Universal Peace Federation's World Summit 2014, Seoul, Korea, August 9-13, 2014 on "Peace, Security and Development" with sessions on the Americas, Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, and the relevance of religion for peace and development.
- 2015 HWPL TOP 5 NEWS
- The Mar Elias Educational Institutions to become the first Peace Academy of HWPL
- The Intractable Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Finds a Practical Approach Towards Resolution
- The 25th Anniversary of the Fall of Communism in Albania
- Chairman Man Hee Lee and the Peace Delegation — Making Peace a Reality in Kosovo
- Advancing the Light of Peace: HWPL Peace Event in America
- The Light of Peace Shines Healing on the Scars of Civil War in El Salvador
- HWPL Peace Discussion in London amidst Impending Global Conflict
- Innovative Convention to strengthen the global society
- The Model United Nations Conference at the University of Oxford
- Peace Attractions Project: Becoming a Peacemaker
- Peace Attractions Project: The World Peace Gate
Highlights of the Universal Peace Federation's activities around the world in 2014.
On local, national, and global levels, interreligious councils provide a platform for people of diverse faiths to contribute their wisdom and work effectively for peace alongside representatives of government, business, and civil society.
UPF acknowledges the need for careful and measurable use of enforcement such as political, military, and civil power to sustain lasting peace. At the same time we strongly emphasize the pursuit of internal solutions that are essential to peacebuilding. UPF has been a leading exponent of “track two” diplomacy, with particular emphasis on the role and responsibility of religious and spiritual leaders to transcend historical self-interest and pursue the ideal of “One family under God.”
UPF is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. We support and promote the work of the United Nations and the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Marriage, parenting, and the family are the foundations of sustainable human development and the building blocks of society. Educational programs present the personal and social benefits of marriage, promote a marriage-friendly culture, teach relationship skills, and encourage spiritual growth through relationships.
UPF's leadership conferences and seminars focus on the urgent need for new vision and leadership based on core values and universal principles of peacebuilding.
Service-learning programs bring together youth from different cultures and religions in order to promote mutual understanding and respect. Participants serve a community in need, visit religious and historic sites, and learn communication and team-building skills.
˙ The Emergence and Meaning of ‘Governance’
˙ The Legislate Peace Campaign Around the World
˙ The HWPL Myanmar Religious Peace Camp
˙ UN Endorsed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
˙ Everyone has the Ability and the Responsibility to Change the World for the Better
˙ Companion of HWPL: Ivo Josipović
Universal Peace Federation's World Summit 2014, Seoul, Korea, August 9-13, 2014 on "Peace, Security and Development" with sessions on the Americas, Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, and the relevance of religion for peace and development.
- 2015 HWPL TOP 5 NEWS
- The Mar Elias Educational Institutions to become the first Peace Academy of HWPL
- The Intractable Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Finds a Practical Approach Towards Resolution
- The 25th Anniversary of the Fall of Communism in Albania
- Chairman Man Hee Lee and the Peace Delegation — Making Peace a Reality in Kosovo
- Advancing the Light of Peace: HWPL Peace Event in America
- The Light of Peace Shines Healing on the Scars of Civil War in El Salvador
- HWPL Peace Discussion in London amidst Impending Global Conflict
- Innovative Convention to strengthen the global society
- The Model United Nations Conference at the University of Oxford
- Peace Attractions Project: Becoming a Peacemaker
- Peace Attractions Project: The World Peace Gate
Highlights of the Universal Peace Federation's activities around the world in 2014.
On local, national, and global levels, interreligious councils provide a platform for people of diverse faiths to contribute their wisdom and work effectively for peace alongside representatives of government, business, and civil society.
UPF acknowledges the need for careful and measurable use of enforcement such as political, military, and civil power to sustain lasting peace. At the same time we strongly emphasize the pursuit of internal solutions that are essential to peacebuilding. UPF has been a leading exponent of “track two” diplomacy, with particular emphasis on the role and responsibility of religious and spiritual leaders to transcend historical self-interest and pursue the ideal of “One family under God.”
UPF is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. We support and promote the work of the United Nations and the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Marriage, parenting, and the family are the foundations of sustainable human development and the building blocks of society. Educational programs present the personal and social benefits of marriage, promote a marriage-friendly culture, teach relationship skills, and encourage spiritual growth through relationships.
UPF's leadership conferences and seminars focus on the urgent need for new vision and leadership based on core values and universal principles of peacebuilding.
Service-learning programs bring together youth from different cultures and religions in order to promote mutual understanding and respect. Participants serve a community in need, visit religious and historic sites, and learn communication and team-building skills.
˙ The Emergence and Meaning of ‘Governance’
˙ The Legislate Peace Campaign Around the World
˙ The HWPL Myanmar Religious Peace Camp
˙ UN Endorsed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
˙ Everyone has the Ability and the Responsibility to Change the World for the Better
˙ Companion of HWPL: Ivo Josipović
- A Letter to Family Members Around the World
- Year End Messages from Around the Globe
- Turning to 2016
- Never Has the Law been as Clear and Sound as this Before
- The Necessity and Purpose of Providing Peace Education
- HWPL Peace Academy
- Project: HWPL Peace Attraction
- Introduction of the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Office Journal
- The Success of the 1st Annual Commemoration of 9·18 World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Summit
- An International Convention on the Renunciation and Cessation of War and International Armed Conflicts
- HWPL International Law Peace Committee
- Women and Youth Rise Up with One Voice
- HWPL brings peace to the United Nations
- Global Peacemaking Project
Observances of the UN International Day of Peace, September 21, 2014 organized by the Universal Peace Federation in Albania, Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Bolivia, Cambodia, Canada, Central African Republic, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, DR Congo, Ecuador, Estonia, France, Gabon, Germany, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, LIthuania, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Moldova, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Peru, Russia, San Marino, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, and the US.
The theme for the International Day of Peace 2014 was "The Rights of Peoples to Peace."
Along with human rights, there are human responsibilities. In order for human rights to be honored, respected and practiced, each individual should appreciate and practice his or her own portion of responsibilities. Likewise, in order for "we the peoples" to enjoy the "right of peace" it is necessary for each of us to work to build a world of peace, that is, a world of mutual respect and cooperation that goes beyond barriers of religion, ethnicity, culture and nationality.
Marriage and family are the fundamental building blocks of society. When the family is healthy and stable, society becomes healthy and stable. When husband and wife love and respect one another, fully appreciative each one's value and each one's dignity, then respect for rights naturally follow. The family is the school of ethics and, in this capacity, the school of human rights. Through good parenting practices that underscore the value, dignity and rights of each and every human being, we move the world toward peace, one family at a time.
For many people of faith, human rights have their root and origin in our Creator. There are compelling arguments to suggest that the largely secularized understanding of human rights has its foundation in spiritual and religious understandings of human beings as inherently sacred, and each one equally valuable.
Executive report of a Universal Peace Federation conference in Jerusalem, Dec. 19-22, 2013, on "Interreligious and International Relations in the Middle East: Toward Peace and Stability," by Dr. Nurit Hirschfeld, Director, Jerusalem Forum for Interfaith and Cooperation among Religions
Developing partnerships are beneficial to expanding Rotary’s impact and reach and to building peace. Peace Fellow Kimberly Weichel shared the work of 3 international organizations and their potential for collaboration: United Nations Associations around the world; the Global Peace Index produced by the Institute of Economics and Peace, and building bridges with Russia through citizen engagement, particularly through RI's Russia InterCountry Committee. Rotarian Robert Stewart discussed potential for partnership with Lions Clubs.
There are eight war museums in London. Anna Lubelska, founder of the global Peaceful Schools Movement and initiator of The Peace Building project, thinks London needs a peace museum to provide an alternative discourse, and champion the power of peace building.
The problem of religious conflicts and contentions in Nigeria over the years seems to have belied the original conception of religion as a bastion of peace, equity, and tranquility. This problem becomes more poignant when the frosty relationship between Christianity and Islam is thoroughly investigated. When equated with the manifestations of the African traditional religions, one observes a clear departure from what has been noted of the formation threads of the Christian and Islamic religions, which ordinarily are seen to have one origin – the Abrahamic root. The challenge arises then to interrogate the root of the noted restiveness and how to curtail it, in order to make room for a more cordial, inclusive and progressive-minded relationship that will be of great benefit to the growth and development of the nation
“INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF FIQH”
Intermediate Level Islamic course in English for Adultsconducted by
Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (Singapore)
LESSON # 2 –
THE APPROACHES IN
LEARNING FIQH
[SPECIFIC TO THE CONTEXT OF SINGAPORE]
Observances by the Universal Peace Federation and partner organizations of World Interfaith Harmony Week 2013
World peace can be fully accomplished only when the wisdom and efforts of the world’s religious leaders are combined cooperatively and respectfully with the endeavors of national political leaders. Absent the recognition of spiritual principles, the world has drifted increasingly toward analyses and prescriptions that are materialistic and secular in nature. In so doing, we have lost sight of the profound wisdom to be found in humanity’s spiritual heritage.
