Pacific Harbour, Fiji—The first Oceania Leadership Conference (OLC) was conducted in Fiji from February 1 through 4, 2018. It was based on the successful pattern of the Asian Leadership Conferences (ALCs) being held in Thailand for participants from Asian nations. Participants in the conference included the former First Couple of Kiribati, Hon. Anote Tong and Madam Tong; four current members of Parliament and three former Members of Parliament; and religious, academic, and community leaders. Countries represented were Kiribati, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Australia and Fiji.
Presenters of the ALC included Asia-Pacific Regional Group Chairman Dr. Chung Sik Yong, Youth and Students for Peace Dr. Robert Kittel, Asia-Pacific UPF Secretary-General Mrs. Ursula McLachlan, and Dr. Venus Agustin, president of the International Peace Leadership College (IPLC). UPF leaders from Oceania who participated included Oceania Regional Chairman Rev. Shang Seon Park and Oceania Secretary General Greg Stone as well as leaders from Australia, New Zealand, Vanuatu, Samoa, Fiji and Solomon Islands.
The theme of the OLC was “Providing Vision and Leadership for Nation Building and Peace.” Dr Chung Sik Yong spoke about the “Attributes of True Love” and “Become a True Peace Maker.” Dr Robert Kittel gave presentations on “The Need for Universal Principles,” “Dual Purpose and the Pair System Principle,” “Human Responsibility and Existence of the Spirit World,” “The Root Cause of Human Conflict and Suffering” and “The Significance of the Blessing.” spoke on The topics “The Importance of Marriage and Family for Society,” “Give and Take Action and the Purpose of Life,” and “The UPF Founders Peace Initiatives” were discussed by Ursula McLackland. The conference concluded with nine couples participating in the Interfaith Peace Blessing Ceremony.
The participation and response levels were excellent and were reflected in the enthusiastic testimonies. Due to the great success of the conference, further similar OLCs are being planned.