement of a peaceful reunification of North and South Korea.
Kengo on stage explaining his project on the global peace park.
After the presenters shared their projects, Kengo was awarded 2nd place. He is all the more determined to continue striving for the realization of his project working holistically alongside professors and pastors. He hopes that the young people, especially the Korean youth, can be inspired and ignite the flame of reconciliation within their own hearts.
Kengo on stage explaining his project on the global peace park.
Kengo briefly shared his experience after the conclusion of the event,
“I felt extremely underqualified and unworthy to be in a position to represent America. Before the final decision had been made of who was to be our representative, I had been praying to God that whether it would be me or someone else, that God can feel reassured America is ready to serve God and the work of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. After the decision was made for me to participate, I continued offering a similar prayer. I didn't want to take my position lightly and thought just as easily as I had been selected, I could also be removed. With this determination, I made sure I was going to show Dr. Moon and the Korean youth that America is here to support and encourage building a Heavenly Unified Korea.
I am thankful to have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase my project on the international level. Just being in the presence of the Korean youth I had been hoping to reach instilled in me a more serious approach to making sure the Korean peninsula is united through their involvement. I had hoped to win as I desired nothing less than first place for America and God. My plan afterward is continuing the work of supporting Dr. Moon with a greater conviction that this is surely the Will of God.”
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