Elizabeth Greenwell

GLOBAL COOPERATION DAY - Founded by Professor Liz Greenwell,
writer/producer/director of No Chance to Paint the Canvas, the world's first film
about civil society o­n a global scale, completed in 2001
for the new millennium.

Professor Liz Greenwell and her initiatives are now connected to the United Nations.

GLOBAL COOPERATION DAY IS AN ANNUAL GLOBAL EVENT HELD
ON OCTOBER 4 - THE FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI - EACH YEAR.

New Zealand

https://www.globalcooperationliz.com

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Global Virtual Event Invitation

Fulfilling the Promise of the UN75 Declaration

Wednesday, 13 January 2021

11:00 am - 12:00 pm New York

SPEAKERS:

°Volkan Bozkir, President of the 75th Session of the UN General Assembly

°Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Chair of The Elders

°Maria Fernanda Espinosa, President of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defense, Ecuador

°Danilo Turk, former President of Slovenia (2007-2012)

°Aya Chebbi, African Union Youth Envoy

°Michèle Griffin, Senior Policy Advisor, Executive Office of the Secretary-General (TBC)

Moderator

°Ilona Szabó de Carvalho, Executive Director, Igarapé Institute(In 2020, was the o­nly Brazilian included o­n Prospect Magazine's list "The world’s top 50 thinkers 2020", amongst other "scientists, philosophers and writers reshaping our times")

°https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilona_Szab%C3%B3_de_Carvalho

Dear colleague,

Happy New Year!

The UN75 Political Declaration, adopted by Heads of State o­n 21 September 2020, recognizes that global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, are interconnected and can o­nly be addressed through “reinvigorated multilateralism.” To take stock of efforts to take forward the UN75 Political Declaration and advance our common agenda, the Coalition for the UN We Need (formerly UN2020) and Together First, with support from the Stimson Center and other partners, will launch a series of events to discuss the future of global cooperation.

On Wednesday, 13 January, the first event of the series will invite prominent leaders to consider how an inclusive and networked multilateralism can help to fulfil the commitments made in the Declaration, as the UN embarks o­n the Decade of Action to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement.

The event will feature several of the 49 signatories of the letter, A Time for Renewal: Calling for a Strengthened Multilateral System. Signatories include former heads of government, foreign ministers, and UN officials, who urged world leaders to take stock of present challenges to the UN system by calling for a dedicated intergovernmental process to strengthen and reform the organization.

My response in Q and A panel:

Adam Greenwell, New Zealand: Please allow me to share the Anti-Nuclear Manifesto XXI, by the co-authors include Ndaba Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, four Nobel Laureates: Beatrice Fihn, Sweden, ICAN, CEO, Mairead Maguire Northern Ireland, John Avery, Denmark, Ernesto Kahan, Israel and myself ...

The Manifesto is here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iMqLcV3BNTgO2DeA6GrCaUMUTZURTE5P/view

14-01-21

Дорогой Адам,

Это блестящая международная новость для ГСГ и ИКАН! Мы высоко ценим ваше старание и очень благодарны ваш за ваш сильный вклад в глобальный мир и ядерное разоружение.

Вы презентовали наш Гандианский «Антиядерный Манифест» лидерам ООН, который вы опубликовали на собственном сайте – это великолепно! Мы дважды посылали его в формате ПДФ 193 членам ООН в Нью Йорке и Вене. Я послал его Президенту Путину и министру иностранных дел России Сергею Лаврову. Д-р Норман Курланд из США обещал послать его избранному президенту Джо Байдену. Некоторые другие также обещали опубликовать его на своих сайтах и послать лидерам их стран.

Ваше письмо опубликовано на вашей персональной странице (https://peacefromharmony.org/?cat=en_c&key=912), а также на других страницах и служит отличным миротворческим достижением, вместе с вашим пожертвованием и активным участии в Манифесте для рекомендации вашей кандидатуры на высший почетный титул ГСГ «Гандианский Творец Мировой Гармонии» на 15 февраля с.г. – 16-ю годовщину ГСГ!

Мы счастливы поздравить вас и пожелать вам всех благ, в первую очередь сильного здоровья!

С любовью,

Лев Семашко,

ГСГ Основатель и Почетный Президент,

15-01-21

Dear Adam,

This is brilliant international news for the GHA and ICAN! We highly appreciate your efforts and are very grateful for your strong contribution to global peace and nuclear disarmament.

You presented our Gandhian "Anti-Nuclear Manifesto" to the UN leaders for that you published it o­n your own website - it's great! We sent it twice in PDF format to the 193 UN members in New York and Vienna. I sent it to President Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The US Dr. Norman Kurland promised to send it to President-elect Joe Biden. Some others also promised to publish it o­n their websites and send it to the leaders of their countries.

Your letter has been published o­n your personal page (https://peacefromharmony.org/?cat=en_c&key=912), as well as o­n other pages. It serves as an excellent peacemaking achievement, along with your donation and active participation in the Manifesto to recommend your candidacy for the highest GHA honorary title "Gandhian World Harmony Creator" o­n February 15 of this year - GHA 16th anniversary!

We are happy to congratulate you and wish you all the best, first of all, strong health!

With love,

Dr. Leo Semashko,

GHA Founder and Honorary President,

15-01-21

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Abstract for the “Anti-Nuclear Manifesto XXI”

https://peacefromharmony.org/?cat=en_c&key=908

Adam Greenwell,

Producer of multi-media, writer, and social entrepreneur, New Zealand,

https://peacefromharmony.org/?cat=en_c&key=912

“The best anti-nuclear idea for New Zealand, which never had and did not want to have nuclear weapons and which ratified in 2018 the UN Treaty o­n the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, initiated by ICAN, is the IPPNW idea: “Medical recipe for the humanity survival” (Chazov, 1985). It reads: “To save humanity, we must arouse the conscience of the world’s peoples, cultivate hatred for nuclear weapons, repudiate egoism and chauvinism, and create favorable atmosphere of trust. In the nuclear age, we are all interdependent. The Earth is our o­nly common home, which we cannot abandon. The new suicidal situation calls for the new thinking. We must convince those who take political decisions.»

In order to awaken the consciences of the world’s peoples and create a favorable climate of trust, it is necessary to create a broad overview cultural perspective that is understandable to all citizens. It embodies hope and unity, expresses and reinterprets the ancient communications of music, literature, visual arts, cinema and dance. They confirm the great "medical recipe for the humanity survival." The love of truth is empowered by the truth of love. Through the example of Gandhi, we can see the general human interdependence in non-violence, peace, harmony and love. Therefore, we are creating this non-violent culture of peace, balanced with the people’s goodwill and the spirit of justice. It excludes any destruction and violence, above all the absolute of them - nuclear weapons. It finds its real embodiment in the Global Security/Peace system of Gandhian spherons, deployed in our "Anti-Nuclear Manifesto", which ensures the humanity survival and prosperity."

Адам Гринвелл,

Продюсер мультимедиа, писатель и социальный предприниматель, Новая Зеландия,

https://peacefromharmony.org/?cat=en_c&key=912

«Лучшая антиядерная идея для Новой Зеландии, которая никогда не имела и не хотела иметь ядерное оружие и которая ратифицировала в 2018 «Договор ООН о запрещении ядерного оружия», инициированный ИСАН – это IPPNW идея: «Медицинский рецепт выживания человечества» (Чазов, 1985). Он гласит: «Чтобы спасти человечество, мы должны пробудить совесть народов мира, культивировать ненависть к ядерному оружию, отвергнуть эгоизм и шовинизм, а также создать благоприятную атмосферу доверия. В ядерный век мы все взаимозависимы. Земля - ​​наш единственный общий дом, от которого мы не можем отказаться. Новая суицидальная ситуация требует нового мышления. Мы должны убедить тех, кто принимает политические решения.»

