UPF Europe and Middle East Newsletter No. 5 - June 2019

No. 5 | June 2019 Visit www.europe.upf.org/nl5 for the complete reports.

International Day of Families Celebrated at the World Council of Churches in Geneva By Heiner Handschin, Director UPF Off ice for UN Relations

To commemorate the 25th anniversary Council of Churches extended the Professor Dr. Adrian Holderegger, of International Day of Families, the warmest greetings of the general president of FPF and professor Universal Peace Federation, in joint secretary of the WCC, Rev. Dr. Olav emeritus of moral theology at the sponsorship with the World Council Fykse Tveit. Dr. Rajkumar highlighted University of Fribourg, offered an of Churches (WCC), the UPF-affiliated the key role of families in educating academic perspective on the role organization Women’s Federation children, with a particular focus on and function of the family and the for World Peace International faith formation. current challenges with changing (WFWPI), the Geneva Interfaith norms and values. Intercultural Alliance (GIIA), and Dr. Katsumi Otsuka, regional president the Fribourg Peace Forum (FPF), of UPF for Europe, Eurasia and the The session of the 13th Model-UN convened a special one-day program Middle East, emphasized that the Youth Interfaith Council, was opened of debate and discussion on the topic family currently faces unprecedented by Rabbi Kevin De-Carli of the Jewish “Interreligious Cooperation for Peace challenges on a global scale. H.E. community of Baden (AG). The other and Human Development—Creating Archbishop Ivan Jurkowich, the head members of the council were an Environment for Thriving Families.” of the mission of the Holy See to the Ms. Atefeh Sadeghi, holder of a United Nations in Geneva, pointed out master’s degree in Peace and Conflict The first speaker, Rev. Dr. Peniel the crucial importance of the family transformation, representing Islam, Rajkumar, executive director of the as the school of humanity and its Mr. Olivier Gravrand representing Interfaith Program of the World essential function in society. Unificationism, Mr. Radnajit Zama,

1–3 | WCC 4 | Africa 6 | Day of 9 | Balkan Geneva Summit Families Conference

2 | UPF Europe & Middle East Newsletter

Letter from the publisher Dr. Katsumi Otsuka, Chairman, UPF Europe & Middle East

Dear Readers, But the central feature of the spring season has been the celebration of the The 2019 World family. Our cover story is the event jointly Summit, held in organized by UPF and the World Council February in Seoul, of Churches at WCC Headquarters in South Korea, has Geneva. Other events have been held and been the foundation co-sponsored by UPF around the world: for a flurry of UPF From mega-church gatherings in Los events around the Angeles and Johannesburg, to city-level world. seminars in Europe and the Middle East, In Albania, former heads of state and the family as the school of love and peace government f rom the Balkan nations needs to be protected and strengthened gathered to launch preparations for the in our world of conflict. Southeast Europe Peace Summit to be held I wish to thank our UPF Ambassadors in Tirana in October. The ongoing challenge for Peace and UPF volunteers for their of peace on the Korean Peninsula has contributions to these remarkable stimulated a series of supporting events in accomplishments. Europe, notably in Moscow. 2

a banker representing Hinduism, Ms. Jamie Morgan, Komenda of the International Organization for Migration a Methodist serving as an assistant to the Interfaith (IOM) mentioned that her organization’s approach, to work executive office of the WCC, representing the protestant with families rather than individuals, is quite new. IOM faith, and Ms. Kamaljit Kaur, representing Sikhism. most recently has become very aware that working with families is crucial in dealing with vulnerable individuals, The first speaker in the session on “War and Crisis Zones: she said, especially victims of human trafficking. Maintaining Familial Resilience” was Professor Dr. Isabel Apawo Phiri, the deputy general secretary of the World The final session on Thriving Families and Social Wellbeing Council of Churches, who laid out briefly what the WCC included Mr. Hafid Ouardiri, President, Fondation de stands for, which is unity among all churches. People want l’Entreconnaissance, Geneva; Deepa Grover, Senior Adviser, to celebrate families today, but one also must meet the Early Childhood Development, UNICEF EU/Central Asia; wounds, she said, which are in quite a few trouble spots Rev. Dr. Peniel Rajkumar, Programme director of the all over the world. WCC on Interreligious activities; Ms. Giovanna Campello, Officer-in-charge, UNODC, Prevention, Treatment, Fr. Pavel Samotovka, Priest, Orthodox community of Rehabilitation; and Dr. Michael Balcomb, President of Prague, Czech Republic, spoke on the Christian concept of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification Europe the family and the destructive effect of war. Ms. Heather & Middle East.

