Copenhagen, Denmark – UPF-Denmark hosted a one-day seminar introducing the UPF vision and peace principles on October 26, 2024, in a rooftop meeting room at the Zoku Copenhagen Hotel. The spacious, light-filled event area, with panoramic views of the city, offered an innovative and visionary atmosphere for exploring universal principles of peace and shared values.
Among the 31 attendees were ambassadors for peace, religious leaders, academics, artists, entrepreneurs, NGO representatives and peace activists. Also, an Afghan peace leader and UPF leader traveled from Stockholm, Sweden, to join the meeting.
The seminar offered insights into the peace principles that guide UPF and related organizations established by UPF founders Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.
In his welcoming remarks, UPF-Denmark’s secretary general, Mr. Karsten Nielsen, shared: “The Principles of Peace are not just idealistic dreams. They give us a deeper understanding of life and remind us that we were created for love. While peace may seem like a huge challenge in today’s world, this seminar aims to reveal how it can become achievable – and how we can begin creating a world where it becomes a reality.”
A video presentation followed, highlighting UPF’s foundations and the impact of its ambassadors for peace in promoting a global culture of peace.
In his first session, “Universal Values as a Foundation for World Peace,” Mr. David Fraser-Harris, UPF secretary general for the Middle East and North Africa, covered essential topics such as humanity’s ideal purpose, the meaning of life, human freedom and responsibility, and the foundations for lasting peace and happiness.
During the lunch break at the Living Kitchen restaurant, participants connected and shared lively conversations, forming new friendships and networks.
The first afternoon session, “The Root of Conflict and the Key to Peace and Reconciliation,” focused on UPF’s founders' teachings regarding human suffering as a breakdown of love. Mr. Fraser-Harris illustrated the principle of restoring love with examples from history and religious tradition, drawing on the archetypal story of Cain and Abel and showing how reconciliation unfolds over time.
In his final presentation, “The UPF Touch,” Mr. Fraser-Harris stated: “We need a God-centered vision; real peace is achievable only by understanding God’s original design for humanity and through selfless, sacrificial love for others.” He shared examples of UPF’s worldwide initiatives that embody these principles.
At the close of the seminar, two participants were honored as ambassadors for peace. They expressed gratitude and a commitment to collaborating with UPF to create a lasting culture of peace. Ambassador for Peace Ms. Metta Carter concluded with two inspiring songs as everyone stood up, held hands, and sang along.
Reflecting on the seminar, participants said they appreciated the insightful lectures and warm, welcoming environment that transcended ethnic and religious boundaries. They admired UPF's commitment to uniting conflicting groups worldwide, building understanding between religions, and tackling complex global issues. Some attendees expressed interest in inviting friends to the next UPF seminar.
