UPF's World Summit 2025 Program Summary — Staffan Berg · Following the Stories of Real People

Seoul, South Korea – World Summit 2025 was held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from April 10 to 13 under the theme “Contemporary Challenges to World Order: Establishing a New Era of Peace and Prosperity.” In many ways, this Summit marked a departure for UPF. While previous summits have hosted international academic conferences, interreligious assemblies and the Sun Hak Peace Prize awards, this summit also featured the participation of intergovernmental bodies, such as FOPREL and CENSAD, as well as the inauguration of the Interparliamentary Speakers Conference.

UPF’s World Summit 2025 opened with a banquet on April 10. UPF International President Dr. Michael Jenkins guided the program. Dr. Yeon-Ah Moon, chair of the World Summit Organizing Committee, welcomed all on behalf of UPF founders Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and her late husband Rev. Sun Myung Moon. Dr. Moon elaborated that the World Summit’s trans-national, trans-religious, and trans-racial nature is a direct result of its vision to manifest “one family of humankind.” UPF Chair Dr. Charles Yang added further welcoming remarks, followed by congratulatory remarks from dignitaries from around the world.

The first full day of the conference featured primarily the Sixth Sun Hak Peace Prize Award Ceremony and the World Summit Opening Ceremony. Two plenary sessions followed later in the day; meanwhile,

concurrent programs were offered for FOPREL and the Interparliamentary Speakers Conference.

The Opening Ceremony, entitled “Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations,” brought together distinguished individuals to address the goal of achieving peace guided by UPF’s core principles – mutual prosperity, interdependence, and universally shared values. Distinguished speakers included H.E. Philemon Yang, president of the UN General Assembly, who sent a video message; Madame Signe Zeikate, first lady of Cosa Rica; H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, former president of Nigeria; H.E. Andres Pastrana, former president of Colombia; H.E. Macky Sall, former president of Senegal; Hon. Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, H.E. Boris Tadić, former president of Serbia, and H.E. Jimmy Morales, former president of Guatemala.

Plenary Session One featured prominent speakers including former presidents, vice presidents, and other high-level dignitaries. The session concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UPF and CENSAD, a regional organization representing 25 nations and governments across northern Africa. (UPF report: www,upf,org/post/global-leaders-address-the-opening-of-world- summit-2025)

Plenary Session Two focused on a “Vision for an Asia Pacific Union Forum.” Congratulatory remarks were offered by Hon. Agung Laksono, former speaker of the House of Representatives of Indonesia, and H.E. Chaiyong Satjipanon, former Thai ambassador to Washington D.C., UN Geneva, South Korea, Australia, Italy and Indonesia. A progress report on the Asia Pacific Union Forum was given by Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, chairman of UPF Asia-Pacific.

Building on a series of conferences held over the past year, most notably the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace conference hosted by the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia in November 2024, this session highlighted the recently launched Universal Peace Charter.

The Sixth Sunhak Peace Prize Award Ceremony

Dr. Thomas Walsh, co-chair of the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee, opened the Award Ceremony by warmly welcoming the guests, then introduced H.E. Ban Ki-moon, former secretary-general of the United Nations and recipient of the Sunhak Founder’s Award in 2020, who addressed the audience. H.E. Macky Sall, former president of Senegal and Sunhak Laureate 2020, expressed his gratitude to Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon for founding the prize and highlighted how it inspires continued efforts towards the ideal of peace and human fraternity.

This year’s awardees included:

– Ms. Wanjira Mathai, Africa director of the World Resources Institute and chair of the Green Belt Movement, which has planted over 51 million trees as of 2023. (Interview: The Earth and I)

– Mr. Hugh Evans, co-founder of Global Citizen, who has turned advocacy into action by mobilizing billions of dollars through concerts and campaigns, including during the HIV/AIDS crisis in South Africa, and later during the Covid-19 pandemic.

– Mr. Patrick Awuah, Jr., founder of Ashesi University in Ghana, whose vision is to educate ethical, entrepreneurial young leaders capable of driving innovation and prosperity across Africa.

Additionally, the 2025 Sunhak Founder’s Awards were presented to:

– H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, former president of Nigeria, honored for his lifelong commitment to strengthening democratic governance in West Africa.

– Prophet Samuel Radebe, founder of The Revelation Church of God in South Africa, recognized for promoting religious harmony and reducing interreligious conflict through mutual respect and dialogue.

(More at www,upf,org/post/award-ceremony-in-seoul-honors-sunhak-peace-prize-laureates and http:/sunhakpeaceprize,org/SunhakPeacePrize2025/index.html)

Special Meeting of FOPREL

The Forum of Presidents of Legislative Powers of Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico (FOPREL) held it’s 31st Extraordinary Meeting on April 11, to discuss strategies for the implementation and harmonization of legislation among its nine member countries. FOPREL, which signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with UPF in 2016, is now in the process of granting UPF Observer Organization status with FOPREL.