1 The speakers and participants at the close of the conference

2 Professor Dr. Isabel Apawo Phiri, the deputy general secretary of the World Council of Churches

3 Dr. Katsumi Otsuka, Rev. Dr. Peniel Rajkumar, Mr. Heiner Handschin and H.E. Archbishop Ivan Jurkowich

4 Mr. Olivier Gravrand speaking on the 13 th Model-UN Youth Interfaith Council 4 5 5 Dr. Michael Balcomb, President FFWPU Europe & Middle East

UPF Europe & Middle East Newsletter | 3

Excerpts from the International Day of Families Conference at the World Council of Churches Visit www.europe.upf.org/nl5 for the videos with the complete speeches.

H.E. Archbishop Ivan Jurkowich Head of the Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations in Geneva

In recent years, the family has also been The family, in fact, is truly the school of subjected to numerous forces that seek in some humanity which is much needed today. way to deform it, following a secular view of In the family, a person learns endurance, reality which entails a faulty notion of freedom, the joy of work, fraternal love, generosity considered as an autonomous power of self- and forgiving others, and above all the offering affirmation for or against others for one’s own of one’s life in the service of others. In spite of selfish well-being. In light of these challenges, as the various signs of the crisis of the family in the you probably all know, the Synod of the Family, global village, the working document of the Synod which is a meeting in the Catholic Church on states that the desire to marry and form a family singular topics from time to time, that was still remains vibrant and serves as the basis of convened in 2014 and 2015, sent a clear message the church’s need to proclaim untiringly and with on the centrality of the institution of the family. profound conviction the gospel of the family.

Professor Dr. Isabel Apawo Phiri Deputy General Secretary of the World Council of Churches

Unity between churches is what the The WCC member churches have different World Council of Churches stands for, definitions of the family in general; there are and the fellowship of all 350 churches some among the members of the WCC that representing over 500 million Christians hold to Christian traditional values of family, in 120 countries. The churches call each and then we have others that hold what is other to visible unity in witness and service to called progressive family values. However, the world for a just and peaceful world. The WCC what gives us hope in the WCC is that we brings together the Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, hold onto prophetic theology and the WCC Methodist, Reformed, Peace, African indigenous creates a platform for the members to discuss and many other churches. It has a working controversial moral issues. This is possible when relationship with the Roman Catholic Church and working within the framework of the pilgrimage the Pentecostal and Evangelical world bodies, and of justice and peace, which the WCC fellowship such cooperation focuses on issues in which we has embarked on together with its ecumenical can agree to work together. partners and people of goodwill.

4 | UPF Europe & Middle East Newsletter

Africa Summit Inaugurates New Regional Peace Organization Based on a report by Dr. Paterne Zinsou, Secretary General, 1 UPF Af rica, and Dr. William Selig, UPF International

Johannesburg, South Africa—The Africa Summit and Leadership Conference 2019 (ASLC) convened June 7 and 8, 2019, at the Hilton Sandton hotel under the theme “Building a Peaceful and Prosperous Africa Centered on Universal Values.”

More than 450 participants representing 60 nations, including 2 3 many former heads of state and government, parliamentarians, traditional rulers, religious leaders from all faith traditions, members of the international media and women and civil society leaders, attended the event, which included the regional inauguration of the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP).