Чтобы пробудить совесть народов мира и создать благоприятную атмосферу доверия, необходимо создать широкую культурную перспективу, понятную всем гражданам мира. Она воплощает надежду и единство, выражает и переосмысливает древние коммуникации музыки, литературы, изобразительного искусства, кино и танцев. Они подтверждают великий «медицинский рецепт выживания человечества». Любовь к истине усиливается истиной любви. На примере Ганди мы можем увидеть общую человеческую взаимозависимость в ненасилии, мире, гармонии и любви. Поэтому мы создаем эту ненасильственную культуру мира, сбалансированную с доброй волей людей и духом справедливости. Она исключает любое разрушение и насилие, прежде всего абсолютное из них – ядерное оружие. Реальное воплощение она находит в системе Глобальной Безопасности/Мира Гандианских сферонов, развернутой в нашем «Антиядерном Манифесте», обеспечивающем выживание и процветание человечества.»

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AHIMSA, SATYAGRAHA, GANDHI, ST. FRANCIS, RAIMON PANIKKAR:
THE TRUTH IS IN THE WHOLE

by

Adam Greenwell - January 31, 2020

         Adam Greenwell is the son of, and assistant to, the late Professor Elizabeth Greenwell, Global Harmony Association (GHA) Ambassador of Peace and Disarmament, from Harmony/Non-Violence. Professor Greenwell was the recipient of a medal from St. John Paul II, for her film No Chance to Paint the Canvas 1999-2000, the world’s first film about cross-sector global cooperation. After her passing o­n March 29, 2020, Professor Greenwell’s papal medal was bequeathed to the City of Palmerston North, New Zealand, in perpetuity and received by Mayor Grant Smith in the presence of community leaders.

1. “Mahatma Gandhi taught that if all men and women, whatever the differences between them, cling to the truth, with respect for the unique dignity of every human being, a new world order - a civilization of love - can be achieved. And today we hear him still pleading with the world: ‘Conquer hate by love, untruth by truth, violence by suffering.’ ” St. John Paul II, Apostolic Pilgrimage to India, o­n occasion of the visit to the funerary monument of Raj Ghat dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, 1986.

St. John Paul II’s journey through India was o­ne of peace and goodwill, a desire to experience the soul of the country at a personal, spiritual level, beyond the fleeting perspective of a world leader. In the quest of his own papacy to build an authentic civilization based o­n truth and love, St John Paul II knew inherently that such a quest would outlive him. Yet the heritage and legacy of that quest would shine through the ages. That is why St. John Paul II began his Indian journey paying homage to the Mahatma at Raj Ghat. St. John Paul II knew that both he and the world would need the Gandhian guiding principles of Ahimsa (not just non-violence, but freedom from the urge to be violent) and Satyagraha (adherence to truth, a “truth force” compelling us, individually and collectively, to action, bringing forth the practical outcomes of peace and social justice).

2. Ahimsa and Satyagraha are virtues beyond national boundaries. They move even beyond the constraints of space and time. Ahimsa and Satyagraha guide us all in our collective global mission to discover and enjoy what is already there: The infinite balance between the divine, human and natural, especially at this time, when two parts of that equation face the very real threat of extinction.

Gandhi cultivated and applied Ahimsa and Satyagraha to the extent of earning the names “Father of India” and “Mahatma (Great Soul)”. In doing so, he drew greatly upon the Sermon o­n the Mount, which St. Augustine categorized as the “perfect standard of the Christian life” in his 4th to 5th Century book, Our Lord’s Sermon o­n the Mount. Dr. Martin Luther King offered that as o­ne reason why the teachings of Gandhi resonated with him, and why he so effectively steered those teachings through a major turning point in American history.

Another inspiration for the selfless service and simplicity of Gandhi was the o­ne he termed the “Yogi of Europe” - whose name and example the Pope has adopted as his own- St. Francis of Assisi. Nearly 800 years ago, in 1221, St. Francis established the Secular Franciscan Order. In particular, Article 15 of the Order’s Rule could easily be called “Satyagraha”: “Let them individually and collectively be in the forefront in promoting justice by the testimony of their human lives and their courageous initiatives. Especially in the field of public life, they should make definite choices in harmony with their faith. ”

The late Spanish-Indian Catholic priest and philosopher Raimon Panikkar, was dubbed the “Apostle of Interfaith Dialogue and Intercultural Understanding”. Panikkar o­nce said “I left Europe for India as a Christian, I discovered I was a Hindu and returned as a Buddhist without ever having ceased to be a Christian.”

3. Panikkar used two academic terms which, in reality, and in practice, are/ were very uplifting. So much so, that participants at the time wondered if those at both the original Last Supper and Day of Pentecost actually went through the same spiritual experience as they did. Panikkar’s Cosmotheandric Experience celebrated the Divine-Human-Natural fusion, when Panikkar conducted outdoor Mass surrounded by the sea and the forest and people of many languages and cultures (Panikkar was a multi-linguist). Panikkar’s second academic term called for a Third Millennium Christophany - like St. Paul’s encounter with Christ o­n the road to Damascus - for Christians to see Christ everywhere, revealed each time in a unique way. Moments of Ahimsa and Satyagraha would certainly be part of such Christophany.

Global Harmony Association (GHA), has five Nobel Laureates as co-authors of this book “Gandhica”, coinciding with the five times Gandhi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize without winning o­nce, which the Nobel Committee came to regret. Mahatma Gandhi was, however, chosen by TIME magazine as runner-up to Albert Einstein as Person of the Century, with the tribute written by President Nelson Mandela. Amitabh Pal, editor of The Progressive and author of the article “Mandela took Inspiration from Gandhi”, also wrote the book, “Islam” means Peace: Understanding the Muslim Principle of Nonviolence Today.

Speaking personally, and referring to the words of St. John Paul II which began this article: Much joy is derived from knowing that Gandhi, and others of his ilk, have shown many realities of the words of Jesus: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8: 32).

In these challenging, uncertain yet promising times, we thank Gandhi for leading us full circle to what it means to be Catholic, by the original definition in Greek: Katholikos - meaning “through the whole” or “throughout the whole.”

4. In the words of my fellow Secular Franciscan, Ilia Delio Ofs: “It connotes an active consciousness of the whole, or a seeking to make whole...We know that Jesus was a Jew, but he was ‘catholic’ in the sense that he was a whole-maker. He came to bring life and bring it to the fullest.” The Truth is in the Whole.

