FOLLOW US
South Asia Peace Initiative
South Asia Peace Initiative Conference Held in Pakistan
Written by UPF-Pakistan
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Islamabad, Pakistan—The 19th South Asia Peace Initiative (SAPI) conference was held at the National Library of Pakistan in Islamabad on September 29, 2016. The event, whose theme was “Addressing the Critical Challenges of Our Time: The Role of Governments, Civil Society & Faith-Based Organizations,” was attended by 410 people and five current members of Parliament, and was organized by UPF in partnership with the Young Parliamentarians Forum Pakistan and the Chanan Development Association, a national youth-led organization. The co-sponsors were UPF and the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP).
The SAPI brings together people from all social disciplines to build common ground based on universally shared values, rooted in the family. The focus is to foster sustainable development, mutual prosperity and regional amity in South Asia. Since 2005, nineteen programs have been held throughout the region, including in: Nepal, India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and, most recently, in Pakistan.
After welcoming the guests, Mr. Binod Dangi, secretary general of UPF-Nepal, said SAPI addresses one of the most critical issues in not only South Asia but also the world. The deliberations among experts and leaders from diverse political, religious and social backgrounds that take place during SAPI meetings and conferences provide new insight into how significant threats to peace and democracy in our world can be addressed.
Chair of UPF-Nepal and Convener of SAPI Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, former minister of peace and reconstruction of Nepal, was the keynote speaker. He said South Asian countries should move forward centering on the agendas of peace and development. Mr. Dhakal added that without peace and security, nations in the region will not prosper. Mr. Dhakal presented the background and history of SAPI from 2005 to today, and said that Nepal is deeply concerned about the spread and condemns all forms and manifestations of extremism and religious fundamentalism. “We must act today as a positive and peaceful agent of change of our society. We need to act urgently to help nations and this world avoid further division and misfortune,” he said. In addition, Mr. Dhakal introduced the vision and mission of the IAPP.
If you find this page helpful and informative please consider making donation. Your donation will help Universal Peace Federation (UPF) provide new and improved reports, analysis and publications to you and everyone around the world.
UPF is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and all donations are tax deductible in the United States. Receipts are automatically provided for donations of or above $250.00.
|
Donate to the Universal Peace Federation: Your donation to support the general programs of UPF. |
Donate to the Religious Youth Service (RYS): Your donation will be used for service projects around the world. |
Donate to UPF's Africa Projects: Your donation will be used for projects in Africa. |
Related Articles
Sri Lanka
UPF Conference at Sri Lankan Parliament Calls for Regional Cooperation
Colombo, Sri Lanka–The Parliament of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with ISCP and IAPP, co-organized a Parliamentarians Leadership Conference.
Canada
UPF-Canada Convenes Webinar on “Viewing the DPRK from Within”
Canada—The sixth webinar in UPF-Canada’s “Viewing the DPRK from Within” series was held.
Cambodia
ILC Cambodia 2023: Executive Report
Phnom Penh, Cambodia—UPF, in cooperation with the Asian Vision Institute, convened the ILC Cambodia 2023 on the theme “Peace and Democracy.”