FOLLOW US
World Summit 2019: Participant Reflections
Written by UPF International
Saturday, February 9, 2019
World Summit 2019
Reflections
Related links: World Summit Day 1, Sunhak Peace Prize Ceremony, World Summit Day 2, World Summit Schedule
I am glad that we had the chance to meet the more than 600 delegates from around the world, heads of state, representing governments, religious organizations and those active in civil society. Inspirational messages were given by current and former heads of state and government who shared their personal ideas and practical solutions to build peace and the need for respect and love as the foundation for world peace. I am sure that the Universal Peace Federation is doing an important job in creating global peace.At the same time, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to express my thoughts about world peace and the relations between small conflicts, which may become great conflict if it does not intervene in time to resolve them, as is the case of Kosovo in 1999. I hope that we will continue to contribute together in the future to the global understanding of peace.
—H.E. Bajram Kosumi, prime minister of Kosovo (2005-06); Rector, University “Kadri Zeka” (UKZ) in Kosova
On behalf of H.E. President Stjepan Mesić, and on behalf of myself, I wish to thank UPF International, for inviting us to participate in World Summit 2019, held in Seoul, South Korea from 7 to 11 of February on “Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity and Universal Values.” President Mesić finds this theme to be extremely important, especially in today's rapid tempo of living. Global solidarity and seeking peaceful ways to solve disputes will surely spread around the globe and be accepted by today's leaders.
- Mirjana Pavoković, head of office, Office of Stjepan Mesić, president, Croatia (2000-10)
I was delighted that UPF gave me an opportunity to enlighten political and religious leaders on the degeneration to poverty and starvation, the acute health crisis, and the immediate need for the international community to press for free and fair elections monitored by credible international observers in Venezuela. I considered it important particularly that the leaders from Africa and the Far East become aware of the perils in this oil rich country. While the world has experienced the collapse of living standards through the impact of drought, floods, internal conflict and wars, nothing has ever matched the present collapse of living standards in a rich country. The Sunhak Peace Prize ceremony was my highlight of the Summit. I am left with two important concepts of development. First, from Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank, who said, “Culture has no validity if it is a hindrance to the future,” and second, from Waris Dirie, fashion icon and creator of the institution seeking termination of Female Genital Mutilation, who said, “All your weapons and military hardware cannot destroy Mother Nature.”
- Sir James Mitchell, prime minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, (1984-2000)
I am very honored to attend the events organized by the Universal Peace Federation. When I speak before the assembled participants, who represent so many different organizations and countries of the world, I feel I can speak openly and truthfully because I know the people in this organization are truly serious about making the world better. It is an honor to stand together with Dr. Moon and the esteemed world leaders. The depth of the presentations is astounding and truly a manifestation of genuine care and fair analysis of the challenges we face both regionally and globally.
—Hon. Emilia Alfaro, senator and former first lady, Paraguay
What struck me in the plenary session was the strategy to start the struggle for peace with the family institution. This dimension in the struggle for peace, security and development is a new awareness for me. The spiritual dimension of the peace struggle is also strategic. Many enlightening views were presented by keynote speakers. Being new and attending for the very first time, I am indeed enlightened to the need for awareness of creation’s divine nature to be manifest in society.
—Hon. Wilfred Madius Tangau, member of parliament, Malaysia
This is my lucky week to participate in this World Summit 2019 for peace in the beautiful city of Seoul in Korea. Everybody likes and hopes for peace, prosperity, security and development. There are various kinds of peace, but peace of the heart is the inner peace of a human being, which is born in the mind as well as in the heart. This summit reflects these four elements through various events. I heartily thank the organizers and participants from the various countries and wish a bright future for UPF, which is a global phenomenon. The presentations are very remarkable and vitalizing for society. Thank you.
