#WorldSummit2022 Programme - World Summit 2022 Brochure Flipbook
Video: https://fb.watch/b8HHnshAOd/
The Universal Peace Federation 'Summit for Peace Assembly & One Million Rally' included a wide array of global figures crossing political and geographical borders convened mostly virtually due to covid 19 restrictions from 9 am (KST) in Cheongshim Peace Center in Gapyeong Province, South Korea, February 13, 2022.
It was co-chaired by H.E. Ban Ki-moon former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen of the Kingdom of Cambodia and hosted by UPF Co-Founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. It concluded with the #WorldSummit2022 Seoul Resolution and several #ThinkTank2022 proposals in Prime Minister’s Hun Sen’s Keynote Address. He said (in paraphrased notes):
‘Mutual prosperity and greater interdependence are interlinked with peace. The peace of the Korean peninsula cannot be separated from peace in the wider region and world. It should not be seen as solely a realm for buffer states between greater powers and a geopolitical struggle. He saw a Korea that was divided by land but not by blood. He considered that the two nations should co-exist with different political systems to allow the Korean people the opportunity to reconcile. A Cambodian adage says ‘We cannot cut the bloodline We cannot cut water.’ Culture is a critical source of peace and reunification. The Korean people’s desire for reunification is based on a long proud history of national identity.
‘I believe the two states toward one nation, one people one peninsula one culture initiative is practical and achievable because it is aimed at promoting cultural exchanges and people to people ties between the two Koreas.’ It is a low-hanging fruit that we can easily pick and be inspired by the UPF policy of shared values, mutual respect, mutual understanding, trust, and prosperity.
Prime Minister Hun Sen outlined the potential of a united Korea for its contribution to the regional and world economy and culture. He proposed the following:
- Transform the DMZ into a safe and open cultural corridor it can provide a platform for cultural performance art exhibitions and other cultural exchanges.
- The two Koreas should cooperate under the framework of UNESCO to create the necessary condition for dialogue based upon respect for commonly shared values.
- The two Koreas should work together to advance the Korean culture, connecting the Korean civilisation to the other civilisations and jointly develop culture-based tourism and innovation. Full diplomacy for instance can be jointly promoted by the two Koreas.
I call upon the sector leaders of the two nations to give input towards the one nation, one peninsula, one people, one culture initiative so that we can translate this concept into practical, achievable, and concrete action. Trust can only be built on action, not empty promises.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
World Summit 2022
SEOUL RESOLUTION
“Toward Sustainable Peace and Prosperity on the Korean Peninsula”
Recognizing that the Korean War, which started in 1950, was concluded with an armistice, not a peace treaty, leaving the once unified Korean Peninsula divided, despite being populated by a people with a common history, culture, and language;
Acknowledging that the tragic conflict resulted in approximately 3 million fatalities and leaving a legacy of bitter suffering and distrust between the people of the two Koreas;
Believing that the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula is imperative for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond;
Appreciating the commitment of the Founders of the Universal Peace Federation, Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon for their dedication over the past several decades through many initiatives aiming at promoting peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula;
Commending the Universal Peace Federation, through its many programs, in particular the World Summit series, the Rally of Hope series, the International Leadership Conferences, and Think Tank 2022 Forum, for its contributions to peace, reconciliation and mutual prosperity on the Korean Peninsula;
Acknowledging the value of UPF’s collaborative and multi-sectoral approach to peace through its primary associations, such as the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP), the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD), the International Media Association for Peace (IMAP), the International Association for Economic Development (IAED), the International Association of Academicians for Peace (IAAP), the International Association of First Ladies for Peace (IAFLP), and the International Association of Art and Culture for Peace (IAACP);
Recognizing that the UPF’s World Summit series contribute to the advancement of sustainable peace, stability and mutual prosperity on the Korean Peninsula;
Appreciating the outstanding work of the UPF’s Co-Founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, and the Co-Chairs of the Organizing Committee, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Laureate of the Sunhak Peace Prize 2022, and H.E. Ban Ki[1]moon, former Secretary General of the United Nations;
Acknowledging the dedication and contribution of Samdech Techo Hun Sen to the peace, prosperity and progress in the Mekong region and the advancement of the ASEAN Community; and
Underlining the tremendous value of the World Summit 2022, the Interfaith Summit, the Global Assembly of the ISCP, the Sunhak Peace Prize Award Ceremony, and the Million Rally for Peace.