Global institutions must be built on a foundation that takes into account the full potential of the human being, not only as a political, economic, and social being, but also as a spiritual being with spiritual needs and a capacity for spiritual wisdom and insight. The legacy of the world’s great saints, prophets, sages, and spiritual leaders cannot be denied or discounted without ignoring what is most fundamental about the human being.
In too many ways the history of religion has been marked by narrow sectarianism, strife, and competitive struggle with other faiths, all to the detriment of the cherished goals and teachings of the founders and scriptures. This cannot continue. The need to eliminate corruption, selfishness, and bad governance applies not only to all nations but also to all of the world’s religions.
Lasting peace depends on cooperative partnerships between governments and religions, as well as NGOs and representatives of the private sector. The United Nations can benefit from a council of religious and spiritual leaders to bring broad vision and wisdom to the effort to address critical global problems. International conferences, publications, networking, and on-the-ground activism are mechanisms for interfaith cooperation and lay a foundation for spiritual renewal at the United Nations.
The Universal Peace Federation upholds the essential value and central role of women in peacebuilding and human development.
UPF affirms the need for women to serve in leadership positions throughout the world in all sectors of society.
UPF recognizes the equal value of men and women. Their absolute value derives from a common origin, God. God is the origin of both men and women, and all of God’s creation manifests complementary masculine and feminine aspects.
Men and women are extensions and manifestations of God’s harmonious masculinity and femininity. The complementary relationship between men and women expresses the wholeness of human experience. Thus, there should be no gender discrimination but rather harmony of the sexes through love.
Throughout history, women have taken the leading role in cultivating families as the dwelling places of peace, love, and health in shaping the individual character of children, and in fostering harmonious social relationships. In the family, both father and mother are equally entitled to reverence and honor. The path toward establishing global peace begins with strengthening families.
The ideal of peace is at the core of all religions. Through dialogue and mutual understanding, there can be peace among religions, and peace among religions is a necessary prerequisite for world peace. Women can and should play a central role in promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation.
UPF emphasizes the essential importance of women in addressing issues of peace and development in all sectors, including politics, business, culture, and religion. Women must be encouraged and empowered to assume leadership roles in the resolution of conflict, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
UPF supports the achievement of the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals, which include improved status, education, health, and physical well-being of women. Six of these eight goals are related to women; therefore, by uplifting the condition of women, the Millennium Development Goals will be advanced.
- A Letter to Family Members Around the World
- Year End Messages from Around the Globe
- Turning to 2016
- Never Has the Law been as Clear and Sound as this Before
- The Necessity and Purpose of Providing Peace Education
- HWPL Peace Academy
- Project: HWPL Peace Attraction
- Introduction of the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Office Journal
- The Success of the 1st Annual Commemoration of 9·18 World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Summit
- An International Convention on the Renunciation and Cessation of War and International Armed Conflicts
- HWPL International Law Peace Committee
- Women and Youth Rise Up with One Voice
- HWPL brings peace to the United Nations
- Global Peacemaking Project
Observances of the UN International Day of Peace, September 21, 2014 organized by the Universal Peace Federation in Albania, Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Bolivia, Cambodia, Canada, Central African Republic, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, DR Congo, Ecuador, Estonia, France, Gabon, Germany, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, LIthuania, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Moldova, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Peru, Russia, San Marino, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, and the US.
The theme for the International Day of Peace 2014 was "The Rights of Peoples to Peace."
Along with human rights, there are human responsibilities. In order for human rights to be honored, respected and practiced, each individual should appreciate and practice his or her own portion of responsibilities. Likewise, in order for "we the peoples" to enjoy the "right of peace" it is necessary for each of us to work to build a world of peace, that is, a world of mutual respect and cooperation that goes beyond barriers of religion, ethnicity, culture and nationality.
Marriage and family are the fundamental building blocks of society. When the family is healthy and stable, society becomes healthy and stable. When husband and wife love and respect one another, fully appreciative each one's value and each one's dignity, then respect for rights naturally follow. The family is the school of ethics and, in this capacity, the school of human rights. Through good parenting practices that underscore the value, dignity and rights of each and every human being, we move the world toward peace, one family at a time.
For many people of faith, human rights have their root and origin in our Creator. There are compelling arguments to suggest that the largely secularized understanding of human rights has its foundation in spiritual and religious understandings of human beings as inherently sacred, and each one equally valuable.
Executive report of a Universal Peace Federation conference in Jerusalem, Dec. 19-22, 2013, on "Interreligious and International Relations in the Middle East: Toward Peace and Stability," by Dr. Nurit Hirschfeld, Director, Jerusalem Forum for Interfaith and Cooperation among Religions
Developing partnerships are beneficial to expanding Rotary’s impact and reach and to building peace. Peace Fellow Kimberly Weichel shared the work of 3 international organizations and their potential for collaboration: United Nations Associations around the world; the Global Peace Index produced by the Institute of Economics and Peace, and building bridges with Russia through citizen engagement, particularly through RI's Russia InterCountry Committee. Rotarian Robert Stewart discussed potential for partnership with Lions Clubs.
There are eight war museums in London. Anna Lubelska, founder of the global Peaceful Schools Movement and initiator of The Peace Building project, thinks London needs a peace museum to provide an alternative discourse, and champion the power of peace building.
The problem of religious conflicts and contentions in Nigeria over the years seems to have belied the original conception of religion as a bastion of peace, equity, and tranquility. This problem becomes more poignant when the frosty relationship between Christianity and Islam is thoroughly investigated. When equated with the manifestations of the African traditional religions, one observes a clear departure from what has been noted of the formation threads of the Christian and Islamic religions, which ordinarily are seen to have one origin – the Abrahamic root. The challenge arises then to interrogate the root of the noted restiveness and how to curtail it, in order to make room for a more cordial, inclusive and progressive-minded relationship that will be of great benefit to the growth and development of the nation
“INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF FIQH”
Intermediate Level Islamic course in English for Adultsconducted by
Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (Singapore)
LESSON # 2 –
THE APPROACHES IN
LEARNING FIQH
[SPECIFIC TO THE CONTEXT OF SINGAPORE]
Observances by the Universal Peace Federation and partner organizations of World Interfaith Harmony Week 2013
World peace can be fully accomplished only when the wisdom and efforts of the world’s religious leaders are combined cooperatively and respectfully with the endeavors of national political leaders. Absent the recognition of spiritual principles, the world has drifted increasingly toward analyses and prescriptions that are materialistic and secular in nature. In so doing, we have lost sight of the profound wisdom to be found in humanity’s spiritual heritage.
Global institutions must be built on a foundation that takes into account the full potential of the human being, not only as a political, economic, and social being, but also as a spiritual being with spiritual needs and a capacity for spiritual wisdom and insight. The legacy of the world’s great saints, prophets, sages, and spiritual leaders cannot be denied or discounted without ignoring what is most fundamental about the human being.
In too many ways the history of religion has been marked by narrow sectarianism, strife, and competitive struggle with other faiths, all to the detriment of the cherished goals and teachings of the founders and scriptures. This cannot continue. The need to eliminate corruption, selfishness, and bad governance applies not only to all nations but also to all of the world’s religions.
Lasting peace depends on cooperative partnerships between governments and religions, as well as NGOs and representatives of the private sector. The United Nations can benefit from a council of religious and spiritual leaders to bring broad vision and wisdom to the effort to address critical global problems. International conferences, publications, networking, and on-the-ground activism are mechanisms for interfaith cooperation and lay a foundation for spiritual renewal at the United Nations.
The Universal Peace Federation upholds the essential value and central role of women in peacebuilding and human development.
UPF affirms the need for women to serve in leadership positions throughout the world in all sectors of society.
UPF recognizes the equal value of men and women. Their absolute value derives from a common origin, God. God is the origin of both men and women, and all of God’s creation manifests complementary masculine and feminine aspects.
Men and women are extensions and manifestations of God’s harmonious masculinity and femininity. The complementary relationship between men and women expresses the wholeness of human experience. Thus, there should be no gender discrimination but rather harmony of the sexes through love.
Throughout history, women have taken the leading role in cultivating families as the dwelling places of peace, love, and health in shaping the individual character of children, and in fostering harmonious social relationships. In the family, both father and mother are equally entitled to reverence and honor. The path toward establishing global peace begins with strengthening families.
The ideal of peace is at the core of all religions. Through dialogue and mutual understanding, there can be peace among religions, and peace among religions is a necessary prerequisite for world peace. Women can and should play a central role in promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation.
UPF emphasizes the essential importance of women in addressing issues of peace and development in all sectors, including politics, business, culture, and religion. Women must be encouraged and empowered to assume leadership roles in the resolution of conflict, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
UPF supports the achievement of the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals, which include improved status, education, health, and physical well-being of women. Six of these eight goals are related to women; therefore, by uplifting the condition of women, the Millennium Development Goals will be advanced.
