Sydney, Australia—UPF had a full house at its April 16 Ambassador for Peace meeting, with every seat taken at its Oceania Peace Embassy. The emcee, Tracy Deer, welcomed the 40 Ambassadors for Peace, supporters, members and guests from various cultural and religious backgrounds, including many young people. After she read a greeting from an Aboriginal elder and Ambassador for Peace, Pearl Wymarrra, there was a showing of a video introducing UPF. Then there was an informative presentation on the UPF Peace Principles by Oceania Youth Director Mica Camara.
The guest speaker was Suzanne Spence, a passionate advocate against human trafficking, modern-day slavery and the sexploitation of young women and children, A lead investigator of sex trafficking in the region, she described harrowing details of the abuse being suffered by victims, which highlighted the need for ongoing interventions and preventative actions. Later Ian Cooke, a producer for Atmospheric Pictures, described the film he is making on this subject.
The evening concluded with a performance of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” by a Japanese choir.
The meeting as usual included the partaking of food and the sharing of food-for-thought in a spirit of camaraderie and goodwill.