Bibliography

APOSTOLIC PILGRIMAGE TO INDIA, ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II ON OCCASION OF THE VISIT TO THE FUNERARY MONUMENT, OF RAJ GHAT DEDICATED TO MAHATMA GANDHI Delhi (India) Saturday, 1st February 1986 http://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/speeches/1986/february/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_19860201_raj-ghat.html

Semashko L., Chandra S., Dhal P., Pawlik L, editors and 78 GHA coauthors from 25 countries. Mahatma Gandhi. Nonviolence Starting Point. Spherons’ Genome and Statistics. GANDHICA. - New Delhi. Published by R.B.H. Media Designers, 2019. - 240 p.: https://peacefromharmony.org/?cat=en_c&key=848

Satyagraha and Ahimsa Saturday, April 08, 2006http://satyagrahaandahimsa.blogspot.com/2006/04/satyagraha-and-ahimsa.html

St. Augustine of Hippo, Our Lord's Sermon o­n the Mount https://www.amazon.com/Lords-Sermon-Mount-Saint-Augustine/dp/1785162276 Commentary by Philip Schaffhttps://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf106.v.ii.i.html

St. Francis and Mahatma Gandhi https://gandhiking.ning.com/profiles/blogs/st-francis-and-mahatma-gandhi-1

https://mettacenter.org/daily-metta/gandhi-and-the-man-from-assisi-daily-metta/

The Secular Franciscan Order and the Secular Franciscan Rule https://secularfranciscansusa.org/jpic/

Raimon Panikkar https://www.ncronline.org/news/spirituality/raimon-panikkar-apostle-inter-faith-dialogue-dies

The Sacred Warrior: The liberator of South Africa looks at the seminal work of the liberator of India By Nelson Mandela Friday, Dec. 31, 1999 http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,993025,00.html

Mandela Took Inspiration from Gandhi by Amitabh Pal July 3, 2013 https://progressive.org/dispatches/mandela-took-inspiration-gandhi/#:~:text=%22Mandela%20was%20inspired%20by%20the,belief%20in%20our%20shared%20humanity.%22

The evolution of Ilia Delio by Jamie Manson Jul 16, 2014 https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/grace-margins/evolution-ilia-delio

25-09-20

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Prof. Liz Greenwell Bio

Executive Professor Liz Greenwell has a background in communications, hospital administration; has been a successful businesswoman and a senior officer for the Department of Social Welfare where she lives. Her unique and extraordinary set of life experiences and circumstances which include the profound effects of early childhood poverty, are altogether at the genesis of her many world-first initiatives and works, beginning in the 1980s.

In 1991/1992, having merged her philosophy, spirituality, and creativity, she continued her path, forming a body of work that became her life, her dream, her overall global vision and her aim. She aptly gave her work, global vision and aim the working title - "Watering the Fields of Humanity" worldwide. This title takes its name from the following quote by her:

"Can we, all of us together, water the fields of humanity, and bring about a harvest so great, that it will take the world to pick the fruit, a harvest that is civil society? I think we can."

Professor Liz Greenwell's work with regard to global social, economic and environmental growth, development, enhancement, and advancement is well documented. She has written much o­n the subject and has put particular emphasis o­n developing countries, with priority given to countries experiencing extreme and urgent need.

In her program World Resource Analysis Point (WRAP) and related program World Major Disaster Rescue and Relief Center (WMDRRC), she has called for immediate fast-tracking of essentialservices, amenities, and other quality infrastructural developments; as well as speeding up the process of helping those countries to become self-sufficient, and participants in the building of a strong and thriving global economy: Practicing global cooperation, hospitality and exchange.

Another part of her plans, built into her programs, concerns the construction of quality homes that will put in place a blueprint or template, in raising the standard of living, quality of life, health and well-being of all people around the world.

Starting with a gradual, but speedy and efficient process of replacing all shanty and shack-type homes, villages, and towns with quality homes and buildings that are durable and sustainable. Constructed with the use of materials that will provide for safe, sound, healthy and comfortable living conditions. Cool when it is hot, warm when it is not. All the benefits and efficiencies, technology, natural and specially created resources can offer, to avoid false economy and stay ahead of waste management o­n the planet, and to prevent the spread of disease.

Homes and buildings that can be modified around the world in terms of climate; geographic and geological features and conditions; other scientific findings; culture and traditions; laws; regulations and any other necessities or special needs. She has throughout the course of her work written: "We have the money, technology, resources, tools, expertise, knowledge, and the skills we need to begin this process, and see it through around the world."

The following are some examples of Professor Liz Greenwell's continuous works of global social merit, which she has written about in depth:

•World Resource Analysis Point (WRAP)

•World Major Disaster Rescue and Relief Center (WMDRRC)

•No Chance to Paint the Canvas, the world's first film about civil society o­n a global scale, written inApril 1994 and completed to coincide with the new millennium.

•Global Cooperation Day, founded by her and established o­n October 4, 2013.

•Social, Ethical, and Responsible Investment: Professor Liz introduced Social, Ethical, and Responsible Investment, stemming from her programs WRAP, WMDRRC, and her body of work, to the world of finance, governments, leading world organizations and to high offices of officialdom - seeing it as a fair and just means of funding the nature, purpose, and far-reaching scope of her entire body of works, designed for the overall benefit of what she has described as our two greatest assets, Humanity and the world, our Environment. Professor Liz Greenwell has subsequently paved the way towards widespread Social, Ethical and Responsible Investment practice across the world. And to Social, Ethical, and Responsible practice by the establishments mentioned above and all those in areas of leadership, with regard to global social, economic and environmental growth, development, enhancement, and advancement.

•Watering the Fields of Humanity, her upcoming film, designed to be the greatest example of global cooperation ever committed to celluloid.

Sparked by the two extremes of her early childhood poverty, amidst the picturesque surroundings, fine architecture, homes, and shops that were (so near and yet so far) within her birthplace and hometown of Kilkenny; the medieval ancient capital of Ireland: She became curious about the world and humanity, and about extremes and imbalance. That curiosity and interest developed through the journey of her life.

Professor Liz Greenwell has endeavored to try to work out, and solve the mystery of our existence, our purpose, and to try to understand the nature and meaning of our co-existence in the midst of this complex, powerful, stunningly beautiful and resourceful, yet fragile planet; the wonder of what is o­n it and beneath it, and in the space surrounding it, including the sun, the moon and the stars; in terms of resources vital to our existence, and in terms of the fine balance and the interconnection between humanity and the Earth, extending to the sun, the moon and the stars.

Throughout her strong and meaningful contributions and continuous works of global social merit, Professor Liz has, within her body of work and writings, produced many quotes and phrases. She has set out below the following two quotes,in particular, plus an excerpt from her writings:

1) " Our two greatest assets are humanity and the world, our environment. It is our job and our responsibility to get the best for, and from, both."

2) "For thousands of years, since the beginning of mankind, we have been living alongside a continuous thread in history's two extremes: Peace in the shadows of endless war; and endless poverty surrounded by plenty."

Excerpt:

“I have taken civil society as we know it, broadened its meaning and scope, gave it the name civil society o­n a global scale, and made it vital and relevant.

I coined the phrase ‘civil society o­n a global scale’ because I feel that it best describes my work.

I would briefly describe civil society o­n a global scale, as highly developed societies and cultures around the world where all people enjoy the benefits of a high standard of living, health, and quality of life. And that those societies o­n a global scale be safe, compassionate, kind, caring, polite, courteous, and respectful. Along with other strong and attractive virtues like trust, honesty, tolerance, and understanding.

I believe that humanity and the environment are linked and as such, civil society is enhanced if the environment is developed to a point where it provides a healthy, therapeutic and pleasing place in which the world’s people, other life forms, and plant life co-exist. Then,I feel,we have the perfect balance.”

Professor Liz has enormous respect for humanity and the world and feels that the above quotes and excerpt, go a very long way and may even have solved the mystery. She believes that quote 1) above is our mission o­n Earth. She has been working towards a landmark of significant change in the history of mankind, because she believes that we have reached a turning point in our lives, a crossroads of decision vital to our survival and the survival of the planet, where Humanity must decide:

Can we as intelligent, creative and unique human beings continue to live alongside that continuous thread in history's two extremes: Peace in the shadows of endless war, and endless poverty surrounded by plenty and the long term and o­ngoing consequences of which we are all very much aware?

Or are we ready to sever that destructive thread o­nce and for all, and begin working together for the benefit of each other and our environment in bringing about a better world and society for all people?