—Prof. Ramchandra Bhandari, professor, Tribhuwan University, Nepal
The opening of World Summit 2019 was wonderful and extraordinary. The presence of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon was very inspiring for all the dignitaries coming from different parts of the world. The performance of the Little Angels and dances by the Korean young people reflect their desire for peace on the peninsula. The Sunhak Peace Prize Award given by Hon. Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon to Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and Ms. Waris Dirie was a significant event in this conference. They are both special persons and worthy to receive such a prestigious prize. Thank you for inviting us to this conference.
—Prof. Shreeram Prasad Upadhyaya, professor, Tribhuwan University, Nepal
My name is Phra Sithawatchamethi, representing Buddhism in Thailand. I have attended one of the greatest conferences I have ever participated in for the past 30 years. In my humble opinion, the Sunhak Peace Prize Award Ceremony was the most inspiring, not only for the audience but also for the whole world. This kind of excellent work is very remarkable for the historic record of humankind, especially coming at Chinese New Year, which is the beginning of year of the golden pig. I hope it will be a process of continuation to bring lasting peace to the Korean Peninsula and the world. May One Family Under Peace evoke blessings for a very great success.
—Phra Sithawatchameth, representing Thailand Buddhism
I would like to express my deep gratitude and appreciation for being invited to participate in this World Summit 2019 in Seoul. Each of the sessions reflected a high degree of responsibility, with important thought about for the public good, peace, security and development. I am also very delighted to participate in the founders' birthday celebration. It was a magical moment to see an outstanding performance about the life course of the Messiah. I would like to thank Father and Mother Moon, who are the central figure’s to find true peace for humanity, particularly to reunify the Korean Peninsula and achieve the vision of one family under God. Thank you very much.
—Hon. Nin Saphon, Member of Parliament, Kingdom of Cambodia
I truly appreciated this exceptionally well-organized international conference. It was exactly what I was hoping to experience. To win this battle, we need to involve God in the affairs of humankind. In particular I enjoyed the celebration at the Cheongshim Peace World Center. My heart was deeply moved by Dr. Moon. May God bless this holy woman! When I saw the Botswana flag, tears flowed from my eyes. Thank you, Mother Moon. I pray to see you in my country of Botswana.
—H.R.H. George Domy Thwane, senior chief, Bakgatla Tribal Association, Botswana
This was a glorious event. I feel the time has arrived for UPF to receive recognition from the whole world. I congratulate UPF for its many contributions and partnerships for peace that have impacted so many people and nations. After attending the many sessions of the World Summit and the birthday celebration, I believe Dr. Moon should be called “Mother of the World.” Her love and kindness, moral values, sacrificial life, investment, and suffering course for humanity have really contributed to building a world of peace. I would like to invite Mother Moon to Thailand to receive recognition, respect and honor from the Thai people and government. Mother Moon deserves to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her outstanding and successful achievements.
—Pol. Gen. Lt. Thaveesak Tuchinda, Member of the King’s Protection Committee, National Assembly, Thailand.
I was very inspired by the World Summit. The deliberations were of the highest caliber and represented the world’s most public-minded and serious civil servants. I especially was moved by the founder, Dr. Moon. As I listened to her words I felt in my heart that I understood why God brought me here. As a member of parliament, I regularly receive invitations, all expenses covered, to programs in many cities of the world, but I never accepted any of those. Yet I accepted this one from UPF, and now I know why. I like this organization and felt immediate respect for the other participants. I learned a great deal, but most importantly, I realize I had to be here because of Dr. Moon's heartfelt words. I believe in God. We must think about God all day…and act with God in our hearts and minds. Frankly, it is difficult, but when that breakthrough moment comes, I feel fulfilled in a way that politics doesn’t even come close. I am a politician because it is my civil duty and obligation, but it is God who fulfills me and gives my life meaning.
