Kyiv, Ukraine—The Ukrainian chapter of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace was inaugurated in the building where Ukraine’s first parliament started 100 years ago.
This year also marks the 12th anniversary of the inauguration of UPF in Ukraine during a visit in October 2005 by the founders’ family.
Approximately 300 attendees were present at the IAPP inauguration on October 19, 2017.
The inauguration was opened by distinguished guest Dr. Anatoly Tolstoukhov, who has been a member of Parliament four times since Ukraine gained its independence in 1991.
Dr. Michael Balcomb, the regional chair for Europe and the Middle East of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), an affiliated organization, was another distinguished speaker. In his address, he conveyed the vision for IAPP that founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon expressed in her inauguration speech at the US Congress nearly one year ago.
Dr. Andriy Yurash, the director of the state religious department, spoke about the necessity of interreligious dialogue.
UPF Europe and Middle East Regional Chair Dr. Katsumi Otsuka related the life course of the UPF founders, emphasizing how much their parental heart embraces each person.
Ten outstanding Ukrainians, representing the fields of of politics, public service, science and the arts, were honored with the Ambassador for Peace certificate.
During the conference UPF also awarded the winners of a children’s essay contest on the theme “I Am Proud of My Father.”
The next day, October 20, 2017, the results of the conference were discussed at the parliament of Ukraine.
The resolution of the conference was signed both in the old parliament building and in the present one.
By connecting past and present, this event has laid a foundation for Ukraine to have a better, more peaceful future.
