AS WRITTEN

THE VALUES CAUCUS 431 East 57th Street, New York, New York, U.S.A. 
Telephone: 212-750-9773 Telefax: 212-750-2774 

Address to The World Summit for Social Development Copenhagen, Denmark 
March 1995

Nancy B. Roof, Ph.D., Ven. Chung Ok Lee, P. N. Jain (Bawa}

 Excellencies. delegates, and representatives of the people: we, the three 
co-chairs of the Values Caucus, thank you for the opportunity to address 
the World Summit for Social Development. We will speak to you from three 
perspectives: Values in the Contemporary World, by Dr. Nancy Roof, The 
Integration of Spiritual and Material Values, by the Ven. Chung Ok Lee, and 
A Commitment to Values by P. N. Jain (Bawa).

 Values in the Contemporary World Nancy B. Roof, Ph.D. Center for 
Psychology and Social Change, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School

 Why is it that the word “values" is becoming increasingly visible in the 
media and as a topic of conversation? Why is it that the World Summit for 
Social Development has been called a summit of “values"? Why does the 
Commission on Global Governance call for a fundamental shift in values for 
our times? In times of integration we hear little about values. But our 
world is in the process of profound change. Societal disintegration and 
global integration are happening simultaneously.

 Managing these changes requires a new global vision of global 
interdependence, cultural diversity, and participatory decision-making. We 
must identify practical values that will work in the contemporary world, 
and provide the foundation for a better, kinder world. Further, we are 
asked to develop processes and structures which will foster these values. 
We can no longer accept empty rhetoric about ideals and values that are 
exploited in the name of a cause, no matter how bloody. We must demand that 
leaders who attest to ideals and values be required to demonstrate them in 
their actions. We must ask the same of ourselves.

 Only collective action will solve global problems in the contemporary 
world. Building trust and cooperation between states will be required if we 
are to avoid collective destruction. The extensive research of Sisela Book, 
Harvard University, indicates that three universal values are fundamental 
to building trust and cooperation. In their absence global society lacks 
the cohesion necessary to find common solutions. We can honor diversity 
only if it does not violate these basic values

          - mutual caring, support, reciprocity 
          - constraints on violence, Lying, betrayal 
          - rudimentary system of justice 

We must make a commitment to practice values that lead to societal 
cohesiveness. The sacred and secular are converging today in attesting to 
the reality of the One Humanity. Thinking about ourselves as One helps 
avoid the negative values of separation and otherness which lead to fear, 
suspicion, and ultimate dehumanization, inviting violence without 
conscience. The solution of contemporary global problems require global 
solidarity. We must identify ourselves at more inclusive levels as members 
of the One Humanity. We must change our attitudes, values and behaviors to 
adapt ourselves to this new identity. We must choose leaders in all fields 
who put a high value on changing themselves and developing the values and 
skills needed for the changing times. We need leaders who are integrated 
thinkers to build an integrated world.

 The time is short. The opportunity is now. We are at a defining point in 
history, when breakdowns are occurring, and institutional changes have not 
yet become stabilized and impermeable to change. In the past sweeping 
historical changes have occurred through fear and catastrophe rather than 
through choice and wisdom. Potential global catastrophe threatens us 
through nuclear disaster, environmental pollution, poverty, and eruption of 
violence. We must examine the value choices that created a threatening and 
materialistic world. Change can occur through a change of mind and a choice 
of values that include global responsibility. We, civic society and 
governments together, can and must define our future through moral courage 
and the wisdom of our highest values. We, the people of the world, will be 
satisfied with nothing less.



 The Integration of Spiritual and Material Values Ven. Chung Ok Lee 
Won Buddhism International

 In our new, changing world of interconnectedness and interdependence, a 
guiding principle must be recognized in order for this new world to be 
further enhanced: "As material civilization develops, spiritual 
civilization must be cultivated accordingly". Spiritual evolution of each 
individual needs to accompany the ever-expanding scientific, political and 
economic revolutions. Otherwise, the human spirit will be stunted in 
growth. To enrich ourselves in the coming new world, we must learn to 
resolve with patience, and seek to integrate with perseverance, many 
seemingly conflicting views, ie. the spiritual and material, the sacred and 
the secular, theory and practice, religion and science. Only when 
scientific and material civilizations are integrated with spiritual 
cultivation can an ideal global society be established in the world.