We, current and former Heads of State/Government, Parliamentarians, high-level representatives, religious leaders, academicians, business and media leaders, First Ladies, women leaders, and artists participating in the World Summit 2022, resolved to work collaboratively to:
1. Urge the two Koreas and the international community to pursue bilateral and multilateral diplomatic approaches to avoiding military confrontations, maintaining and promoting peace, stability, and predictability, and increasing mutual understanding and confidence towards a complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula;
2. Call upon parties concerned to pursue a constructive dialogue with mutual respect and acknowledgment of each other’s security interests and concern based on the shared cultural heritage of the two Koreas;
3. Promote confidence-building measures, trust-building programs, and preventive diplomacy involving major stakeholders working on the Korean Peninsula;
4. Offer proposals and platforms for constructive dialogue and consultation based on the spirit of friendship and brotherhood that serve the interests of the Korean people and build a pathway towards a peace treaty on the Korean Peninsula;
5. Explore ways to utilize the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to advance peace on the Korean Peninsula through the development of cultural corridors and tourism infrastructure, and the deployment of non-military personnel at the DMZ as peace guardians;
6. Encourage concerning parties to develop cooperation projects in tourism, sports, culture, and education in the DPRK and beyond;
7. Promote multi-sectoral development frameworks to enhance food security and public health cooperation between the Korean Peninsula and the Mekong region and beyond through the Mekong Peace Park Project;
8. Work towards the normalization of the relations between the two Koreas so that the people will be able to reap the maximum benefits of the untapped potentials that both states have to offer, in particular in political, economic, cultural, humanitarian, healthcare, educational, social (youth and sports), and infrastructure areas;
9. Strengthen multi-stakeholder dialogue and collaboration on cultural connectivity and digital and creative industries to leverage the pivotal role of the international community in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula;
10. Encourage the international community to support the principles of zero tolerance for war, mutual security assurance, and joint prosperity and to make continued efforts to advance a peaceful resolution and a new culture of reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula;
11. Promote track 1.5 diplomacy and track 2 dialogue and use a soft power approach to advancing peaceful reunification of the two Koreas under the framework of the “One Peninsula, One People, One Culture” by utilizing and promoting people-to-people ties, cultural resources, and connectivity to serve as a bridge of trust connecting the two Koreas;
12. Support the construction of the “Korea-Japan Undersea Tunnel” as a medium of regional integration, connectivity, and peace;
13. Explore a possibility for joint business venture projects between the two Koreas and with other major economic stakeholders as well as collaboration with other international organizations and fora such as the G20, ASEAN and others;
14. Work towards the realization of the Asia Pacific Union (APU), which was adopted at the Asia Pacific Summit in Phnom Penh in 2019 through the Mekong Asia-Pacific Initiative (MAPI);
15. Reaffirm the principle of mutual respect, mutual understanding, mutual trust, and the mutual interest for peace and prosperity (M4P2) and the promotion of international order based on the UN Charter and international law; and
16. Establish a partnership committee consisting of members of the Think Tank 2022, UPF associations, and other stakeholders to carry out an action plan for the peace projects and other proposals to be adopted in contributing to the realization of sustainable peace, prosperity, and progress on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.
This Resolution is adopted and signed on this day, February 13, 2022, in Seoul, the
Republic of Korea, at the World Summit 2022
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Programme:
9:00 AM Summit for Peace Assembly & One Million Rally Cheongshim Peace Center
Opening Performance
Entrance of Flagbearers and Dignitaries
Peace Anthem
Peace Message and Prayer
Pastor Paula White-Cain, Spiritual Advisor to President Donald J. Trump
Today, we thank God for bringing together such distinguished leaders from all faiths, nations and backgrounds who seek to open the way for the two Koreas to build trust and open the way to peace.
I wish to thank His Excellency Samdech Hun Sen, the Prime Minister of the Royal Kingdom of Cambodia, the Members of Congress, Vice President Pence, Secretary Pompeo, all the Heads of State, First Ladies, Faith leaders and the world-class leadership from various fields of politics, media, economics, religion, arts, academia, science and more who have made this conference such a great success.
Dr. Young Ho Yoon, your leadership as the Director of the Universal Peace Federation is outstanding and exemplary. We applaud you over and over.
I want to honor and thank you Mother Moon for your great work as a spiritual leader who loves the Lord and seeks to bring and comfort God’s Heart in all the conflict Areas of the World.
Your faith and courage is very moving, especially having passed through many trials, persecution and misunderstanding.
As I stated yesterday, You are the epitome of (Matthew chp 5).. Specifically, v9) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God”. “Peacemakers” are ones who bravely declare God’s terms which makes someone whole… They are those who promote God’s “shalom”, total well-being both personally and communally. You have heroically dedicated your life to this and activated many who have now joined you.
You and your late husband, Rev. Moon have been unwavering in your faith and commitment to move forward and carry the vision of a “Grand Project” for peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula, which initiated 30 years ago in 1991 with your visit to North Korea. You could have lost your life from this visit to meet Kim IL Sung. However, I believe that the unconditional love you have practiced, taught and walked in created a divine opportunity.
