Las Vegas, NV – The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Las Vegas headed by its Executive Director, Mrs. Leslie Rigney, and Chairwoman, Mrs. Katherine Duncan, in cooperation with other affiliate organizations namely the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) – Las Vegas through its Senior Pastor, Rev. Ken Doo, the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) – Las Vegas through its chairwoman, Mrs. Mary Hida and the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) Las Vegas representative, Mrs. Kay Yamaguchi, hosted a lovely dinner on December 29th to those who attended the recently concluded International Leadership Conference (ILC) in Washington D.C. from November 28-December 1, 2016. Other important community leaders in Las Vegas have also been invited including one of the Parents of the Year 2016 recipients. It is very significant to note that this event was the very first interfaith dialogue between black American churches that are on both sides of the political aisle in Las Vegas. A victory!
The formal dinner meeting was held at the former residence of UPF Co-Founders, Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon in Las Vegas. Each guest was greeted at the front door and was given a folder containing the same conference packets given to the ILC participants. A summary report of the conference was also provided in the folder. Rev. Richard de Sena, UPF USA President was also in attendance who presented the highlights of the ILC as well as the heart and vision of the Founders.
The program began with welcoming remarks from Mrs. Duncan and Mrs. Rigney. President de Sena showed a short video about UPF and a brief presentation on the Peace Principles. He also emphasized the vision and hope of Dr. Moon in establishing the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP).
The guests and hosts were asked to introduce themselves: Assemblyman Chris Edwards; Councilman Bob Coffin, and his wife Mary Hause, Rev. Bill and Debbie Owens, Coalition of African American Pastors (CAAP); Rev. Bill McDonnell, Superintendent, Churches of Southern Nevada and his wife Faith McDonnell; Katherine Duncan; Rev. Ken Doo; Mrs. Leslie Rigney; Mr. Jim Rigney; and Rev. Richard de Sena.
Following the introductions was a sharing of the participants’ experiences at the ILC. Assemblyman Chris Edwards commented how wonderful it was to be with sincerely good people and how important the spiritual and moral aspects of good governance. Mrs. Hause, although she did not attend the ILC, was very interested in the mention of the media, as she just recently retired as a journalist. Meanwhile, Councilman Bob Coffin spoke about his past experiences with ILC in Korea. He said the events always advocated for unity and peace. Mrs. McDonnell expressed her deep concern for the youth and how to help the families, to save America while Rev. McDonnell expressed how important it is to seek unity, and that if we are for peace and the dignity of the human family, we should be able to come together, no matter what political party we belong to. Both sides could see their similarities very easily and they vowed to continue to work together. Rev. Owens expressed his deep appreciation for the ILC, and how wonderful the event truly was.
Dinner was served into the next room which was set up with beautiful china and flatware, contributed by Mr. Jim Rigney and Mrs. Sera Hirano. Mrs. Yamaguchi prepared a sumptuous four- course meal with matching beautiful flower arrangements. Mrs. Hida and Mrs. Hirano served with much love and grace.
While Assemblyman Edwards had to leave for another commitment, Rev. Wasson arrived just as dinner started. At the dining table, each person shared their deepest concerns for Las Vegas, for the people they were caring for and for the country. Each person shared the same sentiments and realized how important for people to work together to resolve these issues especially among the youths. There was a lot of deep sharing and appreciation for one another. Mary and Sera also shared about WFWP, which was very interesting to the ladies. Katherine made a call to action and encouraged everyone to think of ways on how to reach out to present and former members of Congress to the World Summit in Korea on February and how to actively contribute to future local programs and events in Las Vegas.
As everyone bid goodnight to one another, we are looking forward to meeting again. Although Rev. Gibbons could not attend and Sen. Becky Harris could not change her schedule, yet the warmth and deep connection centering on the works of ILC and IAPP was very encouraging.
