UPF chapters organized observances of the UN Global Day of Parents, June 1, 2014, in Austria, Burkina Faso, India, Japan and Peru.
Linz, Austria -The Upper Austrian chapter of UPF organized an interreligious celebration commemorating the Global Day of Parents on May 25. Five religious leaders gave remarks on the importance of parenthood according to their holy scriptures and practice. Mrs. Chutimon Harrucksteiner, an Ambassador for Peace from Thailand, gave the Buddhist perspective. Pastor Tsibu (originally from Ghana) of the International Bible Church in Linz, and Mr. Johann Reiter, a Catholic, gave insights into Christian views on parenthood. Mr. Lopo Saudin, the imam of the Bosnian Mosque in Steyr, spoke about parenthood according to the Qur'an and the Prophet Mohammad. Mr. Hans Ledermüller shared the perspective of the Unification movement. The Family Federation youth band of Upper Austria enriched the program with a musical performance.
Burkina Faso - A week of programs promoting family values marked the Global Day of Parents, June 1, 2014, in Burkina Faso.
Gangtok and Chennai, India - Observances of the UN Global Day of Parents took place in Gangtok, Sikkim on June 1 and in Chennai on June 6. The chairman of UPF-Sikkim is the minister of roads and bridges and cultural affairs for the State of Sikkim, Hon. G.M. Gurung. He chaired the event in Gangtok. After opening songs, Mr. Krishna Adhikari, secretary general of UPF-India explained the significance of the day, and Dr. Chung Sik Yong, chair of UPF-Asia, talked about the relationship between filial piety and patriotism as the source of Korea's development. Dr. Robert Kittel, director of education for UPF-Asia, taught about the role of parents in promoting world peace. Shri Puran Chettri, district coordinator of Nehru Yuva Kendra, Ministry of Youth Affairs of the Government of India, gave special remarks after being appointed Ambassador for Peace, and Shri H.P. Dhakal, Joint Director of HRDD of the Government of Sikkim and Secretary of UPF-Sikkim, gave a vote of thanks. Hon Gurung invited all the international couples to the dais as a gesture of sincere appreciation.
In Chennai, the program in collaboration with the Sri Annai Sarada Paramedical Institute featured a reading of the UPF message on the Global Day of Parents and appointment of a new Ambassador for Peace.
Osaka, Japan - Ambassadors for Peace in Osaka launched a council on May 31 to enhance their campaign for sound families and a peaceful society. About 680 people including members of the National Diet, municipal assemblies and leading figures in religion, education and business assembled at a civic hall for an event that also commemorated the Global Day of Parents. A Buddhist monk recited a prajna teaching invoking world peace. Welcome remarks by Dr. Yasushi Takigawa, head of the inaugural organizing committee, were followed by greetings by distinguished guests. The council's board members received certificates of appointment from Rev. Eiji Tokuno, chairman of the National Council of Ambassadors for Peace. Chairman Tokuno spoke about Japan's domestic and international crises as well as their solutions. In order to overcome Japan's crises, he stressed the need for enhanced collaboration among Japan, South Korea and USA. Concerning the worsening relations between Japan and South Korea, he appealed for bilateral cooperation in preparation for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, and the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. As a concrete future project, he urged the construction of a Japan-Korea undersea tunnel. Regarding Japan's domestic crises, Chairman Tokuno pointed out the importance of education and a strong family foundation to counter ongoing problems such as the large number of suicides and divorces. In closing the rally, 11 people received certificates of Ambassador for Peace from Chairman Tokuno.
Lima, Peru - Many Ambassadors for Peace and friends gathered in the Congress of Peru on June 9 to celebrate the Global Day of Parents. Congressman Yonhy Lescano Ancieta, together with his wife Patricia, shared the stage with Mrs. Faith Jones, president of the Women’s Federation in Peru, and three leading Ambassadors for Peace – Rev. Dr. Orestes Sanchez, an evangelical pastor, Mr. Damin Awad, president of the Islamic Association in Peru, and Architect Luis Huarcaya. The MC was Sociologist Manuel Arana, who reported on his experiences when attending the recent International Leadership Conference in Uruguay. The speakers all shared their thoughts about the meaning and value of parents, and the packed audience of more than 200 responded warmly, applauding frequently when Mrs. Jones described Rev. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon’s insights about the role of parents. Dr. Lescano said that more education on this theme is needed in Peruvian society and that he and his wife have been very inspired by Father Moon’s life and work. The overflowing audience included high school and university students. A student choir sang, and the program concluded with the appointment of 12 new Ambassadors for Peace.
The Global Day of Parents is observed on June 1 every year. The day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2012 with resolution A/RES/66/292 and honors parents throughout the world. It provides an opportunity to appreciate parents for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship. In its resolution, the General Assembly also noted that the family has the primary responsibility for the nurturing and protection of children and that children, for the full and harmonious development of their personality, should grow up in a family environment and in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding.
See UPF's Statement on the Global Day of Parents [English, Spanish].