Observances of the United Nations International Day of Families 2013 organized by the Universal Peace Federation in various nations. The theme for 2013 was Advancing Social Integration and Intergenerational Solidarity. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: "Around the world, family members are doing their part. They deserve support from policy-makers and decision-makers, from public institutions and private businesses. There is a growing recognition around the world that we need to strengthen policies promoting intergenerational solidarity and support intergenerational programmes and initiatives. Evidence shows that adequate pensions and caregiver support help not only older persons but whole families. Intergenerational programmes promoting volunteering among the young and old benefit all generations. Opportunities for people of all ages to bond revitalize whole communities. Intergenerational initiatives also address global development priorities. They counteract inequality and exclusion, encourage active citizenship and even improve public infrastructure through community-based projects."
Affirmed by civilizations and religions for millennia, the family forms the basis of natural procreation, lineage, the honoring of parents and grandparents, and our development as spiritual and rational beings.
UPF regards the family as the school of love and the foundation for a stable society. Marriage between husband and wife lays the foundation for the family. The father and the mother complement one another biologically and psychologically as they raise their children. The family has both private and public functions, promoting both social cohesion and intergenerational solidarity. The love we receive at home provides the framework for fulfilling our potential as human beings.
Social cohesion is learned in the family where members attend to the well-being of one another. Likewise, when families contribute to the well-being of their community, the community prospers, offering benefit and protection for families in return.
The importance of grandparents in promoting intergenerational solidarity cannot be underestimated. They are the repositories of information about the ancestors and the conveyers of tradition and culture. The bond between grandparents and grandchildren is second in emotional power only to that between parents and children. Together, the grandparents, parents, and children form a link between the past, the present and the future.
Every culture throughout the world affirms the central role of the family in promoting social integration, intergenerational solidarity, and a healthy society. Religious traditions such as Confucianism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism emphasize the sacred and social significance of the family.
The purpose and ideal of marriage and the family center on procreation, raising children within a committed and faithful relationship of the natural parents.
Universal Peace Federation chapters organized celebrations of the International Day of Peace, September 21. The theme was Education for Peace. "It is not enough to teach children how to read, write and count. Education has to cultivate mutual respect for others and the world in which we live, and help people forge more just, inclusive and peaceful societies." - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
UPF offers the following recommendations in support of the theme "Education for Peace":
The family is the original primary school. It is in the family, in relation to our parents, grandparents, siblings, and extended familial network, that we learn language, cultural values, ethics, religion, essential information related to survival, and basic attitudes toward others, including those who exist outside "the tribe." If within the family, centered on the parents and grandparents, there is an affirmation of education and, more importantly, an emphasis on moral education or character education, then the family becomes a school of peace. It is very important that we come to understand, value, and support the family as the primary school of peace.
While formal systems of education are naturally focused on development of professional capacities and skills that are necessary for employment and economic success, education must also give emphasis to moral education or character education. In this sense, education must consider the whole person. Traditionally, education comprises both the "arts" and the "sciences." The "arts" refer to the "liberal arts" or the "humanities" as a curriculum which introduces students to the great ideas of history and the moral and spiritual guidance that comes from classic literature, including sacred scriptures. Peace cannot be achieved by technology alone but requires ultimately a transformation of persons from selfishness, greed, and viciousness to benevolence, generosity, and self-discipline.
Interfaith dialogue, understanding, and cooperation are essential to peace. As long as beliefs within one religious tradition hold prejudicial attitudes toward people of other faiths, or even of people of divergent perspectives within one's own faith, peace cannot be achieved. Both the family system and the school system should cultivate interfaith awareness and mutual respect. Religious and interfaith illiteracy should not be tolerated, knowing that it contributes to bigotry, discrimination and, eventually, to violence. The curricula of the school system, from primary school to university, should include courses that respectfully and objectively teach about the great religious ideas and practitioners of history, just as we study the great art and literature of the major civilizations.
Issues of peace and security are enormously complex. Simplistic and ill-informed perspectives should not be encouraged. Forums, symposia, and publications that include various well-informed perspectives, contribute to balance and reasonable solutions.
Observances of the UN International Day of Families, May 15, 2014, with the theme "Families Matter for the Achievement of Development Goals."
The Universal Peace Federation affirms the value of the family as the core unit of society. The family has formed the basis for communities, societies and civilizations throughout the ages. Virtually all the world’s religions teach the sacred value of marriage and family. The family is the school of love. It is also the school of virtue, ethics and citizenship.
The cohesion and stability of the family are prerequisites for a healthy and stable society. Conversely, the breakdown of the family contributes to a wide range of social problems. By strengthening the family, we can build a stronger base of social capital that will enhance the overall quality of life for everyone.
The natural family is grounded in marriage, the cornerstone of the family. Children benefit from having loving parents, a mother and father, who are committed to the well-being of their sons and daughters. There is no greater joy and no greater responsibility than that of raising boys and girls to become mature, socially-engaged and successful men and women. This is the role and responsibility of parents and grandparents.
Traditional marriage and family are being challenged in a variety of ways at this time in history, by poverty, migration, displacement, urbanization, conflict, disease, etc. In addition, some question the value of traditional marriage and family. Others seek to redefine them. Despite these challenges, men and women the world over still aspire to build strong, loving, lasting marriages and, as parents, to raise children who prosper and flourish.
An overview of the work of the Universal Peace Federation in 2013 including programs promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation, peace and security, marriage and family, and humanitarian service,
On local, national, and global levels, interreligious councils provide a platform for people of diverse faiths to contribute their wisdom and work effectively for peace alongside representatives of government, business, and civil society.
UPF acknowledges the need for careful and measurable use of enforcement such as political, military, and civil power to sustain lasting peace. At the same time we strongly emphasize the pursuit of internal solutions that are essential to peacebuilding. UPF has been a leading exponent of “track two” diplomacy, with particular emphasis on the role and responsibility of religious and spiritual leaders to transcend historical self-interest and pursue the ideal of “One family under God.”
UPF is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. We support and promote the work of the United Nations and the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Marriage, parenting, and the family are the foundations of sustainable human development and the building blocks of society. Educational programs present the personal and social benefits of marriage, promote a marriage-friendly culture, teach relationship skills, and encourage spiritual growth through relationships.
UPF's leadership conferences and seminars focus on the urgent need for new vision and leadership based on core values and universal principles of peacebuilding.
Service-learning programs bring together youth from different cultures and religions in order to promote mutual understanding and respect. Participants serve a community in need, visit religious and historic sites, and learn communication and team-building skills.
UN World Interfaith Harmony Week celebrations organized by the Universal Peace Federation, first week of February 2014.
World peace can be fully accomplished only when the wisdom and efforts of the world’s religious leaders are combined cooperatively and respectfully with the endeavors of national political leaders. Absent the recognition of spiritual principles, the world has drifted increasingly toward analyses and prescriptions that are materialistic and secular in nature. In so doing, we have lost sight of the profound wisdom to be found in humanity’s spiritual heritage.
Global institutions must be built on a foundation that takes into account the full potential of the human being, not only as a political, economic, and social being, but also as a spiritual being with spiritual needs and a capacity for spiritual wisdom and insight. The legacy of the world’s great saints, prophets, sages, and spiritual leaders cannot be denied or discounted without ignoring what is most fundamental about the human being.
In too many ways the history of religion has been marked by narrow sectarianism, strife, and competitive struggle with other faiths, all to the detriment of the cherished goals and teachings of the founders and scriptures. This cannot continue. The need to eliminate corruption, selfishness, and bad governance applies not only to all nations but also to all of the world’s religions.
Lasting peace depends on cooperative partnerships between governments and religions, as well as NGOs and representatives of the private sector. The United Nations can benefit from a council of religious and spiritual leaders to bring broad vision and wisdom to the effort to address critical global problems. International conferences, publications, networking, and on-the-ground activism are mechanisms for interfaith cooperation and lay a foundation for spiritual renewal at the United Nations.
Celebrations of the UN International Day of Peace, September 21, 2012, organized by chapters of the Universal Peace Federation. Theme: "Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future." Sustainable Peace...
This year, world leaders, together with civil society, local authorities and the private sector, met in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development to renew political commitment to long term sustainable development.
It is in the context of the Rio+20 Conference that “Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future” is the theme chosen for this year's observance of the International day of Peace.
There can be no sustainable future without a sustainable peace. Sustainable peace must be built on sustainable development.
...From Sustainable Development...
The root causes of many conflicts are directly related to or fuelled by valuable natural resources, such as diamonds, gold, oil, timber or water. Addressing the ownership, control and management of natural resources is crucial to maintaining security and restoring the economy in post-conflict countries.
Good natural resource management can play a central role in building sustainable peace in post-conflict societies.