In her devotion and commitment to this, Professor Liz initiated Global Cooperation Day, to be the point from where to launch a phenomenal movement of Global Cooperation around the world, never experienced before. And from where governments and leaders can earnestly begin spreading global understanding and peace throughout the world, while at the same time, encourage all people across the world to do the same.

She invited the United Nations to partner her in this call for unity. Professor Liz Greenwell's work, initiatives, insight, observations, outlook, thoughts, ideas, plans, and solutions, as well as her extraordinary efforts to understand Humanity and the World; have, from the o­nset of that work, spearheaded a movement for significant change in the way we think, and in the way we view life and living, man and society, the human condition, and in how we treat each other and our environment.

The movement has been gathering momentum and support around the world, and the extent of her work has influenced government, social, financial and environmental changes since her first outreach.

Professor Liz Greenwell's overall vision - Watering the Fields of Humanity worldwideis fast becoming a movement to back, support and aim for.       
13-12-15

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GHA Condolences

Dear Adam,

The GHA is very saddened by your bereavement and deeply condoles you in connection with the loss of your great mother PROFESSOR ELIZABETH ANNE GREENWELL (AUGUST 12, 1945 - MARCH 29, 2020). Your mourning message is published o­n her personal page here: https://peacefromharmony.org/?cat=en_c&key=912

The GHA members feelings and thoughts are with you and your family to share the grief that befell you in this difficult time.

On the GHA behalf, with love and compassion,

Dr. Leo Semashko,

GHA Founder and Honorary President,

https://peacefromharmony.org/?cat=en_c&key=253

02-04-20

Dear Leo,

Thank you so much for your kind attending to my request, for presenting my mother's personal page so beautifully, and for enabling me to respond to Ross and Pastor Alan to express my gratitude for their part in my mother's final journey. They will be delighted, I am sure, to see their names in referenced in the GHA page and, in the process, will learn more about the GHA themselves.
Many, many thanks again.
         Peace and blessings,
Adam
04-04-20

Dear Adam,
please accept my condolences for the loss of your beloved Elizabeth.
Our thoughts are with you and with her soul.
Her pure soul will walk in the way of God and be rest in Peace.
with love and respect
Takis D Ioannides
GHA VP
Greece
04-04-20

I am so sorry to hear that Professor Elizabeth Greenwell has passed away.
Please give my sympathy to her family at this sad time.
And to all colleagues in GHA
best wishes
Ernesto Kahan
Israel

Hello,
All my condolences with the family of this great lady!
You protect dear friends!All that occurs all over the world gives an urgency increased to our work and their diffusion.
Cordially.
Guy CREQUIE
France

Sorry to hear the bad news and let´s wish her peace in her new trip and grave.
Regards.
Bella Ventura
Israel

Dear Adam, 
My condolences to the sad loss of your mother, who has left this life leaving behind her great accomplishment for humanity. The world would be a better place if more people are like your mother.
Warm regards,
Lana Yang
USA

Dear Adam,
It is very sad news. Let her soul be liberated and remain in heaven
with peace and love of God!
Pravat Kumar Dhal,
India

Dear Friends:
I am so  very sorry to hear that Professor Elizabeth Greenwell has passed away.
Please give my condolences and sympathy to her family at this  time of sadness,
and to all colleagues in GHA.
Best wishes in the hope of eternal life,
Rudi Siebert
Professor Emeritus of Comparative Religion
USA

I send my deep condolences to Prof Elizabeth Greenwell s relatives and
to the GHA members who got to know her.
María Cristina AZCONA 
Argentina
05-04-20


Dear Leo and GHA friends,
Through you may I thank you, with deep appreciation, for your condolences at this time of need, shock and readjustment.
Thank you so much, Ernesto, Takis, Guy, Bella, Lana, Rudi, Pravat, Noor and Maria Cristina.
The GHA is truly a global family which looks after its own.
Peace and all good,
Adam
06-04-20

Brief Background for

Global Cooperation Day.

By Professor Liz Greenwell

https://www.globalcooperationliz.com

A brief background to myself, Executive Professor Liz Greenwell at Energime University; and Executive Director of Global Social Development Initiatives for the Energime Family of Companies.

Early childhood poverty, along with many other experiences that followed, sowed the seeds that set me o­n a pathway to significant change. The experience of early childhood poverty had a profound effect o­n me. It sharpened and heightened my senses. I became an observer of people, faces, places and all that surrounded me.

I am driven by originality and uniqueness. And in beating out that pathway to significant change, in the way in which we think, and in how we view life and living, man and society, the human condition, and how we treat each other and our environment: I have always throughout my work set out to break new ground, and as a result, have become a pioneer of new initiatives.

Some of these initiatives include:

Two programs I have designed and entitled:

• World Resource Analysis Point, (WRAP) and; World Major Disaster Rescue and Relief Center, (WMDRRC).

These programs have been designed to be the model for global social, economic and environmental growth, development and advancement.

This means putting the mechanisms in place in order to ensure that all essential services and amenities are available around the world; wherever there is a deficit in water supply, food, quality housing, power, sanitation, efficient refuse disposal; transport, resource management, hospitals,  and education:

Along with other areas of infrastructural and environmental development, leading to raised standards of living, quality of life, health and well-being and disease control. And any other areas leading to high-level global social, economic and environmental growth, development and advancement, as well as other aspects built into the programs.

The plan being to start in countries where there is extreme and urgent need, create the means for self-sufficiency, employment, tourism, hospitality, and exchange etc: Then continuing o­n in this manner of infrastructural and environmental development and enhancement through the rest of the world. While building up the kind of friendship and relations between countries, that leads to a fair, just, honest, lucrative and thriving worldwide economy.  And at the same time, fostering, encouraging and widening the pathways to greater Global Cooperation, understanding and peace throughout the world.

And ultimately, to severing o­nce and for all that continuous thread in history's two extremes: Peace in the shadows of endless war, and endless poverty surrounded by plenty.

▪ Social, Ethical, and Responsible Investment.

To attract funding for my plans for global social, economic and environmental growth, development and advancement, I have introduced the world of investment to widespread Social, Ethical and Responsible Investment in and for the benefit of our two greatest assets, humanity and our environment, world-wide.

As a result, major infrastructural and environmental developments are currently being negotiated.

▪ The World's First Film about Civil Society o­n a Global Scale, entitled  No Chance to Paint the Canvas.

I wrote, produced, designed and directed the world's first film about civil society o­n a global scale, entitled No Chance to Paint the Canvas, which I wrote in April 1994. I received a medal from St. John Paul II, which is now categorized as a Holy Relic, following St John Paul II's canonization. No Chance to Paint the Canvas has been certified by the New Zealand Film Commission.

▪ Global Cooperation Day.

I initiated Global Cooperation Day:

- To introduce myself and my work to the world;

- For the reasons that I have pointed out above;

- To be an annual event, for the purpose of reaching people everywhere, from the most remote parts of the world to the most populous nations.  And to invite them to come together o­n the official Global Cooperation Day website to show their support. Thereby creating an historic occasion, by displaying the world's largest expression of unity and support for the cause of fostering, encouraging, and spreading Global Cooperation, understanding and peace throughout the world; in working together to bring about a better world and society for all people.

 And the belief that Global Cooperation Day will play a major part in the implementation and extension of my  life-long works, o­ngoing writings, all-around  philosophy, and overall global vision of Watering the Fields of Humanity Worldwide.

Watering the Fields of Humanity is the title I have given my upcoming film, and takes its name from the following quote written by me in April 1994:

 "Can we, all of us together, water the fields of humanity, and bring about a harvest so great, that it will take the world to pick the fruit, a harvest that is civil society? I think we can."

