Washington, D.C.—The UPF-DC office and The Washington Times Foundation welcomed over 70 members of the diplomatic community, NGO leaders, Ambassadors for Peace, and friends of UPF at the Washington Times on June 4 to celebrate the UN International Day of Families 2015.
The theme for this year’s International Day was “Men in Charge? Gender Equality and Children’s Rights in Contemporary Families.”
After enjoying a delicious lunch, the guests were greeted by Mrs. Tomiko Duggan, director of public affairs of UPF International’s office in Washington, D.C. She spoke about the UN International Day of Families and the UPF view that the family is the most important unit in society, and showed a video of UPF’s global activities. She then introduced Mr. Larry Moffitt, vice president of The Washington Times Foundation, co-sponsor of the event, who was the emcee for the program.
The first speaker was H.E. Dr. Neil Parsan, Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago to the U.S., Mexico and the Organization of American States (OAS). A medical doctor with an MBA, Dr. Parsan is also active in education; the fight against HIV/AIDS; and women’s issues. He commended UPF for its efforts to bring about peace in the world. “Meetings like this allow us to come together to further these issues,” he said.
Dr. Parsan also said that the family structure is changing and adapting in an ongoing shift to satisfy the needs of a broader definition of family. Governments must also shift to protect and support the family as this happens. “Individuals find a place of solace and comfort in the family where respect for each other is nurtured to a level of compassion and respect for other’s perspectives. And it is hard work to keep family bonds strong,” he said. The UN’s focus on family is stimulating new approaches and policies that are “friendly” toward all families, and will help relieve poverty; “promote gender equality; ensure work-family balance; and promote intergenerational solidarity.”
He noted that no longer is the man the sole bread winner or the woman the sole nurturer of children. He is starting to see a shift take place in the family pattern that is long overdue. He praised a program in New York that offers training to new fathers in care-giving and child-rearing, and encourages them to actively participate in and be able to respond to the specific needs of their children. This all-male “baby boot-camp” has expanded to other states and also other nations. He also said that 85% of nations provide at least 12 weeks of maternity leave for new mothers (2/3 of the pay is provided by public funds), but few offer paternal leave to fathers for early bonding and to support both the new baby and family. [At the UPF-DC and The Washington Times Foundation’s 2014 International Day of Families event, the Ambassador of Norway to the U.S. said that Norway gives both fathers and mothers three months leave after having a baby. Government ministers even took this leave when they had newborns. He said that more women were able to return to the work force afterward and contribute greatly to the country’s growing economy.]
He said that real gender equality is needed, which does not mean switching the traditional male and female roles, but offering each family support based on the unique needs of each family. He added that the government of Trinidad and Tobago has a Minister of Gender, Youth and Child Development, who recently launched a program defining ‘masculine excellence’ that assists men in becoming better husbands, fathers, brothers, and family members. It is supported by many men. He received applause when he said, “It takes 100% masculinity and 100% femininity to bring about one new human being.”
As a permanent representative to the OAS, he reported that the organization has made strong efforts to combat violence against women by passing resolutions that “protect women’s physical, sexual and psychological integrity whether in public or private. Interestingly, it includes emotional violence, which is now provable.”
He concluded his speech by saying that “Human imagination and the infinite resource of our people must be allowed to flourish by nurturing and strengthening the family unit and not place restrictions on what people can potentially do.”
He was then appointed as an Ambassador for Peace.
The next speaker was H.E. Farhod Salim, Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan to the U.S. He served as a public official for many years and began his diplomatic career as a UN attaché in the late 1990s. He later served in Belgium and as a member of the ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tajikistan before becoming an ambassador to the U.S. He is also trained as a computer programmer and approaches the fine art of diplomacy with a scientific mind.
He thanked the sponsors for the opportunity to share about his home country and its efforts to support the family. “Tajikistan is a young, independent state that has an ancient history, culture, and tradition…[where] the family has always played a significant role…and is the basic unit of society playing a crucial role in the development of all nations,” he said.
He added that “Happiness is always connected with the family. The family is a creator of civilization because it produces ‘a person’—the main social wealth.” He continued by saying that according to the culture of the ancient Tajik people, the family is recognized as a “sacred unit of the society,” where essential values such as “love, faith, sincerity, mutual understanding, and tolerance are formed.”
In 1997, the government of Tajikstan issued a decree to improve access of higher education institutions to girls. From 1997 to 2014, the president of the country allocated quotas for girls from remote regions to attend school, and to date, more than 6,000 girls have graduated thanks to the program. Since 2011, the quota for girls from remote regions has increased annually.