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan was appointed as 4 Chairman of the African Chapter of the ISCP. On the afternoon of 1 UPF co-founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon addresses June 8, the participants attended the Interfaith Peace and Family the Af rica Summit and Leadership Conference. Blessing Festival at the Orlando Stadium in celebration of the UN- 2 Dr. Prophet Radebe, founder of the Inkululeko designated Global Day of Parents 2019. That program was co-hosted Yesizwe Association and organiser of the event by Universal Peace Federation, its affiliated organization Family 3 The stadium was f illed to capacity for the family Federation for World Peace and Unification, and the South Africa blessing festival. Interfaith Associations. 4 H.E. Goodluck Jonathan being honored as chairman of the Af rican chapter of the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP) World News

National Convocation of IAPD & IAPP in Los angeles By Staffan Berg, Executive Director, UPF Arizona

The National Convocation of the Interreligious Association for 1 Peace and Development (IAPD) and the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) took place at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, Los Angeles, USA, from April 5 to 6, where 25 panellists expounded on “The Role of Religious and Civic Leaders in Realizing Peace in the Family, Nation and World” through 4 sessions to over 200 participants from nine countries.

The first session addressed “The Vision, Universal Values and Work of UPF, IAPD, IAPP, the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) and Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP).” 2 3

1 The panel at the f irst session of the IAPD/IAPP After the conclusion of the Convocation, all participants were bussed convocation. to the City of Refuge Church for the Peace Starts With Me: Blessing 2 City of Refuge pastor Bishop Noel Jones America rally hosted by City of Refuge pastor Bishop Noel Jones. introduced Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon The 60 couples who participated in the convocation were seated in 3 Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon speaking at the City of front to take part in the Marriage Rededication ceremony along with Refuge Church thousands of other couples.

UPF Europe & Middle East Newsletter | 5

Global Day of Parents observed at UN Based on a report by Lynn Walsh, Director, UPF Off ice of Marriage and Family

To commemorate the UN Global Day of Parents 2019, UPF organized a conference on June 11, 2019 at at the United 1 Nations in New York with the theme “Good Parenting Builds Society: The Importance of Motherhood and Fatherhood.” The event was sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Djibouti to the UN and cosponsored by those of Belarus and the Holy See.

The speakers included Erica Komisar, a parenting coach, psychoanalyst and author, who spoke on the “Critical 2 3 First Years of Parent-Child Relationships”; Grace Melton, the Heritage Foundation’s associate for social issues at 1 The conference was organized at the United Nations the United Nations, who addressed the topic of “United in New York. Mothers and Fathers Benefit Children and Social 2 Msgr. Tomasz Grysa, Deputy Permanent Observer, Development”; and Jonathan Schweppe, director of policy Mission of the Holy See to the UN, with Dr. Tageldin and government at the American Principles Project, who Hamad, Director of UPF’s Off ice of UN Relations

stressed the importance of “Promoting the Rights and 3 Grace Melton of the Heritage Foundation

Responsibilities of Both Parents.”

International Day of Families Observed at UN Based on a report by Lynn Walsh, Director UPF Off ice of Marriage and Family

The 25th anniversary of the International Day of Families was 1 celebrated at the UN headquarters in New York, USA, on May 15, 2019 in an event co-sponsored by the UN Group of Friends of the Family and at least 18 UN NGOs, including UPF.

The first panel included representatives from various countries, a senior policy advisor from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the deputy permanent observer of the Holy See, who each spoke about the centrality and important role of the family in society.

The second panel consisted of speakers from civil society, 2 including the two organizing NGOs, the Center for Family and Human Rights and Family Watch International. The 1 The United Nations ECOSOC chamber is the site for the UPF statement, given by Lynn Walsh, emphasized research 25 th anniversary commemoration of the International Day of Families. affirming that married biological mothers and fathers provide their children with the greatest benefits on every 2 Lynn Walsh, director of the UPF Off ice of the Family, speaking at the event. level of well-being.