The following day, December 30th, Mrs. Rigney met with Senator Becky Harris in her law office. She was provided with reports and other information about the ILC and was briefed on the work of UPF Las Vegas. She was interested in assisting with a forum on Marriage and the Family, which is one of the major programs of UPF. “Her willingness to engage, in spite of the level of pressing works in her life as a public servant is very impressive,” confessed Mrs. Rigney.
Contributed by: Leslie Rigney, UPF Nevada Executive Director and Katherine Duncan, UPF Las Vegas Chairwoman
Las Vegas, United States—More than ten Malaysian members of parliament and their wives gathered in Las Vegas for the “International Leadership Conference for Malaysian Parliamentarians”, organized by UPF-USA, from May 6-13, 2015.
Special presentations were given by Dr. Ki Hoon Kim, chairman, UPF-North America; Dr. Thomas G. Walsh, president, UPF International; Dr. Yoo Chong Young, senior advisor, UPF-Malaysia; and Dr. Haitham Bundakji, vice chairman, Islamic Society of Orange County in the United States.
Speakers included Dr. Robert Kittel, education director, UPF-Asia; Mr. Ricardo de Sena, secretary general, UPF-USA; Dr. Michael Jenkins, chairman, Operation Holdings, USA; and Mrs. Kathleen Hwang of the International Peace Education Center in Las Vegas.
Malaysian parliamentarians who attended the conference were Hon. Dr. Azman Bin Ismail; Hon. Wong Sze Phin; Hon. Dr. Che Rosli Bin Che; Hon. Masir Anak Ku; Hon. Dr. Mohd Hatta Bin Md Ramli; and Mr. Mohamad Azri Bin Che Rosli, son of Hon. Dr. Che Rosli Bin Che.
After the presentations, the parliamentarians offered a gift to UPF co-founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.
On the final day of the conference, the parliamentarians visited the International Peace Education Center and were later appointed as Ambassadors for Peace.
Washington, D.C.—A seminar on the UPF Principles was given to a diverse group of Ambassadors for Peace and guests on April 26, 2015.
Mr. Ricardo de Sena, secretary general of UPF-USA, gave presentations on the three main parts of the UPF Principles: “Universal Principles as a Foundation for World Peace”; “The Root Cause of Conflict”; and “Principles of Restoration.” These are the same contents that participants at the March 2015 International Leadership Conference in Korea heard.
Mr. de Sena had driven from New York the night before with his son Ricky. His lively and engaging lectures held the attention of the guests, who included an expert on Islam, several Christians, as well as non-religious guests.
Despite the limited time, Mr. de Sena covered the vast content of the UPF Principles very well. The guests were very happy to learn more about the nature of God, the life of UPF Founder Dr. Sun Myung Moon, and the Principles of Peace.
The following people were guests at the half-day seminar: Mr. Peang Gafour, assistant to the ambassador of Cambodia; Ms. Sophorn Holl, First Financial Security and board member of an Asian beauty contest; Dr. Sahar Khamis, associate professor, University of Maryland; Dr. George d’Angelo, president, Conflict Solution International; Ms. Shahin Mafi, chief executive officer, Home Health Connection Inc.; Sister Claudette Muhammad, Nation of Islam; and Mr. Ricky de Sena, student, son of Ricardo de Sena.
Seoul, Korea – Approximately 150 leaders from around the world gathered in Seoul, Korea, from February 28 to March 4, 2015, to discuss multidimensional solutions to present-day crises and global conflicts at a Universal Peace Federation International Leadership Conference (UPF ILC) entitled “Beyond the Challenges of Our Time: Transforming the Society, Nation and World.”
The guests were welcomed at the Opening Banquet with an Invocation by Rev. Dr. Johannes Mazibuko of the Alliance Church of Swaziland. This was followed by Opening Remarks by Dr. Byung Ho Son, chairman of UPF-Korea, who spoke on the tense situation between North and South Korea and UPF’s efforts to support the reunification of the Korean Peninsula, and Dr. Thomas G. Walsh, president, UPF International, who informed participants of UPF’s objectives in holding the conference.
