New York, USA—More than 100 supporters of peace from the public, religious, civil society and youth sectors assembled at the FFWPU Learning Center in New York on January 16, 2016 for the first of a series of American Leadership Conferences sponsored by UPF-USA. UPF-International and affiliated organizations Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) and the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) supported the event. Participants received amazing insights and education on various topics at the conference, whose theme was “America at a Turning Point: Principles and Values for Building a Nation of Peace.”
During the morning session, Dr. Thomas Walsh, president of UPF-International, set the tone of the conference with a brief presentation on “Vision for Peace: Universal Principles of Creation,” while Rev. Richard de Sena, president of UPF-USA, presented thought-provoking revelations on “The Root Cause of Conflict and Principles of Reconciliation.”
The afternoon session featured two panel discussions. The first discussion, which was moderated by Rev. Tom Cutts, national executive director of ACLC, centered on “The Need for Interfaith Cooperation for Sustainable Peace.” The five panelists were Rev. Floyd R. Blair, director of Faith and Community Outreach, Social Justice and Education, Safe Haven United Church of Christ; Imam Shamsi Ali, director, Jamaica Muslim Center; Avathuta H.H. Jagat Guru Dileepji Maharaj, founder and president, World Yoga Community and International Gurukula Community; Mrs. Genie Kagawa, chair, UN NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns; and Swami Parameshananda, UN representative, Bharat Sevashram Sangha.
Mrs. Kagawa shared, “According to a UN expert, 80% of grassroots poverty and humanitarian aid programs are carried out by faith-based organizations that work with the UN, and are, therefore, key players in accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030."
The second half of the afternoon resonated even more with the participants, especially because it focused on “The Significant Role of the Family and Youth for Peace and Development.” The panelists were Ms. Nadja Wolfe, director of Advocacy, World Youth Alliance; Mr. Ryan Koch, director of Public and International Affairs, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and Mrs. Lynn Walsh, co-chair, UN NGO Committee on the Family, and director, Office of the Family, UPF-International. The discussion was moderated by Mame Koni Diop, a doctoral research assistant at Montclair State University’s Department of Family and Child Studies. Dr. Tony Sayegh, a medical doctor, testified that the discussion awoke in him the desire to do something for the sake of peace. Further, he said, “I pray that the next time we see each other again, I could report to you that I did this and that for this cause,” which moved and inspired everyone.
Fifteen new Ambassadors for Peace were appointed, including the Consul General of Cote d’Ivoire in New York, Hon. Christophe Kouakou.
In conclusion, Rev. de Sena spoke of UPF Founder Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon’s call for the renewal of the UN to build lasting peace. “World peace can be fully accomplished only when the wisdom and efforts of the world’s religious leaders work cooperatively and respectfully with national leaders,” Rev. Dr. Moon said. To translate this vision locally, Rev. de Sena encouraged the audience to become active participants in the creation of Local Peace Councils. These councils will consist of appointed Ambassadors for Peace who will partner and work with local governments to address the issues of peace.
As a call for action, each participant was requested to fill out the registration form and indicate which of the four areas of work of UPF-USA they are interested to help: Peace Education; Interfaith Peacebuilding; Strengthening Marriage and Family; and Youth and Service.
Finally, two events were announced: a Peace Forum and the launching of UPF Youth, which are scheduled to take place in February and March, respectively.
Contributed by Emiljun Rapada