You have stood against communism because it denies the existence of God and advocates that material is the only reality. However, you have not stood against people or the leaders of the communist countries. For you believe if they can turn to God they too can be saved.
Because of that love something happened that touched the heart of Chairman Kim and created dialog and communication to continue with his son and grandson for over 30 years now.
There are many experts here within their field that respectfully shared several aspects in solving the problem of unifying North and South Korea.
Yes, American allies, America, Korea and Japan must remain united and we call on all nations –
Those that support China, Russia and DPRK and other nations that can be a bridge to unify the Korean Peninsula.
Cambodia has become a bridge between China and America as it has moved towards friendship and cooperation with the USA.
We can reflect back on the enormous suffering that Cambodia and Vietnam went through and now see how they are growing economically in very significant ways.
They are supporting Mother Moon’s great efforts for Peace and this is vital.
America must turn to God and be a moral and substantial force for peace in NE Asia.
We must be strong to defend our nations and bring balance but at the same time we must engage in dialogue. Engagement means that we seek ways to find common ground for security, prosperity and peace.
That’s why I want to thank Sec. Pompeo who together with President Trump did so much to bring dialogue and understanding. Being the First President and Sec. of State to engage directly with the North Korean Leader.
President Trump made possible a new plan for peace on the Korean Peninsula through North Korea policies that are unprecedented in US history. We saw the “possibility” ..
However, we know that true peace can only be fully achieved with faith. We must bring God directly into the equation. With man it may be impossible BUT with God “all things are possible” (Matt 19:26)
Samdech Dr. Khy Sovanratana, Deputy Secretary General of the Supreme Sangha Council of Cambodia
Welcome Remarks:
H.E. Ban Ki-moon, Co-Chair, World Summit 2022
Prayers by Korean Religious Leaders
Keynote Address I: International Summit Council for Peace
Speaker:
Hon. Donald J. Trump, President (2017-2021), United States
H.E. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister (2012-2020), Japan - message
3rd Think Tank 2022 Forum Keynote Address:
Today, in honoring Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and all of you, I would like to express my profound thanks for your tireless efforts through UPF in resolving disputes in the world, especially in relation to the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula.
We will need passionate leaders if we are to achieve solidarity between countries sharing freedom and democracy, maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and achieve peaceful reunification on the Korean Peninsula.
H.E. José Manuel Barroso, Chair of the Sunhak Peace Prize (SHPP) Selection Committee
H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, President of Nigeria
Your excellencies and distinguished participants at the World Summit 2022,
I am delighted to join you at this Summit focusing on the theme "reconciliation and peace in the Korean Peninsula through multi-sectoral peacebuilding initiative in Asia and in the world". Thanks for the invitation from Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen and His Excellency Ban Ki-Moon. I commend Dr Hak Ja Han Moon, the founder of UPF, and her team for their continuous advocacy for sustainable peace in the world. I also commend world leaders who have spared the time to be in the Summit at this challenging time.
World Summit 2022 is a testament to the commitment and passion of world leaders to be part of the peaceful resolution of the challenges of the world and its development. The Korean Peninsula has been a flashpoint of conflict, which has lingered for many decades, and therefore deserving the attention of world leaders for a peaceful resolution. The Korean situation, as defined by its history and geography, is unique in the sense that it is the only nation in the asia-pacific region that remains divided since the Cold War era. Peace on the Korean Peninsula has far-reaching implications to the region, if not to the World at large.
The Nigerian government encourages and supports every effort to promote understanding and a commitment to peace among the governments and people of both Koreas, and has, for a long time, maintained relations with them at ambassadorial level. We have enjoyed cordial relations with both Koreas in trade and commerce, education, cultural exchange and technology transfer. And so, when it comes to what needs to be done to ensure a lasting peace on the peninsula, we are happy to be part of it. All countries have one crisis or another that they are dealing with. What is important is the commitment to arrive at a true and lasting peace through the most peaceful process. Let me cite a few examples of the issues we are dealing with in Nigeria.
A- We have designed, and we are implementing a comprehensive peace plan for the Northeast region of Nigeria which has been thrown into an insurgency in recent years.
B- We are equipping the Nigerian Security Forces to enable them to effectively contain the contemporary security challenges facing the Nigerian Society in line with modern rules of engagement.
C- We are establishing Army and Air Force universities as a platform and long-term plan for institutionalizing the practice of peacebuilding and conflict management among young Nigerians.
D- We have initiated many entrepreneurial economic projects to address youth movement and unemployment.
At the regional level, our administration has shown, and will continue to provide, strong support to peace initiatives and efforts in the West African sub-region. We shall continue to pioneer and collaborate with all such efforts in resolving conflicts and bringing lasting peace and security to the West African sub-region. On the world stage, such an initiative as the establishment of an International Think Tank on views on the Korean Peninsula with the Universal Peace Federation is highly welcomed development. We are open to continuous partnerships with both local and international organizations, such as the Universal Peace Federation to achieve lasting peace in the world.