He also said that he is “Seeing the number of divorces increasing in [Tajikstan]. The government proposed to organize classes on family education in the upper grades of high schools to help young people get ready to start families.”
He added that since the end of the civil war in Tajikstan and the country’s independence in 1997, the government has taken a number of effective measures to support mothers and women, and improve their status in society. Out of 63 seats in the Assembly of Representatives, 12 seats were won by women in the last election, or 20% of all seats.
He concluded by saying that “Today, around 8,000 women are working in central and regional branches of the government, and about 500 of them hold leadership positions. There are 126,000 women entrepreneurs in the country.”
The next speaker was Mrs. Phindile Ntshangase, wife of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Swaziland to the U.S. Introducing Mrs. Ntshangase, Mr. Moffitt said: “the Ambassador often says that he is ‘a reverend first,’ before he is an Ambassador. Today, he said that he just came ‘to support his wife’. This is a wise man and a fortunate woman!”
Mrs. Ntshangase spoke about balancing work and family life as a mother (of two boys and one girl) and wife of an ambassador who has a degree in nursing and business administration.
She began her speech by saying that “The family is the bedrock of all nations. The creator of the universe knew what He was doing when He created Eve for Adam and blessed them with children”. She said that when we “are protected with fundamental human rights and freedoms, we become God’s treasure in earthen vessels.”
She expressed her sadness by the reports of the African countries that are still sending girls to sex camps to prepare them for marriage, to become good at sex, starting at the age of eight! If they perform incorrectly, they are tortured sexually. She said this information was revealed at The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage’s conference in Casablanca, Morocco. She condemned the idea that women are considered sex objects, not valuable individuals who can contribute to society. She shared the comments of Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zum, chairperson of the African Union Commission: “Today the issue of recognizing women’s rights…is pivotal because it has been proven that sustainable development, political stability and economic growth cannot be achieved when a portion of the population is marginalized and excluded in the access and distribution of national resources.”
She also quoted from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for this year’s International Day of Families, in which he affirmed the UN’s support for the rights of women and children: “Equitable social and economic development depends on fair legal frameworks and social norms that support the rights of women and children. Discriminatory laws and practices that do not give equal rights to all, and that suppress women and children’s rights, have no place in contemporary families, communities, societies and nations.”
She then posed the following questions: “Why should a woman be refused her right of inheritance simply because she is a woman?”; “Why should institutions pay her unjustly for her labor relative to her male counterpart?”; ”Why should a girl dropout of school to provide sibling care at home?”; and “Why should any woman die from poor reproductive health practices?” She recommended that social norms be carefully examined to see if they enable societies to make good changes that support the evolving family structures and needs.
She also said that she stands in “firm support for the tenants of families,” and praised UPF for its efforts to foster peace across cultures and in its promotion of understanding and social exchange between peoples. She added, “In my role as an Ambassador for Peace, and in recognition of my recent appointment, I position myself as an advocate of peace, for gender rights of women, for protection of children from abuse and neglect. I also support every ambition to develop a culture of peace in homes and families, and the strengthening of non-governmental organizations, including UPF.”
In conclusion, she stated, “To mothers, I speak from the heart to you. You are the fortress of the family. Your labor may not be remunerated in salaries but you are a treasure in God’s kingdom…You are the bedrock of wisdom as you nurture and train children to be the best they can be…You are God’s instrument of peace.”
Mr. Ricardo de Sena, secretary general of UPF-USA, spoke next. He highlighted the UPF view of the family and the necessity of a God-centered marriage in life to promote true lasting peace. The family is not just a human institution; it is created by God as a sacred institution, he said. He shared words from different religions in support of families. The family is sacred in all religions, a holy relationship. He stated that the ultimate wish of God is that all human beings live in joy and happiness. This occurs when a family is centered on God with husbands and wives loving one another completely, and where each person can experience all the forms of love: as a child, sibling, marital and parental love that enables the individual to experience God and become a mature member of society. UPF teaches that the purpose of life is to “live for the sake of others,” and by living in this way, we—all people—can improve society and bring peace to the world.
He gave more than seven reasons, based on research, why marriage benefits governments:
1. Marriage reduces the risk of child poverty; 2. As the number of fathers in the home decreases, violence increases; 3. Marriage protects physical and mental health; 4. Married couples live longer, and are happier and healthier; 5. Children born outside marriage have poorer economic achievements; 6. Marriage is the glue that holds society together; and 7. Marriage is an important social good.
