Kinshasa, DR Congo - The Universal Peace Federation's third Sub-Regional International Conference for Leadership was held in Kinshasa Democratic Republic of Congo December 16-19 in the Palais du Peuple, seat of the Congolese Parliament.
There were 450 dignitaries from the member countries of the Sub-Region of Central Africa. Invocations were offered by Bishop Mukuna Dilembwe, Hadja Amida Ramazani, and Mrg. Agapios Tshituni. Ambassador Freddy Mulogo, head of the organizing committee, offered words of welcome, and Prof. Dr. Kiaku Bunza, chair of UPF-DR Congo, gave the keynote address.
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Rev. Michel Futila di Mayeko, director of UPF-Central Africa, spoke on “The Need for Vision and Leadership for the Central Africa during a Time of Crisis.” The following day he gave the UPF presentation on "The Cause of Conflict."
Other presenters spoke on issues of urgent concern. Prof. Dr. Bonaventure Mpasi, a Congolese diplomat and Director at the DR Congo Foreign Ministry talked about “the problem of soft water in Central Africa.” Dr. Casimir Manzengo, Administrator of HIV/AIDS program for the World Health Organization in the DR Congo, talked about “Challenge for maternal health in Africa,” Mrs. Modestine Mukiramfi, a director of the DR Congo Planning Ministry, spoke about Progress towards the Millennium Development Goals in the DR Congo. Strategies for the application of the Brazzaville conference recommendations was the topic addressed by Mr. Mbusu Ngamani, an Ambassador for Peace. Jean François Obembe, an Ambassador for Peace from Cong-Brazzaville, closed the conference with a call to action.
The presentations were televised from beginning to end, allowing a large audience to attend the conference through television.
Great appreciation was expressed for the work done through the sacrifices of Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Mrs. Hak Ja Han Moon, founders of UPF. Many of the participants were touched by the approach to building peace through the living for the sake of others. Nineteen new Ambassadors for Peace were appointed, including six members of parliament and five university professors.