Seoul, Korea—Representatives of the embassies of Ecuador, Tunisia, Nepal and Myanmar in Seoul attended an event organized by UPF-Korea on September 22, 2016, to celebrate the UN International Day of Peace. The theme for this year’s Day is “The Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace.”
The event, which was held at the Hannam International Guest House, was emceed by Mr. Ferdinand Renz, who gave the welcoming remarks.
Afterwards, four songs were offered by Mrs. Tokiko Richardson and Mrs. Riwa Kawabata, accompanied by Mrs. Megumi Sonoda, who played the piano. The music moved everyone.
A video about UPF’s activities around the world and its work with the UN, “UN UPF Partners for Peace,” was shown.
Dr. Eric Richardson, a professor at Hanyang University in Seoul, gave a presentation on “Co-prosperity, Mutual Independence and Universal Shared Values as the Basis for Peace.” He spoke about the significance of true love and living for the sake of others as a way to bring peace to oneself, the family, the society, the nation and the world. He also spoke about the UN Millennium Development Goals, eight international development goals for 2015 that were established in 2000, and the post-2015 development agenda, comprising 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity of all.
H.E. Jorge Icaza, ambassador of Ecuador to Korea, and his wife, were appointed as Ambassadors for Peace. They have served the Ecuadorian Embassy in Korea for more than five years and will return to Ecuador at the end of September. Everyone wished them a good farewell to their homeland and a good start in Ecuador.
The day ended with a light dinner and all the guests were given information about how UPF can support their country’s peace efforts, as well as a flower basket, handmade by Mrs. Fumiko Kadomatsu, and the autobiography of Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, As a Peace-Loving Global Citizen, as gifts.