6 | UPF Europe & Middle East Newsletter

regional News

International Day of Families The annual observance of the International Day of Families reflects the importance the international community attaches to families and their role in development. The 2019 observance focuses on families, family policies and major SDG13 targets:

SDG 13 target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning SDG 13 target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning

Vienna, Austria—Fifty guests attended a conference titled Prague, Czech Republic—UPF held a conference examining “Family as the Basis of a Sustainable Future,” held to com- “Family and the Media” and “Why We Need the Family.” on memorate the International Day of Families on May 17, 2019. May 30, 2019, together with the Civic Institute in the CEVRO Institute, a private university. A diverse group of speakers shared their insights into the theme of the family, including a Conservative Party Speakers included the vice president of the Alliance for the member of parliament heading the Family Committee, the Family, the editor in chief of Conservative Newspapers and president of the Vienna Family Network, diplomats f rom Psychology Today, the director of the Civic Institute and the UN, a medical doctor and prominent representatives a former member of parliament and chair of the Central f rom the f ields of art and culture. European Inspiration.

Oslo, Norway—The UN International Day of Families was Moscow, Russia—The Moscow chapter of UPF organized celebrated under the title “The Family as the Fundamental a flash mob related to the International Day of Families. Unit of Society—What Does It Entail?” About 30 people The action, which took place on May 15, 2019, was aimed attended the event, which was held at Diakonhjemmet at informing citizens about this date and also taking a University College on May 22, 2019. survey to f ind out how much Muscovites know about the Among the speakers were a representative of the Church UN-designated commemoration. of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a researcher f rom the Norwegian Police University College and a former leader of the Nordic Network for Marriage.

Almè, Italy—”Family - Education - Wellness” was the theme of the International Day of Families commemoration held on May 16, 2019 in the Civic Hall of a small town outside the Tirana, Albania—About 120 persons attended a UPF city of Bergamo with the town’s sponsorship. celebration of International Day of Families held in the National History Museum. The event, held on May 15, 2019, Some of the themes discussed were “The Strategic Value of the included the appointment of new Ambassadors for Peace Family for Peace and Social Cohesion,” “The Power of Women,” and a World Peace Blessing. and “Good Relations for Emotional Solidity in the Couple.”

UPF Europe & Middle East Newsletter | 7

Founder’s message

The family is the textbook of love The following is an excerpt f rom “True Families: Gateway to Heaven” by Reverend Sun Myung Moon (2009).

The family is the smallest unit in the kingdom of So, if you can love the people of the whole world heaven. It serves as a training center and a study as much as you love your family, as much as guide. It has all levels of people: grandparents, you love God with your family at the center, parents, husband and wife, and siblings. Each of then this will become a straight road leading these levels can be expanded to include people to the kingdom of heaven. This is why the first in the world at large who are of similar age. commandment is, “You shall love the Lord your This expansion encompasses all humanity. Only God with all your heart, and with all your soul, a family that loves all humanity as much as it and with all your mind.” does its own members, in whom the parents live for the sake of the world as much as The second is, “You shall love your they do for their own sons and neighbor as yourself.” If you daughters, can inherit the love God and love humanity, kingdom of heaven. This everything will be realized. is an amazing fact. The If you cannot do this, any special right to inherit all spiritual training you the power and authority of may have will be of no use. heaven and earth created No matter how great a by God is derived from this. religious person’s spiritual discipline may be, that person The family is the textbook of love will be unsuccessful if he or she that lets us obtain the right to be does not know how to love God, registered in the palace of peace in the humankind and the universe. kingdom of heaven after we die. So, the family is a training ground of love. The extension of The family is meant to provide the formula this family is the world. This is a world that course that trains us to experience love that resembles the grandfather of the family, a world encapsulates the whole universe, so we can go that resembles the grandmother, a world that out and express that love to the whole world. resembles the father and mother, and a world The training ground you were meant to inherit, that resembles the son and daughter. Expand where you experience this kind of love, is the the family, and you have the world. family where your mother and father raised you.

8 | UPF Europe & Middle East Newsletter

regional News 1 Participants and staff gather on the steps of Glory House.

Seaside Seminar for 2 Dr. David Hanna, UPF chair for Northern Europe, gives a presentation on the Ultimate Cause of the universe.