For the second full day, participants could choose between a range of different sessions, some of which were held elsewhere in Seoul, some outside the city. This included a session on the environment and climate change; a series of sessions on Women and Peace; an international interfaith prayer meeting; and the General Assembly of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace. At the same time, presidents of parliament from some 40 countries were holding a series of sessions which eventually culminated in the formation of the Interparliamentary Speakers Conference (ISC).

Climate Change and the Environment

This program was organized by the Hyojeong International Foundation for Environmental Peace (HJIFEP). Under the overarching theme “Climate Change, Environmental Crises and the Future of the Earth,” experts addressed critical topics including “Climate Change, Environmental Crises and the International Community’s Response,” as well as “Advances in Science and Technology and the Demand for a New Worldview.” Dr. Sun Jin Moon delivered the Founder’s Message, stressing the urgent need for leadership in confronting environmental issues through global cooperation. (UPF report: www,upf,org/post/experts-suggest-ways-to-manage-climate-crises)

Women and Peace

This session, hosted by the International Association of First Ladies for Peace (IAFLP), opened with speakers addressing “The Role of Women toward a Hopeful Future of Peace and Prosperity,” followed by a celebration of the 33d anniversary of the founding of the Women’s Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI) under the banner of “Women Charting a Peaceful Future Through Cooperation, Reconciliation and Healing.”

The program featured several outstanding musical renditions before the WFWPI signature event, the Bridge of Peace Ceremony. Mrs. Kaeleigh Moffitt, regional president of WFWP North America, explained the ceremony’s symbolism: when two individuals representing different groups, such as colonial powers and their conquered territories or historical enemy nations like Japan and Korea, physically walk to meet each other in the middle of the bridge, it demonstrates the power of reconciliation and healing through personal connection. (UPF report: www,upf,org/post/first-ladies-highlight-women-s- role-in-securing-peace-and-prosperity WFWP report: www,wfwp,org/news/introduction-to-the-wfwpi- 33rd-anniversary-report)

The Global Role of Religion

This afternoon session was held outside Seoul at the Hyo Jeong Cultural Center in Gapyeong. The host, the Korea Religions Association (KRA), had gathered leaders of all faiths from across South Korea. These were joined by several hundred religious leaders from the World Clergy Leadership Conference (WCLC). In a spirit-filled atmosphere, clergy participated in an international interfaith prayer meeting and discussed “The Role of Religion for Global Coexistence and Prosperity.”

The clergy leadership team included Rev. John Jackson and Dr. Mark Abernathy. Notable speakers included Dr. Yeon Ah Moon, Pastor Paula-White Cain, Bishop Dr. Munib A. Younan, Imboni Samuel Radebe, and Ms. Katrina Lantos Swett. Many of these religious leaders had participated earlier that day in a separate event focused on the strengthening of the family. During the event, 5,000 couples from 90 countries participated in a Holy Marriage Blessing Vow, pledging to build ideal families rooted in love, fidelity and peace.

Events at the National Assembly Building

The other major events on the afternoon of April 12 were held at the National Assembly building. The International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) was first launched in 2016 in this building. This time parliamentarians from around the world came together again to share their vision and their efforts, and to witness the launching of a new intergovernmental body comprised of parliamentary presidents.

Despite the ongoing political turmoil in South Korea, Rep. Chung Dong-young of the Democratic Peace Party and Rep. Na Kyung-won of the People Power Party extended a warm welcome to the IAPP and some 40 speakers from various legislatures around the globe, current and former heads of state, and other dignitaries who convened at the Republic of Korea National Assembly.

On April 13, attendees of World Summit 2025 were invited to the entrance ceremony for the Cheon Won Gung in Gapyeong County. The building includes a museum and serves as the administrative headquarters for activities and projects initiated by the founders, Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. The ceremony was officiated by Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, fondly known as “Holy Mother Han.”

Following the entrance ceremony, the nearby Cheong Shim Peace World Center stadium filled to capacity as viewers watched a musical drama, The Korean Epic, which traces the 5,000-year history of the Korean people from their mythic beginnings through generations of struggle and perseverance. The performance served to remind everyone that North and South Koreans have a shared heritage and enduring kinship.

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Apr 11 - 5 min read

GLOBAL LEADERS ADDRESS THE OPENING OF WORLD SUMMIT 2025

Seou~ South Korea - World Sum mit 2025 opened at the Lotte World Hotel in Seoul on April 11, bringing together political and religious leaders, along with expert s from various other fields, from 117 nations, to explore paths to global peace.

Under the theme “Contemporary Challenges to World Order: Establishing a New Era of Peace and Prosperity.” the event marked the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, which was founded on October 24, Q. ~ 1945, in the same year the division of the Korean Peninsula took place. != “””’u In his welcoming remarks at the opening ceremony, Dr. Charles S. Yang, chairman of UPF, warned that the current security situation on the Korean Peninsula is “extremely concerning.” He said that “without peace on the CD Korean Peninsula, there can be no peace in Northeast Asia. Nor can we achieve world peace.” He continued, wNorth and South Korea must resolve their hostile confrontation and create a cooperative relationship of mutual dependence and coexistence. To this end, North Korea must be persuaded to open its doors widely and cooperate with the Republic of Korea.”