...For a Sustainable Future
The International Day of Peace offers people globally a shared date to think about how, individually, they can contribute to ensuring that natural resources are managed in a sustainable manner, thus reducing potential for disputes, and paving the road to a sustainable future, the "Future We Want." The United Nations set the theme for this year's observance as Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future. Peace has its foundation in the quality of human character and human relationships. And it has been our shared moral and spiritual traditions that, throughout millennia, have taught us of our common origins, purpose and destiny. Lasting peace and the growth in solidarity among the whole human family comes from the recognition that we are all brothers and sisters. We are to live as one family under God. UPF calls upon the United Nations community, governments, and civil society to consider that the need for sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and social justice are but symptoms of a deeper human problem: we have not learned to live as one family, sharing this planet and caring for the natural world placed at our disposal by a loving Creator;
UPF affirms the value of democracy and free market economies. Corporations have a strong interest in promoting sustainable development and the development of a green economy because this is in everyone’s best interest.
UPF affirms that the family is the primary unit of society, the foundation of moral, spiritual, social, and political education. Families may be great allies in the effort to achieve sustainable development.
Universal Peace Federation's areas of focus include interfaith peacebuilding, marriage & family, peace & security, a culture of peace
& service, and UN relations.
Highlights of Universal Peace Federation's work around the world in 2011, including seminars, forums, service projects, and observances of UN days such as the International Day of Peace, International Day of Families, Women's Day, and World Interfaith Harmony Week.
On local, national, and global levels, interreligious councils provide a platform for people of diverse faiths to contribute their wisdom and work effectively for peace alongside representatives of government, business, and civil society.
UPF acknowledges the need for careful and measurable use of enforcement such as political, military, and civil power to sustain lasting peace. At the same time we strongly emphasize the pursuit of internal solutions that are essential to peacebuilding. UPF has been a leading exponent of “track two” diplomacy, with particular emphasis on the role and responsibility of religious and spiritual leaders to transcend historical self-interest and pursue the ideal of “One family under God.”
UPF is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. We support and promote the work of the United Nations and the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Marriage, parenting, and the family are the foundations of sustainable human development and the building blocks of society. Educational programs present the personal and social benefits of marriage, promote a marriage-friendly culture, teach relationship skills, and encourage spiritual growth through relationships.
UPF's leadership conferences and seminars focus on the urgent need for new vision and leadership based on core values and universal principles of peacebuilding.
Service-learning programs bring together youth from different cultures and religions in order to promote mutual understanding and respect. Participants serve a community in need, visit religious and historic sites, and learn communication and team-building skills.
Observances of the UN International Day of Families organized by chapters of the Universal Peace Federation, May 2012. Theme: "Ensuring Work Family Balance." Affirmed by civilizations and religions for millennia, the family forms the basis of natural procreation, lineage, the honoring of parents and grandparents, and our development as spiritual and rational beings.
UPF regards the family as the school of love and the foundation for a stable society. Marriage between husband and wife lays the foundation for the family. The father and the mother complement one another biologically and psychologically as they raise their children. The family has both private and public functions, promoting both social cohesion and intergenerational solidarity. The love we receive at home provides the framework for fulfilling our potential as human beings.
Social cohesion is learned in the family where members attend to the well-being of one another. Likewise, when families contribute to the well-being of their community, the community prospers, offering benefit and protection for families in return.
The importance of grandparents in promoting intergenerational solidarity cannot be underestimated. They are the repositories of information about the ancestors and the conveyers of tradition and culture. The bond between grandparents and grandchildren is second in emotional power only to that between parents and children. Together, the grandparents, parents, and children form a link between the past, the present and the future.
Every culture throughout the world affirms the central role of the family in promoting social integration, intergenerational solidarity, and a healthy society. Religious traditions such as Confucianism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism emphasize the sacred and social significance of the family.
The purpose and ideal of marriage and the family center on procreation, raising children within a committed and faithful relationship of the natural parents, and the development of love and spiritual well-being. However, UPF also acknowledges that no one attains this ideal without education and a supportive social, ethical, political, and cultural environment. For this reason, UPF advocates the development of educational programs that help individuals gain a better understanding of the virtues and skills necessary for the most fulfilling relationships and happy, thriving marriages and families.
Draft annual report of activities by UPF chapters in 103 nations, including leadership conferences, peace and security forums, UN-related activities, and service-learning and humanitarian work.
On local, national, and global levels, interreligious councils provide a platform for people of diverse faiths to contribute their wisdom and work effectively for peace alongside representatives of government, business, and civil society.
UPF acknowledges the need for careful and measurable use of enforcement such as political, military, and civil power to sustain lasting peace. At the same time we strongly emphasize the pursuit of internal solutions that are essential to peacebuilding. UPF has been a leading exponent of “track two” diplomacy, with particular emphasis on the role and responsibility of religious and spiritual leaders to transcend historical self-interest and pursue the ideal of “One family under God.”
UPF is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. We support and promote the work of the United Nations and the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Marriage, parenting, and the family are the foundations of sustainable human development and the building blocks of society. Educational programs present the personal and social benefits of marriage, promote a marriage-friendly culture, teach relationship skills, and encourage spiritual growth through relationships.
UPF's leadership conferences and seminars focus on the urgent need for new vision and leadership based on core values and universal principles of peacebuilding.
Service-learning programs bring together youth from different cultures and religions in order to promote mutual understanding and respect. Participants serve a community in need, visit religious and historic sites, and learn communication and team-building skills.
Observances by the Universal Peace Federation and partner organizations of World Interfaith Harmony Week 2013
World peace can be fully accomplished only when the wisdom and efforts of the world’s religious leaders are combined cooperatively and respectfully with the endeavors of national political leaders. Absent the recognition of spiritual principles, the world has drifted increasingly toward analyses and prescriptions that are materialistic and secular in nature. In so doing, we have lost sight of the profound wisdom to be found in humanity’s spiritual heritage.
Global institutions must be built on a foundation that takes into
- The Declaration of World Peace
- Spreading a Culture of Peace “Talk&Walk to Prevent Violent Extremism”
- Global Communities Seek a Culture of Peace to Overcome the Threat of Violent Extremism
- Youth Speak about HWPL Peace Walk
- Companion of HWPL: ECPAT Indonesia Program Director Fitri Noviana
A handbook for Universal Peace Federation Ambassadors for Peace. The Universal Peace Federation is a global network of individuals and organizations dedicated to building a world of peace centered on universal spiritual and moral values along with principles of good governance. See www.upf.org
- Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War Official Poster
- A Letter to Family Members Around the World
- Introduction of the HWPL Peace Advocacy Committee
- Action Plans of the HWPL Peace Advocacy Committee
- Messages for the World Youth and Women
- Photo Gallery of the Advocacy Committee Worldwide
- A Closer Look at the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War – Preamble –
- Pledge for Peace and Let Your Voices be Heard
- How to Pledge for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War
- Stay tuned for the 5·25 IPYG Peace Walk Festival
The Fearsome Grip of Terrorism (Causes and Solutions)Karan Khanna
Here is a presentation to give an idea of the current scenario of terrorism, its causes and certain solutions to fight it.Hope that I can successfully express my views on the topic.
November 22nd 2013, Presentation by Timothy Miller, Vice President of UPF-Europe during session 'The Human Rights of Immigrants and Refugees in Europe' European Leadership Conference London 2013
[Ambassador Hassan] Speech: Presentation by Ambassador S. Azmat Hassan (Ret.)...GlobalPeaceFoundation
Date: Dec. 6th 2013
Session: Interfaith Partnerships: Faith and Diversity: Toward a Global Ethic for Inclusive and Moderate Societies
Speaker: Ambassador S. Azmat Hassan; Former Pakistani Ambassador to Malaysia, Syria and Morrocco, Islamic Republic of Pakistan
The Human Rights of Immigrants and Refugees in Europesillitoe
Presentation by Timothy Miller, Vice President of UPF-Europe during session 'The Human Rights of Immigrants and Refugees in Europe' European Leadership Conference London, House of Lords, November 22nd 2013.
Organizations for Global Peace - Peace Corps, Amnesty International, Nobel peace prize, The Lion and the Lamb peace Arts center, The Carter Centre, International peace Bureau, Pathways to Peace, Hague Appeal for peace, National Peace Foundation
Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa and seventh-most on Earth. She is wealthy in abundant natural resources and creative intelligence, bringing great affluence to some while disregarding and leaving the majority in hopeless poverty. Nigerians' desperation is often expressed violently, even brutally, pathetically seeking order, fairness, and dignity. Neither government nor its constituency is distinctive about rejecting violent means. Various citizens will diversely attribute root causes to tribal competition, economic poverty and greed, corruption, revenge, manipulation of fear, misuse of power, famine of relationships, indigene-settler rivalry, and religion. Since the default setting of most humans is to take sides, faith communities and institutions -- Islam, Christianity, and African Traditional Religion – have been variously targets of blame and, attacks, organizing centers of defensiveness and hostility, and sacred refuges of sanity, wisdom, and creative initiatives to reunite and heal Nigerians and Nigeria as one.
