Seorak, Korea—The 26th Peace Forum was co-hosted by the Korea chapter of the International Association of Academicians for Peace (IAAP), University Professors for Peace and Hyo Jeong Academic Foundation at the Hyo Jeong Cultural Center in Seorak, Korea on July 15, 2022. Its theme was “Inter-Korean Constitution of Social Integration and Unification for a Heavenly Unified Korea.”
In her remarks during the opening of the program, Prof. Yeon-ah Moon, chair of UPF-Korea, called on all the participants to become involved in the activities of UPF which is working towards a unified Korea.
Prof. Moon pointed out that a forum took place under the theme, “Unification of North and South Korea and Understanding the Unification Constitution for a Heavenly Unified Korea,” and continued, “the differences between North and South Korea were discussed. It embraced diversity and encouragement so that we can meet together more and more. I hope [this] will serve as a forum for such discussions for a peaceful and unified Korea.”
Dr. Ho-sung Kim, president of IAAP-Korea, stressed that the topic of social integration and the unification constitution is a very important one directly related to the future of the Republic of Korea. He said: “Today’s presentations and discussions open up the horizons of domestic and foreign researchers and experts who are studying this topic. Not only will it affect the consciousness of our fellow citizens living in various parts of the world, but also have a huge impact on their behavior. Furthermore, in terms of peace in Northeast Asia and the world peace policy, I am sure [this forum] will be a contribution.”
Dr. Thomas Selover, president of the University Professors for Peace, highlighted the love and passion of UPF co-founders Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon who have worked hard to resolve crises and conflicts around the world.
Dr. Sung Bae Jin, chairman of the Hyo Jeong Academic Foundation, explained that the ideology of peace essence can be put into practice through the principle of a heavenly unified Korea. “We believe that God is a person who has a heart, mind, body and heart value. He is a living God whom we meet through the universal principles of our consciousness. God is not a spiritual entity and cannot be defined by mind and matter. He is a God of heart, God as a parent; He has the value of a parental heart and works with our conscience. It is the foundation and basis of every life; personal peace; peace in the family, country, Asia and the world, which are exactly the goals of UPF. Only when we become united by focusing on the heart value of Heavenly Parent will we be able to solve all the interlocking problems in Korea related to the left and right. The ideology of the so-called peace essentialism and basics of peace are embodied in the principles of a unified Korea.”
Thereafter, the secretary general of IAAP led the academic reflections. A professor of education from Kyungsung University gave a presentation on finding ways to establish values and integrate them into society for a heavenly unified Korea, and in his presentation, a professor from Seoul National University underscored the need for a unifying constitution. An in-depth discussion with the panel, consisting of the director of the Jeju Island International Peace Center and a professor emeritus from Sun Moon University, followed.