I am optimistic that if we prioritize mutual cooperation and peaceful coexistence, the growth and prosperity of humanity is assured. Let us all join in the efforts, and commit to achieving a just and peaceful world based on these principles. I wish the Summit beautiful deliberations.
Peace Performance I
Keynote Address II:
Hon. Mike Pence, Vice President (2017-2021), United States
Hon. Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State (2018-2021), United States
Mr. Jim Rogers, Chairman, Beeland Enterprises
Keynote Address III:
Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, Co-chair, World Summit 2022
Peace Performance II by the Little Angels
Founder’s Address:
Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon
World Summit 2022 Seoul Declaration
Closing
PEACE SUMMIT
Speeches from the Americas:
Hon. Donald J. Trump, President (2017-2021), United States
Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister (2006-2015), Canada
Hon. Richard Cheney, Vice President (2001 2009), United States
The global pandemic has put every country to the test with disruptive consequences for practically every organization yet the work of UPF continues, and that is a credit to the energy in the dedication of Dr. Moon. Since founding UPF 15 years ago, she has assembled a broad diverse network of leaders and concerned citizens and made it a respected influence for the good.
America and our friends stand for the independence of nations, for the self-determination of peoples, and for justice under the rule of law. Those are ideals that always need defending, and we should do so with confidence that they speak to everyone in every culture and every part of the world. That is certainly the spirit of this online gathering, and I am honored you asked me to be a part of it.
H.E. Michel Temer, President (2016-2018), Brazil
I also especially want to thank Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon whose vision and work for peace has extended beyond her country, the Republic of Korea, and has spread throughout the world. I am a witness to this fact.Therefore, the theme of this World Summit 2022 “Towards peace on the Korean Peninsula” is very timely, as it will bring development not only to the Peninsula, but also to all of Asia and the world. It is a global meeting because the world deserves peace.
Through the World Summit, therefore,it is possible to promote the ideals of interdependence, mutual prosperity and shared universal values that have been the slogan of the UPF and its global network of Ambassadors for Peace.
Hon. Dan Quayle, Vice President (1989-1993), United States
We know that true peace comes about when people can unite and the best way to come together is to recognize that there are universal values that can serve as a compass setting for everyone. I know this is one of the key pillars of UPF along with interdependence and mutual prosperity. And I applaud you all for shining the light on universal values that all people can share.
That is why I support one of the main themes of UPF. That we are One Family Under God. That is a positive and powerful message.
H.E. Anthony Carmona, President (2013-2019), Trinidad and Tobago
The Universal Peace Federation (UPF), under the astute leadership of founder and host Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon must be highly commended for convening World Summit 2022, addressing these critical imperatives of reconciliation and peace in the Korean Peninsula.
We are fortified by the distinguished leadership and presence of our co-chairs, Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the former United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon.
International mobilization through vibrant advocacy and genuine global cooperation and collaboration can achieve peace, giving credence to the intergenerational and intragenerational hope for a United Korean people.
H.E. Federico Franco, President (2012-2013), Paraguay
My gratitude and appreciation to UPF, in the person of Father Moon and Mother Moon, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon who always invites us, we also want to thank Prime Minister Hun Sen of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Ban Ki Moon, former Secretary general of the United Nations.
What is impossible for us is possible for God, and we speak to God by praying. Prayer continues to be the best weapon we have for the return of Peace in the Korean Peninsula,
now is a good time to reflect, it is a good time to pray and all of you in Seoul are not alone, in all the countries of the planet we are praying for Peace between the two Koreas
Speeches from Europe and Africa:
H.E. José Manuel Barroso, Prime Minister (2004-2004), Portugal; European Union Commission President (2004-2014) said he followed several “peace processes,” including that of war-torn Angola. Although Angolan leaders were tempted to partition the nation, they found ways to work through their differences as one nation. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he added, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
H.E. Romano Prodi, Prime Minister (2006-2008), Italy; European Union Commission President (1999-2004); UN Special Envoy for the Sahel
I want to start my conversation with you by giving a deep, deep, deep thanks to the founder of UPF, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, and to the vice-chairman Dr. Samdech Hun Sen, and to Ban Ki-moon, the former Secretary General of the United Nations, with whom I worked so happily for such a long time.
You are doing a great job, making any effort to unify Korea, but respecting human rights, having the sense of history that drives you to this effort for reunification.
This is a win-win process. Nobody will be damaged by Korean reunification. We have only positive outcomes: trade; increase of GDP; wealth, and scientific progress.
You are one country, with one language, with one common history.