 As an example of this integration, ordinary Won Buddhist ministers in 
Korea live with the homeless while also managing their shelters. Everyone 
in these shelters, shares the same daily schedule. In the morning they 
cultivate the mind-heart by rising at 4:30 a.m. for meditation and prayer, 
planning their days, and exchanging ideas in a forum. During the day 
everyone works in animal farms, agricultural fields, or factories earning 
wages, but they are limited in spending the savings until they become 
independent materially and spiritually. In the evening, it is time for 
reflection, chanting, and writing in a spirituai diary. Our program 
empowers the homeless, spiritually and materially. Certainly, in the 
beginning, it is difficult to change attitudes and habits. But with 
spiritual inspiration, empowerment, and understanding the facts and 
principles of daily living, people can change their lives. Many of the 
homeless graduates in our shelters find jobs and apartments and can become 
independent. Some of them return to the shelters after spending their 
savings, but most of them successfully adjust to society

 By integration of the spiritual and the material, we will realize that we 
are One Family in One House. Humanity is One Family and the world is the 
House we share. We inherit the world from our ancestors, and in turn we 
pass it on to future generations. We live in it, sharing its resources, its 
joys and sufferings. Therefore, it is our duty to take good care of our One 
Human Family in One Planet Home. We must use our sense of One Family to 
eradicate material and spiritual poverty, to empower our fellow human 
beings spiritually and materially, and to encourage social development 
through love and compassion.

In order to build the ideal society materially and spiritually, we need to 
become aware that we are “Co-Workers” in One Work Place. We have many 
different duties and skills, but we all have a common task: to build the 
House of Truth, to make a home for love and justice. All social, political, 
and religious enterprises should be utilized for the attainment of a 
peaceful world. We must learn to be Co-Workers to solve the problems of 
poverty, unemployment, and social disintegration.

 For the benefit of the whole earth community, we need to practice these 
new values in our material lives. It is critical to bring this back to the 
schools to awaken our next generation to their highest potential. Let us 
work together for One Family in One House as Co-Workers to integrate the 
spiritual and the material for a truly sustainable social development.



 Commitment to Values P. N. Jain (Bawa) International Mahavir Jain Mission

 Excellencies, we have endeavoured to draw your consciousness to the basic 
values we share by appealing to your wisdom and your compassion. Without 
social development, speaking about moral values is hollow. How can we speak 
about dignity, while children starve? Without moral, ethical and spiritual 
values true social development cannot occur. Thus, we must speak of love, 
compassion and human dignity. It is not just the mandate of political 
entities - member states - but the very mandate of conscience, the mandate 
of the heart, the mandate of humanity, the mandate of compassion that 
brings us here. Let us take a motto

 "Individuals, peoples and states should treat others as they would have 
others treat them, and should avoid treating others as they would have 
others avoid treating them."

 Underlying the exalted principle is the unity we feel as part of one human 
family.

 Is it not obvious that patience, justice, non-violence, forgiveness, 
harmony, compassion, loving kindness, faith, hope, enthusiasm, trust and 
caring for the dignity in each individual bring us into unity and harmony, 
not only with each other, but with the very core of our inner being?

 We have assembled here at a very historic moment in time. We have 
assembled here to set forth the foundation for the coming millennium. 
Remember, only that structure can withstand the test of time, which is 
built on a strong foundation. There are two types of conferences which we 
shall symbolise. Envision a beautiful lake which is absolutely still. When 
a big stone is thrown into a still lake, there is a huge splash, big waves 
occur and the water is still again in a little while. Then there is the 
other type, a small stone is carefully thrown into the center of the still 
lake, it creates a ripple, and slowly but surely the ripple reaches the 
embankment. Let us endeavour to be a part of this summit that creates this 
ripple.

 Remember, you are the representatives of the people who have empowered 
you. These billions of people look up to you to set forth the vision for 
our common future. We salute your commitment to the cause of humanity. Do 
not go back without making a conscious commitment at this forum which shall 
truly be in the service of humanity.

 We urge you. We implore you. We beg you. Bring this forum a gift. Do not 
go away from this forum without making this solemn pledge. Bring to this 
forum a Gift of Affirmation, and when you bring this gift, first reflect 
for a moment, and "Separate that from yourself that separates you from your 
fellow beings."

 Thank you.

 About the Values Caucus: The values Caucus is based on the belief that we 
can and must identify and choose to live the values which will assure a 
better global future in an interdependent and culturally diverse world. We 
welcome participation of non-governmental organizations (NGO'S), 
governments, United Nations personnel, United Nations missions, 
professionals, organizations, and individuals.

P. N. Jain (Bawa) International Mahavir Mission, Tel: 202-993-3034

Ven. Chung Ok Lee, Won Buddhism International, Tel: 212-750-2773, Fax: 212-
750-2774

Nancy B. Roof, Ph.D., Center for Psychology and Social Change, an affiliate 
of Harvard Medical School, Tel/Fax: 212-808-0469