He concluded by inviting everyone to participate in UPF’s celebration of the Marriage Blessing to affirm God-centered families where peaceful individuals can develop into great members of society. Quoting UPF founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon, he said, “Family education determines the future destiny of the entire nation. When there are many families living by the principle of public service, the nation will flourish.”
New Ambassadors for Peace were appointed by Dr. Chang Shik Yang, president of The Washington Times Foundation. They were: H.E. Dr. Neil Parsan, Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago to the U.S.; H.E. Abednigo Ntshangase, Ambassador of Swaziland to the U.S.; Mrs. Hind Al Qatari, wife of the defense attaché of the Embassy of Qatar to the U.S., Gen. Abdulrahman Al-Hemaidi; and Mrs. Mie-Mie Joe Strickler, president of the Amer-Indo organization.
Bronx, NY – Participants gathered at Bronx Park East on a bright Friday morning for three hours of community service with the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) USA to commemorate the UN International Day of Families. On Friday, May 29th 2015 a total of 12 happy and unified spirited volunteers showed up and picked up over 100 garbage bags of leaves, plastics and short wooden sticks. Partnership for Parks Outreach Coordinator, Mrs. Ciara Gannon, was duly impressed by the quantity of garbage bags collected in such a short amount of time.
(Left, top): Alejita Jacobs, James Miguel, Jorge C. Espinosa, Brandon Miraz (Left, bottom): Sarah Falconi, Calisher Perry, Daniel Hamilton
Mr. Ricardo de Sena, President, UPF USA, had envisioned local, Youth UPF events and was happy to know that the event went well, while his assistant, Jorge Cuello Espinosa, coordinated this first service project. “I thought I needed to do a lot of planning, thinking and talking to create good service projects, but actually the less talking I did the more results came about.”
Miguel James, a close friend of Jorge Cuello Espinosa, gathers the autumn leaves on the sides of Bronx Park East. Jorge is very grateful for him.
The basic plan was to pick up the fallen autumn leaves, discarded plastic objects and wooden sticks. Passing Bronx citizens positively commented on the activity. In the eyes of UFF Founder, the Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, God’s ideal world is in fact, made possible “when humanity takes dominion over all things through love and service towards the creation (nature).”
Jorge’s mother, Mrs. Luz Cuello, offered insights on the planning of the project and helped my prepare a sign in sheet and expense report for the event. “I knew it would have been difficult for anyone to do it alone,” said Mrs. Cuello helping him all along the way, which left Jorge deeply grateful. “I felt awed by the support of God, my mother and the volunteers.”
Smiling at the results that these “children of the world” accomplished, Jorge is totally excited for the next project to begin and offered a personal “thank you” to all of the volunteers for their support.
Participants gather to eat snacks at Bronx Park East on Friday, May 29 in the Bronx, NY.
Volunteers shout a strong cheer for God, thanking Him for a the day after volunteering for three hours in the Bronx, NY.
(Left, top): Alejita Jacobs, James Miguel, Jorge C. Espinosa, Brandon Miraz
(Left, bottom): Sarah Falconi, Calisher Perry, Daniel Hamilton
Families and young people gathered for three hours of community service at Bronx Park East on Friday May 29 in the Bronx, NY.
Las Vegas, NV – On Thursday, May 28, 2015, the International Peace Education Center (IPEC) had its Grand Opening and Sanctification as a new beacon of hope on the horizon of God’s providence. Participating leaders from Korea, Japan and America, who are members of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), donated considerable amounts to IPEC. Several youth leaders involved in leadership training programs, such as members of the Generation Peace Academy and Universal Peace Academy, 7-day Divine Principle Workshop participants, several news teams from around the world and other participants from throughout the states welcomed Universal Peace Federation (UPF) co-founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, along with members of the co-founder’s family for the sanctification ceremony of IPEC. Upon arrival, the 7-day Divine Principle Workshop participants, some of whom are guests and saw Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon for the first time, witnessed a crowd of eager paticipants all bright-faced and desirous to express their love to the founders.
Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon gave a tearful prayer, asking God, our Heavenly Parent, for forgiveness for not being able to do more and do it faster. Following the prayer, there was a ribbon-cutting, and everyone entered the peace center with Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. Her demeanor was of complete seriousness over the occasion. As she went from room to room to bless the center, the crowd gathered in the main entrance hall to prepare the space for the ceremonial cake cutting and congratulatory song. Congressman Dan Burton and his wife were front and center. Dr. Sun Jin Moon, Chair, Universal Peace Federation International, In Sup Park, FFWPU International Vice President, Kwon Jin Moon and his wife Hwa Yun Moon, Prof. Yeon Ah Moon, and her children were all in attendance.