My wish is that this stronger link between people of the North and South will be a precondition for unification. The pandemic of division will end. Thank you so much for your patience.
H.E. Dominique de Villepin, Prime Minister (2005-2007), France
Our world is facing huge uncertainties and tensions because we are going through a massive transition, aggravated by the impact of the world pandemic:
What’s the possible response? After the “strategic patience” of Obama and the
“maximal pressure” of Donald Trump, followed by a spectacular policy of rapprochement in 2018, Joe Biden is looking for a new approach combining carrot and stick, sanctions and diplomacy. But while sanctions have proved not very effective in the past, Pyongyang can also count on the veto support of Russia and China, in the UN Security Council. We are in a defining moment:
South Korea is due to have presidential elections next March, the US are preparing their midterm elections, and the decisive 20th Chinese Party Congress will take place at the end of the year. In this context, the Korean Peninsula could be the ground of an exemplary pathway to peace.
In order to have a fruitful dialogue the strategy should be based on political, cultural and social interactions responding to the aspirations of both people and regimes.
H.E. José María Aznar, Prime Minister (1996-2004), Spain
In this context of increasing geopolitical tensions in international relations, the work of an institution such as Universal Peace Federation and its efforts to build peace and dialogue among nations, especially to contribute to a dialogue on peace on the Korean Peninsula, is more necessary than ever.
We must work toward building trust, mutual respect, reconciliation, and cooperation.
In this process, the United States as well as China and Russia can contribute constructively. Cooperation between civil societies is one of the keys to gaining popular support for future negotiations.
I am sure that the Universal Peace Federation Summit will contribute to this important process of searching for constructive solutions to a conflict that has been going on for too long.
H.E. Ilir Meta, President of Albania
My deepest gratitude goes to the Founder of the Universal Peace Federation, Doctor Hak Ja Han Moon - and the two co-chairs of the World Summit: His Excellency Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen of the Kingdom of Cambodia - and His Excellency Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary General of the United Nations.
Distinguished guests, Peace on the Korean peninsula is of great importance. A breakthrough of peace on the Korean peninsula would reflect globally.
If peace will be the cornerstone of every nation and every generation, then the 38th parallel can become a symbol of peace rather than division.
Thanking you once again for this important summit, I wish that peace prevails in the Korean peninsula and the entire world.
H.E. Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of Kosovo
Reverend Moon teaches us that peace flourishes where there is justice, and justice requires repentance, which must be accompanied by restitution.
The people of Kosovo and of South Korea share a similar path of suffering under occupation and of struggle for freedom. We are among rare, peaceful people who were invaded, often fought continuously against invaders, but we've never invaded others, and we survived the genocidal attempts for our extermination.
Freedom beams and seeks peace and to attain lasting peace, all of us must do our part wherever we are. Thank you.
H.E. Mohamed El Baradei, Vice President (2013), Egypt; Director-General, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (1997-2009)
H.E. Macky Sall, President of Senegal; Chairperson, African Union
I thank you once again, Honorable Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and all the members of your federation, for the time and considerable efforts that you continue to devote to the safeguarding of our common humanity.
This future is conditioned by our choices, from the most obscure to the most enlightened:
There is the obscure choice of war that consecrates the triumph of violence over peace, of death over life. There is the enlightened choice of Peace, which germinates in wisdom, and guides action towards progress and human fraternity. As laureate of the SunHak Peace Prize, I join you in the enlightened choice of Peace.
H.E. George Weah, President, Liberia
It is my fervent hope and prayer that soon there will be a reunification of Korea.
Allow me to express my gratitude to the creator of the Universal Peace Federation, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, who is a courageous champion for peace through inter-dependence, mutual prosperity, and universal values.
I believe the Universal Peace Federation stands in a central position to help resolve the crisis on the Korean peninsula.
H.E. Carlos Vila-Nova, President of São Tomé and Príncipe
The peaceful coexistence between peoples and between people individually considered is a universal good because we know from the teachings of history that peace is an essential critical condition for man and society to realize and develop fully,
I wish therefore on behalf of the people of Sao Tome and Principe and on my own congratulate Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon for the spirit of mission that has marked so indelibly her commitment, her cry audible in all latitudes for Universal Peace and for the peaceful unification of their brothers of the two Koreas.
H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, President (2010-2015), Nigeria
Our Dear Mother Moon, the Mother of Peace,
It is a time to reflect on the Vision of Peace, Reconciliation and Harmonious co-existence, which Rev. Moon lived and pursued with vigor.
I urge the leaders of Korea to be open to continuous partnerships with both local and international organizations in order to achieve lasting peace in the peninsula and the world.
Let the healing of the world begin with the Re-unification of the Korean Peninsula.
Once again, to all world Leaders, let us reflect on the vision of Rev. Sun Myung Moon, and promote policies, programs and initiatives that will bring
PEACE AND HARMONY TO OUR WORLD.
