IN A world besieged by war, migration problems, and hatred, there is after all, unity in diversity.
This has been the central theme of Genfest, a gathering of youth from many parts of the world aimed at promoting the universality of humanity.
More than six thousand youth from different nationalities, religion, and even non-believers attended this year's event held at the World Trade Center in Pasay, the first to be held outside Europe since its inception in 1973.
Touted to be the inspiration for the World Youth Day, the event held only every five years is organized by the Focolare Movement through its Youth for a United World arm.
Founded in 1943 by Chiara Lubich in Trent, Italy, Focolare is an international lay movement advocating unity, fellowship, and international solidarity.
The movement was accepted by the Vatican in 1962 and in 1990, the Pontifical Council for the Laity approved its updated statutes.
It is an accepted universal and private organization of the faithful with a pontifical right.
The recent three-day affair was marked by workshops and forums in various venues in Manila and Pasay with discussions on environmental protection, meditation, film, architecture, native Filipino music, Philippines indigenous peoples, culture, faith, health, religions, and politics.
Focolare describes the event as an “occasion to exchange ideas on how the economy, the arts, the environment, social realities and diverse cultures can be tools to build unity.”
Aside from the forums and workshops, an impressive exhibit on the journey of life entitled “Explo” was mounted also at the World Trade Center.
Curated by Hungarian artist Erika Ivacson, the exhibit divided into five parts has biblical themes as well as discusses the problems of the world with the intent of fostering peace, fraternity, and unity.
Ivacson presented the interactive exhibition through a series of video walls with relevant and thought-provoking scenes, excellent lighting, and audience participation.
Volunteers as well as students from the College of Saint Benilde helped in putting up the exhibit.
This year’s Genfest opening was graced by the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Focolare president Maria Voce, Rex Alamban of the International Organization for Migration, Department of Tourism undersecretary Arturo Boncato, and the secretary-general of the Religions for Peace Dr. Lilian Sison.