Düsseldorf, Germany—Each speaker at UPF’s International Day of Peace event conveyed a variation on the same message: Peace starts with the individual’s attitude and actions.
Twenty participants attended the meeting on September 18, 2023, held at the UPF-Düsseldorf offices under the motto "Action for Peace."
Anja Brina, the co-leader of the chapter, warmly welcomed the participants. She explained that the International Day of Peace, which was established by the United Nations in 1981, is commemorated every year on September 21 to emphasize the importance of peace and to contribute to conflict resolution worldwide.
Following a recorded message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Sergio Brina, the leader of UPF-Düsseldorf, stressed the importance of each person taking action and contributing to peace. Only together can we create a world where peace and harmony become a reality for all people.
Ulrich Tuente from the local chapter of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), an affiliated organization, mentioned the current emphasis on artificial intelligence, but stressed that we also should pay attention to the original intelligence that comes from God. The search for God is a key element for a peaceful world, he said.
Ambassador for Peace and UPF member Petra Heuwind-Saidy, a retired medical assistant, pointed out that peace starts with each individual and that one should be willing to do something for it. She cited examples from the Bible, particularly John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you."
Ambassador for Peace and UPF member Ender Eker, a software developer who is active at ZWWA, an interfaith initiative of the International MIHR Foundation, recalled Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream of a just world. A small spark of peace can make a big difference, he said. We carry vices and virtues within us, and it is our task to discard the vices.
Rifat Yilmaz, an IT technician and UPF member who also works with ZWWA, explained the importance of promoting community projects for peace, such as intercultural events, conflict resolution workshops and educational initiatives to raise awareness about peace.
All the contributions received enthusiastic applause. Next, Anja Brina distributed peace lights, which were lit one by one as everyone expressed their positive thoughts for peace.
Mrs. Brina then led a peace meditation. The participants imagined the whole world being permeated with an embracing energy of peace that reaches where it is most needed. The meditation created a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere that touched the hearts of those present.
At the end, a piece of music was played, followed by refreshing drinks and animated conversations among the participants.