Ambassadors for Peace 3 David Fraser Harris, UPF secretary general for the Middle East, gives a presentation. By Jacques Marion, Regional Vice President, UPF-Europe

Bergen aan Zee, Netherlands—Thirty participants Presentations on the UPF founders’ philosophy of peace gathered at a beautiful North Sea resort town for a included themes such as: the nature of the Ultimate seminar on the “UPF Vision and Peace Principles.” Cause of the universe; the principles of interaction; human freedom and responsibility; the three stages of Held at the Glory House estate from May 10 to 12, life; the causes and resolution of conflict; the principles of 2019, the seminar attracted UPF Ambassadors for restoration through religion; faith and reason in modern Peace, religious leaders and other guests from Austria, European history; and the ideals of interdependence, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Russia and Serbia as well as mutual prosperity and universal values. from the Netherlands. Concluding with a presentation on the UPF peace Beginning with an introduction of the UPF founders’ life initiatives, the seminar was an opportunity for participants and vision, the program included presentations on the to explore the fundamental vision guiding the multiple UPF Principles of Peace alternating with discussions activities of the organization and to gain new insights into and time to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. the achievements of the founders as peacemakers.

regional News

Ukrainian Youth Try Model G20 Summit By UPF-Ukraine

Kyiv, Ukraine—Students were given the chance to be diplomats as they participated in the first G20 Summit 1 Youth Model in Ukraine.

On April 6 and 7, 2019, the National University of Kyiv- Mohyla Academy, in partnership with the Universal Peace Federation and the Cinario Public Organization, held a Model G20 Summit in which the well-known format of negotiations of the G20 was adapted to Ukrainian youth.

2 The model consisted of seven workshops guided by leading Ukrainian specialists in the fields of energy, economics, 1 The delegates consisted of students f rom the hosting journalism and politics, as well as a practical part in which university as well as UPF supporters f rom other nations. participants gathered as delegations representing one of 2 The participants each represented one of the G20 nations the G20 countries. as indicated by their flags.

UPF Europe & Middle East Newsletter | 9

regional News

Leaders Gather at Balkan Conference From reports by UPF Europe and UPF Albania

UPF-Albania organized a Balkan the European Union, while Albanian Leadership Conference on the theme President Rexhep Meidani (1997–2002) “Good Governance and Sustainable assessed the status of each nation in Peace in the Balkans: The Necessity the region applying to join the E.U. of Cooperation—The Challenge of and NATO. Integration.” President Fatmir Sejdiu of Kosovo The conference, held on March 30, (2002–2007) described his country’s 2019, at the Tirana International Hotel, challenges to resist outside brought together 120 participants, interference and to improve education 3 including former heads of state and and internal security, and former 1 Speakers and participants of the government from Albania, Bosnia and Bosnian President Zivko Budimir second session Herzegovina, Croatia and Kosovo, and (2011–2015) analyzed the problems 2 Former Heads of State and more than 30 parliamentarians from caused in his country by the political Government of Balkan nations Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia. configuration inherited from the speaking on the f irst panel

Dayton Agreement. 3 President Moisiu signing the resolution

After the welcoming remarks by UPF Europe & Middle East Finally, former Kosovan Prime Minister The second session, on the theme Chairman Dr. Katsumi Otsuka, the Bajram Kosumi (2004–2005) shared his “Parliamentarian Diplomacy and the panel of former heads of state and vision of a federation including Albania, Role of Parliamentarians for Peace,” government reviewed some of the Kosovo, Montenegro and North was moderated by Hon. Shezai Rrokaj, challenges faced by their countries Macedonia that would empower these coordinator of the Albanian chapter and the Balkan region, beginning countries in their relation to Europe. of the International Association of with Albanian President Alfred Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP). Moisiu (2002–2007), who pointed to After the concluding remarks nationalistic trends and the need to by FFWPU Europe & Middle East Seven members of parliament find common solutions. Chairman Dr. Michael Balcomb, representing three Balkan nations, Hon. Gaqo Apostoli, Chairman of UPF including Professor Dr. Vasilika Croatian President Stjepan Mesic Albania, read the resolution to hold Hysi, deputy chair of the Albanian (2000–2010) emphasized the need the Europe and Middle East Summit Parliament, offered their perspective for Balkan nations to gain a new in Tirana in October, which then was for sustainable development in their European identity through joining signed by all participants. country and the Balkan region.

