International Leadership Conference: Building a World of Lasting Peace
From February 18 to 22, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), and Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) are sponsoring this year’s International Leadership Conference (ILC), addressing the theme, “Building a World of Lasting Peace: Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity, and Universal Values.”
The conference began with an opening banquet on Sunday night, in which several distinguished ILC participants addressed the main theme of the conference. Among the notable speakers were Hon. Jose Alberto Alfaro, former Vice President, Legislative Assembly, Costa Rica; Hon. Paray Rushto Vijay, Congressman of Trinidad and Tobago; and Archbishop George Augustus Stallings, Jr., National Co-Chairman of the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC). Each speaker spoke honestly about their desires to achieve world peace not just for themselves, but for everyone in the world and for God. They then elaborated on the role True Parents have played in creating this world of peace, further explaining that it is this continued belief in True Parents that will make this world possible.
The next morning was the first official session of the conference, which focused on the vision and work of UPF. This session included presentations on the core values and principles that guide the work of UPF, as well as overviews of several UPF flagship programs, such as IAPP, IAPD, the Peace Road, and the recent World Africa Summit. Representatives of each organization and program discussed the ways in which their respective missions and activities facilitate bringing about God’s dream of a peaceful world.
Around noon, the conference then featured an introduction to the Sunhak Peace Prize, including an introduction to the history and guiding ideals that characterize the prize, as well as past Sunhak Peace Prize Laureates. Following this introduction to the important award, the leaders were able to participate in one of two programs, with one delving into the work of the IAPD, and the other, for IAPP.
The final session of the day concluded with a panel of leaders of different faiths and nationalities providing perspectives on building a world of lasting peace. Among the distinguished speakers were Mrs. Hanna Mitra Rambaran, President, United Religions Initiative, Netherlands; Dr. Mohsen Mouelhi, Vicar General, Sufi Jerrahi Halveti, Italy; Dr. Saleem Ahmed, President, All Believers Network, USA; and Rt. Rev. Joseph M. Kanuku, Bishop Emeritus, Anglican Church of Kenya.
Stay tuned on familyfed.org for more from this year’s International Leadership Conference!