The United Nations' theme of the Culture of Peace has been supported by the Universal Peace Federation and its Founders, Father and Mother Moon. This evening highlighted perspectives on the vision of 'Building a Culture of Peace' from Hon. Faisal Karim Kundi, former Deputy Speaker of Pakistan who is visiting the UK, Keith Best QC, Chair of UPF-UK's Board and Robin Marsh, UPF-UK Secretary General.
Further contributions were made by Dr Mahroof Haj Mohideen MD FRCOG, a Consultant Gynecologist on the importance of health and culture in life and Dr Sandhu who treated the audience to a Hindu peace mantra chant.
Firstly, Robin Marsh explained the ways UPF and its Founders had sought to support the UN's Culture of Peace initiatives. This was followed by Shazada Hyatt, President of UICF who spoke of the great achievements of the Guest of Honour, Hon. Faisal Karim Kundi, who delivered a very passionate speech outlining the progress of democracy and peace in Pakistan. Finally Keith Best QC, referred to 'Building a Culture of Peace' through trade and partnerships among nations.
Further contributions were made by Dr Mahroof Haj Mohideen MD FRCOG, a Consultant Gynaecologist on the importance of health and culture to the quality of life. Dr Sandhu treated the audience to a Hindu peace mantra chant. Margaret Ali, Director of UPF UK gave the vote of thanks to the speakers and adding her wisdom on the ways to build a culture of peace.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of two awards to Hon. Faisal Karim Kundi. The first was a Universal Peace Federation Ambassador for Peace award and the second a UICF award from Shazada Hyatt President of UICF. The award was presented by Robin Marsh, Secretary General of UPF UK, Keith Best QC, Chair of UPF UK, Shazada Hyatt and Margaret Ali, Director of UPF UK.
Moses Wawich Thok, a PHD student studying Peace Studies at Bradford University, enjoyed the event organised by UPF. He felt discussing peace was necessary in relation to the acts of cultural violence currently on-going in South Sudan. Moses also said he “learned we need to have a culture of peace. It has to be done through education and we have to let communities come together and do things together so that they can find something that is common between them and instead of something that divides them, they must look for the things that unites them”. Moses mentions he is looking forwards to attending more UPF conferences and events in the future.