Mindanao, Filipinas - Debido a que más y más comunidades se vuelven vulnerables a los conflictos armados, era necesario que el Comité Directivo de la nueva Iniciativa de Paz de Mindanao y sus respectivos integrantes fueron a converger y trabajar en solidaridad en sus esfuerzos por la paz.
Buenos Aires, Argentina - Se invita a participar del Concurso poético “Himno a la reconciliación”, a través del cual se busca un escrito de contenido universal que exprese la profundidad e importancia de este valor “en la construcción de una cultura y un mundo de paz, del establecimiento de lazos y puentes de fraternidad, de un hogar planetario y de una sola familia global a través de valores universales”.
Dr. Medardas Cobotas passed from this earth on Saturday, August 30, 2009, at the age of 83 due to complications after open-heart surgery performed earlier in the month.
Universal Peace Federation: Principles
- We are one human family created by God. The way to rise above the pursuit of self-interest is to recognize our common humanity, given to us by our Creator. Just as a parent can intercede in the disputes of children, the parental heart originating from the Creator can help us resolve the differences that exist between nations, cultures and religions.
- The highest qualities of the human being are spiritual and moral in nature. Human beings long for truth, beauty and goodness. Life’s deepest meaning and purpose can be found through their pursuit. Each person has an eternal spirit that transcends physical life. Spiritual principles are to be practiced in this life so that we are prepared for the eternal world.
- The family is the “school of love and peace.” In the family, the most basic personal and public virtues are learned. Understanding the family as the school of love helps us to recognize that family is the most essential institution. The foundation for a healthy family is a faithful, committed marriage.
- Living for the sake of others is the way to reconcile the divided human family. By practicing living for the sake of others, we become other-centered rather than self-centered. The essence of good character is true love expressed through unselfish actions.
- Peace comes through cooperation beyond the boundaries of ethnicity, religion and nationality. Lasting peace cannot be achieved through political compromise alone, but requires addressing the root causes of conflict. Transcending racial, religious and ethnic barriers is an imperative of our time. Faith can give people the power to forgive, and the love to overcome even generations of hatred, resentment and violence.
El nombramiento de un nuevo presidente y junta directiva de la UPF Perú resultó ser una reunion estimulante que atrajo a más de 50 Embajadores para la Paz a reunirse en la Embajada de la Paz en Miraflores, Lima, Perú a principios de agosto de 2009.
Richmond, British Columbia, Canada - The UPF of Western Canada put together a celebration of peace which simultaneously promoted the goals of UPF and helped the Richmond community celebrate the diverse multicultural nature of Canada in the Vancouver area. The program was led by Mr. Alan Wilding, director of UPF-Western Canada, and Mr. Paul Cheung, CEO of Lions Communications Inc. and organizer of the popular Richmond Summer Night market.
Kaluga, Rusia - Se celebró un Campamento para el Diálogo de la Juventud entre el 20 y el 23 de agosto en Kaluga, al sudoeste de la ciudad de Moscú. Doscientos cincuenta jóvenes de organizaciones juveniles no-comerciales participaron en el proyecto, entre ellos representantes de Rusia, la Comunidad de Estados Independientes, los Estados Bálticos, Europa Occidental, y estudiantes extranjeros que asisten a universidades de Rusia.
Buenos Aires, Argentina - El 21 de agosto se realizó en Buenos Aires la Cena solidaria a beneficio del equipo de fútbol infantil y juvenil de God Boys, en un agradable momento en el que los presentes pudieron conocer este proyecto deportivo-social-educativo a través de algunos de los integrantes, videos y el testimonio de la familia de la Pastora Gladys Gómez, alma matter de este emprendimiento que busca brindar posibilidades a chicos en condición de alta vulnerabilidad social.
The Sermon Given by the Prophet on the Reception of the Month of Ramadan.
New York, United States - The UPF and all Ambassadors for Peace join together to wish a joyous Ramadan to all those observing the holy month. Peace be upon your family and all around you! And may the entire world come closer to the peace, prosperity, happiness and harmony that comes from God.
The Global Citizen of Peace video: A video celebrating the best-selling autobiography on Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and the UPF World Summit on Peace 2009 held in Seoul Korea.
Washington, DC, USA - The US Institute of Peace invites proposals for grants to fund projects focused on preventing and resolving violent conflict and promoting post-conflict peacebuilding in settings outside of the United States.