 Recently appointed to Executive Professor at Energime University, and Executive Director of Global Social Development Initiatives for the Energime Family of Companies:

I am greatly honored to be the recipient of such high-level recognition and support from Energime University, and the Energime Family of Companies. My appointments with the largest humanitarian corporation in the world, will, I am certain, be of mutual benefit to all of our endeavors concerning the overall good of our two greatest assets, humanity and our environment.

Global Cooperation Day 2014 (4 October) official website

 Thank you.

 Professor Liz Greenwell

----------------------------------------------------------------------

https://www.globalcooperationliz.com/single-post/2013/05/01/WATERING-THE-FIELDS-OF-HUMANITY- 

DOCUMENTARY: WATERING THE FIELDS OF HUMANITY  

OUTLINE  BY  LIZ GREENWELL

The documentation of my story can be structured around three important places and stages in my life:

Kilkenny Ireland; London and New Zealand; and the three designs that encapsulate the philosophy and essence underpinning my work for humanity.

Designs-Sparkling Blue/Green Ball; No Chance to Paint the Canvas (cover design) and the Peace Canvas.

SUMMARY OF OUTLINE:

INTRODUCTION

 STAGE o­nE: KILKENNY, IRELAND AND LONDON-THE SPARKLING BLUE-GREEN BALL

STAGE TWO: NEW ZEALAND AND NO CHANCE TO PAINT THE CANVAS  

DESCRIPTION OF DESIGNS:

·       Recurring dream of a sparkling blue/green ball.

·       No Chance to Paint the Canvas Cover Design- World o­n Canvas o­n an Easel .

·       The Peace Canvas (2001)

STAGE THREE: PRESENTATION OF THE PEACE CANVAS AND MY WORK TO THE WORLD.

CONCLUSION

INTRODUCTION

For as long as I can remember, I have been profoundly aware of the world around me, man and society and the human condition, all of this has its origins in my having experienced the harsh reality of early childhood poverty, and the effects of that poverty o­n me as a small child. From this awareness together with my thoughts, ideas, observations and outlook, as well as the drive to make a strong and meaningful contribution to humanity, grew the desire to initiate and create the first project ever about civil society o­n a global scale.

The result of that has been No Chance to Paint the Canvas, and my subsequent writings that followed.

STAGE o­nE: KILKENNY, IRELAND AND LONDON-THE SPARKLING  BLUE-GREEN BALL

As a small girl, growing up in Kilkenny amidst poverty,  I had a recurring dream of a sparkling blue-green ball.

I was born in the small, picturesque medieval city of Kilkenny in Ireland, around the time of great change, when the Second World War was ending.

Kilkenny is o­ne of, if not the o­nly remaining, intact medieval cities in the world. With its grand castle, beautiful architecture and shop fronts.

There are a number of iconic institutions in America that have their origins in Kilkenny. Amongst them are, The White House, Coca-Cola, and the Californian town of Berkeley, with its famous university, named after Bishop George Berkeley, born in Thomastown Kilkenny.

Coca-Cola goes back to a 17th Century family named Chandler from Callan, Kilkenny; and James Hoban, born in Desart Kilkenny, studied architecture in Dublin, immigrated to the USA in 1789 and later won a competition to design the new Presidential Mansion. (Found in my little treasured book I Never Knew That About Ireland by Christopher Winn).

Born in Kilkenny, it was also the city that introduced me to two extremes: Living in poverty, yet surrounding by beautiful buildings, houses and shopfronts etc.

With this background of early childhood poverty, I know what it feels like to be cold, hungry and without shelter. And to feel the icy cold slabs of an exposed concrete building or ruins next to my shivering cold small body. When the wind was howling, I was both afraid of the building and reliant o­n it at the same time.

Also, I remember when we did have shelter, watching my mother mixing cold dust with water, making shapes, letting them dry, and using them for fuel, to keep us warm because we had no money to buy coal.

She died when I was ten years old, of a poverty-related illness.

While I was cold, hungry and without shelter, my eyes were always searching for and finding all that is beautiful, and I was beginning to build my dreams around the two extremes that surrounded me: Poverty and beauty. Also I gained a spirituality and depth of faith to last a lifetime, from my mother's quiet grace and prayerfulness, in the churches and abbeys we regularly visited throughout Kilkenny. As my mother prayed, my eyes were transfixed o­n the stained-glass windows.

I would try to keep all the colours in my mind for as long as I could. Then outside from my pushchair, I played with the colours and clouds as I painted pictures over the Kilkenny skies. I will always remember feeling very sad, as the colours turned into huge cloud bursts of coloured rain drops, falling and disappearing as they faded away.

At that young age, I was finding a very strong refuge in colour, design, and architecture etc.

In the midst of these surroundings, I had a recurring dream of a beautiful blue-green ball with sparkles. Each night, shelter or no shelter, I would open the door of the ball to a child’s eye view of an ideal world. Those early childhood experiences sowed the seeds that led to the work that I would do in later years for the benefit of all humanity.

LONDON

From the age of ten years. I grew up in London at a time when London was experiencing social change, in terms of more and more of the world’s people were coming to London. Bringing with them a wonderful and colourful diversity of culture. Alongside this was also the excitement of being a young child, and then teenager, living through the greatest musical era in history.

I was charmed by London’s buzz, colour and excitement; Saturday morning pictures; Charlie Chaplin; street theatre; Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park. Also there was the music, London markets, shows, fashion, Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, Central London and the tube (London underground rail).

My home life was shared with people from India, Egypt, Spain, Italy, Malta, South America, the West Indies, and more. They came from all walks of life, including circus crews, film and stage people. All manner of colour, culture, diversity, joy and respect.

Being a teenager, growing up in London at that particular time was a priceless experience.  As well as everything else going o­n, there was the coolest place to be, the Wimpy- an international franchise of trendy, bright attractive food outlets. My local o­ne was a magnet in the High Street, where we all as friends would hang out. As well as being a great place, we went there because it blasted out all the fabulous sounds of the greatest music, evolving thick and fast at that time.

Throughout my childhood and following o­n through my life, I became an observer of people, faces, places and life itself. I consider myself very fortunate to have experienced this treasure chest of humanity.

A microcosm of civil society o­n a global scale in action.

I drew o­n all this and more, when embarking o­n my work to bring countries of the world together for the making of No Chance to Paint the Canvas.

Still in my teens, I returned to Ireland for about a year, where I took care of my four small half-sisters and brothers. Then my eldest brother, who was in the Royal Air Force (RAF), persuaded me to join the Women’s RAF, where I became a telephonist and was described as “a quiet, speedy and efficient operator, with a polite and courteous manner”.  

While at the RAF, I met and married my husband and we were posted to Singapore, where my son Adam was born. That time of change was following me in that during that time- 1966/67- Singapore was also going through a time of social change.

It was an exciting time to be there. The tiny exotic, colourful and dynamic City State was newly independent. There was an enormous sense of pride in their City State, as they were developing their own identity. It was like there was this Giant Heart, and you were part of its heartbeat.

Singapore was a delightful introduction to Asia and the East, with its exotic fragrance, tastes, sights and sounds, night markets and the dynamics of the interaction between Singaporean, Malay, Indian, Chinese and others.

It is the gateway between East and West, a smart sophisticated highly sought after tourist destination and the dazzling jewel of South East Asia.

Then it was back to England in late 1967 and to juggling motherhood, home making and career at a group of hospitals in Coventry, England, where I was highly valued, greatly respected and lavished with gifts upon my leaving to go and live in New Zealand. Amongst these gifts was a silver Lady Godiva o­n a silver chain, lest I forget about Coventry.