Hon. Yoshinori Ohno, Japan’s former minister of defense, deliberated on the growing instances of violence in Syria, Iraq and throughout the world, and affirmed his commitment to oppose war and conflict. Mr. Adama Doumbia represented Mrs. Kathy Rigney, regional chair of UPF-Africa, in reporting on UPF-Nigeria’s successful partnering with government agencies in their work for unification and peace in Nigeria and in offering technical assistance on marriage and family.
In the Opening Plenary, UPF Chairman Charles Yang introduced the background of UPF and its founder, Dr. Sun Myung Moon. Against the backdrop of the miserable history of the Korean War in the 1950s, Dr. Moon began a movement of spiritual awakening in South Korea after being liberated from a North Korean prison camp, and went on to initiate the global organization of UPF with great impact around the world. Dr. Vladimir Petrovskiy, senior adviser to UPF-Russia, reflected on the new chapter of history that we are facing, and UPF’s ability to build a new, common vision to promote peace and family for nation-building. He spoke about the difficulties in finding this common goal in Russia, in particular among his Russian and Ukrainian colleagues.
Hon. Dr. Myrna Romarate, national president of the Provincial Board Member League of the Philippines, reflected on the fact that, hidden in deep recesses of the human mind, attachment to power, prestige, and material possessions create divisions. She saw a solution to this dilemma through personal transformation of a life of prayer and living for one dream, one goal and one path. Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, former Cabinet minister of Nepal, called upon governments, civil society and the private sector to work together to build peace by respecting human rights, economic laws and human development, and family values.
As a highlight of the conference, UPF Co-Founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon gave the Keynote Speech, delivered by her daughter, Dr. Sun Jin Moon. Most importantly, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon spoke about the great awakening that is taking place in the world, despite the unstable and tragic events that are unfolding daily, and she assured the audience that despite these problems, the guiding hand of God is at work to weave together a great civilization for one universal family. The UPF co-founder encouraged everyone in the audience to become a true parent, true owner and true teacher in taking God’s viewpoint toward all people and all things, and working to build an ideal nation.
The subsequent sessions presented an overview of the principles of Dr. Sun Myung Moon, followed by reflections of selected commentators. Moderated by Mrs. Tomiko Duggan, UPF director of public affairs in Washington, D.C., the second session illuminated the “Founders’ Vision: Principles of Peace.” Mr. Jacques Marion, president of UPF-France, summarized the UPF founders’ spiritual and moral vision, based on the fundamental core values, principles and teachings of the Unification philosophy.
Dr. Michael Balcomb, president of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification in the United States, reflected on the founders’ principles and compared them to an X-ray that diagnoses the human spirit and shows us what needs to be fixed. Professor Masahisa Hayashi, professor emeritus of Waseda University in Japan, spoke about overcoming self-interest and practicing the founders’ principle of true love and living for the sake of others. Mr. Naokimi Ushiroda, president of CARP (Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles) in the United States, reflected about God as a parental figure who yearns to live in a world of happiness and peace, but said that world can only come about through each of us.
A session on “Overcoming the Challenges Facing the Family,” was moderated by Mrs. Eugenia Kagawa of the Executive Office of UPF. Mr. Ricardo de Sena, president of UPF in the United States, spoke about the importance of the family as a foundation for transforming the society, nation and world and UPF’s worldwide work of strengthening marriage and families. Mr. Joseph Champagne, former mayor of Toms River, New Jersey, explained the significance of the human family and the breaking down of barriers through God’s words. Mr. Kazu Matsui, former chairman of the Educational Board in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, explained how raising children cultivates the “good” in people and reminds us of our true selves and our need to create bonds and become one in heart. It is also a critical component in maintaining the morality and order in a society.