Many of the leaders and donors gathered today have traveled long distances for the events to follow with several events planned for this afternoon.
After cheering for Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon as she exited, everyone was invited to explore the peace center at their leisure. Refreshments were provided and people took to busying themselves exploring the main hall on the second level.
Large screens were set up on walls and free standing in the main entrance hall with looping Thank You’s in all languages and images of the Holy Scriptures of Cheon Il Guk, which were available for purchase on the main level.
An entire stretch of wall displayed the names of donors from Japan in Japanese, and a lounge set off to the left served iced tea, coffee, water and a variety of hot teas. The energy was high, the atmosphere relaxed, with everyone excited to be there. Friends and groups spread out and took group photos inside and outside of the building. Everyone was happy be able to say, “I attended our founders on this important occasion.”
In the afternoon, IPEC’s first official program after its sanctification was held in the main hall. Divine Principle workshop participants were joined by 50 donors, lifetime service awardees and leaders. Donors from America who contributed $5000 or more to the building of IPEC arrived on May 27 to participate in current IPEC activities. With them were couples chosen by Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon to receive a lifetime service to True Parents in America award this upcoming Saturday. The donors, awardees, leaders and 7-Day Divine Principle Workshop participants gathered in the main hall of IPEC for a presentation on UPF co-founder Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon’s life, given by FFWPU USA President, Dr. Michael Balcomb, who later made his way to the Mt. Charleston Resort to continue his presentation with workshop participants.
Dr. Ki Hoon Kim, Regional Chair, UPF North America, also gave a message, expressing Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon’s thanks for the Divine Principle Workshop participants. “She said it was a good condition and a great start for the sake of reawakening this country,” Dr. Kim shared. He went on to explain that the peace center “is for you, for all of us.” Earlier that day, Dr. Kim spoke to 300 Japanese Unificationists, telling the story of why Rev. Dr. Moon came to America, and why he chose to work for peace in Las Vegas—to reawaken America to lead the world toward God. He encouraged everyone to read the Holy Scriptures and study True Parents’ work in America.
Dr. Balcomb shared his personal insights into the life legacy and vision of Rev. Dr. Moon with a presentation called “Global Citizen of Peace: the Life of Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon”, starting with the reading of an excerpt from Dr. Moons’s autobiography:
“My encounter with Jesus changed my life completely. His sorrowful expression was etched into my heart as if it had been branded there, and I could not think of anything else. From that day on, I immersed myself completely in the Word of God. At times, I was surrounded by endless darkness and filled with such pain that it was difficult to breathe. At other times, my heart was filled with joy, as though I were watching the morning sun rise above the horizon. I experienced a series of days like these that led me into a deeper and deeper world of prayer. I embraced new words of truth that Jesus was giving me directly and let myself be completely captivated by God. I began to live an entirely different life.”
This is the defining moment in Rev. Dr. Moon’s life when God called him to serve. Everyone read this section in pairs as Dr. Balcomb read it aloud to start. “This is my favorite part of the book,” he said.
He discussed Rev. Dr. Moon’s family in Korea and his experience growing up, until he met Jesus. Jesus asked Rev. Dr. Moon to unite all Christianity and other religions, heal the divided human family and comfort the grieving the heart of God. This was eye opening for Rev. Dr. Moon, as he learned that God is not some king on a throne who is in charge, and that encountering Jesus was actually very scary. Jesus was not meek and mild; he was troubled and very serious. “My encounter with Jesus completely changed my heart,” said Rev. Dr. Moon.
From then on, he spoke strongly and clearly about God’s will. A man of great determination, Rev. Dr. Moon didn’t give up in moments when others would. It is with this spirit that the national ministry team and FFWPU members, alongside the UPF co-founders, hope to fill the new International Peace Education Center.
Seattle, WA – More than twenty-five UPF Ambassadors for Peace and guests, including two new attendees, gathered at the Windermere House in Seattle on May 21 to discuss UPF founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s vision of “One Family Under God.”
Ambassador for Peace Mrs. Emma Herron, chairwoman of the Cascade Republican Women’s group and board of the JakCares Foundation, served as emcee. She introduced Mr. Ray McCready, secretary general of UPF in Washington, as the speaker of the evening. The title of Mr. McCready’s presentation was “One Family Under God. Really?”.
