Lusaka, Zambia - At the request of UPF-Zambia, an interactive meeting with members of the Committee on National Security and Foreign Affairs of the Zambia National Assembly took place Jan. 29, 2014 in the Thomas William Committee Room of the Parliament Buildings in Lusaka.
The attendees of the program were members of parliament on the Committee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, chaired by Rev. Lt. Gen. Ronald Shikapwasha, UPF-Zambia Peace Council members and some Ambassadors for Peace. There were 25 participants in all.
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The meeting started with introductions by members of the committee, and then the UPF chairman was asked by the committee chairperson to introduce the UPF members present.
Welcome remarks given by Rev. Lt. Gen. Shikapwasha, a former minister of information and broadcasting.
The UPF-Zambia Chapter Chairman Rt. Hon. Gen. Malimba Nathaniel Masheke was the second speaker. In his speech, he thanked the committee for allowing the local UPF chapter to discuss matters of peace and security with them and introduced the mission and activities of UPF. He also mentioned the conflicts taking place in DR Congo, South Sudan and the Central African Republic which result from a lack of dialogue between religions and lack of commitment to cooperation in all walks of life. Finally, he called on leaders at all levels to work together and establish confidence-building measures.
A video introduction to UPF was shown to the participants.
The third speaker, UPF-Zambia Secretary General Rev. Rudolf Faerber, gave two PowerPoint presentations. In the first presentation, entitled “Good Governance,” he emphasized two types of leadership, unselfish and selfish, and the qualities and skills needed for good leadership. He also mentioned the three cardinal causes of conflicts, which are violation of human rights, misappropriation of public funds and sexual immorality.
After the presentation, there was interaction with members of parliament related to the topic and to UPF-Zambia’s grassroots work with youth and chieftains and its role in fostering peace in Zambia.
After the interaction, the Secretary General gave a second PowerPoint presentation, entitled “Principles of Restoration and Conflict Resolution: Choosing the Transformation to a Culture of Peace.” He explained the origin of conflict stipulated in the Preamble to the UNESCO Constitution: “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.” He described a process of reconciliation and renewal: give up the urge to retaliate, forgive and accept forgiveness, and resolve to change oneself, realizing that this is the only way to help the other to change. To conclude his presentation, he said that the responsibility of making peace is with everyone.
Two main closing remarks were given. Gen. Masheke on behalf of UPF thanked the committee members for taking time despite their busy calendar for this first interactive session with Ambassadors for Peace. Finally, he invited members of parliament to become UPF Ambassadors for Peace.
The closing remarks were offered by Rev. Lt. Gen. Shikapwasha, who thanked UPF for sharing with the committee about these values and principles. He added that a full report of the meeting would be given to the speaker and to the National Assembly. To conclude his remarks, he said “No family and no institution can stand without peace.”
At the end of the program, the members of the committee received copies of the autobiography of UPF Founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon from UPF representatives.