Buddhist International Relief NGO 'ThePromise' (Founder: Ven. Myojang) is often referred to as the 'Buddhist 119.' Its operational scope spans the entire globe. Since its establishment in 2008, ThePromise, a non-profit organization recognized by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) with special consultative status, has been dedicated to providing critical aid and support to communities worldwide affected by various disasters. The organization has aimed to be a representative relief entity for the Buddhist community, akin to the ‘Red Cross’ in the West and the ‘Red Crescent Society’ in the Islamic countries. To broaden its reach and appeal, it chose an English name with less religious connotation.
Since its founding, International NGO ThePromise has responded to global disasters such as the 2010 Haiti earthquake, 2011 East Japan earthquake, 2015 Nepal earthquake, 2022 Ukraine conflict, and the 2023 Turkey earthquake. Domestically, it has aided in the 2017 Pohang earthquake, 2022 Donghae wildfires, and the 2023 Gangneung wildfire and Yecheon flood.
Major Initiatives
Our work encompasses a wide range of humanitarian and environmental initiatives:
-Climate Crisis: We introduced climate budgeting, support disaster response and climate adaptation for immigrant families, and develop educational tools for environmental sustainability. For example, we provided emergency relief through a local youth-led team during the Timor Leste floods and deployed the nation's first Disaster Welfare Assistance Team (DWAT) for five weeks to support shelters during the East Coast wildfires.
-Mental Health: We support global neighbors in crisis by providing psychological aid to disaster-affected individuals, helping them regain strength. Our International Disaster Psychological Support Team AEGIS, known for its global experience, operates extensively at disaster sites. Recognized by UNHCR, our "Family-based Disaster Response Board Game," developed with support from global gaming company, Electronic Arts (EA), enhances disaster response capabilities for migrant families in Korea.
-Humanitarian Aid: Conducting emergency relief operations for natural disasters and providing urgent food aid to communities affected by the Myanmar coup and the Ukraine conflict.
Award History
We are honored to have received several awards recognizing our contributions, including:
-Samsung CSR Partner Award (2016)
-The 27th Manhae Prize for Practical Contribution (2023): The aim of the prize is to help honor and disseminate the works of those individuals and groups who most exemplify the principles and noble aims of the Reverend Manhae.
Countries of operation
South Korea, Haiti, Japan, Nepal, Ukraine, Türkiye, Syria, Timor-Leste, Thailand, Israel, Palestine, Morocco, Myanmar, Bhutan, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Marshall Islands,Malawi, Tibet,etc.
Join Us in Promising a Safe Society
As we continue our mission, we invite you to join us in making a difference. Together, we can build a resilient and safe society for all, ensuring that in times of crisis, no one is left behind. For more information or to support our initiatives, please contact us at 02-735-3119 or visit our office at 708 Saemunan-ro-42, 7th floor, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Together, let's promise a safer tomorrow with International NGO ThePromise.