“Overcoming the Challenges Facing Religions and Governments” was the theme of a session moderated by Dr. Tageldin Hamad, secretary general of UPF International. In his presentation, Dr. Thomas G. Walsh, president of UPF International, discussed the problems facing governments and religions today, and the possible solutions and action steps that can be taken. Hon. Erna Hennicot-Schoepges, former president of the Parliament in Luxembourg, spoke about the role of nation-states and religion. In Europe, she advocated the importance of making the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms a universal agreement.
Mr. Quan Yi Zhang, professor at Zhejiang Wanli University in China, proposed a new world system in which governments and religions coexist to bring about good national and global governance. He highlighted UPF as a key organization in reconciling differences and bringing the world together under the flag of “One Family under God.” Mr. Jaap Willem de Zwaan, professor at Erasmus University in the Netherlands, spoke about the European Union as a model for regional cooperation and its goal of promoting democracy, rule of law, and successful market economies in other Eastern and Southern areas. Rev. Shuei Kobayashi, chief priest of the Chuzenji Buddhist Temple in Japan, spoke about the plight of Tibetan monks under communism in China, where the practice of Buddhism was not allowed. He concluded that religious freedom is important and governments should not block the practice of faith. Dr. Lek Thaveetermsakul, vice chair of UPF-Asia, spoke about the peace initiatives in Thailand for the past few years, including the Interreligious Council for Peace, peace and family education, peace seminar tours and peace messages and various forums and conferences.
There were two breakout sessions in which participants divided into six groups to discuss the significance of the family and the ways in which to address and overcome contemporary threats and challenges to the family as well as the challenges facing both religions and governments, and the ways in which to overcome those challenges to the stability of the nation and the integrity of religion. Following that, rapporteurs from each group reported on the major points made in the discussion.
A session on “One Family under God: The Blessing Vision,” was moderated by Mr. Tuo Huan Chen, secretary general of UPF-Chinese Region. The content of this session centered on the personal stories of what it is like to have an intercultural and international marriage and family, and the challenges and joys that come with it. The speakers were Mrs. Eugenia Kagawa of the Executive Office of UPF International, Dr. Tageldin Hamad, secretary general of UPF International, and Mr. Ricardo de Sena, president of UPF-U.S.A.
UPF, The Washington Times and Segye Ilbo co-sponsored a panel discussion about the issues concerning the Korean Peninsula, with high-level participants from the media agencies in Korea and the United States, as well as political leaders, academics and NGO representatives.
On March 3, the last day of the conference, the participants were invited to the Commemorative “Foundation Day” Celebration and Blessing Program, which took place at the Cheon Shim Stadium, at a location east of Seoul, where 30,000 Korean, Japanese and international guests listened to a Keynote Message from Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, urging all present to practice true love despite the destructive forces rampant in the world due to religious, racial and social barriers that are heaping tragedy on the human family. After her speech, Dr. Moon officiated at the blessing of 2,800 newly-wed couples present, many of whom were multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-racial. Afterwards, Dr. Moon hosted a luncheon for 500 distinguished guests, including the participants of the World Media Conference and the International Leadership Conference.
Kona, HI – Fifteen Malaysian parliamentarians attended an International Leadership Conference hosted by UPF-North America and UPF-International in Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii, from Sept. 25 to Oct. 2, 2014.
From September 25th through October 2nd, 2014, UPF North America and UPF International hosted an Internatinal Leadership Conference for Malaysian Parliamentarians in Kona, Hawaii and Honolulu, who were invited to by Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon to learn more about the vision and activities of the late Dr. Sun Myung Moon, Founder of the Universal Peace Federation.
The parliamentarians were invited to Hawaii by Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon to learn more about the vision and activities of the late Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, founder of UPF, and eight of them were accompanied by their spouse. They were accompanied by Mr. Yutaka Yamada, leader of UPF-Malaysia; Dr. Chong Young Yoo, senior adviser of the Parliamentarians’ Federation for World Peace-Malaysia; his wife, Mrs. Kang Chong Cha; and KuiChin Tan, special assistant to Dr. Yoo.
