"The fundamental problem facing humankind is that we don't fully grasp the extent of our interdependence. Global problems can only be solved in cooperation."
Dr. Yuri M. Urlichich
On October 23rd, 2002, about 1000 hostages were held in a Russian theatre in Moscow. One of them was my father – Yuri Urlichich – the Russian scientist, general director of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Russian Institute of Space Device Engineering”, a PhD in technical science, an academic, and the best Dad ever.
Fortunately, 70 hours of terror did not break his will to live, but made it stronger than ever.
Almost two years have passed, but the idea survived and has evolved into the lifetime credo – “To live NOW”. Live – not simply bear your existence. Allocate the priorities and goals and do everything possible for their achievement. Wasting time now is perilous; that’s why we want to share this credo with other people. The will to live is the strongest desire for all creatures on Earth; but, to survive in the future, we have to unite our potential and use it for solving global problems, which threaten our existence, as well as to improve the quality of life on the planet.
After the hostage crisis, my father devoted his energy to his academic studies. In the summer of 2004, after completing his thesis defense, he finally shared his ideas with me. This conversation changed my life completely. Everything became more clear – the priorities and the actions, that have to be undertaken rapidly—and actively—to reach the global goal.
We were certain that sooner or later, an organization like Mankind United would have to be created. Humanity must grasp the importance of immediate cooperation to respond to the global situation.
The brutality of the terrorist acts in Beslan brought sadness and fear into our hearts, along with the deep grief we felt for the families. But it also sparked an answer to our questions and provided the motivation to organize and take action! Disregarding the differences in cultures, religions and beliefs, humanity unanimously condemned the terrorism and united in the desire to help the innocent children.
This organization needs every one of us; and every one of us needs this organization.
Leonid Yu. Urlichich
