Valletta, Malta - A sampling of reflections by participants in the International Leadership Conference, November 5-6, 2011 organized by the Universal Peace Federation and the Women's Federation for World Peace.
’”We find here the master key to resolve the confusion in our lives and all over the world.” - H.E. Agbéyomé Kodjo, Prime Minister, Togo (2000-2002)
“The conference enriches my social and political engagement and my sense of family.” - Professor Fausta Morganti, Former Head of State, San Marino
I admire the commitment of UPF members to what they stand for – they always display love, caring and understanding to all participants without any discrimination.” - H.E. Dr. Mary Mbiro Khimulu, Ambassador, Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Kenya to UNESCO
The three days of meeting were rationally set in such a way that a raft of issues could be addressed by speakers of diverse experience and training, They could share a common background made up not only of their spiritual background, but also their moral availability. This conference provides me with both a deeper insight into questions of peace and security, but also with a more broad consideration in reference to concrete situations in Africa. My impression is that the ILC is really shaping out a new and timely political concept in associating real life with concepts and principles. I am therefore convinced that past and future leadership of the world are meant to meet through UPF. - H.E. Pascal Gayama, Minister Plenipotentiary of the Congo, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, former Deputy-Secretary General of the Organization of African Unity
“I was most impressed by the aspects of the conference that addressed women and religion and their role for peace. I think that family and religion are very important for a better future. It has helped me to find a new energy to bring back to Bulgaria to make a new vision of cooperation.” - Daniela Mitkova, Member of Parliament, Bulgaria
“This conference realized in a mini-way the global vision that we are looking for and strive to achieve. It is a great example of people coming together beyond differences and openly talking to one another just like one family under God. This is what we want to see between Europe and Africa.” - Bedreldin Shutta Mahmoud, Islamic Relief Worldwide (Director for Asia)
“It was heart warming to feel the devotion of the UPF officials and participants to serve others and to help the helpless. The conference will help me to continue and to update my own role for peace diplomacy.” - Heikki Latvanen, former Finnish Ambassador to Korea and Nigeria
“The Conference has served to provide Malta with an opportunity to be the center-point where we can see that intercultural and interreligious dialogue is possible. Malta’s potential as a stepping stone bridging countries and continents and religions is a reality.” - David Schembri, International Commissioner for Scouts, Malta
“Knowing what the work of others is and the energy they have to pursue it gives me greater confidence to undertake my own work. Being Maltese I feel that Malta is in a very strategic position to contribute to the unity of Europe and Africa.” - Althea Corlett, secretary to the Malta UNESCO Club, ballet teacher and youth leader