Buenos Aires, Argentina—On December 13, 2017, UPF-Argentina held a meeting at the Peace Embassy in Buenos Aires where Ambassador for Peace Pastor Alba Rosa Contardo shared her experience participating in the Interreligious Leadership Conference (IRLC) held from November 10 to 14 in Seoul, Korea. The conference, whose theme was “Addressing the Critical Challenges of Our Time: The Role and Responsibility of Religious Leaders and Faith-Based Organizations,” was hosted by UPF and the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC), an affiliated organization, and brought together over 400 faith leaders from around the world. On November 11, all the participants attended the 2017 Global Rally for the Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula at Seoul’s World Cup Stadium.
Pastor Contardo briefly explained the content of the different sessions of the conference, highlighting aspects such as peace, mutual understanding and harmony. The pastor also mentioned how much care she received in Korea, and that she was very grateful for the invitation to attend the conference. Moreover, she shared some personal anecdotes, such as the period of fasting she undertook before traveling and the delayed flight that allowed her to visit Munich, Germany. Pastor Contardo mentioned throughout her talk that changes for the better should start within us. Her sharing also included some reflections on experiencing a long life of faith and devotion, and having a positive attitude.
UPF members and guests at the meeting interacted with the pastor, creating a friendly environment. In addition, a video about the IRLC was shown and everyone read aloud the resolution that was presented at the IRLC establishing the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD), a global network of religious people committed to solving problems and achieving peaceful coexistence. The meeting concluded with a prayer.