Mr. McCready reviewed the history of humankind from a human development, historical and spiritual perspective. For the human development perspective, he shared that DNA research and fossil evidence from the past 2.4 million years shows that there is a less than 0.1% variation in DNA for all humankind.
For the historical perspective, Mr. McCready spoke about the history of wars (the large ones in the past 1,300 years) displayed a chart from Wikipedia, showing the cost of war—in lives lost.
For the spiritual perspective, he read excerpts of speeches and quotes by UPF founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon on the unique position of human beings and their importance within the Creator God’s plans. He said that based on the information he presented, it is clear that humans should strive to respect one another as brothers and sisters, elders and youngers—and return joy to the Creator by living as one family under God.
“How is UPF able to reconcile religions, which have different viewpoints, such as on the divinity of Jesus?” asked a guest visiting the United States from Nigeria, where tensions between Christians and Muslims have escalated in recent years.
“UPF works towards reconciliation by emphasizing the elements that religions share in common,” answered Mr. McCready. “In this case, those elements are a belief in the Creator, in the spiritual nature of human beings and that the family is a key institution in the Creator’s plan for humankind.”
After the meeting, Ambassadors for Peace and new attendees gathered together for a group photo.
Richmond, VA – The Richmond chapter of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) USA gave PowerPoint Presentations in the form of small group discussions. The guests discussed pertinent topics concerning the Principles of Peace and the advancement of God’s Kingdom. The Divine Principle teaching of Universal Peace Federation (UPF) founders Rev. and Mrs. Moon are discussed and evaluated.
Questions concerning UPF’s effectiveness and its broad appeal are addressed. Innovative approaches to peace-building and new ideas for UPF’s growth and development are put forward.
Meetings are frequently held at the Marriott hotel, Virginia Commonwealth University, and other locations.
New York, NY – On May 15, UPF-USA and the Sun International Peace Federation co-organized the “Celebration of the Family” seminar in New York to commemorate the UN International Day of Families 2015.
The International Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 with resolution A/RES/47/237, and is observed on May 15 every year. The day reflects the importance the international community attaches to families and provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families.
The seminar featured a panel on “The Role and Necessity of the Family for Sustainable Development.” The panel was moderated by a producer at Film on A Roll Productions, a Greek-based film company that is currently producing a documentary on sex trafficking.
Panelists included the director of UPF International’s Office of Marriage and Family Education; the president of Filial Projects; a senior gender advisor at the United Nations; and founder of We, The World.
Dr. Ricardo de Sena, president of UPF-USA, presented on the principles of the family and emphasized that:
The family is the most important human institution. Without it, we would not exist. Through it, we transmit language and culture.
The family—marriage and parenthood—is regarded as sacred by the world’s religions.
The family has the potential to manifest, most fully, God’s ideal of true love, which includes:
Children’s love
Brotherly and sisterly love
Marital love
Parental love
He then read passages from sacred texts that highlight the significance of the family:
There are five relations of utmost importance under Heaven…between prince and minister; between father and son; between husband and wife; between elder and younger brothers; and between friends.
Confucianism, Doctrine of the Mean
It is by the proper regulation of each family that the whole world is stabilized.
I Ching 37
When a man honours his father and mother, God says, “I regard it as though I had dwelt among them and they had honored me.”
Judaism, Talmud
When the family declines, ancient traditions are destroyed. With them are lost the spiritual foundation for life, and the family loses its sense of unity.
Hinduism, Bhagavad-Gita 1.40
Ms. Maria L. Vargas, executive director of UPF-USA’s Latin Affairs Office, expounded on the family as the cornerstone for world peace and UPF co-founders Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon’s principles of the family:
The family is the school of love.
If there is peace in the family, there will be peace in the world.
If problems in the family are resolved, all problems in the world will be resolved.
God’s providential work has been to restore the family.
Participants included Ambassadors for Peace, community leaders, representatives of UN-affiliated NGOs, faith-based leaders, and peace activists.
The program featured a “One-Global Family–Water of Life Ceremony,” in which representatives from the families of the world (a representative of white families, black families, Asian families; and a representative of Christian families, Jewish families, Muslim families, and Hindu families) read a passage from their cultural or sacred traditions, and poured water into a golden glass bowl. As the waters blended into one, it symbolized the world’s peoples uniting into one—one in heart and mind, centered upon the heart and mind of the Creator.
After the program had long ended, the participants shared with one another, as new-found friends and partners in peace.
To visit the official United Nations International Day Families website, please click here.