Dr. Paula White-Cain, senior advisor to US President Donald Trump for the newly created White House Fa ith Office, attested to the importance of faith and mentioned that over 1,000 faith leaders from diverse religions have visited the White House since January 20 to help shape policy, conduct faith diplomacy, and defend religious liberty.

Dr. Wh ite lauded Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and her late husband, Rev. Sun Myung Moon, for “t heir cou rageous and undaunting faith” and “their transformative leadership and their dedication to world peace,” through numerous peace conferences “where even representatives from nations in conflict sit together in peace.K

Pakistan Senate President Dr. Yusuf Raza Gillani acknowledged the daunting cha llenges facing our world, but voiced optimism that a new generation of leadership is emerging with a collective resolve to address the issues.

H.E. Philemon Yang, president of the UN General Assembly, shared a video message in which he acknowledged that the United Nations’ found ing aspiration to end the scourge of war rema ins urgent and unfulfilled. “Notwithstanding,” he said, Kwe are not powerless. History has shown that nations united by resolve and common goals can em brace a brighter tomorrow.

H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, former president of Nigeria and recipient of this year’s Sunhak Peace Prize Founder’s Award, reminded the audience of the ideals upon which the United Nations was founded: unity, coo peration and dignity for all. He said we must protect these values “now more than ever before, because the everyday people are counting on us. The mother who just wants to feed her child. The young person looking for hope. The families driven from their homes by violence or natural disaster. The decisions we make in rooms like this ripple out into the real lives of millions.”

H.E. Andres Pastrana Arango, former president of Colombia, and current president of the Centrist Democrat Internat io nal, is known for his efforts to crack down on drug trafficking. Mr. Pastrana noted that Colombia was the only country in Latin America to participate in the Korean War, sending almost 5,000 soldiers. He said this is a cruc ial moment for humanity, which cannot afford to miss “the enormous opportunity that lies before us in building a new world.K

H.E. Macky Sall, former president of Senegal. expressed his belief that the U.N. Security Council should be able to play a more decisive and robust role in the face of global secu rity threats. He said this is why he continues to advocate for reform of the Security Council and fairer representation within global economic and financial institutions.

Madame Signe Zeikate, first lady of Costa Rica and former economist at the World Bank, reflected on her experience under Soviet occupation in her birthplace of Latvia, until its liberation in 1991. “Living through that history taught me what the true value of freedom, self-determination and the responsibi lity that we share to safeguard those principles mean.”

She said that Costa Rica, her second home, illustrates what it means to “invest in peace.” In 1948, Costa Rica made the choice to abolish its military and redirect the funds from the defense budget towards education, healthcare, social programs and environmental protection. “It signaled a social transformation that placed people’s welfare above all else.” she said. “Thanks to that vision, Costa Rica has fostered a culture of diplomacy, human rights, and susta inability. Our approach recognizes that lasting peace must be nurtured from within by nffo rinn -:> u,, -:>\I tn -:>,-hio”o rlinnifiorl t i., inn ,-nn rl itin n c fnr -:>II”

Hon. Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the US House of Representatives, pointed out that profound cha nges are occurring in his country and around the world, cit ing the radical transformation in Arge ntina, the unprecedented challenges in Germany and France, the rise of tensions in country after country, not to mention the actual wars in the Middle East and Ukra ine, and the potential of war over Taiwan. ·n,e fact is,· he said, · the w hole human race is t ossed between the dangers of war, the growing violence by non -governmental systems-whether they’re drug cartels or religiously motivated groups - on one hand, and the human race’s desire for more science, more technology, more opportunities, on the other hand.·

The importance of t he World Summit, he said, lies in its ability t o discuss all the challenges we face in “a positive, idealistic way.” He added, “At t he sam e time, it’s important to have leaders here who have led their countries, who’ve had t o solve problems, who’ve had to win elect ions, who’ve had t o actually govern. So you get a kind of a practical idealism here, not just ideas up in the clouds.”

H.E. Boris Tadic, former president of Serbia, said that although recognizing people who brokered peace between warring countries is important, it is even more important to recognize people who are able to prevent wars and conflicts. He point ed out that “whoever analyzes t he activities of the United Nations can come to the conclusion that t he global instit ution is much more focused on imposing peace than on preventing conflicts.” He argued that avoiding conflict in the f irst place would make post-war peace efforts unnecessary.

H.E. Jimmy Morales, former president of Guatemala, observed that humanity is facing an economic crisis, similar to the circumstances prior to World War I. This is exacerbat ed, he said, by socio-political instability, t he climate crisis, poverty, and armed conflict. He stressed the importance of regional cooperation, citing collaborative efforts by Guatemala, Honduras, and Ecuador to bring peace in the region. Such joi nt efforts are also necessary, he said, on the part of the international community, to achieve the peaceful reunif ication of the Korean Peninsula. Besides diplomacy and int ernational cooperation, he also cited education and sharing technological innovation as important tools to advance peace.

By Dirk Anthonis, UPF-USA April 11, 2025

Peace and Security Korea World Summit 2025

UPE International