Melbourne, Australia – To mark the International Day of Peace, UPF-Australia co-hosted a conference on “Cultivating a Culture of Peace” together with the Family Federation for World Peace (FFWPU) and the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) on September 21, 2024.
Attended by 55 participants, each twenty-minute presentation was followed by fifteen minutes of group discussion and Q&A with the speaker. The interactive program enabled participants to share insights about each topic. Ms. Anne Bellavance, president of WFWP-Australia, served as MC.
The conference began with a guided meditation by Venerable Bodhicitta Ven. Bhikkhuni Bodhicitta, a Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist nun. This was followed by welcoming remarks from Ms. Sylvia Coombe, the first Pacific Island multicultural commissioner in Victoria, Australia.
Dr. John Bellavance, Oceania coordinator for the International Association of Academicians for Peace and vice president of UPF-Australia, gave the first presentation on “Countering Polarisation, Breaking Down Barriers and Enlarging Circles.” He shared a game plan for peacebuilding based on the vision of UPF’s founders, naming six pillars of peace – managing oneself, maintaining good relationships with others, protecting the natural environment, upholding universal values, and pursuing interdependence and mutual prosperity.
Dr. Bruce Wong is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who came from Cambodia as a refugee in 1980, and is now a successful business leader. He spoke on “The Importance of Shared Values in Fostering a Harmonious and Prosperous Society.” Reflecting on Australia's multicultural success and its accompanying challenges, Dr. Wong emphasized the need for respect, equality and fairness as foundational to social harmony and economic prosperity in our global village.
Ms. Preetah Bolaky is a global business strategist and motivational speaker who has made a significant impact in finance and personal development. With over a decade of banking experience, she has served as a strategic advisor and co-founded a fintech company, showcasing her innovative financial solutions. Her topic was “Everyone Needs Someone in their Corner.” Ms. Bolaky shared that having a supportive presence in one’s life cultivates emotional strength and resilience, empowering individuals to act with peace and positivity. This encouragement not only benefits the individual, but also creates a ripple effect of kindness and compassion within communities, she explained.
Pastor Daniel Meadows, vice president of FFWPU-Australia, spoke on “The Role of Family in Building a Culture of Peace.” Pastor Meadows explored the core values that promote harmony and cooperation within communities and form the foundation for a culture of peace. He noted that peace starts within families, which are the fundamental units of society.
The next speaker was Ms. Mary Zeit Musleh, a professional with expertise in translation, administration and community leadership. Ms. Musleh has led the women’s committee at the Orthodox Club in Beit Jala, Palestine, and directed organizations focusing on violence prevention and educational development. She is the president of the Beit Jala Palestinian Association in Victoria. Her topic was “Cultivating a Culture of Peace: A Global and Palestinian Perspective.”
Ms. Musleh shared that creating a culture of peace requires fostering harmony, justice and equality. She highlighted the pivotal role of education in addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting dialogue and empathy. She reflected on the Palestinian quest for peace, advocating a two-state solution as essential to global stability and a brighter future for all.
Closing remarks were given by Mr. Yutaka Yamada, chairman of UPF-Oceania. He encouraged everyone to see themselves as belonging to one family under God. Pointing out that siblings try to avoid fighting in front of their parents, he said that if we recognise God as our Heavenly Parent, it will motivate us to be at peace with our brothers and sisters around the world.
Following the program, five new ambassadors for peace joined the ranks of UPF’s network of peacebuilders.
