Asia Pacific—A senator, a government minister and two UPF leaders presented at the second session of the August 19-20 International Leadership Conference 2021 (ILC2021) for UPF’s Asia Pacific region, held on August 19, under the theme, “Re-Imagining Asian Century: Connectivity and Economic Integration for Sustainable Peace.”
A total of 1,068 people registered for the event. Three-hundred and fifty-two (352) participants watched it live on Zoom while thousands did so on YouTube and Facebook Live.
Dr. Michael Jenkins, president of UPF International, spoke about the Bering Strait Project, which involves 125 nations and aims to promote world peace. UPF founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon proposed a road and tunnel be built under the Bering Strait to connect the whole world through a super highway. Dr. Jenkins said: “If you connect the world through the Bering Strait, we can be able to really not only open up exchange of cultures but also economic development.” He continued, saying, “We need to work hard for this project. I am especially so encouraged by the Russian governor and the Russian people because of their support.”
Mr. Masayoshi Kajikuri, chair of the UPF-Japan, talked about the Japan-Korea Undersea Tunnel. He said: “We need to build a unified economic zone. It will unify the East and West and expand to the whole world.”
Hon. Mushaid Hussain, a senator from Pakistan, discussed China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) (“One Belt One Road” initiative) for economic integration.
Hon. Dr. Vijay Jolly, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of India, clarified how the Indo-Pacific strategy contributes to sustainable peace in the Asia Pacific. He remarked: “Only peace, progress and development based on international rules of law shall prevail in our region. Right for free navigation, connectivity and sustainable economic integration among the citizens of neighboring countries is our Indo-Pacific strategy.”
Dr. Lek Thaveetermsakul, vice chair of UPF-Asia Pacific, served as the moderator.