WFWPI's International Association of First Ladies for Peace Inaugural Assembly

Building a World of Lasting Peace: A First Ladies’ Initiative at World Summit 2020 in Seoul, South Korea - Executive Summary

The International Association of First Ladies for Peace (IAFLP) held a successful inaugural world assembly affirming the unique and essential role that women leaders are called to play in bringing about a world of lasting peace. The high-level assembly, “Building a World of Lasting Peace : A First Ladies’ Initiative” was part of the World Summit 2020, and special centenary celebration of the life and work of Dr. Sun Myung Moon. It was held at the KINTEX Centre outside Seoul on February 5, 2020. The Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWPI), hosted the assembly with First Lady Debbie Remengesau, who had convened the Asia Pacific First Ladies Summit in December in Palau, and the Universal Peace Federation (UPF).

In its founding Resolution, the IAFLP declared it brings together “women leaders from all national, racial and religious backgrounds and all sectors of society, together with those who have lived the responsibility of First Ladies in their nations, uniting in solidarity to respond to today’s challenges. The loving and sacrificial leadership of women working together to empower our youth for goodness, to build cohesive communities and, with men, establish models of ethical and balanced leadership to guide them has never been more critical.”

Unanimously passed at the conclusion of the assembly, the IAFLP Resolution stands up for the central role that women and mothers have played throughout human history and as “decisive contributors to reconciliation, peacebuilding, reconstruction and development in the wider society and world.” IAFLP proudly takes its place beside the International Summit Council for World Peace (ISCP) and the Summit’s host, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and its core associations, which are dedicated to creating a world that is interdependent, mutually prosperous and based on universally shared values.

Internationa l Association of First Ladies f or Peace Inaugura l Assembly

« Building a World of Lasting Peace : A First Ladies’ Initiat ive »

World Su mmit 2020 February 5 I Seoul, South Korea

Executive Summary By Carolyn Handschin The International Association of First Ladies for Peace (IAFLP) held a successful inaugural world assembly affirming the unique and essential role that women leaders are called to play in bringing about a world of lasting peace. The high-level assembly, “Building a World of Lasting Peace : A First Ladies’ Initiative” was part of the World Summi t 2020, and special centenary celebration of the life and work of Dr. Sun Myung Moon. It was held at the KINTEX Centre outside Seoul on February S, 2020. The Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWPI), hosted the assembly w ith First Lady Debbie Remengesau, who had convened the Asia Pacific First Ladies Summit in December in Palau, and the Universal Peace Federation (UPF).

In i ts founding Resolution, the IAFLP declared it brings together “women leaders from all national, racial and religious backgrounds and all sectors of society, together wi th those who have lived the responsibility of First Ladies in their nations, uniting i n solidarity to respond to today’s challenges. The l oving and sacrificial leadership of women working together to empower our youth for goodness, to build cohesive communities and, wi th men, establish models of ethical and balanced leadership to guide them has never been more critical.”

Unanimously passed at the conclusion of t he assembly, the IAFLP Resolution stands up for the central role that women and mothers have played throughout human history and as Ndecisive contributors to reconciliation, peacebuilding, reconstruction and development in the wider society and world.” IAFLP proudly takes its place beside the International Summit Council for World Peace (ISCP) and t he Summit’s host, t he Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and its core associations, which are dedicated to creating a world that is interdependent, mutually prosperous and based on universally shared values.

M s. Merly Berlaan, WFWP President in the Philippines i nvited the current First ladies to the be seated on the stage. M s. Carolyn Handschln, director of the WFWPI United Nations Office and Emcee, welcomed a room full to capacity with prominent women leaders from every continent, and explained the significance of the assembly.

Opening Remarks were given by Ms. Julia Moon, president of WFWPI and director of the Universal Ballet. Addressing the prestigious gathering, she spoke with warmth of the visionary

leadership of Dr. Hak Ja Han M oon and her husband’s lifelong commitment to peace, as well as the vast network of organizations to which they have dedicated their lives. She thanked Madam Madame Debbie Remengesau, First Lady of Palau for pioneering the First Ladies Association, saying, “Your passion, love, warmth and embracing leadership is an inspiration. IAFLP is an innovative initiative started by Mother Moon to harness the maternal qualities of women to work for peace beyond our families.” She added, “ Imagine what change could come about if we could bring together our wealth of knowledge, t alent , experience and resolve to remedy some of the social, environmental and other problems of our t ime”.