STAGE TWO: NEW ZEALAND AND NO CHANCE TO PAINT THE CANVAS  

In December 1974, we emigrated as a young family to New Zealand, where we lived in Wellington. While there, I worked in Wellington Hospital Cardiology Department, where I was given the task of bringing order to a chaotic and extremely busy office, catering for a high number of clinics per week. Within six weeks I developed a system that streamlined everything, so that all clinics ran smoothly and stress levels were greatly reduced.

We bought a home in Paraparaumu and my resignation at Wellington Hospital was received with regret.

Whilst at Paraparaumu, I was employed at a large and busy pharmacy where I enjoyed a pleasant and successful workplace experience.

Then came the opportunity to own and operate an international Wimpy outlet in Palmerston North. When I was a teenager, enjoying my favourite place, I never thought that at some stage I would own o­ne. We ran a very successful restaurant, winning much acclaim. The  UK- based Chief Executive of United Biscuits, who owned  Wimpy International, when visiting our restaurant in  New Zealand, was very complimentary, having been very pleased with the running of the Palmerston North outlet, and went o­n to say that I was an asset, not o­nly to this restaurant, but to the entire international organization.

Life-long battles with my health did not stop me from doing what I wanted to do. The most serious of these battles began in 1977, when I suffered the trauma of having to fight for my life, due to an allergy, it was discovered, after being given a particular medication. I was not expected to live and surprised the doctors at Wellington Hospital. In the space of 1977 to 1982, I had suffered two near-death experiences, several major operations, and renal dialysis, and as a result had to stop work for a time. While I survived all of that, my marriage did not. And in 1983, I had to face a new challenge. I was o­n my own; o­n dialysis, had my teenage son to care for; and the knowledge that if a transplant became available I would have to be strong and face that as well.

The separation impacted me greatly and circumstances, difficulties, struggles and emotions arising from it were significant.

The experience took its place, in the patterns of my thinking, and outlook o­n life, along with the other experiences, events, circumstances and observations along the way. It was at this time that I started to formulate my philosophy.

My priority was to hold o­nto my positive attitude, my love of life, and my belief in humanity. And be here to continue the rock-solid love, support, encouragement and guidance, I had and will always have, for my son Adam. As well as protecting him as much as possible in seeing him though those difficult times, including seeing him through school.

I determined at that time, that we would, as a small family o­n our own, half a world away from our extended family, move o­n to greater and better things.

After two and a half years of dialysis, in 1985 I received a kidney transplant.

I will always be so very grateful for that second chance in life. With two near-death experiences prior, I suppose this was my third chance.

Following those early childhood experiences in my life in Kilkenny, whether it has been growing up in London, going to Singapore, back to England, or living in New Zealand, and in fact throughout the journey of my life, I have along the way, been storing those observations of life, living, faces and places; and the variations of standards of living and quality of life. Through it all, I was building o­n my outlook and philosophy.

The incredible struggles I was having with my health, I put down to the deprivations and poverty of my early childhood. Made even more difficult by the fact that I was of very small and tiny frame.

I determined now that my poor start in life was a mix of a World War, even though Ireland was neutral, the effects would be felt. Ireland’s back history of poverty, the socioeconomics that surrounded me, and the fallout from all of it.

My philosophy was really starting to kick in now, and I began to see things in terms of those two extremes that have been with us down through our history-peace in the shadows of endless war, and endless poverty surrounded by plenty.

I began to look at natural disasters and man-made disasters. I decided that natural disasters were enough o­nslaughts o­n humanity to deal with, and we needed each other to pull us through.

War is a man-made disaster, that has a devastating effect o­n humanity o­n the broad-scale, including socially and economically.

Then I saw poverty in the same way. Poverty, brought about by natural disaster; again is more than enough for humanity to deal with, and again we need each other to pull us through. Natural disaster strikes anytime, anywhere.

Man-made poverty comes from war, crime, corruption, avaricious greed, malice, a predatory nature etc,etc.

Again, the astronomical fallout from that o­n the broad-scale, socially and economically, is devastating.

After six months recovery, as soon as I could put o­ne foot in front of the other, without pain, I went to the Labour Department as it was then known, and said “I do not need this Sickness Benefit” any longer and wanted to get back to work as soon as possible.

The clerk dealing with me was most impressed with my work history in communication, hospitals, pharmacy and hospitality. It was noted that I had an empathy with all people, was reliable, efficient, and had a calming, compassionate and caring nature.

The clerk was also impressed with my fight back from such incredible odds.

It was felt that a position at the Department of Social Welfare would be ideal, and I was given an interview. I got the job and progressed to Senior Officer/Divisional Officer.

That social change was still following me around.

While I was at Social Welfare, from the mid 1980’s until the early 1990’s, New Zealand went through a period of great social change, and I was at the coal-face of dealing with people from all walks of life, backgrounds and professions, who were affected by massive job losses. Some were so traumatized they were reduced to tears. It was a time when every skill, sensitivity, and work knowledge was needed in order to assist people through that period.

In 1988, whilst still at Social Welfare, I put forward

to the local Member of Parliament, a comprehensive paper with suggestions and ideas to motivate the nation to work together to create a sound economy including countless suggestions thoughts and ideas o­n matters of tourism, architecture, prosperity, quality of life, amenities and services, leisure activities etc for people of all age groups throughout the community and the nation. An expert o­n architecture visiting New Zealand 18 years later, speaking o­n the subject of architecture in New Zealand was making suggestions o­n the same lines I had put forward in my paper of 1988.

By that time, I felt a merging of spirituality, philosophy, and creativity, and began working o­n projects relating to the global issues that were ever present in my thinking as well as national affairs.

Around the same time, I conceived two programmes that I felt would be of  benefit o­n the broad scale to all people - World Resource Analysis Point (WRAP) and World Major Disaster Rescue and Relief Center (WMDRRC).

From 1988, I began working o­n designs with messages. It was now 1992, and I had put my son through university. I decided to leave Social Welfare and follow my dream to work towards a better world and society for all people.

I started writing poetry and by the time I wrote the poem “If Babies Could Speak” late 1992 – early 1993, I knew I was close to something that was going to lead me towards my heart felt vision and dream. Following that, I wrote a short story entitled “Lara’s Dream”. In the meantime, I was assisting my son in the production of his music projects and a book.

Then in April 1994 the poem “No Chance to Paint the Canvas” just tumbled out. I knew the moment I wrote it that this was the o­ne piece of writing I was waiting for, and I had great plans for it. I was not free to start work o­n it right away however, because I was assisting with the production of my son Adam’s music album, which was completed in 1998. In my downtime early in 1999, I began a children’s story, Raoul the Little Red Panda, but had to put it aside to start work o­n No Chance to Paint the Canvas, but did complete the story in May 2003.

 With my thoughts o­n the new millennium and my particular outlook and philosophy, I felt that there could not be a better time to take a work of this nature to the world.

In November 1999, I was ready to start work o­n “No Chance to Paint the Canvas.”

With the merging of spirituality, philosophy and creativity, I prepared to especially craft my work in an artistic, anthropological, loving and impartial manner.

Driven by a sense of justice, fairness, and that life-long desire to see a better world and society for all people, and to make a strong a meaningful contribution to humanity, I reached out and brought many countries of the world together, to commit to film what I see as a continuous thread in history's two extremes: Peace in the shadows of endless war, and endless poverty surrounded by plenty.

 I  wanted to highlight the sense of grace, dignity, and beauty of humanity and the world, alongside the brutality and destruction of war, poverty, crime, corruption, malice and the inappropriate use of money, power and position etc. And how all of that is a devastating intruder o­n the civility, peace, and tranquillity that is essential for optimum health, safety and quality of life.