In our next newsletter

A detailed report on the UPF conference with the theme “The Necessity of Cooperation, the Challenge and the Need for Integration” held on June 7, 2019, in the Assembly Hall of the Kosovo Parliament Building in Pristina, Kosovo

10 | UPF Europe & Middle East Newsletter

regional News

Role of Faith Organizations in Criminal 1 2 Justice 1 The conference was held at Discussed United Nations Headquarters By Peter Haider, president, UPF-Austria in Vienna. 2 Dr. Werner Fasslabend, On May 20, 2019, at the Vienna a former Austrian defense International Centre in Austria, UPF minister organized a side-meeting to the 28th 3 The speakers of the f irst 3 session Session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice regional News entitled “Ethics and Good Governance

Conference at UN Vienna as Applied to Criminal Justice: The Significance of Faith-Based Focuses on Horn of Africa Organizations.” From reports by UPF Europe and UPF Austria The speakers included experts Vienna, Austria— On March 20, 2019, 200 guests attended a conference at the and representatives of NGOs and United Nations headquarters in Vienna titled “Perspectives for Sustainable the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa.” International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID). Organized by the Permanent Mission of Eritrea to the United Nations in Vienna, The following day, after a conference the event was co-sponsored by UPF-Austria, along with the Horn of Africa co-organized by UNODC and KAICIID, Peace Initiative, Awethu Forum to Promote African Unity in Diversity, the UN UPF joined KAICIID in hosting a Correspondents Association Vienna, the Austrian Institute for European and special concert for peace. Security Policy (AIES) and the Women’s Federation for World Peace.

The conference was organized on the foundation of the dramatic change that took place in the Horn of Africa on July 9, 2018, when the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea signed a declaration ending the state of war between the two countries.

Among the speakers were Dr. Martin Nesirky, director of the UN Information Service (UNIS) in Vienna; Dr. Werner Fasslabend, AIES president and former Austrian defense minister; H.E. Mirghani Abbaker Altayeb Bakhet, ambassador The UPF side-meeting to the 28 th Session of Sudan to Austria; H.E. Aden Mohamed Dileita, ambassador of Djibouti to of the Commission on Crime Prevention Germany; H.E. Mahad Ahmed Haji, chargé d’affaires and minister-counselor of and Criminal Justice takes place in the Somalia at UNIDO; Dr. Andreas Melan, Africa Department head at the Austrian Vienna International Centre. Ministry for European and International Affairs; and H.E. Abdulkadir Bakri Hamdan, representative of Eritrea to the UN in Vienna and main organizer of the event.

Visit to Pakistan In March 2019, Mr. Peter Haider, President of UPF Austria, accompanied a delegation to Pakistan consisting of Dr. Werner Fasslabend, former Austrian Minister of Defence, and Dr. Walter Feichtinger, Brigadier General of the Austrian Armed Forces, Director of the Institute for Peace Support and Conflict Management (IFK). They met with various government off icials in Islamabad and Kashmir, as well as participating in a conference at the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (above photo).

UPF Europe & Middle East Newsletter | 11

regional News

International Women’s Day Observed in U.K. Parliament By Anja Toresen, UPF UK

International Women’s Day 2019 was marked by UPF with 1 a program in the House of Lords on March 25 hosted by Baroness Meral Hussein-Ece. Speakers included Madi Sharma, an entrepreneur who heads the Madi Group; Dr. Dan Guinness, director of the Good Lad Initiative; Paola Diana, best-selling author of Saving the World; author and broadcaster Carole Stone, CBE; Wellness advocate Dr. Gill Barham; David Mahoney, whose organization is creating fairer environments; Maisha Sumah, a young mental health 2 expert in the National Health Service; and Ms. Dongsoon 1 The event was held in the House of Lords. Chen and Dr. Michael Balcomb, representing the affiliated 2 The program was hosted by Baroness Meral Hussein-Ece organizations WFWP and FFWPU, respectively. (f ront row, 3 rd f rom left).

