ASHGABAT, TURKMENISTAN / ACCESSWIRE / July 11, 2024 / In a heartfelt gesture symbolizing international friendship and compassion, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee received two Alabai puppies from Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This gift, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the World Dog Alliance (WDA), highlights a shared commitment to peace in a world often marked by conflict and turmoil.
World Dog Alliance, founded in Hong Kong on June 21, 2014, by Genlin, is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the welfare of dogs and cats worldwide. The WDA aims to “change human society, save dogs and cats” through the initiation of the “International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats.” Over the past decade, the WDA has made significant strides in raising awareness and advocating for legislative changes. Through persistent efforts and collaboration with global politicians from countries such as the United States, Italy, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan and Indonesia, legislation banning the consumption of dog and cat meat has been enacted. This campaign of global compassion has fundamentally elevated global civilization and moral standards.
Historically, animals have played a significant role in diplomacy. In 1941, China presented a pair of giant pandas to the United States as a gesture of gratitude for U.S. aid to China, marking the beginning of modern “panda diplomacy.” In 1972, the government of the People’s Republic of China presented another pair of pandas to America as a token of friendship. Panda Diplomacy has since played a crucial role in fostering international cooperation and peace for over 50 years.
The recent gift of Alabai puppies to South Korea symbolizes the friendship between the two nations. President Yoon and First Lady Kim are well known for their love for pets; they currently live with six dogs and five cats at their official residence. Genlin urged the South Korean government to take this opportunity to initiate the “International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats” to demonstrate the importance and value of love and respect for life.
Despite the view of dogs and cats as beloved companions in many cultures, the practice of eating dog and cat meat still exists in a few countries. This complex issue involves cultural, historical, and economic considerations, as well as animal welfare and ethical issues. Under the advocacy of the WDA, global attention to the welfare of dogs and cats has increased. In many places, particularly in urban areas and among the younger generation, attitudes toward eating dog meat are changing significantly due to increased awareness of animal rights and shifting cultural values.
Genlin and the WDA will continue to advocate “dog and cat diplomacy” to promote human civilization, inclusiveness, compassion, and world peace.