May the world stand with Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon
H.E. Adolphe Tiao, Prime Minister (2011-2014), Burkina Faso
Happy Birthday and long life with good health to our True Mother
Distinguished guests, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon has always said that peace on the Korean peninsula is intimately linked to world peace. She has never separated the reconciliation between the two Koreas from the struggle to bring the world to live in peace.
True Mother, the Mother of Peace, is constantly multiplying her initiatives on all continents, involving many leaders in the world and all men and women whose influence can affect peace in her endeavor.
Prayer
Speeches from Asia-Pacific:
Keynote Address by President Maithripala Sirisena President (2015-2019), Sri Lanka
Excellencies, Distinguished Participants, Ladies, and Gentlemen,
I am happy to be here at this Summit and to deliver a Keynote address. Thank you. When a South Korean invite is mentioned, beyond the invitation, Sri Lankans reminisce the long-standing friendship between our two countries. As a sibling, South Korea has treated us especially in the fields of economic assistance, investments, technology, employment for our labor, youth affairs, and international transactions. At the outset, I mention them with great happiness and gratitude.
To start with, let me with deep respect recognize the hosts - Excellency Ban Ki-Moon, the former UN Secretary-General, whom I have personally known well since 2015, Cambodian Prime Minister Excellency Samdech Hun Sen, Dr. Thomas G Walsh, the Chairman, Universal Peace Foundation (UPF), and the Director-General of the UPF, Dr, Yun Young-ho.
Secondly, as a lover of peace, I recognize the pious objective of the Summit, which is of universal concern, which is “Peace on the Korean Peninsula.”
Thirdly, I respectfully recognize the intended outcome of the Summit, which in simple terms is to bring together collective experiences, wisdom, and insights critically required to build mutual understanding, sustainable peace, and prosperity to the world.
In addition, I recognize the setting of the Summit in Seoul. In addition to the beauty of Seoul, it is because of the historical importance of reunification of Korea- the North and South. There is a long history of efforts to unify the divided two geographical units, created by internal and external involvements. This status has created economic downturns and suffering, especially in the North, though revival has happened voluminously in the South.
This had been the case in some other non-reunified troubled countries too. Unified states have triumphed. The German experience is a good example of collapsing of the separating wall and building a strong economy. Vietnam exhibited another novel political institutional arrangement, and now a bubbling economy. These two countries achieved unification in two ways.
I quote Kohler, a commentator who stated four takeaways from the German experience of reunification: They were: First: Get ahead of developments, prepare to expect the improbable, and have the guts to lead, second: Keep your promises and make sure others are aware of it. Three: Foreign policy begins at home, and, finally, do not go it alone. I hope those who are following unification would note these learned lessons.
Due to the potential political and economic downturn, sometimes certain populations resist unification. It happens mostly in the sector or unit where economic status is affluent. Studies have proved this status even in the case of Koreas. It is due to migration that may be caused by a unification exercise that could negatively affect the lives of the affluent people. However, economic affluence is also predicted due to unification. In such a background, some argue that other factors such as shared history, culture, language, traditions, etc. should motivate unification.
The historical perimeters of the two Koreas are complex, though well known to this noble audience. I may approach the issues from our experiences in Sri Lanka, less known to many over here. It is because the Summit expects sharing collective experiences, wisdom, and insights.
Our ethnic communities were united for generations throughout the history of Sri Lanka. Though there were aberrations in relationships, total segregation was prevented, and they remained as friends, upon culture, religion, traditions, and beliefs-wise, etc. When foreign powers were ruling Ceylon, which is now known as Sri Lanka, especially towards the mid-twentieth century, our leaders fought unitedly for independence from the British, irrespective of the languages they spoke, religions they professed, ethnic groups they belonged to.
However, due to several domestic reasons, sometimes fueled by foreign influences who wished to divide and rule, hatred, jealousy, animosity was developed, and unity was compromised and jeopardized. This led to political conflicts which were later converted to violence against the state and to open violence in the streets, cities, villages, and jungles. Though we are a small island of 65,000 square kilometers the demand by an ethnic terrorist group was for a separate state. Certain arrangements were made by our governments several times to settle this issue, and even had a ceasefire brokered by Norway in 2002, but ultimately everything failed. This is another lesson we can share on failures one could experience, on the way to peace or unification.
This type of failure is observed even in the Korean environment. I may quote a commonly known episode to prove my stand. The spring and summer of 2018 saw an extraordinary rapprochement between the two Koreas. It led to successive face-to-face meetings. They culminated with a visit of South Korean President Moon Joe-in to Pyongyang. This visit followed several joint declarations, agreements, hotlines, and other confidence-building measures, including an inter-Korean liaison office in Kaesong, close to the demilitarized zone. It was the first full-time communication channel and was an ‘embassy’ between the two sides, still at war. In June 2020 it was blasted by North Korea, which resulted in blasting much of the progress made in two years. This is the complexity and unpredictability one experiences in unification or finally peacebuilding.
