Yaoundé, Cameroon - About 1200 enthusiastic people jammed the main hall of the Congress Hall in Yaoundé, Cameroon to listen to Rev. Dr. Pak No Hi inaugurate the Universal Peace Federation on November 10. Dr. Pak and his wife, Professor Dr. Moon Lan Young, were deputized by Dr. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon, who were originally scheduled to lead the inaugural event.

The crowd in the Hall was made up of distinguished guests from every field of Cameroon society, including politics, religion, business, University professors and students. Representatives came in from as far away as Chad, Central African Republic, Gabon, Congo Brazzaville, and Equatorial Guinea for the event.

Even on the day of the event, most were aware that Father and Mother Moon were no longer able to come to Cameroon in person. “Having prepared for so long, it was heartbreaking news,” said organizer Dr. Jang Taechang, “but the show must go on.” And go on it did. As the Yaoundé population responded to the more than 3000 invitations distributed, the registration tables were crowded. Before the emcee Mrs. Pius Manchang opened the program, the hall was already full to capacity with people standing along the walls.

Both Islamic and Christian leaders — Sheikh Nouredine and Bishop Tang Pierre — offered invocations. A choir and four traditional dance groups created a festive atmosphere in preparation for the reading of the peace message of the global tour.

Among those in attendance were Mrs. Bakanbok Mbock Catherine, Minister of Social Affairs; Mrs. Bomback Suzane, Minister of Women and Family Promotion; Mr. Etame Massoma David Siegfried, Minister Delegate at the Presidency and Dr. Baye Martina, Technical Adviser Ministry of Health.

To read the inaugural peace message, click here.
To download a report booklet of the UPF Founders' 2005 World Peace Tour, click here.