Peace is Possible with God
The World Summit 2022 for Peace on the Korean Peninsula program concluded Feb. 13 with global encouragement, advice, and prayers for renewed efforts to unite the Korean Peninsula and end the last division of the Cold War.
“Despite your difficult circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic, I trust that you, our global leaders, will achieve peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula with your commitment and devotion,” said Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and host of the summit.
The three-day program, streamed live from Seoul, featured 85 world leaders who spoke about the importance of peace on the peninsula. In her address, Dr. Moon explained that building one family under God is the key to bringing about a world of freedom, equality, and peace. The summit — sponsored by UPF and the Royal Government of Cambodia — drew participants from some 160 nations, including 157 nations with diplomatic ties to North and South Korea. Dr. Moon shared that when all humanity comes together as the sons and daughters of God, then we can “achieve world peace and unification in our lifetime,” she said.
Cambodia Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen and Hon. Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, served as co-chairs of the summit. “Despite our ardent aspirations and various efforts, we have not been able to make a lasting breakthrough for peace on the peninsula,” said Mr. Ban, before applauding the tireless work of Dr. Moon and UPF. They offer a “robust platform,” he said, which can be built upon to bring significant advancement toward peace.
Among the distinguished speakers, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari expressed his support of the efforts toward reunifying the Korean Peninsula, noting his country’s cordial relations with both Koreas in trade, commerce, education, cultural exchange, and technology transfer.
Former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, cited “trust and honesty” as crucial elements in discussions to advance peace on the peninsula, stating, “I have great trust in the word ‘hope.’” Former U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized the need for international support to bring about lasting peace, as he recalled becoming the first U.S. President to stand on North Korean soil during his meetings with leader Kim Jong-un in 2019.
“We have planted seeds of peace and cooperation,” said Mr. Trump, “and now we must let them bloom and grow, just like a giant tree. To waste that chance would be a profound tragedy.” Countless people of goodwill around the world are “working, striving, and praying for a Korea that is safe, prosperous, flourishing, united and finally at peace,” he said.
“Korea can eventually become a shining example to the world of how peace can arise from conflict,” added former Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in her remarks.
The summit also featured the Sunhak Peace Prize ceremony, where Dame Prof. Sarah Catherine Gilbert of Oxford University and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, were honored as the 2022 laureates for their contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic. The biennial award, established by Dr. Moon in 2013 to honor the legacy of her late husband, Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, recognizes laureates for their extraordinary service to global peace in sustainable human development, conflict resolution, or ecological conservation.
Political, civic, and faith leaders representing more than 70 nations offered their support and practical advice during the summit. Many world leaders invoked faith in God to resolve humanity’s crises as well. “What is impossible for us is possible for God,” said former Paraguay President Federico Franco. “Prayer continues to be the best defense we have for the return of peace in the Korean Peninsula.”
“Cambodia was also a victim of the Cold War and grand power politics, but positive engagement helped it find unity,” said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. Dr. Yun Young-ho, co-chair of the World Summit 2022 executive committee, noted “a heavenly unified Korea is a prerequisite for a heavenly unified world,” he said.
You can watch the World Summit 2022 program here.