Dr. Ki Hoon Kim, chairman of UPF-North America, with his wife, Tamme, hosted the welcome dinner at the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Speakers included the Hon. Dan Burton, a former U.S. congressman, and Mrs. Tomiko Duggan, director of public affairs of UPF International in Washington DC. Congressman Burton expressed his condolences for the downing in July of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine. In response, the Hon. Dr. Marcus Makin Mojigoh, representing the Malaysian group, expressed his gratitude to the congressman for his thoughtful remarks as well as to Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon for her generous invitation.
At the Opening Session the next day, Mrs. Duggan introduced UPF and gave a PowerPoint presentation about its core values, mission and activities in more than 80 locations around the world. Then Dr. Michael Jenkins, chairman of Operations Holdings Inc., talked about the Middle East Peace Initiative (MEPI), which brought thousands of religious leaders from the United States to Jerusalem and the Holy Land. He shared deeply about the life and activities of Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon in the United States. Mr. Ricardo de Sena, secretary general of UPF-North America, presented three lectures: “The Principles of Creation,” “The Root Cause of Conflict” and “The Principles of Restoration and Reconciliation.” His lively presentations were well received and provided an insightful understanding about the principles for building world peace.
Most of the participants were Muslims and agreed that the principles that bring peace, freedom and love are universal, offering comments such as “We all are the children of the Creator, and people have a right to enjoy their lives, live in freedom and have happy lives. Selfishness, hate and greed are the cause of the conflict and ultimately of war.”
Mr. Farley Jones, director of the Pacific Rim Education Foundation, and his wife, Betsy, spoke at Session III on “The Significance of Marriage, Family and the Blessing.” They are early followers of Rev. and Mrs. Moon’s movement in the United States. In their remarks they emphasized the profound prayerful life and devotion of Rev. and Mrs. Moon to the United States and their heartfelt desire to bring this nation back to its religious roots.
On the afternoon of the second day, the participants went to the Hawaii Queen Coffee Garden. Dr. Kim talked about various educational projects of Rev. and Mrs. Moon in Hawaii and their vision of God’s providence centered on the Pacific Rim. He referred to their many prayerful hours “in quiet communion with our Heavenly Parent.” Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano on the island, is the highest point on the earth when measured from the bottom of the seabed to the top of the summit, and Rev. Moon sometimes referred to it as the “closest point to Heaven.”
The lecture room with its panoramic windows overlooking a pool and a tropical garden was an ideal location for the group. The participants enjoyed drinking the delicious Hawaii Queen coffee, which took first place in the 2013 Kona Coffee Cupping Competition, Crown division. Afterward, they visited the 168-acre farm in the heart of the Kona coffee belt.
Dr. Thomas Walsh, president of UPF International, arrived on the evening of Sept. 28. Due to his many commitments in New York, he was unable to join from the beginning of the program. Three of the participants had met him before, but for the others, it was their first occasion to meet the UPF president. He spoke about UPF’s World Summit and its peace initiatives, including programs such as the UN International Day of Peace celebrations held each year in Malaysia. The Malaysians were especially interested in the presentation on “Renewal of the UN and UPF Initiatives and Support for the Work of the UN.” Dr. Walsh, spending nearly one hour on questions and answers, impressed the parliamentarians with his knowledge of current affairs and vast experience. They expressed a unanimous desire for continued cooperation with UPF.
Dr. Yoo spoke about a vision for Malaysia’s contribution to the Pacific Rim culture. He pointed out the similarity of Korea and Malaysia as models for a “peninsula culture,” and referred to a calligraphy Rev. Moon had created for him on the theme of “Malaysia rising from the bottom to the top for the fulfillment of peace.”
Beside the lectures, highlights of the conference included a sightseeing tour around Hawaii’s Big Island, including a visit to Punalu’u (Black Sand) Beach, which is near an active volcano in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the city of Hilo and the Punalu’u Bake Shop. The tour guide said that Rev. and Mrs. Moon also visited these sites. A third-generation Japanese-American born in Hawaii, he was very knowledgeable about the history of Hawaii and the story of Captain James Cook, the early British explorer who died in Hawaii. He said he has been proud to serve as a guide to Rev. and Mrs. Moon’s guests in Kona.