In Anatomy of Religious Violence, our dear friend and author, Emmanuel Ande Ivorgba, uncovers a rich history of Nigeria, usefully clarifying religions' conditioning of Nigerian people and habits over centuries. His narrative of religions begins 5,000 years ago (3,000 BCE) in the Near East and brings us to this 2012 year in his beloved Nigeria. Reading Ivorgba and Nigerian context is a paradox. We are awed by the diversity, beauty, meaning, and evolution of the religions. And we are challenged by the different perceptions and practices, yet exemplary lives-lived of women and men inspired by each faith tradition. Like rivers lead to oceans, Ivorgba helps us see universal principles where the religions and their faithfuls converge. He gives concrete hope that Nigerians and humankind -- from their root teachings and face-to-face engagement -- will experience that the soul's oldest memory is of union, and the soul's deepest longing is for reunion: Ivorgba's own vision of a world of "peace and love." In brilliant versatility, he uncovers from each faith the aim to dignify the "other" and thus oneself, known around Earth as The Golden Rule.
The Path to Peace – Just Relations Between Nationsmuzaffertahir9
The Path to Peace – Just Relations Between Nations
The keynote address by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Delivered at Capitol Hill, Washington D.C., USA, 27th June 2012
An Overview of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
The Ahmadiyya Muslim community is a religious organisation, with branches in more than 193 countries. It is the most dynamic denomination of Islam in modern history, with an estimated membership of one hundred and sixty million worldwide.
It was established by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) in 1889 in a small and remote village called Qadian in Punjab, India. He claimed to be the expected reformer of the latter days and the awaited one of the world community of religions (the Mahdiand Messiah of the latter days). The community he started is an embodiment of the benevolent message of Islam in its pristine purity that promotes peace and universal brotherhood based on a belief in the Gracious and Ever-Merciful God.
The Path to Peace – Just Relations Between Nationsmuzaffertahir9
The Path to Peace –
Just Relations Between Nations
The keynote address by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad,
Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
Delivered at Capitol Hill, Washington D.C., USA, 27th June 2012
In order to have citizens capable of creating peace in the world, we need stable families that instill values and capacities for peacebuilding. Marriage and the family serve a unique and essential purpose for optimum human development. Research is showing that straying from that purpose weakens the family, increasing disadvantages for the next generation and the future. Clarifying the value of the family will help us strengthen this essential building block of peace.
Observances of UN International Women's Day 2011
The Universal Peace Federation upholds the essential value and central role of women in peacebuilding and human development.
UPF affirms the need for women to serve in leadership positions throughout the world in all sectors of society.
UPF recognizes the equal value of men and women. Their absolute value derives from a common origin, God. God is the origin of both men and women, and all of God’s creation manifests complementary masculine and feminine aspects.
Men and women are extensions and manifestations of God’s harmonious masculinity and femininity. The complementary relationship between men and women expresses the wholeness of human experience. Thus, there should be no gender discrimination but rather harmony of the sexes through love.
Throughout history, women have taken the leading role in cultivating families as the dwelling places of peace, love, and health in shaping the individual character of children, and in fostering harmonious social relationships. In the family, both father and mother are equally entitled to reverence and honor. The path toward establishing global peace begins with strengthening families.
The ideal of peace is at the core of all religions. Through dialogue and mutual understanding, there can be peace among religions, and peace among religions is a necessary prerequisite for world peace. Women can and should play a central role in promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation.
UPF emphasizes the essential importance of women in addressing issues of peace and development in all sectors, including politics, business, culture, and religion. Women must be encouraged and empowered to assume leadership roles in the resolution of conflict, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
UPF supports the achievement of the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals, which include improved status, education, health, and physical well-being of women. Six of these eight goals are related to women; therefore, by uplifting the condition of women, the Millennium Development Goals will be advanced.
The Universal Peace Federation and its global network of Ambassadors for Peace bring universal, spiritual principles to the task of resolving conflict and reconciling the divided human family. International Leadership Conferences, symposia and peace councils offer opportunities for high-level consultations. These are complemented by "track II" diplomacy and grass-roots programs that build support for a culture of peace.
World peace can be fully accomplished only when the wisdom and efforts of the world’s religious leaders are combined cooperatively and respectfully with the endeavors of national political leaders. Absent the recognition of spiritual principles, the world has drifted increasingly toward analyses and prescriptions that are materialistic and secular in nature. In so doing, we have lost sight of the profound wisdom to be found in humanity’s spiritual heritage.
Global institutions must be built on a foundation that takes into account the full potential of the human being, not only as a political, economic, and social being, but also as a spiritual being with spiritual needs and a capacity for spiritual wisdom and insight. The legacy of the world’s great saints, prophets, sages, and spiritual leaders cannot be denied or discounted without ignoring what is most fundamental about the human being.
In too many ways the history of religion has been marked by narrow sectarianism, strife, and competitive struggle with other faiths, all to the detriment of the cherished goals and teachings of the founders and scriptures. This cannot continue. The need to eliminate corruption, selfishness, and bad governance applies not only to all nations but also to all of the world’s religions.
Lasting peace depends on cooperative partnerships between governments and religions, as well as NGOs and representatives of the private sector. The United Nations can benefit from a council of religious and spiritual leaders to bring broad vision and wisdom to the effort to address critical global problems. International conferences, publications, networking, and on-the-ground activism are mechanisms for interfaith cooperation and lay a foundation for spiritual renewal at the United Nations.
An overview of the vision in the US and Russia for a Bering Strait Crossing going back more than 100 years, including adventurous swimmers and kiteboarders, engineering challenges, architectural concept drawings, and comparisons with notable canals, tunnels, and transcontinental railway systems that have transformed commerce, transportation, history and culture.
An overview of the work of the Universal Peace Federation, with a special focus on the Americas.
On local, national, and global levels, interreligious councils provide a platform for people of diverse faiths to contribute their wisdom and work effectively for peace alongside representatives of government, business, and civil society.
UPF acknowledges the need for careful and measurable use of enforcement such as political, military, and civil power to sustain lasting peace. At the same time we strongly emphasize the pursuit of internal solutions that are essential to peacebuilding. UPF has been a leading exponent of “track two” diplomacy, with particular emphasis on the role and responsibility of religious and spiritual leaders to transcend historical self-interest and pursue the ideal of “One family under God.”
UPF is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. We support and promote the work of the United Nations and the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Marriage, parenting, and the family are the foundations of sustainable human development and the building blocks of society. Educational programs present the personal and social benefits of marriage, promote a marriage-friendly culture, teach relationship skills, and encourage spiritual growth through relationships.
UPF's leadership conferences and seminars focus on the urgent need for new vision and leadership based on core values and universal principles of peacebuilding.
Service-learning programs bring together youth from different cultures and religions in order to promote mutual understanding and respect. Participants serve a community in need, visit religious and historic sites, and learn communication and team-building skills.
Service-learning projects of the Universal Peace Federation in 2013 in Estonia, Georgia, India, Israel, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, and the US. Through living together and providing altruistic service in a community, participants demonstrate that it is possible for our global human family to come together in peace for our mutual well being.
“Toward a New Paradigm for Peace and Human Development” was the theme of an International Leadership Conference that drew people from 50 nations to Seoul, Korea, from Feb. 9 to 13, 2014. Distinguished diplomats, scholars and peace activists offered insights into current events on the Korean Peninsula and in the Middle East to the 165 conference participants. Religious leaders, educators, journalists and women leaders described their work to build understanding and improve relations among diverse people in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Highlights of the variety of activities by Universal Peace Federation chapters,
On local, national, and global levels, interreligious councils provide a platform for people of diverse faiths to contribute their wisdom and work effectively for peace alongside representatives of government, business, and civil society.
UPF acknowledges the need for careful and measurable use of enforcement such as political, military, and civil power to sustain lasting peace. At the same time we strongly emphasize the pursuit of internal solutions that are essential to peacebuilding. UPF has been a leading exponent of “track two” diplomacy, with particular emphasis on the role and responsibility of religious and spiritual leaders to transcend historical self-interest and pursue the ideal of “One family under God.”
UPF is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. We support and promote the work of the United Nations and the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Marriage, parenting, and the family are the foundations of sustainable human development and the building blocks of society. Educational programs present the personal and social benefits of marriage, promote a marriage-friendly culture, teach relationship skills, and encourage spiritual growth through relationships.
UPF's leadership conferences and seminars focus on the urgent need for new vision and leadership based on core values and universal principles of peacebuilding.
Service-learning programs bring together youth from different cultures and religions in order to promote mutual understanding and respect. Participants serve a community in need, visit religious and historic sites, and learn communication and team-building skills.