The terrorists in Sri Lanka did similar things to us and consequently the peace processes we carried out failed. Instead of peacemaking, we did battle it out. It is not a good lesson to learn., because war is the bitterest treatment of people. However, this is the way politics, war, egos, personalities sometimes react to certain peacebuilding, reunifying efforts.
Excellency Ban Ki-Moon as the Secretary-General of the UN did his utmost to bring peace, reconciliation, democratic control of the situation after the conflict was over in May 2009. I believe in peace and avoidance of war, and conflict should not be the answer to any aberrations. What we require at such a point is confidence-building between parties and rebuilding the economies. Therefore, Sri Lanka stepped into reconciliation, basing our actions on the internationally acclaimed “four pillars of reconciliation.”
Of course, the internationals anticipated and demanded extremely revolutionary and immediate remedial actions. They are lofty expectations, but unfortunately, the expected speed does not reflect in the execution of reconciliatory mechanisms. Ours was a conflict of more than 25 years. Korea is about 70 years. Reconciling competing interests and horrific pasts do not happen quickly, because scars are deep-rooted and thus adamancy rules. Egos prosper. Hence, patience is required, which reminds me of the statement made by the Japanese business tycoon Konosuke Matsushita “Storms may pass, patience is a virtue.” Therefore, step-by-step movement may be preferred here too. But what we need is not a step backward, but always a consistent step forward.
The economic impact on us was severe and we are still paying for such sectarian behavior. This too is not only a lesson to us in Sri Lanka. Many experiences are observed in proximity and far away too. United efforts always give better yields. Of course, the need may arise for people to sacrifice certain conveniences and comforts enjoyed before reunification or peacemaking, especially in socio-economic spheres. This was the German experience just after the unification and will happen elsewhere too.
However, governments, bilateral and multilateral internationals must find solutions to integrate, make peace, unify quarreling groups, militaries, and countries. It is because war, conflict does not have winners. There are no short or instant solutions. Ours is an excellent example. I have learned that there had been studies done even in Korea and opposition to reunification has been observed. Though short-term difficulties could be observed, one must look at the long-term effects.
Our conflict was over in May 2009. Still, twelve years later we have not found a firm power-sharing mechanism or fulfilled total reconciliation as expected by international standards. The experiences in the unification of Germany and Vietnam show how two contrasting political ideologies could positively merge. It could happen even in Korea similarly since the two political systems differ. Though such conflicts may occur regarding Korea, one may reconsider the situation in the light of common language, culture, traditions, living patterns which are binding glues for sustainable integration.
. Possession of resources and technology to manufacture long-range missiles and shoot them from deserts or sub-marines, etc. is insufficient for integration or unification. Threatening nuclear attacks is insufficient for the same. What good such missiles and nuclear armaments serve the people positively? Similarly, it is not drawing a line on the 38th latitude. Marking boundaries based on surveyor’s lines have not solved issues with our neighbors as seen even today from the Radcliffe Line between India and Pakistan, and Chief British negotiator, Sir Henry McMahon’s line dealing with the boundaries of Tibet, China, Bhutan, and even India. Conflicts continue for decades and even today on these boundary lines. Again, I say, it is not an easy task, especially when such threatening warmongering hawks control decision-making.
I may quote the greatest Indian next to Lord Buddha- Mahatma Gandhi who said, “Was not war itself a crime against God and humanity, and therefore, were not all those who sanctioned, engineered and conducted wars, war criminals?” We have the choice in front of us. Do we sanction, engineer, and conduct wars and become war criminals or go by Martin Luther King Junior who said “It is not enough to say we must not wage war. It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it?”
Let us swear that we will not be warmongers and war criminals but peacemakers and sacrifice in whatever way required because the effects will be universal and benefit humanity forever with bestowed peace. I remain wishing sincerely that such a strong willingly sacrificing group will emerge also from this Summit.
Thank you very much for listening to me patiently.
H.E Mahinda Rajapaksa, Current Prime Minister, President (2004-2005), Sri Lanka
The contributions of the co-founders of the Universal Peace Federations are admirable.The proposal to the family of Asia-Pacific nations to establish an Asia-Pacific Union is a visionary idea, and I hope we can discuss further to materialize it. I take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to the Universal Peace Federation. Thank you.
H.E. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, President (2001-2010), The Philippines
Prime Minister Hun Sen, Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, thank you for the honor you have given me of addressing you.
Korea can eventually become a shining example to the world of how peace can arise from conflict. Today, there exists a great disparity in incomes between North and South. Some analysts see this disparity reflected in the specter of hunger in the North.