The group was fortunate to see three Hawaiian green sea turtles on Punalu’u Beach and to enjoy the area’s exotic flowers and tropical foliage. It was windy and rainy at the volcano, but fortunately the sky brightened and the sun came out by the time lunch at a nearby hotel restaurant was finished. The group was able to see the volcanic cone with smoke coming out of the crater. It was too dangerous to go near the area where molten lava was flowing.
The guests celebrated their final day in Kona visiting the Hawaii King Garden and the Queen Garden, where Rev. and Mrs. Moon have stayed when they visit Kona. Everyone was captivated by the natural beauty of the gardens and trees such as banana and avocado. The setting sun over the ocean’s horizon was especially breathtaking.
That evening, a “Pure Love and Peace Ceremony” was an opportunity for couples to renew their marriage commitment and reaffirm their love for their spouse. Those who had come with their spouse stood together. Everyone wore a white scarf with the words “True Family” and “Peace Ambassador.” Each participant concluded the ceremony with three cheers. Then all the parliamentarians were honored with appointments as Ambassadors for Peace. During dinner the participants were inspired by the beauty of the surrounding nature and the hospitality of the staff conveying the loving spirit of Rev. and Mrs. Moon.
The group flew to Honolulu on the island of Oahu, arriving in the early morning of Oct. 1. From the airport they went directly to Pearl Harbor, headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The spirit of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his speech “Pearl Harbor—May We Never Forget” was very much felt as the group visited the memorial and paid silent respect to those whose lives were lost on the day of the Japanese air attack, Dec. 7, 1941. After about an hour the participants moved on to Pali Lookout with its panoramic views of Windward Oahu and the Ko’olau mountain range. After checking into their hotel, the participants enjoyed free time walking along the white sands of Waikīkī Beach and marveling at the beautiful view of Diamond Head, the volcanic cone across the bay, or exploring Kalakaua Avenue, with its high-end hotels, designer shops and cafes—all full of tourists.
The farewell dinner was at a Thai restaurant. Many of the dishes were similar to Malay cuisine; for example, the Massaman curry was thoroughly enjoyed by the Malaysians. One participant said: “This is so delicious. I almost feel like I’m back in Kuala Lumpur.”
Dr. Walsh accompanied the delegation to Honolulu and warmly invited suggestions for future cooperation. Mr. de Sena accompanied the group to the airport.
The parliamentarians repeatedly expressed their gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon for her generosity and special love toward Malaysia.
Appreciation was also expressed to those who made this program such a success. Special thanks to UPF International staff Mrs. Genie Kagawa and Dr. Frank LaGrotteria, who corresponded with the Malaysian coordinators, to David Jung, the tour coordinator in Hawaii, and to Mr. Alberto Faccon, who designed the conference program booklet.
Aloha! In Hawaii, the word Aloha is the common word for greeting and farewell. In the Hawaiian language, it means affection, peace, compassion and mercy.
Montevideo, Uruguay – A special International Leadership Conference took place in Uruguay with theme was “Toward a New Paradigm for Peace and Human Development in Latin America”. Participants included former heads of state, parliamentarians and other government leaders, religious leaders, woman leaders and civic leaders.
We would like to thank Mrs. Hope Igarashi, UPF Chairwoman in Las Vegas, Mrs. Peggy Yujiri, UPF Chairwoman in Denver and Mr. Bruce Sutchar, UPF Chairman in the Midwest for their utmost dedication to make it possible to have an International Leadership Conference bringing together delegates of North and South America.
Here is a video with the participation of three distinguished delegates: Mrs. Katherine Duncan, Ambassador Sam Zakhem and Mr. Charles John Ford.
You can also take a look at a well-created PowerPoint presentation with a summary of this special event by clicking here.
