Kathmandu, Nepal—UPF-Nepal commemorated the UN International Day for Tolerance with an Ambassadors for Peace seminar, held on November 4, 2022 at Hotel Yak and Yeti in Kathmandu. The program was attended by 102 people, including five members of parliament, four generals, nine professors, medical doctors and Ambassadors for Peace. UPF-Asia lecturer, Mr. Richell Jalipa, served as the emcee.
The event began with an invocation offered by Buddhist leader Ven. Hueiguang, chief incumbent of Bodhisattva Vihara in Budhanilkantha, with his team.
The opening remarks were given by Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, a former minister of the government of Nepal and chairman of UPF and the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) in the Asia-Pacific. He pointed out that development is possible only if there is peace and emphasized the need to develop religious tolerance and harmony in society.
A presentation about UPF given by Mr. Santosh Kumar Paudel, deputy sub-regional director of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) Asia-Pacific 1, highlighted its activities worldwide and the founder’s vision for peace.
Dr. Thomas G. Walsh, chairman of UPF International, gave the special greetings virtually.
The Ambassador for Peace award ceremony followed, with Prof. Dr. Hridaya Ratna Bajracharya, vice-chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University; a Buddhist leader; and a professor receiving awards.
Congratulatory remarks were given by Mr. Demian Dunkley, regional president of FFWPU Asia-Pacific 1. He stated that peace and a habit of tolerance starts within the family. Just as the husband tolerates his wife, the wife tolerates her husband; similarly, parents tolerate their children and vice versa.
A congratulatory song was sung by Mr. Ananda Karki, a Nepalese singer.
Then, newly-appointed Ambassador for Peace Dr. Bajracharya gave remarks on behalf of all the Ambassador for Peace awardees.
The chief guest remarks were given by Hon. Ganesh Prasad Timilsina, chairman of the National Assembly of Nepal. He said that forgiveness is a big factor for peace. "If the existence and rights of others can be respected in the society, conflict will be minimized, so forgiveness is great."
He went on to say that no religion accepts violence, nevertheless wars and violence are happening all over the world in the name of religion—and that the world wants peace.
Mentioning that Nepal is the birthplace of Buddha, Hon. Timilsina said that every peace-loving citizen of the world should be inspired to visit the country. He praised UPF for the work it is doing locally and internationally.
The closing remarks were given by Prof. Narayan Sharma Gajurel, vice chairman of UPF-Nepal. He said that UPF is promoting a world of peace through family values education and uniting people from different sectors across the world.