In the first panel, “Special Addresses I: Toward a Culture of Peace and Co-Prosperity: The Role of First Ladies”, Madame Debbie Remengesau, first lady of Palau, referred to t he December gathering in Palau at which the Asia Pacific First Ladies Summit was launched. “We are gathered again today to ina ugurat e this special session to jumpstart what would become a powerful partnership between first ladies, visionary women and prominent women leaders who share the same desires and ideals to build a future filled with peace, prosperity and stability. … We must look into ourselves, draw upon that value, and work together as women traditionally would, to create solutions to challenges that threaten our families, our homes and our nations.” She closed her remarks with an ancient Palauan chant, “Ko meral mesulang.”

Madame Ingrid Alngimea, First Lady of Nauru, population 10,000, addressed the audience. She spoke about building people power and the importance of accountability. “The critical issues of our time and the thematic areas we must first of all ensure are the values which we hold dear so that goodwill, integrity and kindness and respect are extended at all times.” Continuing, she explained, “A government cannot be seen as democratic if it is not accountable to its people, and that democracy must value people over profits.” When we look beyond power, wealth, status and influence and apply the universal values of peace and goodwill, it becomes a common cause of empowerment and prosperity for our nations.”

On behalf of First Lady Mme. Ginger Kabua of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, M me. Lieom A. Loeak Former First Lady, thanked Mother Moon on this very special occasion. We are currently facing a 6-month health emergency due to dengue fever and we are always confronted with the serious effects of climate change. As now the world is affected by a global pandemic, the COVID- 19 virus and coming together to stop it, we must do the same for all issues. “We must use opportunities such as we see at this Summit to learn from one another and be proactive in our responses to each-others struggles.”

Former First lady of Nicaragua, Mme. Maria Fernanda Flores Lanzas’ speech was t itled, “The Role of Women in Nicaraguan Politics”. With conviction, she described the inaccessibility to decision-making of women in Latin America until the mid 1900s, expressing t hat to date, there have only been 3 women heads of state. Global legal frameworks for women’s empowerment, like CEDAW have helped, but progress has been more on an individual scale. Nicaragua’s civil rebellion of 2012 had a women’s face. “Gender equality policies must translate into women’s voices being able to contribute to problem solving”. Let us work together to claim respect and not rest until we live in a world of freedom, justice and opportunities for all women. Thank you to Mother Moon, a spiritual guide and great woman leader!

The next speaker was Mme Pati ence Jonathan, former first lady of Nigeria, a country of over 206 million. She explained t hat “ Peace is t he ground upon which sustainable development is built. It is the atmosphere in which prosperity and other virtues like love and justice and equality can blossom. This is why everybody has to volunteer to promote peace, no matter our role and st atus in our societies.” She called for gender equality and justice in all spheres of society. “I call on women around t he world to stand firm and continue with th eir task of peacebuilding in their respective nations, no matter the challenges and difficulties they face,” she said.

The final speech of the first panel was delivered by Dr. Emilia Patricia Alfaro de Franco, former First Lady and a Member of Parliament of Paraguay. With passion, she spoke of the struggle to be recognized and of t he historic deep yearning for democracy of t he women o f Paraguay. Though always being at the side of her husband during his office, she was able to recognize and create opportunities for the vulnerable and disenfranchised -and pursue actions for the promotion and protection of human rights in many areas. At that time, two women ministers were appointed. “Our countries and peoples need us”, she expressed to t he First Ladies in attendance. “I urge that we do not leave vacant t he role of the First Lady, but work to foment the credibility o f the f amily, social commitment and f aith in our beliefs.”

A second panel of the session entitled, “Special Addresses II: “ Identifying Successful Initiatives and t he Fut ure of IAFLP,” was i ntroduced by M rs. Handschin as an opportunity t o think together about plans, networking and concrete ini tiatives that could coalesce First Ladies, institutions, civil society and the private sector in the pursuit of cultures of peace.

