Auckland, New Zealand—A half-day peacebuilding seminar on “Peace and Security in the Pacific Region” was hosted by UPF-New Zealand on February 24, 2023 at the Fickling Convention Centre in Auckland with around 20 participants in attendance.
Traditionally, Australia and New Zealand have been providing the Pacific Island nations with necessary support as members of the Pacific Islands Forum, an intergovernmental organization whose vision is for a region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity and whose work is guided by the Framework of Pacific Regionalism. Recently, superpower competition for strategic influence in the region has increased markedly. While the right to act as an independent country should be respected, the consequences of the actions of individual nations may affect the entire Blue Pacific Continent. It is a historical fact that conflict arises due to the differences of value systems. Against this backdrop, the seminar was held to discuss UPF’s approach to peace and security in this part of the world.
The program began with Mr. Geoffrey Fyers, secretary general of UPF-New Zealand, welcoming the participants, which was followed by an opening prayer offered by Rev. Suamalie NT Iosefa Naisali, chairman of the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD)-New Zealand.
Mr. Kenji Watanabe, chairman of UPF-New Zealand, gave the opening remarks, and spoke of how UPF co-founder Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon predicted the end of Soviet Union. Rev. Moon possessed an uncompromising will to prevail the truth and with actions of love that won the hearts of leaders, even those who tried to assassinate him.
Before the three sessions of the seminar started, an introductory video about UPF was shown. Then, several participants spoke from their hearts on the topic of peace in their self-introductions.
The sessions were:
Session 1: Introduction of the Universal Peace Federation / To Serve the United Nations as an Abel-Type Counterpart
Session 2: UPF-Oceania: Peace and Security Forum / To Serve the Pacific Islands Forum as a Partner
Session 3: Peace Kingdom Building is Family Building / Methodology of the Formation of the United Peace Kingdom of Oceania
The program was tight with the three sessions being held in a half day. Although no entertainment was planned, Rev. Naisali’s team spontaneously performed a gospel song in Tuvaluan. Through this, the participants could witness a beautiful aspect of the Pacific culture.
At the end of the seminar, the chapter’s initiative to build a peaceful nation, the National Family Petition initiative and the Youth and Family Peace Day Project were presented. Rev. Naisali affirmed the promotion of a God-centred family, community, society and nation in the Pacific community of New Zealand and beyond.