Introduction to the International Leadership Conference
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Conference Venue |
F / C
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The Universal Peace Federation’s International Leadership Conference (ILC) series focuses on the urgent need for new vision and leadership. Twentieth-century paradigms and definitions of the causes of conflict no longer provide the clarity and insight needed for peoples and nations to determine their way forward in light of today’s threats and challenges.
The ILC takes note with appreciation the United Nations’ call to civil society to strongly support the work of conflict prevention. The ILC is committed to promoting healthy human relations in our societies, institutions and governments, and to creating a culture of peace for the whole human family. The ILC affirms the importance of interreligious and intercultural dialogue and cooperation as essential to peace and human development.
International Leadership Conference Objectives
- First, to offer a comprehensive framework for peacebuilding, peace and mutual prosperity grounded in universal principles that are moral and spiritual in nature, and yet profoundly practical. The program includes an in-depth analysis of root causes of conflicts, which provides a sound basis for evaluating development and peacebuilding efforts and for fostering interreligious and intercultural harmony and cooperation.
- Second, to identify “best practices” capable of augmenting existing international and regional responses to conflict and violence. With the introduction of non-traditional partnerships and innovations in collaboration with governments, religions, NGOs and the private sector, we are able to tap new resources.
- Third, to consider ways UPF’s global network of Ambassadors for Peace can support the UN’s mission to secure peace, strengthen its capacity to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, help with the evolution of the Peacebuilding Commission and support UN renewal
The next ILC program will take place in the US at the Marriott Stamford Hotel & Spa in Stamford, Connecticut, beginning with arrivals on November 8 and departures on November 12th. Below is a draft program schedule. To participate in this or other ILC programs please contact your nearest Universal Peace Federation (UPF) office.
Newly appointed Ambassadors for Peace at the ILC in New York City |
Question and Answer session at the Waldorf Astoria |
Schedule November 8 - 12
Schedule is subject to change without notification.
Thursday, November 8
| 7:00 PM |
Opening Dinner and Welcome Program |
Friday, November 9
| 7:30 AM |
Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM |
Opening Plenary
This session will examine approaches to world peace and prosperity. As we observe the world around us, we see poverty, conflict, disease, family breakdown and suffering. How do we transform this world so that the people of all races, religions, nationalities and cultures live together in harmony, cooperation, and prosperity? What is needed at this time in history? What core values, principles and practices should guide us? |
| 10:30 AM |
Break |
| 11:00 AM |
Session II: A Vision of Peace, One World Family Under God
It has been said that there is no success in the world that can make up for failure in the home. A family in which God’s love dwells is in fact the foundation of all efforts for peace. But how do we create such families? Is it possible to roll back the tide of divorce, immorality and cynical promiscuity which is already destroying family values in the West, a trend that threatens more traditional societies as well? |
| 12:30 PM |
Lunch |
| 2:00 PM |
Session III: Religion, Spirituality and Leadership
Throughout history men and women have sought for understanding of the most fundamental questions in life. What is the meaning of life? Does history have a goal? Is there life beyond our earthly existence? Discovering answers to these questions will have an impact on the way we live and relate to those around us. |
| 3:30 PM |
Break |
| 4:00 PM |
Session IV: Understanding the Root Cause of Conflict and Principle of Reconciliation
If the twentieth century was the most violent in human history, what will historians have to say about the twenty-first century? In this respect, the current decade is not encouraging. Individuals and families suffer from disease, hunger and lack of education. In developed societies divorce and family breakdown are rife, and there is a moral crisis among youth. Even as individuals, we are often torn by inner conflict. Is this the natural, inevitable state of human beings, or the result of some disastrous false step, as many religions suggest?
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| 5:00 PM |
Discussion Groups |
| 6:30 PM |
Dinner |
Saturday, November 10
| 7:00 AM |
Interfaith Meditation |
| 7:30 AM |
Breakfast |
| 8:30 AM |
Session V: Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
UPF advocates drawing on universal principles as a way to resolve conflict. The peacebuilding process begins with self-reflection and reorientation, taking responsibility for one’s own role in the conflict. Then steps need to be taken to reverse wrongs and restore relationships. Ultimately, reconciliation and renewal should result.
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| 12:00PM |
Lunch Banquet |
| 6:00 PM |
Dinner |
Sunday, November 11
| 7:00 AM |
Interfaith Meditation |
| 7:30 AM |
Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM |
Session VI: Marriage and Family as Instruments of Peace
It is well understood that the health of a family directly contributes to a healthy society. Yet modern trends show a decline in family values and virtues. UPF takes a new look at the significance of the family as an effective instrument for building a world of lasting peace. |
| 10:30 AM |
Coffee Break |
| 11:00 AM |
Session VII: Peacebuilding Initiatives
How can the UPF best contribute to UN renewal, the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, human development, human security and lasting peace? UPF’s peacebuilding initiatives focus on drawing upon the resources of civil society to bring reconciliation in trouble spots of the world, including the Middle East, the Korean peninsula and other hot spots. Another initiative is the proposal to build a tunnel across the Bering Strait, connecting the Eastern and Western Hemispheres and linking the nations of the Pacific Rim. We also look at the importance of developing good character from the earliest years.
A. Middle East Peace Initiative
B. Northeast Asia Peace Initiative
C. Bering Strait Project
D. Character Education Initiative |
| 12:30 PM |
Lunch |
| 2:00 PM |
Session VIII: Special Session – UPF, Ambassadors for Peace and the Building of an “Abel UN”
With growing numbers of Ambassadors for Peace, the ideals and activities of UPF are having an impact throughout the world. What is the true meaning of an Ambassador for Peace and how can they play a role in helping the United Nations fulfill its original goal of spreading peace and human development? |
| 4:00 PM |
Break |
| 4:30 PM |
Session IX: Closing Session
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| 6:00 PM |
Closing Dinner |
Monday, November 12
| 6:30 AM |
Breakfast |
| All Day |
Departures |
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