The first speaker was Madame Fionnuala Kenny, wife of the former prime minister of Ireland, described Ireland as a nation which for many years was devastated by poverty and immigration. “There are 6.2 million Irish people on t he island of Ireland now, but we have 75 million people around t he world who claim Irish heritage”. Attributing Ireland’s progress and economic growth to its entry into the European Union in 1973, Ireland now works to support new, especially less developed nations. She praised t he new first ladies’ association. “For women leaders, particularly for first ladies, who may have little experience in public life, there is great value and importance in a network t hat can show you the power you can have, or that you can use, to make the world a better place for our children.”

H.E. Anneli Jaatteenmaki, former prime minister of Finland, addressed the lack of progress in women’ s participation in decision-making. “Equality in participation and decision -making in society at all levels, from grass-roots to governmental posit ions, is important,” she said. Despite the many advancements and achievements, the former prime minister said “most of the world’s illiterates are women, and poverty among women is increasing.” She called on civil society and governments to improve t hese “disturbing signs.”

Dr. Svjetlana Jovic of the Civil Affairs office, UN Interim Force in Lebanon {UNIFIL), who has had more than 20 years’ experience in UN peacekeeping, peacebuilding and conflict resolution, emphasized the involvement of women in the peace process. Or. Jovic called upon the participants “to promot e core values and to serve as role models to younger generations.

… Young people need someone to look up to and someone who will advocate for their interests: parents, mothers, grandparents, guardians. The more women are seen in positions of power and decision-making, the more posit ive, holistic and based on empathy these decisions will be.”

Or. Celine Guerin, neuroscientist and trauma therapist, Switzerland reminded the audience that the critical element in healing, and living in peace is “ love”. All my research and clinical therapy as a neuroscientist is rooted there. The trauma of violence, anger, death, fear, competition is embedded in our cells over generations and will affect our emotions and relationships. Through science, we are able to reverse t he epigenetic modifications so t hat we heal trauma and bring ourselves to be able to receive and give love unencumbered.

Mrs. Laura Clark, Co-founder of the Palau Legacy Project spoke of t he effect of the First Lady’s project has had on her daily behavior and her own life work. Through the Palau Pledge, a mandatory stamp in the passport of all visitors, addressed to t he children of Palau, thousands become more aware of t he effect that they personally have, good or bad, on the natural environment. Reiterating the words of M rs. Remengesauu, she closed by saying t hat we need to take responsible action in our own countries.

Other attendees included Madame Aman Agbomson Klutse, wif e of the former prime minister of Togo; Madame camsta Mutharika, former first lady, Malawi; Madame Graciela Rompanl, Alvarez Caldeyro Barcia Foundation, Uruguay; Madame Kolla Nallatlkau, former first lady, Fiji; Madame Bernadette Tong, former first lady, Kiribati; Madame Sitti Abdallah Mwinyi, former first lady, Tanzania; Madame Flutura Ahmeti, wife of t he former prime minister, Albania; M adame Medine Hanku, wife of former president, Albania and: Among the other speakers and anendees were Madame Patricia Marroquin de Argueta, former first lady, Guatemala.

Closing Remarks for t he Session were given by Dr. Samia Burton, assistant clinical professor of medicine, George Washington University in t he Uni ted States, who described t he est ablishment of the IAFLP as “the ‘creme de la creme,’ t he best of the best, as they say in French. The very best of all the associations for peace t hat were founded by Mother Moon.” She thanked Mother M oon for her “vision, commitment, courage and hard work” and praised her family, Or. Sun Jin Moon and her husband, Or. In Sup Park, and Or. Julia Moon of the Universal Ballet.

A short interlude The Little Angels Children’s Folk Ballet of Korea provided delightful cultural entertainment while a light meal was served at each table.

The Inaugural Session of t he IAFLP, moderated by Mrs. Angelika Selle, president, WFWP USA, who said, “We can all f eel t his new associat ion is w ell off the ground and ready to move to the next level and into action.” Dr. Thomas Walsh, the chair of UPF International, was invited to give congratulatory remarks. He thanked WFWPI and Mrs. Remengesau for t he quality of the assembly and explained UPF’s hopes for a strong collaboration in the future. The role of women “is no longer a question …ln this room, there are parliamentarians, heads of states,

not j ust First ladies, but many other leading figures, religious leaders”. We need what women bring to the table and we need to be able to integrate that fully into our work.