regional News

Moscow Roundtable Discusses Asia-Pacific Future and the Korean Peninsula From a report by Marya Nazarova, Secretary General, UPF-Russia

On April 13, 2019, Russian experts on Korea and the Other experts shared their research and vision regarding Asia-Pacific region gathered at a roundtable on “Russia the potential for Korean unification, including Dr. Vladimir and Countries in the Asia-Pacific Region: Toward Peace, Petrovsky, a chief researcher at the Institute of Far Security and Sustainable Development”, to analyze Eastern Studies; Dr. Vladimir Nogai, chair of the Moscow the situation in the region considering the recent Association for the Promotion of Korean Unification and developments on the Korean Peninsula. Mr. Ernest Kim, chair of the Council of Koreans of the Moscow Region. Leading experts from the Russian Academy of Sciences such as Dr. Alexander Zhebin, head of the Center for Dr. Katsumi Otsuka, the regional chair of UPF for Europe, Korean Studies at the Institute of Far Eastern Studies Eurasia and the Middle East, spoke about accompanying and Dr. Alexander Vorontsov, head of the Department of UPF founders, Dr. and Mrs. Moon, on their historic visit to Korea and Mongolia at the Institute of Oriental Studies, Moscow in 1990. Dr. Evgeny Kim, a leading researcher at presented their analyses of the political stakes regarding the Center for Korean Studies and member of the Russian the Korean Peninsula and described the different Academy of Sciences, suggested that Rev. Moon’s approach approaches to security by countries in the region. to Korea’s reunification was a model to be followed.

1 The participants after the conference. 2 The participants watch a presentation about the UPF 1 founders and their efforts in support of Korean reunif ication.

12 | UPF Europe & Middle East Newsletter

Korea Experts Focus on Peaceful Reunification 2 3 4 By Dr. William Selig, UPF International

Seoul, Korea—UPF’s International Joseph DeTrani, special U.S. envoy 1 The International Leadership Leadership Conference convened on the for the Six-Party Talks with North Conference was held at the Lotte Hotel, Seoul, Korea on May 15-17, 2019 theme “Toward Peace and Security in Korea (2003-2006). Northeast Asia: Interdependence, Mutual 2 Dr. Alexander Vorontsov, Head of the Department for Korean and Mongolian Prosperity and Universal Values.” The participants also attended a rally Studies, Institute of Oriental Studies, calling for the peaceful reunification Russian Academy of Sciences The conference, which was held in the of the Korean Peninsula at the 3 Mr. Humphrey Hawksley, World Affairs Lotte Hotel in Seoul from May 15 to 17, Korea International Exhibition Correspondent, BBC of London; former 2019, was attended by 80 senior experts Center (KINTEX) in the suburbs of BBC Beijing Bureau Chief, in Northeast Asian and Korean affairs Seoul. The keynote speaker was United Kingdom from Japan, the United States, the United UPF co-founder Dr. Hak Ja Han 4 Dr. Alexander Zhebin, Director, Kingdom and Russia, and more than 200 Moon and included congratulatory Center for Korean Studies, Institute distinguished local guests, including remarks from Ambassador R. James of Far Eastern Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences the mayor of Seoul, members of South Woolsey Jr., the former director of Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency National Assembly, and Ambassador (1993-1995).

Upcoming events

International Leadership Conference UPF Europe & Middle East Newsletter 15–18 August, Seoul, Korea.

Af rica Summit, 6–7 September, São Tomé and Príncipe Published by Universal Peace Federation Europe 43 Lancaster Gate, London, England, W2 3NA, UK Seminar on UPF Vision and Peace Principles 6–8 September, Glory House, The Netherlands Printed by Flyeralarm GmbH, Alf red-Nobel-Str. 18 Southeast Europe Peace Summit 97080 Würzburg, Germany 25–27 October, Tirana, Albania

contact@europe.upf.org · www.europe.upf.org Inauguration of IAPD 7 November, Parliament, London, United Kingdom Copyright © 2019, Universal Peace Federation. Inauguration of IAPD, November, Rome, Italy All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part See the calendar of events at prohibited except by written permission. www.europe.upf.org/agenda/events