This disparity provides opportunities for mending fences, by way of genuine initiatives on the part of the South to close the income gap. Hopefully, persistence and dedication to continued communications between North and South will make this possible.
There will be no shortage of naysayers pointing to past failed efforts. But forging peace requires that we don’t stop at our last failure, but sustain our dream of harmony with ever more renewed peace-building. That, we see exemplified in the Korean Peninsula.
Let Korea’s example teach the world that peace can thrive if humanity can collaborate, communicate, and develop together.
H.E. Deve Gowda, Prime Minister (1996-1997), India
Universal Peace Federation Founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon
His Excellency Hun Sen, the Prime Minister of Cambodia
We live in interesting times. We may not have seen stranger times in recent memory. We may be living in one such season, but our duty is not just to live and endure the times, but to take stock of it, calibrate the crisis, mitigate risks, and find lasting solutions. It is from this point of view that summits and conferences like these are extremely useful. We get an opportunity to discuss, deliberate and commiserate each other's plight, and the plight of the world in general.
But, I wish to congratulate the UPF's persistent efforts to build peace, harmony, inter-faith understanding, and enable partnerships for resolution of conflicts.
H.E. Leni Robredo, Vice President, The Philippines
Today, we come together in this great hall to recommit ourselves to values and ideals that bind us as one global community: the preservation of peace, the protection of human rights, and the relentless pursuit of justice, freedom, and democracy among our nations.
Seventy years ago, when war broke out on the Korean Peninsula, the Philippines became the first Asian country to send contingent forces to aid South Korea.
Right then and there, on the battlefield, a lasting brotherhood was formed between the Filipino and Korean nations — a connection forged by blood, a shared commitment to freedom, and a friendship that has lasted throughout the uncertainties and shifting loyalties of our world.
In the same spirit, we are called today to step up and lend a hand in our collective pursuit of peace, security, and human development.
Today's gathering is an important step in rebuilding a new brand of leadership and democracy for the world.
H.E. Koila Nailatikau, First Lady (2009-2015), Fiji
I have been reflecting on all the UPF summits I have been fortunate to attend since my very first in, Seoul 2013.
Unification of the Korean Peninsula has been at the forefront of the agenda every year.
Every year from my own experience and feelings, I have felt the strength, the faith and belief of everyone participating in the summit that unification is possible and will happen in our lifetimes. Reverend and Madame Moon understood that at the heart of Korea (a once unified Korea), there is a spiritual heritage as well as a common culture, tradition, language and one people. It is such a beautiful sentiment and it is what the foundation of reunification will be – a reminder of what once was and what can be.
Reverend and Madame Moon knew and practiced their belief that unification would happen peacefully for all Korean people and in setting up peace zones and soft power diplomacy. Though a long and patient process, they have made more successful developments at peace and interaction of North and South then most governments put together have.
They understood that peace is a process- it will not come simply and it will take years of consistent nurturing and love which is what they envisioned 30 years ago which is why every year we speak of unification- it is stronger than the year before and much more so than when the idea first came about.
H.E. Xanana Gusmão, President 2002-2007), East Timor
I would also like to thank Dr Moon, co-founder of the UPF, for her utmost dedication to promoting global peace and understanding. And let me honour as well the memory of her late husband, Rev. Dr Sun Myung Moon, so that we may continue his work of promoting greater solidarity between all peoples.
For it be truly possible to further peace and to quell terror, we must understand and believe that everyone truly matters. We must protect equality and universal values, and we must do so while respecting the uniqueness of every individual, society, and country.
H.E. K.P. Sharma Oli, Prime Minister (2015-2016, 2018-2021), Nepal
As we are entering into the era of Asian century, Peace is not just a goal, it is also the means to that goal.
By this, I mean both Koreas need to realize that reunification is not only in their best interest but also is the foundation for bringing peace to the Asia Pacific region and globally. I congratulate the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Universal Peace Federation for co-hosting this important and historical Summit.
H.E. Syed Yousuf Faza Gilani, Prime Minister (2008-2012), Pakistan
I strongly commend the organizers for making the World Summit 2022, the Summit for Peace on the Korean Peninsula, a reality. Global forums like these provide an important mechanism to forge strong partnerships, synergies and joint actions to address critical issues like global peace a nd security through dialogue, understanding and consensus.
I strongly concur that the World Summit 2022 will open the way to world peace by envisioning the Korean peninsula as an economic, cultural, educational, environmental and interfaith hub in the East; and a gateway to a world in which all of humanity can enjoy lives of mutual prosperity, interdependence and shared universal values.
Peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula is closely linked with the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region and of the world as a whole. Thank You!
Madam Shiranthi Wickremesinghe, First Lady (2005-2015), Sri Lanka
Prayer
Closing