—Hon. Dr. Branimir Bunjac, Member of Parliament, Republic of Croatia
The UPF World Summit 2019 was a life-changing event for me in several respects. First, I was struck by the depth and all-encompassing scope of the Summit. I had never in my entire life attended a conference of such wide-ranging significance, and of such great magnitude in scope. With the focus of the Summit on the broad issues of Peace, Security, and Human Development; and with the attendance of a select group of delegates from around the world, representing leadership in religion and politics, as well as leadership from business, human development, and humanitarian causes, the Summit addressed all the major issues that are presently impacting—or that could potentially impact—the attainment of world peace. Second, I was greatly touched and inspired by the spirit of excellence that was manifested in all aspects of both the presentation and the content of this Summit. For me, the spirit of excellence at the Summit reflected the spirit of excellence of God. As a result, throughout the actual Summit, the Biblical quote: "O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth," (Psalm 8:1), kept coming to my mind. In my estimation, the glory of God is reflected in the divine mission for peace on earth that was initiated by Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, and that is being faithfully carried on by Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, with that same anointed spirit of excellence that existed from the start of their mission.
- Elaine I. Duval, Ph.D., USA
Thanks for the wonderful opportunity offered to me. It was truly a marvelous and fantastic experience to be among some of the world's notable leaders, heads of state and governments, NGO presidents, successful entrepreneurs/businessmen, and chairmen from various peace / religious movements around the world. As for me, February 7-11, 2019 are the most memorable days of my life!! It has indeed changed my thinking pattern and created a paradigm shift with better understanding of peace and all related matters with good governance, stability, mutual bilateral relationship and global current affairs.
- Prof Dato Dr. GP Doraisamy, UPF Malaysia
I would like to congratulate Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founders of UPF International for the grand successful World Summit 2019 in Seoul, Korea. It was a really great program that brought together political leaders, social leaders, religious leaders and leaders representing the civil society on an international level.
- Hon. Milan Rajbanshi, former member of parliament, Nepal
I want to thank God for Rev. Sun Myung and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founders of the Universal Peace Federation which is committed to global interfaith, peace building and security, UN relations, marriage and family, peace education and human development, youth and service, leadership and good governance. I recommend forums be provided for human right activists and ex-freedom fighters, even former members of Boko Haram and ISIS. I also recommend inaugurating a formal forum for academicians.
- Hon. Bishop. Prof. Prosper Ayawei, University of Africa Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
I am honored that God blessed me to be at the World Summit 2019 in Seoul, Korea in the company of powerful spiritual leaders. Watching Mother Moon at the Sunhak Peace Prize ceremony was very inspirational. As she sat there poised, confident and proud in a room full of prominent global leaders, I felt confident that I can take her baton and run towards the finish line. Her love, loyalty and devotion to God encourages me to stand tall and let God use me as Mother Moon is being used. Seeing her accomplishments and all the people she blessed, empowers me to use all my God given talents and gifts to serve. By the grace of God, I am ready to move mountains. I am located in New York and I am ready, willing and able to be a part of this movement.
- Astrid Fidelia, President & Founder, Stand Up to Poverty Inc., USA
With the insights presented at the World Summit, it is possible to give solutions to the hurting world. My eyes were opened. Please count me as one who will surely implement all possible solutions according to the vision of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. I am based in Harare, Zimbabwe and work closely with the local UPF branch in bringing practical solutions to our country. On behalf of all religious leaders and peace loving citizens, we thank you for your heart for the world. Looking forward to further engagements, I pledge on behalf of all the organizations I lead that we will fully commit to this noble vision.
- Bishop Albert Chikuni, founder and president, Family Life Ministries International, Zimbabwe
If you find this page helpful and informative please consider making donation. Your donation will help Universal Peace Federation (UPF) provide new and improved reports, analysis and publications to you and everyone around the world.
UPF is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and all donations are tax deductible in the United States. Receipts are automatically provided for donations of or above $250.00.
|
Donate to the Universal Peace Federation: Your donation to support the general programs of UPF. |
Donate to the Religious Youth Service (RYS): Your donation will be used for service projects around the world. |
Donate to UPF's Africa Projects: Your donation will be used for projects in Africa. |