The world is painfully aware of the horrific suffering in Syria and yet unable to find a way to end it. This consultation assembled by the Universal Peace Federation in Amman, Jordan, October 11-13, 2013, quickly doubled in size, eventually numbering more than 40 participants. This initial report takes a thematic approach, highlighting its strengths and special characteristics, which might be summarized as its diversity and the interdisciplinary approach; regional and international perspectives; religious/spiritual perspectives; NGO perspectives, and the points emphasized in the declaration.
The conflict in Syria has escalated at an alarming rate, leaving more than 100,000 people dead and more than 2 million internally displaced persons and refugees; in effect, spawning a human disaster of enormous magnitude. With recent news of the August 21 deaths of 1400 men, women, and children as a result of chemical weapons, the world's leading stakeholders, including the permanent members of the UN Security Council, find themselves at a critical juncture. While a solution seems far away, there is at least movement in the direction of establishing some international control over Syria's stockpiles of chemical weapons, a move that might avert a military intervention by the USA.
UPF appeals to the United Nations and the major powers to redouble their efforts for a diplomatic solution. Meanwhile, we call upon leaders of the world's great faith traditions, especially Muslims, Jews, and Christians, to come together in the search for a solution that brings an end to the bloodshed. Moreover, when we speak of Muslims, Jews, and Christians, we include all the diverse factions, sects, divisions, denominations, and subcultures within those great and esteemed traditions. After all, we know that the obstacles to the great dialogue among religions are not merely found at the borders that separate the major religions, but the fissures and battle-lines are drawn with equal strength within the sphere of each of the major religious traditions.
UPF applauds the efforts made by Pope Francis, calling for prayer, fasting, and an end to the violence in Syria, as well as other worthy and outstanding initiatives, such as King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz' International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Religions for Peace, UNESCO's Culture of Peace initiative, and the UN's Alliance of Civilizations. UPF supports these efforts and has itself been consistently advocating for the establishment of an interfaith council of spiritual elders within the United Nations system, along with promotion of ongoing dialogue, rapprochement, and trust-building between the USA, the European Union, and the Russian Federation.
We call upon leaders and believers from all the faith traditions, and sub-traditions, to come together in support of peace in Syria, offering humanitarian assistance, as well as a wide range of soft power initiatives.
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
Homily: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Sunday 2024.docxJames Knipper
Countless volumes have been written trying to explain the mystery of three persons in one true God, leaving us to resort to metaphors such as the three-leaf clover to try to comprehend the Divinity. Many of us grew up with the quintessential pyramidal Trinity structure of God at the top and Son and Spirit in opposite corners. But what if we looked at this ‘mystery’ from a different perspective? What if we shifted our language of God as a being towards the concept of God as love? What if we focused more on the relationship within the Trinity versus the persons of the Trinity? What if stopped looking at God as a noun…and instead considered God as a verb? Check it out…
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
2. World Summit participants were greeted by international leaders of the Universal Peace
Federation (left to right): Dr. Chang Shik Yang, Vice Chair; Dr. Thomas Walsh, President; H.E.
Stanislaw Shushkevich, member of the Presiding Council; and Mr. Taj Hamad, Secretary General.
4. World Summit 2013
Global Assembly
Peace and Security in East Asia
Focus on Africa and the Middle East
Focus on the Americas
Focus on Europe and Eurasia
Focus on the Asia-Pacific Region.
5. UNITED STATES
• We believe your
participation in this World
Summit will make an
impact and help promote
peace, security and human
development around the
world.
Dr. Thomas G. Walsh
President, Universal Peace
Federation, Chair, Plenary
Session I
6. REPUBLIC OF KOREA
• Let us work together to
build ideal families and
nations, and let us join
together as nations, as
religions, as members of
civil society to create one
family under God.
Dr. Hyung Jin Moon,
Chairman, Universal
Peace Federation
7. Participants included current and former heads of state and government, first ladies, religious
leaders, women leaders, and parliamentarians.
8. REPUBLIC OF KOREA
• North Korea is developing
nuclear weapons and has
one of the largest military
forces in the world. The
situation on this peninsula
and throughout East Asia is
quite serious.
• Therefore, this World
Summit on Peace, Security,
and Human Development is
extremely important and
timely.
Dr. Chang Shik Yang Vice
Chairman, Universal Peace
Federation
9. REPUBLIC OF KOREA
• Sixty years after the Korean
War, Korea has become
one of the top economies
of the world. That would
not have been possible
without help from the
global community.
• Now it is time for Korea to
aid the global community.Hon. Choung Byoung Gug,
Member of Parliament
11. The keynote speakers addressed the overall conference
theme of “Peace, Security, and Human Development,”
offering their reflections, insights, and recommendations
concerning the critical issues that face their nation, their
region, and the world.
Drawing on their experience as leaders, the keynote
speakers recommended steps that may be taken to achieve
peace and prosperity. Recommendations focused on the
role of government as well as civil society, the private
sector, and the media.
12. AFGHANISTAN
• Peace and security are
blessings from God.
• It is vital to use all the
teachings that come
from God and take wise
and bold measures to
establish lasting peace and
security.
H.E. Mohammad Karim Khalili,
Vice President
13. FEDERATION OF BOSNIA
AND HERZEGOVINA
• Knowing the horrors of war, today
as a politician I act in a way so that
those horrors of war would not
happen again, neither to us nor to
others.
• I was a soldier and a general, and
the ideals that I have fought for
were freedom, justice, and truth,
confident that those ideals -- once
we attain and defend them --
would ensure peace for everyone.
• Later, after the war, I realized that
those against whom I fought were
convinced that they were fighting
for exactly the same ideals as well.
Realizing this has introduced me to
a new "dimension" of
comprehension of events and
phenomena.
H.E. Zivko Budimir,
President
14. GUINEA-BISSAU
• Tolerance and harmony
among faiths is practiced in
our cities and villages.
• However, people’s economic
and social well-being
worsened with the instability
that the country experienced
in the last decade and a half;
and only a legitimate
government, based on
popular will expressed at the
polls and imbued with
patriotic spirit, can halt and
reverse the process.
H.E. Manuel Serifo Nhamadjo,
President
15. KOSOVO
• I am proud to have been at
the forefront of people who
chose human rights,
dedication to peace,
tolerance, and economic
development.
• I insisted on reconciliation
and normalization of
relations with Serbia. My son
and all our children will never
again live in fear, will never
again be taught of hate.
Hon. Hashim Thaci,
Prime Minister
16. MALI
• We may wear different
clothes, have different skin
color, and speak different
languages, but fundamentally
we are all the same human
beings. That is what allows us
to understand each other
and feel close to each other.
• In the name of our common
human family, in the name of
humanity, I appeal for your
help for my country, OUR
country, Mali, to come out of
its dangerous impasse.
Mme Mintou Doucoure Traore,
First Lady
17. SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE
• The family as the most
fundamental social unit is
essential to the well-being of
all of society, and therefore
no effort should be spared to
strengthen it.
• We make daily efforts to
improve mutual
understanding, because we
are obligated to live together,
regardless of our differences.
We try to live with respect
for diversity and different
ideas and supporting the
building of consensus.
Hon. Alcino Martinho de Barros Pinto,
President of the National Assembly
18. The 13 high-level delegations included one from Fiji,
headed by First Lady Mme Adi Koila Mara Nailatikau.
19. UPF INTERNATIONAL
• Your Excellencies, the
quality of presentations
thus far has been
remarkable, filled with
insight and vision, and I
believe we can all better
appreciate the value of this
World Summit.
Mr.. Taj Hamad, Secretary
General; Chair, Plenary
Session II
20. SOLOMON ISLANDS
• From 1998 to 2003 my country
went through a period of ethnic
tension and social unrest.
• The Solomon Islands women
were empowered to promote
peace at the front line,
encouraging former combatants
to lay down their arms and talk
peace. Our women were an
extremely helpful part of the
community-wide approach to
disband the conflict, which
resulted in both parties agreeing
to surrender their arms and
observe a ceasefire.
Mme Bronwyn Noda Lilo,
wife of the Prime Minister
21. SRI LANKA
• I attempted to create in my
constituency a center for all
religions to be respected and
honored; I wanted people to
be able to visualize the ideals
of religious harmony, to
actually see it, feel it and
touch it.
• In this interfaith peace park
there is a Buddhist temple, a
Christian church, a Hindu
kovil, and a Muslim mosque.
Hon. D. M. Jayaratne,
Prime Minister
22. TANZANIA
• Peaceful and stable
neighboring countries open
the way for economic
integration and promotion
of investment and trade.
• As brothers and sisters, as
mothers and fathers, as a
young generation, we
should uphold the sanctity
of humanity before our
ambitions and desires.
Mme Tunu Rehani Pinda,
wife of the Prime Minister
23. TIMOR-LESTE
• The “New Deal” brings a new
hope for the sustainable
development of fragile
States, enabling better
leadership by the recipient
countries and better
coordination of international
assistance.
• To focus on the realities
inherent to the beneficiaries
and their needs will have
greater impact on their
people.