To read the proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly for the International Day of Families, please click here.
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.
New York, NY – Forty Ambassadors for Peace from Universal Peace Federation-Korea took part in a seminar at the United Nations on May 13, 2015 in commemoration of the 70thanniversary of the founding of the United Nations.
Moderated by Mr. John Paul Hong, UPF vice president, the seminar was opened by Dr. Tageldin Hamad, UPF secretary general, who spoke about the work of its founders, Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, and their emphasis on creating peace in families, nations and around the world. The founders’ call for a global day to honor parents bore fruit in the passing of a UN Resolution by the General Assembly in 2013 establishing a “Global Day of Parents.”
Dr. Thomas Walsh, UPF president, talked about the history of wars and the great role the United Nations has played in reducing or averting the possibility of another large-scale war, as occurred during World Wars I and II. He spoke about Dr. and Mrs. Moon’s initiatives for peace including a proposal for an interreligious council at the UN, programs for strengthening the family, and forming peace zones in conflict areas.
H.E. Mr. Denis Antoine, ambassador of Grenada to the United Nations, shared that 2015 is a historical transition period at the United Nations, in which the Millennium Development Goals will be replaced by Sustainable Development Goals in order to bring about a brighter future for humanity.
Minister Yu Sam Nam, former Minister of Ocean and Fisheries of South Korea, talked about the importance of the United Nations especially in regard to a peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula, building a Peace Park in the DMZ, and opening a 5th UN office in the Republic of Korea. Minister Yu led the delegation of Korean Ambassadors for Peace on a tour of the United Nations after the seminar.
Vienna, Austria – The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) in cooperation with ACUNS Vienna, the Women’s Federation for World Peace, Segye Ilbo and Sun Moon University held a special event on Monday, May 11, 2015 entitled, “The UN at 70: Toward a Resolution of Tensions on the Korean Peninsula” at the United Nations Office in Vienna.
After welcoming remarks from Peter Haider, UPF-Austria president, and Jean-Luc Lemahieu, an official from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Session I started with Dr. Thomas Walsh, president of UPF-International, speaking about UPF’s efforts toward world peace.
UPF co-founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon gave the keynote speech entitled: “The Mission of the United Nations for Securing Peace in the World.” She highlighted many of the core issues and goals that UPF and the other attending organizations hope to bring forth.
The second session focused primarily on perspectives for the unification of the divided Korean Peninsula and implications for East Asia. Dr. Walther Lichem, former senior Austrian diplomat, and expert on UN issues presented, “The Role of ‘Good Citizen Countries’ in the Community of the United Nations.” Dr. Wim Van Eekelen, former Dutch minister of defense, gave the talk, “Unifying North and South Korea: What Can Be Learned from the European Experience?” These presentations laid the cultural context and groundwork for Professor Park Heung-Soon, dean of graduate studies at Sun Moon University, who presented, “Perspectives for North-South Unification,” and Humphrey Hawksley, a BBC correspondent and expert on developments in East Asia who spoke about, “Opportunities for Cooperation and Development in the Region.
Then “The Little Angels” of Korea entertained the group with a special and heartwarming performance of the song Arirang and a traditional Austrian song.
The event was an important gathering of officials and representatives who are concerned with and actively taking part in peace-building activities.
Las Vegas, Nevada –The Las Vegas chapter of Universal Peace Federation (UPF) USA held its monthly program and new Ambassador for Peace (AFP) appointments at Las Vegas City Hall on April 29, 2015. Mrs. Katherine Duncan-Bartlett, chairwoman of UPF Las Vegas, organized the event.
Mr. Ricardo de Sena, UPF USA president explained UPF’s principles of peace and goals to the candidates and asked them to reaffirm the responsibilities of becoming an AFP. The awards and appointments were given by Mrs. Katherine Duncan-Bartlett, chairwoman, UPF Las Vegas; Mr. Gregg Smith, secretary general, UPF Las Vegas; and Mr. de Sena.
The newly appointed AFPs will begin their work immediately, addressing interfaith peace building, strengthening marriage and family, and organizing and engaging in community service projects. The first community service project will be the creation of the Moulin Rouge Float for the Helldorado Parade. The event will provide a community platform to discuss the history of race relations in America and address ways to solve conflict.
Moulin Rouge opened in 1955 as the first interracial hotel casino in America and closed shortly afterwards under political pressure because it was still illegal at that time for the races to mingle publicly. It would be another five years, or in 1960, when equal access would be granted through the signing of the “Moulin Rouge Agreement”.