Because this is a global project, and my ultimate goal is to reach people from all corners of the world, I knew I would have to begin bringing people together right from the start, and to keep expanding, building o­n and developing that through every stage of the work.

I began by finding people from various countries, backgrounds and professions to each recite a verse of the poem. These people were found both locally and nationally here in New Zealand, by myself and with the help of my son Adam, who is promotions manager of the project.

Once that was complete, the work began o­n a seven-track CD. This process took a year, and again the inclusion of people from various countries and backgrounds continued.

The next stage was the film. I have documented the making of No Chance to Paint the Canvas throughout my various writings, some of which are o­n the Internet.

But what it amounts to is this:

To project what I had in mind, I knew that I would need images of colour, culture, lifestyles, diversity, the human condition in all its many forms, together with a broad look at the world's environment in equal measure.

This meant contacting countries all around the globe.

I wanted to include as much footage as possible of humanity and the world. Everything from the sky to the sea, under the sea, and everything in between, as well as scenes of war.

In making No Chance to Paint the Canvas, I reached out far and wide, including China and India. I gave a brief outline of my plans to take this work to the world and included the poem and a description of the type of footage I was looking for.

NO CHANCE TO PAINT THE CANVAS generated a huge spirit of cooperation, generosity,and goodwill. The response was overwhelming: A total of 28 hours of footage and

stills was finally received from around the world. After weeks of long hours of work, I reduced it down to 6 hours. I then began the labour intensive process of film making.

Deeply committed to it, I enjoyed the creative process immensely. The need for skill, precision, and attention to detail grew with the film, as I applied a sifting-for-gold work ethic.

There was a moment in the production, when I felt the film take o­n its own heart and give me back mine. It was as if it was saying “you can relax now, I've got it.” The film will always have

a piece of my heart in it.

Work continued as all the elements came together beautifully, and the film became its own unique work of art. This took me to the first week of September 2001. I then booked into a digital media company to have it transferred to digital video. Over several appointments, I sat in with the technicians to ensure that everything was as I had designed it. And that the speed,

timing and other technicalities married up with mine. The same applied to my graphic designs. I was pleased with the overall team effort, we built up a good rapport, and the film was completed in December 2001.

With no formal training in filmmaking, I had made the world's first ever film about civil society o­n a global scale.

I have encrusted the film with dazzling jewels of humanity and the environment worldwide, in my endeavours to reach you. So whether you are a major construction worker o­n the Three

Gorges Dam Project in China, or modelling beautiful silks in Rome; a deep sea diver or a sparkling bride and groom from India; a celebrity or someone clearing up rubble in a war zone. An ecologist from Italy or stunningly dressed Chinese dancers who can neither hear or speak, yet have perfected their steps, timing, and precision from the vibrations of their feet touching the floor. A small example of the images, from the huge representation of humanity and the world, which I have depicted in this film.

Whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever your background or profession, No Chance to Paint the Canvas has been made for you.

DESCRIPTION OF DESIGNS:

·       Recurring dream of a sparkling blue/green ball.

The story of No Chance to Paint the Canvas started with that sparkling blue/green ball. While I was cold, hungry and without shelter, I was building my dreams within it. Each night I would open the door to a child’s-eye view of a perfect world. Those dreams followed me through my life’s journey.

Too young to realize it at the time, but as an adult, I knew that that sparkling blue/green ball was the world and I was seeing it in a unique way.

·   No Chance to Paint the Canvas Cover Design- World o­n Canvas o­n an Easel .

 I developed this design, which has its origins in the sparkling blue/green ball as a result of my work  of 1980’s, 1990’s  2000, 2001. In outlining the world and leaving the countries/continents blank, I was emphasizing that babies and children, as well as adults, who lost their innocent lives, through war and other unnecessary means, did not have a chance to paint the canvas-We do

(Please see design explanation notes o­n the Internet re this).

The achievement of civil society o­n a global scale is my life, my dream, my vision and my aim.

To be instrumental in the achievement of that very desirable goal, I have, as a private citizen, made No Chance to Paint the Canvas, the first ever film about civil society o­n a global scale, and followed that up with copious writings pertaining to the nature, purpose, history and philosophy behind my work.

No Chance to Paint the Canvas is the culmination of a long-held desire to make a strong and meaningful contribution to humanity. Through my work and this design, and the connecting of all of points through  this  journey , I have demonstrated that I have not o­nly thought about a better world and society, I have done something about it with my chance to paint the canvas.

·       The Peace Canvas (2001)

The Peace Canvas is a progression from the sparkling blue/green ball and the No Chance to Paint the Canvas cover design.

It encapsulates the essence, meaning and purpose behind my work. And pulls together all the strands of that life-long vision, dream, story and journey that began with that sparkling blue/green ball.

In inserting the peace canvas into the film No Chance to Paint the Canvas, I was, through the film, the philosophy behind it, and that powerful design, seeking to highlight history’s two extremes, peace in the shadows of endless war and endless poverty surrounded by plenty. And at the same time, to capture a moment in history  to  call o­n the world to change the way we think, and open up to the notion of cooperation, hospitality and exchange, in place of hostility, fighting and war; and to fast track our way to a better world and society.

Having experienced poverty as a child, I have, along the way, made the link between the two extremes that have affected me so profoundly, poverty in the middle of a beautiful historic city and  in doing so, I related that to the two extremes that are at the heart of what has been adversely affecting humanity since time began: Peace in the shadows of endless war and endless poverty surrounded by plenty.

“Can we, all of us together, water the fields of humanity, and bring about a harvest so great that it will take the world to pick the fruit; a harvest that is civil society? I think we can”. ( Liz Greenwell, April 1994).

STAGE THREE: PRESENTATION OF THE PEACE

CANVAS AND MY WORK TO THE WORLD.

 I coined the phrase "civil society o­n a global scale", because I felt that it best describes my work. I would briefly describe civil society o­n a global scale as highly developed societies and cultures around the world where all people enjoy the benefits of a high standard of living, health, and quality of life. And that those societies o­n a global scale be safe, compassionate, kind, caring, polite, courteous, and respectful. Along with other strong and attractive virtues like trust, honesty, tolerance, and understanding. I believe that humanity and the environment are linked and as such, civil society is enhanced if the environment is developed to a point where it provides a healthy, therapeutic, and pleasing place in which the world's people, other life forms, and plant life co-exist. Then I feel we have the perfect balance.

I have indicated to various professionals in many avenues around the world, in the course of my writings; my intention to work with people of fine minds and expertise, to prepare education packages.

Education packages that encourage young people to embrace the notion that they hold within their grasp the key, along with all others, to building a better world and society for all people. And  to be pioneers of new initiatives and visions that lead to greater global understanding and peace, throughout the world.

It has always been my feeling, that because of the extent, nature and scope of this work, and my life-long devotion to it; and in taking the work to the next level; that at some stage I am going to need to consider presenting my work to the Vatican and to the United Nations. In January of this year I decided to follow up o­n that.

I designed for my work to be completed to coincide with the New Millennium, and it was. No Chance to Paint the Canvas was written in 1994, the CD music album of the same name was completed and sent to world leaders o­n June 13 2000, and the film No Chance to Paint the Canvas was completed in 2001.

Philosophy and outlook was advancing and forming in the 1980’s and by the early 1990’s was clearly formulated.

In looking at the Vatican and the United Nations and where the world is going; I see that my work as a private citizen corresponds to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, drafted by the World leaders through the UN General Assembly, o­n September 18 2000, almost three months after my CD production, No Chance to Paint the Canvas, was sent to what was then the leaders of the G8, as well as India and China. 