Hon. Xanana Gusmao,
Prime Minister
24. ZIMBABWE
• More than 30 African states
have embraced a new
thinking that puts “people”
first in their national
agenda.
• These countries, under the
guidance of young leaders,
are steering the continent
towards a positive era of
Afro-optimism.
Hon. Morgan R. Tsvangirai,
Prime Minister
25. Session on Peace and Security in East Asia: Chaired by Dr. Anthony Guerra, President of the
Washington Times Foundation, USA
26. Critical Issues in East Asia
This session featured speakers who addressed the critical issues facing East
Asia and especially the Korean Peninsula .
With a number of new-generation leaders in China, Japan, and both South
and North Korea, there remain many wide-ranging challenges, including
nuclear weapons development in North Korea, economic dominance and
military development in China, disputes over island territories, trade
relations, and a global shift toward the Asia Pacific.
Speakers offered insights and analyses that provided perspectives and
recommended solutions to the critical challenges.
27. UNITED STATES
• Some would say that the
greatest deterrent to war is
the unlikelihood of victory for
a would-be aggressor.
• If that is so, a rebalancing of
the defense priorities of the
democratic nations of East
Asia should be more
vigorously debated.
• We almost certainly need to
pursue both a strong defense
and all the means of soft
diplomacy, public and
private, that can be
mustered.
Dr. Anthony J. Guerra,
President, The
Washington Times
Foundation, USA
28. REPUBLIC OF KOREA
• Reunification should take
place through peace; it
takes time.
• There should be a de facto
reunification before the
legal reunification; this
would reduce expenditures
and help transform the
ceasefire to a peace treaty.Gen. Dong Won Lim,
Minister of Unification
during the administration
of Korean President Kim
Dae-jung, 1998 to 2003
29. REPUBLIC OF KOREA
• UPF-Korea has laid a
foundation and has nurtured
many trainers who go back to
their countries and spread
the message they learned in
Korea.
• We would like to share our
activities and experience and
knowledge so we can we can
join hands together in
peacemaking in Korea and
the world.
Rev. Jeung Rho Yoon,
Chair, UPF Korea
30. JAPAN
• Due to the incredible
difficulty in de-nuclearizing
Pyongyang, the international
community must respond
with either massive rewards
or harsh penalties.
• We should envisage the
tentative freezing of the
nuclear and missile
development program
and/or its oversight by the
International Atomic Energy
Agency or another UN
agency, with the ultimate
objective of total de-
nuclearization.
Amb. Tetsuya Endo,
former Ambassador in Charge
of Japan-North Korea
Normalization Talks, former
Vice Chairman of the Atomic
Energy Commission
31. UNITED STATES
• Only when nations are
prosperous can we begin to
use our knowledge and our
talents to help the less
fortunate.
• And only when free nations
can continue to build
strong families with a God-
centered value system can
we hope to become a
better world.
Hon. Dennis Hastert,
Speaker of the House of
Representatives, 1999 to 2007
33. Focus on Africa and the Middle East
Africa and the Middle East are two of the most dynamic regions of our
contemporary world, evidenced in developments such as the “Arab Spring”
across much of North Africa and in Arab nations of the Middle East, as well as
the rising, positive economic trends in Africa and the strengthening of the
African Union.
In contrast, there is widespread poverty and insurgencies that continue in
countries such as Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
What are the critical issues facing these regions, and what are steps that can
be taken toward peace, security, and human development?
34. Session on Africa and the Middle East: chaired by H.E. Jean Ping, Former Chairperson
of the Commission of the African Union and former President of the UN General Assembly
35. NIGERIA
While Africa has achieved much
progress, it continues to grapple with
ways to end violent conflicts with
their devastating record of deaths,
suffering, and displacement of civilian
populations. What is needed is an
integrated and comprehensive yet
coherent approach that includes, in
addition to political and military
activities, transparent and urgent
improvements in the areas of
environmental protection, human
rights, good governance,
democratization, economic growth,
and poverty eradication.
Prof. Ibrahim Gambari,
former UN Under-Secretary-
General for Political Affairs,
former Joint African Union-
United Nations Special
Representative for Darfur
36. GHANA
The corrupt tendencies by some
in the private sector, especially
the foreign ones, are causing
havoc in Africa, and they are
doing it with impunity. The
quality of socio-economic justice
on the continent is low. Ordinary
people at the grassroots
normally do not harbor ethnic or
religious hateful feelings against
one another when governments
ensure the rule of law or justice.
H.E. Jerry Rawlings,
President, 1981 to 2000
37. BURUNDI
The strict enforcement of the
Arusha Accords during the
transition period allowed us to
achieve a rapprochement
between the Hutu majority and
the Tutsi minority, the
negotiation of a cease-fire with
rebel Hutus with the backing of
the Tutsi leadership, a peaceful
integration of rebel fighters into
the national army, the
organization of national elections,
and the inauguration of a newly
elected President.
H.E. Domitien Ndayizeye,
President, 2003 to 2005
38. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
OF THE CONGO
The Government of the DR Congo
will assume its responsibilities to
restore peace and security within
its borders. We welcome the
framework Agreement for Peace
in the Great Lakes Region
between 11 states of that region
and the UN. The deployment of a
Neutral International Force to
secure the problematic Eastern
border of the Democratic
Republic of the Congo, especially
with Rwanda and Uganda, will
certainly help to create the
conditions for a lasting peace.
Hon. Mr. Lambert Mende Omalanga,
Minister of Information
39. EGYPT
UNESCO’s constitution begins:
"Since wars begin in the minds of
men, it is in the minds of men that
the defenses of peace must be
constructed." It doesn’t mention
women. Women, who give life, are
also the dynamic force to protect
life. The culture of peace means
above all understanding the Other
in its difference, understanding
the stranger, understanding the
one who belongs to another
nation, another ethnic group,
another religion.
Dr. Sonia Ramzi,
former Head of the
Promotion of Cultural
Heritage, UNESCO
40. EGYPT
I come from a region that is
witnessing a rare and difficult
moment of rebirth. It is a historic
moment, when peoples of the
region rose to defy years of
stagnation and expressed their
development aspirations. Faith,
persistence, and adherence to the
principles of respect and dialogue
can and will carry us through.
Egypt, throughout its history, has
been known to promote and
support action towards peace and
peaceful coexistence within and
between nations.
Hon. Hisham Badr,
Assistant Minister of
Foreign Affairs
41. JORDAN
The international community
has a mission to support the
Arab peoples in the process of
reform and transformation
toward justice, democracy, and
human dignity. This means it
also has to move with full force
to stand in the face of the
dictatorial regimes and thwart
their plans and crimes against
their peoples -- not to remain
silent or stand by hesitating to
move against these bloody and
unjust regimes.
Dr. Hamdi Murad,
Professor at the World Islamic
Sciences and Education
University, Amman
42. ISRAEL
You cannot imagine what it
means for a man like me,
coming from Israel, to sit down
here with my neighbors from
Arab countries. This is more
than I could have believed
would happen in decades of
working for peace. This is just
the beginning of creating peace
between people. If we had a
two-state solution, I could visit
my new friend in East
Jerusalem. He is welcome in my
home any time.
Hon. Ran Cohen,
Member of the Knesset,
1984 to 2009
43. Hon. Ran Cohen embraces Professor Abdel Rahman Abbad from East Jerusalem: “If a two-state
solution is adopted, his home would be open to my family and my home open to his family.”
44. Session on the Americas: chaired by Mr. Thomas McDevitt (2nd from right),
Chairman of the Washington Times Newspaper, Washington DC,. USA
45. Focus on the Americas
The Americas represent a diverse range of countries, cultures, and peoples
who reside in nations from Argentina to Canada, from the Antarctic to the
Arctic.
While the USA has been the undisputed superpower of the region, if not the
world, recent trends in globalization, a re-centering of power toward the
Asia Pacific, and multilateralism are changing the dynamics.
Nations such as Brazil and Mexico have vibrant, growing, dynamic
economies. Parts of Canada are booming due to the discovery of energy
products needed by the world. How are we to understand the current
challenges facing the nations of the region in a global context?
46. UNITED STATES
We all want to make sure peace
prevails. But one thing we must
always remember is there will
always be tyrants who want to
take over our freedoms and
force us into their way of life,
or to take away those things
that we hold dear. While we
talk about peace we must
remember there are those who
advocate taking people’s rights
away from them and leading
those people and those
countries in different
directions.
Hon. Dan Burton,
Member of Congress,
1983 to 2013
47. UNITED STATES
I was not born in the USA. It’s
my adopted country. But no
nation in the history of
mankind has sent its men and
women to die so others may
live free. Americans nurtured
the tree of freedom on shores
far away from its land. They
nurtured the tree of freedom
with their precious blood.Amb. Sam Zakhem,
former US Ambassador
to Bahrain
48. NICARAGUA
Although Latin America has achieved
some success in dealing with the
global economic crisis, it remains
fragile and needs better skills to rise
above these challenges and be able
to join the globalized world with
impact and strength: We must
overcome poverty and
underdevelopment, creating more
jobs, sustainable and in an
appropriate number, to slow the
migration of millions of Latin
Americans who leave their homes in
search of employment and a better
future.
