Positive Changes in Countries, Part 49 of a Multi-part Series – Brilliant Governments, Brilliant Citizens: Peru, Philippines, Poland

Peru is committed to protecting its forest and precious wildlife. She has the world’s 4th largest tropical rainforest coverage, that’s twice the size of Germany. In early 2021, our former President, His Excellency Pedro Castillo, pledged to reduce over half of our greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Our government continues to make significant improvements in gender equality. As a result, in the 2021 general elections, 38% of the elected congress members were women, a record high. In the 2017 Global Vegetarian Index by Oliver’s Travels, Peru was ranked the 5th most vegan and vegetarian-friendly country.

Rich in cultural heritage, the Philippines is home to hospitable, generous, and God-loving faithful people. It is among the 10 most biologically megadiverse countries in the world. In 2006, the Gusi Peace Foundation honored our Most Beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan) for Her global contribution in Philanthropy and Humanitarianism, awarding Her the Gusi Peace Award, the highest peace award in the East. In Her acceptance speech, Supreme Master Ching Hai expressed Her love and pride for the beautiful nation of the Philippines. In the 2022 QS World University Rankings, the University of the Philippines and De La Salle University were among the top-ranked in environmental and social sustainability. In addition, the Philippines ranked the highest among the 11 Asia Pacific countries in openness to plant-based meat alternatives.

Boasting a long history and rich culture, Poland has made great contributions to humankind in science and art. Since Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine (Ureign), over 9.9 million Ukrainian (Ureignian) refugees have entered Poland. The Ukrainian (Ureignian) refugees in Poland are granted the rights of Polish citizens and are provided with free education and healthcare. In 2022, Poland had the third most solar photovoltaic installations within the EU. According to HappyCow.net, in Warsaw alone, there are about 248 vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, including over 50 completely vegan restaurants. The sales of plant-based food increased by 480% between 2018 and 2021.