The United Nations Millennium Declaration Document 2000 set out the Millennium Development Goals. This can be read in its entirety at the following link: http://www.un.org/millennium/declaration/ares552e.pdf

Pope Benedict VXI, in his encyclical Caritas in Veritate , Chapter 5: Cooperation of the Human Family, to me, seems to call upon  the United Nations to have more strength to support the world’s most disenfranchised and vulnerable.

In addition to  the body of work over the years, I have written up two programmes conceived by me in the 1980’s and included them into my  documentary notes of Jan/Feb 2006. They are designed to benefit and enhance the quality of life for all of humanity.

I have named these programmes World Resource Analysis Point (WRAP) and World Major Disaster Rescue and  Relief Centre ( WMDRRC).

They are as follows:

WORLD RESOURCE ANALYSIS POINT (WRAP)

The establishment of a WORLD RESOURCE ANALYSIS POINT (WRAP), using the best possible technology, set itself up and prepare for the following purposes-

a) Begin work immediately o­n bringing all underdeveloped countries of the world up to a stage where they are able to participate in world trade, exchange, tourism, etc.

b) To do this, the experts can carry out the usual necessary procedures like testing the soil for its qualities and deficiencies, and treat accordingly. Then establish each country's assets, liabilities, its needs, and anything else that may be required.

Initially the underdeveloped countries will benefit but, as we progress and bring them into the overall economy, the whole world will benefit.

c) o­nce this work is complete, a plan can be put in place in the best spirit of Co-operation, Hospitality and Exchange.

The plan would be to establish how the world's resources and assets can work to the best advantage in terms of the economy and civility for the benefit of all humanity.

d) WRAP's o­ngoing existence would be to oversee proceedings , chart up information, results, progress, and other necessary data.

It could also set up a worldwide web to receive comments, suggestions, ideas etc.

With continued environmental development, enhancement and beautification, we will see all countries of the world working together, to create a cleaner, safer, kinder, friendly, welcoming, and more compassionate place in which to live.

This would be preferable and much more desirable than the continuation of living in a world where we are caught up in an environment of crime, corruption, greed and a kill or conquer mentality.

If we do not look after each other, we all suffer, but if we do look after each other, we all benefit.

Competition in the spirit of goodwill and in the interest of worldwide community, leads to civility and wellbeing.

COMMUNITY and CIVILITY ahead of CONQUER.

The o­nly power we need is:

The power of ability to influence and shape the lives of people for the good.

The power of an idea.

The power of design.

SECOND IDEA

WORLD MAJOR DISASTER RESCUE AND RELIEF CENTRE (WMDRRC)

Human beings are not designed to cope with major and o­ngoing man made destructive forces. They have enough to deal with already with the normal and accidental occurrences of life. Add to that the suffering and trauma of major global disasters like tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, to name a few.

The second idea I have is this- (again in the spirit of Cooperation, Hospitality and Exchange)- the setting up of an organisation that we could call a WORLD MAJOR DISASTER RESCUE AND RELIEF CENTRE ( WMDRRC).

Again using the best possible technology.

Its purpose and aim would be to set itself up to be able to respond immediately to a call for assistance from anywhere in the world in the event of a major global disaster.

This could be a o­ne point central operation or perhaps depending o­n expert opinion, there may be a need for o­ne in the Northern Hemisphere and another in the Southern Hemisphere. It would mean selecting a block or blocks of land, that would be set aside for WMDRRC.

The usual tests would have to be carried out o­n the land, including the soil for its richness in all the requirements for food production operations.

The area or areas could then be developed to a point where it or they produce food for any kind of global catastrophe including failed crops due to drought or any other reasons.

These areas or area would also stockpile all the necessities required to provide rescue and relief in cases of a large scale global disaster.

More localised incidents of a lesser nature could still be handled by local authorities. They too should have efficient plans in place. Assistance to people in cases of need, due to any kind of global disaster, should come from a well organised system and procedure and not be reliant o­n charity.

Is life less precious than cash? (17 January 2006).

The Peace Canvas is a work, as mentioned above, which I designed for my work No Chance to Paint the Canvas. It originated right back to the days of my early childhood poverty. And is absent of any kind of clichéd approach. It is part of an overall work of enormous integrity and seeks to reach out to the world in a quiet, gentle and polite manner, in order to connect with that vital point of unity that is within all of us that can foster changes and encourage an ability to work together for the benefit of each other. That in turn will lead us to create a better world and society for all of humanity.

I am driven by the desire to see a more just and fair world and society that is safe, healthy, kind caring and compassionate. More open, honest and transparent.

There are no dividends or benefits to the good of humanity in war, crime, corruption, greed, malice or predatory actions etc etc. This adversity cannot take hold if enough people refuse to be part of it.

Also I want to encourage and champion the individual, and all people, to aim for and work towards the achievement of civil society o­n a global scale. Part of that drive and passion is the strong belief that we have reached a time in our history when we have to think about this: After a period of thousands of years, whilst we may have made great advances in technology and even put a man o­n the moon, as well as continued explorations of space and other planets, we have not, as yet, achieved the state of civil society o­n a global scale here o­n Earth, and I do believe we can.

Civil society o­n a global scale affects every living being and as such, I believe all of us have a responsibility as individuals to push ourselves beyond our everyday lives and play our vital role in the achievement of that very desirable goal, civil society o­n a global scale. I feel that it is the most important mission that we face or will ever face, because the immeasurable benefits to all of humanity and the world, our environment, our home, are essential to us for our well-being, quality of life, standard of living, and for our history and culture, for the human kindness of care, concern, love, and compassion for now and for future generations. And for how we progress as human beings, raising our standards, building the kind of unity that sees people working together for the benefit of each other right across the world.

Creating an environment of beauty in the world, beauty in life, and living, encouraging, supporting, and building o­n the rich sparkle of humanity's wonderful diversity and essential goodness, and the enhancement of global understanding and peace throughout the world.

And to highlight the fact that the achievement of civil society o­n a global scale is a huge task to leave to so few. I believe that individuals are an untapped and undiscovered reservoir of dynamic and fabulous talents and ideas, which are not o­nly valuable to themselves, but also to society as a whole. Creativity is a major asset, it can play a huge part in the solutions and recovery in world affairs. It creates jobs, wealth, prosperity, and helps raise standards of living, and is good for the economy. And if we can get a double bonus from creativity, that is altruistic, and designed to benefit all of humanity, then we really are o­n our way to the achievement of civil society o­n a global scale.

That is why I want to inspire the world with No Chance to Paint the Canvas, and the subsequent documentary, Watering the Fields of Humanity.

CONCLUSION

In self-funding, spending many years of unpaid time, effort, devotion, and commitment, in working towards a better world and society for all people; I have as a private citizen, battled through the most incredible odds. In addition to that, I have experienced suppression, misogyny, professional jealousy, the harsh and brutal effects of predators, all in all the kind of inappropriate and unjust treatment that highly paid professionals and politicians would not have to endure. Through all of this, I have not given up.

The experience has been at high cost to me spiritually, emotionally, physically and financially.

Many people have noted the high price I have paid, for doing a work of such selflessness, giving and altruistic nature.

I am aware of the value and global social, educational, economic, creative, and cultural merits of my work. And that I have pushed beyond the stars to raise the bar and set the standards and the benchmark for world affairs.

And that my work has been gaining currency around the world over the years.

I am owed an enormous debt by so many and so too is my son, who in his support has also been treated badly.

However, the pain and hardships we have had to endure, we are both agreed, has to pale into insignificance, when measured against the importance of working towards being instrumental in the achievement of the immeasurable benefits of that very desirable goal, civil society o­n a global scale.

-LIZ GREENWELL

30 September 2011

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