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UN International Day of Families 2013
Day of Families Observed in Auckland
Written by UPF - New Zealand
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Auckland, New Zealand - Several very entertaining performances at the May 11 International Day of Families program in Auckland made it real celebration of the family. The entertainment complemented the insights by the speakers into the family and its importance. There was a warm atmosphere, and the speakers were easily able to make their points to the attentive crowd on this year's theme: Advancing Social Integration and Intergenerational Solidarity.
Felicity Cairns, President of the Women's Federation for World Peace-New Zealand introduced the program. The emcee, Geoffrey Fyers, Secretary General of UPF-New Zealand, read UPF's statement on the UN International Day of Families.
Conservative party leader Colin Craig talked about inheritance and gave examples of what he had learned from the relationship he had with his grandfather.
Former UPF-New Zealand Secretary General, Geoffrey Prentice, said: "Without the time-honored structure of love and respect learned in families, individuals face alienation, deprivation, and hopelessness. So it is our duty to ensure that our social and political environment evolves towards harmonizing with the Divine ideal."
Christine Roberts, from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who is currently teaching a 20-week course called Strengthening Marriages, showed a beautiful video clip about mothers and spoke on the need for good role models so the next generation of parents know how to work together and raise happy families of their own.
Many people in the audience had come to last year's UN International Day of Families event, indicating support for a pro-family perspective. Such allies who are strong family defenders offer mutual support in a nation that is rapidly losing the sight of the value and meaning of the family.
The International Day of Families has become a signature event for UPF-New Zealand. It offers an opportunity to invite speakers and make connections with them to build up the UPF network. People stay afterwards to chat over refreshments.
UPF-New Zealand focuses on three major UN observances during the year, the International Day of Families, the International Day of Peace, and World Interfaith Harmony Week. Each of these occasions draws a somewhat different audience and helps broaden UPF's network. These are opportunities to showcase the UPF vision and to give others a platform to share their ideas and teachings, demonstrating the interfaith and intercultural nature of UPF and its vision of working together to achieve world peace.
Report by G. Fyers
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