H.E. Arnoldo Aleman Lacayo,
President, 1997 to 2002
49. PANAMA
From my experience at an NGO
aimed at promoting development
opportunities for families in
extreme poverty and eliminate
hazardous child labor, we realized
that for a country to achieve real
peace, freedom, and democracy
we must eradicate poverty and the
lack of education. We give priority
to programs that benefit the
disadvantaged and give access to
the opportunities that the rapid
growth and dynamic economy of
Panama provides to its citizens.
Hon. Roxana Mendez Obarrio,
Mayor, Panama City
50. CANADA
Secure property rights was a major
key to sustained human
development. Simon Bolivar, el
Liberator, eschewed a property-
owning democracy and the rule of
law in favor of dictatorship. The
main reason for development
differences in the Americas is that
some populations enjoy better
representative government with
good constitutions and institutions
of governance, the rule of law, and
the sanctity of private property for
all.
Hon. David Kilgour,
Secretary of State for Latin
America and Africa, 1997 to
2002
51. CANADA
Canada's commitment to the
principles of peace, security, and
freedom go hand in hand with
economic development. Canada
wants to engage its partners in the
Americas to promote efficient,
innovative, and open markets.
Canadians assist many countries
through peacekeeping missions and
humanitarian aid. Our initiative in
Central America focuses on police
training, border security, supporting
conflict resolution, human rights,
and prevention of violence.
Hon. Dr. Don Meredith,
Senator
52. Dra. Lupe Rosalia Arteaga Serrano, former President of Ecuador, asks about people’s vision for
the ways women can contribute to peacebuilding.
53. The Tongil Foundation, chaired by Mr. Kook Jin Moon (center), hosted a luncheon showcasing
innovative Korean enterprises.
54. Session on Europe and Eurasia: chaired by Mr. Mark Brann, Secretary General, UPF-Europe
55. Focus on Europe and Eurasia
Europe and Eurasia represent two major economic, political, and
military power blocs in our world. Three of the five permanent
members of the UN Security Council are included in the geographic
region that reaches from the Atlantic to the Urals.
The European Union represents one of humanity's noblest and
most challenging efforts toward a united, regional association of
sovereign states, and the USSR was itself an effort to form a union
of states, albeit in a very different way.
Contemporary Europe, post-Soviet Russia, and Eastern Europe have
undergone rapid and profound changes. How are we to understand
these changes and challenges in light of our theme, “Peace,
Security, and Human Development”?
56. THE NETHERLANDS
The construction of Europe was
an interesting mix of competition
among firms regardless of their
nationality and solidarity with less
developed regions. Peace requires
hard work; it is not something
which floats down from the air,
but is the result of using all
instruments available to the
international community. Without
a minimum of security, there
cannot be development; there
cannot be stability and security
without lasting development.
Dr. Willem van Eekelen,
Former Defense Minister,
57. AUSTRIA
I was born and brought up only
500 meters from the former Iron
Curtain. There was hardly any
night when I could not hear the
barking dogs that followed the
people who tried to flee their own
countries. Now people can cross
the border each day in order to
work. This is one of the biggest
successes you can imagine. We
have to try to preserve it and
expand it.
Dr. Werner Fasslabend,
Minister of Defense, 1990
to 2000
58. ALBANIA
Our region consists of Allied
countries, aspirant countries, and
partners with NATO or the EU.
Security and defense reforms in the
region have grossly reduced the risks
of conventional confrontation. This is
reflected through the development
of small professional forces with
mainly defensive capabilities, under
the control of civilian authorities.
Forms of regional cooperation have
expanded in the political, economic,
and security areas.
Prof. Dr. Arta Musaraj,
Deputy Minister of Defense
59. RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Russia, like other countries of the
world, is looking for ways to solve
the existing modern contradictions
The world has the prospect of
creating a single global ethics on
the basis of norms of behavior
that are actually being practiced in
modern societies. Economics,
science, politics, and other
spheres of activity have reached
such a degree of complexity that
they can operate successfully only
in single social systems.
Hon. Elena Drapeko,
First Vice Chair of the
Committee of Culture,
State Parliament
60. BELARUS
Russia has been seeking forms of
integration that would assert its
supremacy and at the same time
encourage the CIS countries to join
associations proposed by Russia.
The post-Soviet space in Europe
and Asia went through
revolutionary upheavals; but it
seems that old patterns may
prevail. Social reforms have slowed
down or have been perverted and
people no longer speak about
building capitalism or improving
the wellbeing of the people.
H.E. Stanislav Shushkevich,
Chair of the Supreme Council,
1991 to 1994
61. MONGOLIA
A pattern of thinking more about
society than one's own family,
more about the nation than one's
society, and more about the
world than one's own nation has
been cultivated in the Mongolian
mind-set. Chinggis Khaan said,
“Develop yourself, then your
family, and then your nation.” In
the 21st century, with its
overwhelming moral decline, the
Mongolians' merit of morality
passed on through their lineage
should be awakened.
H.E. Punsalmaagiin Ochirbat,
President, 1990 to 1997
62. UNITED KINGDOM
If a society is to be cohesive, it
needs shared values. Today the
faiths need to come together to
affirm those shared values, as
they have done in the Global
Ethic. The struggle today is
between true religion and its
misuse as an ideology. Leaders of
all faiths have repudiated the use
of religion to justify terrorism. A
crime in the name of God is a
crime against God.
Rev. Dr. Marcus Braybrooke,
Chairman. World Congress of
Faiths
63. Session on the Asia-Pacific: chaired by Hon. Jose de Venecia, former Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Philippines; Chairman, International Conference of Asian Political Parties
64. Focus on the Asia-Pacific Region
Much is said about the emergence of the Asia-Pacific era. What are the
central characteristics of this rise? What are the opportunities? What are the
challenges? What is the significance of the rise of China as a superpower
nation and India as the world’s largest democracy? What is the significance of
the ASEAN nations, the Pacific Forum, and other nations of South Asia?
Asia is our most populated region and increasingly the center of economic
and political power. It is also the birthplace of the world’s great religions.
Speakers will address contemporary trends and directions in Asia as well as
challenges and problems, offering constructive recommendations toward the
expansion of a realm of peace, security, and human development in the
region.
65. JAPAN
A nation should have the primary
responsibility for its own political
system and make it suit its
peculiar situation, such as its
history, tradition, culture, and
popular dispositions. The
international community should
honor a country’s endeavors and
extend indirect help such as
official development aid, trade,
investment, technology transfer,
tourism, and academic and
cultural exchanges. More than
anything, a country’s unity and
stability must be maintained
while its people’s life and
property must be protected.
Amb. Yoichi Yamaguchi,
former Ambassador to
Turkey and Myanmar
66. PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF
CHINA
International security will face
three major threats in the 21st
century: threat from increasing
network attacks, threat from
climate change to human
survival and development, and
threat from biological weapons.
Therefore, peace and
development are still the themes
of the times. They are reflected
in exchanges and dialogues,
integrity and cooperation, and
the common aspiration and
pursuit of governments and
peoples of various countries.
Dr. Mingjun Jiang,
General Director,
International Eco-Safety
Cooperative Organization
67. NEPAL
In Nepal, we are learning to build
peaceful, economic ties between
India and China for our own
survival. There needs to be an
innovative strategy for steady
economic growth, and this must
be based on an inclusive,
cooperative mindset.
Cooperation is the only way out
of the current economic and
political crisis. When we do this,
then both the Asian and world
economies can achieve robust,
sustainable, and balanced
growth.
Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal,
Minister of Cooperatives
and Poverty Alleviation
68. AUSTRALIA
A number of factors are key in the
Asia-Pacific: a level of economic
prosperity, social cohesion, and
general well-being. The more the
following factors are present, the
higher the well-being of people:
free enterprise, genuine
democratic government, rule of
law, opposition to totalitarianism,
upholding the family unit,
religious tolerance, and God-
centered values. The age of
totalitarianism is coming to an
end, and the age of freedom and
democracy is with us.
Hon. David John Clarke,
Member, Legislative Council
of the Parliament of New
South Wales
69. NEW ZEALAND
We need to ask ourselves, are
we prepared and ready to help
others? Will we defend not
only our own liberty but that of
those who are strangers to us?
Will we keep helping until
people can stand on their own?
Let us not assume a false
generosity for the sake of
applause or to extend our
economic influence but give
freely to others so that they
may stand on their own.
Mr. Colin Craig,
Founding Leader of
the Conservative Party
70. Panel presentations stimulated responses from the audience. Making a comment is Prof. Dr.
Shamsher Ali, Founder Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University and Southeast University.
71. World Summit 2013 speakers called for cooperation among governments, civil society, the
private sector, the media, and people of faith for greater peace, security, and development.