Bangkok, Thailand—UPF convened an Asian Leadership Conference (ALC) in Bangkok, Thailand from July 19 to 21, 2019. The three-day event, which was attended by 96 participants from 11 nations, was the largest ALC held to date.
The largest number of delegates, 45, came from Cambodia. However, the highest-level delegation came from Thailand, which also had the second largest number of participants, 21. Among the Thai delegates were three generals, one current member of Parliament (who was recently elected), former governors, university presidents, a parliament secretary, district officers, social workers and a Buddhist monk.
Conference participants also came from: Australia (2), the Philippines (3), Nepal (3), Malaysia (3), Myanmar (1), Indonesia (8), Kazakhstan (3), China (5) and Hong Kong (2).
On the second day of the conference, Dr. Ronachit Phutthala, chief district officer of Kalasin (retired), Thailand, gave an engaging testimony entitled, “In the Role of Regional and Local Government Administration: How to Build Peace and Happiness in Community According to [the] Principles of Peace.” He said, that Thai families have benefited so much from the interfaith family festivals.
As always, the program concluded with an Interfaith Peace Blessing where participants rededicated their marriages.
Reflections from the participants:
“I am so grateful for our Cambodian delegates to join this meaningful conference. As a representative of the Cambodian delegates, I am really thankful to the UPF organizing committee for holding this seminar.”
Cambodia, Mr. Pok Nady
Deputy Governor of Banteay Meanchey Province
“Thank you for inviting me to this ALC. I am the chairman of one of the women's organizations in Indonesia (founded by H.E. Jusuf Kalla, vice president of Indonesia) and am committed to the implementation of the contents of this material, especially about true love and [living for the sake of others]. This can really establish world peace, according to the Principles of Peace.”
Indonesia, Ms. Vicky Kartiwa
Chairman, Perempuan Jenggala
“I [oversee] 42,045 Barangaies all over the Philippines. That is the smallest political unit of our government (like a precinct). My three days stay here has greatly turned around my belief. It is an honor and privilege to represent the Philippines in this momentous celebration of peace. On behalf of the participating countries, we want to thank [UPF for bringing us together] here and for being a channel of peace by providing vision and leadership for nation-building and peace. To Rev. Moon in heaven and to Mrs. Moon on earth, you have been a blessing to all of us.”
Philippines, Mr. Martin B. Dino, Undersecretary
Dept. of Interior & Local Government
“I jumped at the chance to attend this program. Let me make three points: 1) the most important part of a conference, the organizing or managing of it will indicate if a program will be enjoyable. Your team did excellent, excellent [organizing this conference]. 2) In terms of the content, I felt the presenters knew exactly what we are here for. [The presentations were] excellent. We are appreciative of what’s we’ve learned. 3) All my life, I’ve been a teacher or an educator. I thank you for the wonderful knowledge, skills and perspectives we have gained from this conference. How can we expand this? How do we persuade others to be exposed to something excellent like this? In this way, we can make our family, society better and create international peace. Please do more. Speed up the process and make nations better places to live.”
Thailand, Dr. Pradit Chatcharatkoon
Former University President