Manila, Philippines – Leaders from UPF, ambassadors for peace, and representatives of affiliated NGOs gathered at UPF-Philippines headquarters for a planning meeting in Manila on May 13, 2024. Discussions centered on advancing the proposed Asia Pacific Union, which is gaining support throughout the region, as well as planning for World Summit 2025.
Welcoming remarks were given by the regional president of FFWPU Asia-Pacific, Mr. Masaichi Hori, who highlighted the importance of building a long-lasting culture of peace, preventing warfare by managing conflicts from the beginning.
Chairman of UPF-International Dr. Charles Yang delivered a compelling presentation detailing his work with the leadership of both Israel and Palestine through the Middle East Peace Initiative, as an example of a positive approach to conflict resolution. Dr. Yang also shared his hope that the Asia Pacific Union will be instrumental in contributing to peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, president of UPF-Asia-Pacific, explained that the theme of the upcoming World Summit 2025 will be “Contemporary Challenges to Global Order and the Asia Pacific Union Initiative.” He gave a presentation on the prospects for the Asia Pacific Union and its aim of building a culture of peace in the region.
During his visit to Manila, Dr. Yang led a delegation in paying courtesy calls to two respected figures who have contributed greatly to UPF initiatives over the years.
On May 13, the group visited five-time speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, Hon. Jose De Venecia Jr. The delegation included Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal and Mr. Masaichi Hori, among others. Mr. De Venecia, who is also the founding president of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) and co-chair of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), warmly welcomed the UPF delegation.
He reminisced about past events with UPF and its affiliated organizations, and expressed his profound gratitude to the co-founders of UPF, Dr. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon, for their efforts in raising leaders to be peacebuilders. He also encouraged the UPF representatives to persist in their efforts to promote a culture of peace. He was delighted to learn about the UPF proposal to establish an Asia Pacific Union, which he wholeheartedly supports.
On May 14, the UPF delegation visited former Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at her residence. Dr. Yang invited the former president to join the advisory board for World Summit 2025, which she enthusiastically accepted. Dr. Arroyo, who is currently a member of Congress, also welcomed the proposal of an Asia Pacific Union, which aligns with her campaign to highlight the Asian approach to peacebuilding and reconciliation.
Overall, the Philippines visit was informative and productive for all participants.
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