Towards Budapest: Genfest 2012

WHAT:

Genfest is a meeting for thousands of young people from all over the world.

It came about through a prophetic intuition of Chiara Lubich, foundress of the Focolare Movement. These youths want to show the world that universal fraternity, or a united world, is an ideal worth spending one’s life for.

So Genfest is a meeting place, an opportunity to share and encounter. It is an opportunity to share with others and encounter them. It is an invitation to get moving, knowing that we are all shapers or protagonists of both our own personal history and that of humanity’s.

This is why each of us can contribute to breaking down around us the barriers of indifference, prejudice and selfishness.

WHY:

A challenging goal: to contribute in building a united world – a deep longing of all humanity and a rising challenge of our times.

The strategy: to embark on many different paths to unity: unity between generations; and among peoples and ethnic groups; unity between those who have and those who don’t; with those who suffer and are marginalized, and to work by breaking down the walls that divide us, and for ecological balance with nature.

WHERE:

The city of Budapest, one of the jewels of the Danube, will host the 10th Genfest. Events will be held all over the city, but the Sports Arena is the venue for the climax of the event.

The central message:

“We would like to spread love to every corner of the earth, bringing a greater unity to the religious as well as to the human fields, and among individuals, groups and peoples.” (Chiara Lubich, La Coruña - Spain, 17.8.1989)

Youth for a United World

WHAT DO THEY DO?

They have a challenging goal: to help bring about a more united world. This is why they try first of all to change themselves, to renew themselves, by loving in a practical way. They work together with all those who are striving to reach this goal, and they try to draw others to do the same.

On a worldwide level, they launch activities to help the victims of wars and natural disasters; they participate in initiatives for peace, like the Arms Down campaign for disarmament, which is now officially recognized by the United Nations.

At the local level, they carry out many projects to renew life in to their cities, such as creating places to meet together, providing practical activities to integrate immigrants into mainstream society, caring for the elderly, the disabled and the underprivileged, and promoting a culture of selfless giving.

They help to promote the idea of universal brotherhood. They also involve institutions, especially during the annual United World Week (UWW) usually heldduring the first weeks of May, in which these activities are intensified and provided greater visibility.