Hon. Faustina Rehurer-Marugg, minister of state, Palau, gave opening remarks on behalf of president Tommy Remengesau. We live in peace, and stability with nature which provides our sustenance. If the plant is endangered, so is the hu man. “ Let’s use this opportunity .to build strong partnerships and solidarity as we continue to champion our good causes for the good of the whole world.”

Senior Vice-president, WFWP International, Or. Sun Jin Moon took to the stage to inspire the IAFLP delegation with her vision and call to action. She outlined many of the critical issues facing humanity, but most fundamentally, “ At the deepest level, t here is a crisis of the human heart and conscience. There is a crisis rooted in a failure to understand our true identity.” “ It is only when we come to recognize t he depth of God’s reality, and the divine dignity of each person, t hat we each can become a light, a compass that shows the way out of t he chaos that surrounds us, our families and communities.”

To formally inaugurate t he new association, Mrs. Blessle Dhaka!, president, WFWP Nepal, read the Resolut ion for the Establishment of the IAFLP. She quoted, “The loving and sacrificial leadership of women working together to empower our youth for goodness, to build cohesive communities and, with men, establish models of ethical and balanced leadership to guide them has never been more critical.” After a presentation o f gifts, congratulatory addresses were offered by distinguished participants.

H.E. Anneli Jaatteenmaki, former Prime M inister, Finland said t hat she would like to thank the founding members/ mothers of t he Women’s Federation and all that has been happening here duri ng the Summit, because of Father and Mother Moon and their family. It is very important that we have signed this resolution, wiring our names in history. While women have always shaped t he histories of thei r nations, they are seldom remembered. In Finland our new Prime Minister is a woman, and the majority of our government are women. I am sure t hat they will shape the future for a better Finland.

H.E. Dalla ltzlk, former President, Israel addressed the group, saying. “ It is astonishing to me to see how one woman ( Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon) dedicates everything, together wit h her family, after all her life seeking for peace and fostering noble values”. My husband is here wit h me. “ I t ruly pray t hat when my daughter reaches my age and looks back, she will be as satisfied as I am today.”

H.E. Sujata Koirala, former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Nepal, praised the IAFLP, which “will be led by women in order to foster maternal instincts such as unconditional love, t he willingness to sacrifice, forgiveness and sibling harmony. Mother Moon calls this the ‘Logic of Love.”’ The family is the bedrock o f society, she said. “When families are strong, st able and nurture children and grandchildren properly, then the society and the nat ion benefit.”

Mme. Bernadette Meme Tong, former First Lady of the Republic of Kiribati, came to the stage with a written speech but explained that she preferred to speak from the heart. “Coming from

the smallest island i n the middle o f the South Pacific, I see t hat we are all striving for peace in so many ways. I cannot say more than has already been said, I am just so happy to be a part of t his organization• .

Closing remarks were offered by Madame Kolla Nallatlkau, former first lady of Fiji. “Women’s representation matters, but it is essential for men, (and I hope all t he men i n the room are listening), to realise their privilege and make a seat at the t able for women, just as Reverend Or. Sun Myung Moon did when he acknowledged Or. Hak Ja Han Moon as True Mother, as his equal i n thei r pat h and work towards universal peace. Reverend Moon knew t hat when you teach a man, you teach a man, but when you t each a woman, you t each a generation. May we take t hese lessons to our nations, our homes, our families and instil the seeds of love, respect, inclusivity, and equality to begin a better world for our next generation. And for our strong powerful women: may we know them, may we be them, and may we raise them! “

The session concluded with all 18 former and current first ladies in attendance, alongside WFWP International President Julia Moon, Or. Sun Jin Moon and Professor Yeon Ah Moon, chai r of UPF-Korea, signing the resolut ion of commitment to work together for peace and to address t he international cult ural and social issues of the day. Support for t he new IAFLP partnershi p was further confirmed in the resounding closing applause of all women leaders present.

Very special appreciation t o the WFWPI headquarters staff and the advance team, including those not yet mentioned; Mrs. Paris Moon, Ms. M ion M igouchi for their t ireless work behind the scenes.