Report on WFWP South London.
Commemoration of UN International Day of Peace 2024.
Focus on Middle East and North Africa.
"We are one family under one God and a parental God would want to help all his or her
children", responded Mr David Fraser Harris, UPF Secretary General for the Middle
East and North Africa (MENA) region, when asked how the relief efforts supported by
UPF were related to its founding principles of peace. His presentation was one of the
highlights of a joint Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and Women's Federation for
World Peace (WFWP) commemoration of the UN International Day of Peace held at the
Peace Embassy in Thornton Heath, London, on 21 September 2024, organized by the
respective South London branches and attended by a packed audience of nearly 50
participants. Mrs Annerose Adams, coordinated the proceedings as MC, and opened the
programme by introducing the hosting organisations and the background behind the
annual commemoration of the significant UN day, which this year has the designated
theme of "Cultivating a Culture of Peace". The formal presentations began with Dr
Mitchell Eboigbe of the Brotherhood of Cross and Star explaining how the MENA
region has contributed historically to the development of civilization and exhorting us to
live in peace and unity with one another based on the possession of love that regards
every person as an extension of oneself. Mr David Fraser Harris then expanded on the
wide range of relief projects undertaken by UPF and its partners including WFWP to
provide much-needed assistance to people affected by recent natural and man-made
disasters in Morocco, Libya, Turkey, Syria and Gaza. He explained how various
logistical challenges were surmounted to deliver aid especially through the active
cooperation of UPF’s network of Ambassadors for Peace on the ground. Mrs Siew Lian
Gardiner, on behalf of Sally Becker, 'Save A Child' spoke about the remarkable
successful evacuation of injured and sick children from Gaza to Italy for medical
treatment together with its partners including Project Pure Hope and the Egyptian
Ministry of Health. Mr Mekki Elsayed concluded the section with his heartfelt
presentation on the plight of his home country of Sudan, which has been riven by
division, corruption and conflict leading to a tragic humanitarian crisis that needs active
international attention and action. In the second section of the event, two inspiring
public readings taken from the memoirs of the hosting organisations' founders, Father
and Mother Moon, by Mrs Martina Coombs, former WFWP president, and Mr Adrian
Lee, UPF committee member, demonstrated the path to bring peace in our nations and
communities through the parental heart of forgiveness. The programme was enriched by
accomplished vocalist Caroline Fredriksson, who beautifully sang "Pie Jesu" by Andrew
Lloyd Webber and "How Great Thou Art" by Carl Boberg. Mrs Dolores Read, South
London WFWP chairperson, announced the raising of funds for peace projects in the
Middle East through donations and the sale of hand-made cards at the event. The
participants all thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company and fellowship over tea and
refreshments following the formal conclusion of proceedings.
Report by Lance Gardiner, South London UPF Coordinator
Report on UPF/WFWP South London- UN International Day of Peace 2024.
On September 21, 2024, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and Women's Federation for
World Peace (WFWP) held a commemorative event for the UN International Day of Peace at the Peace Embassy in Thornton Heath, London. The gathering, attended by nearly 50 participants, spotlighted the theme "cultivating a Culture of Peace." Mr. David Fraser Harris, UPF Secretary General for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, emphasized the organization's relief efforts as extensions of its peace-building principles, highlighting UPF’s initiatives in response to recent disasters in Morocco, Libya, Turkey, Syria, and Gaza. He described the logistical challenges overcome through the cooperative efforts of UPF's Ambassadors for Peace. Dr. Mitchell Eboigbe underscored the MENA region's historical contributions to civilization and urged unity based on love. Mrs. Siew Lian Gardiner shared the successful evacuation of injured children from Gaza to Italy for medical treatment, showcasing collaboration with organizations like Save A Child. Mr. Mekki Elsayed poignantly discussed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, calling for international attention.
The event also included public readings from the memoirs of Father and Mother Moon,
promoting peace through forgiveness, read by Mrs. Martina Coombs and Mr. Adrian Lee.
Musical interludes featured vocalist Caroline Fredriksson. The chairperson of South London
WFWP, Mrs. Dolores Read, announced fundraising efforts for peace projects in the Middle East. Participants enjoyed fellowship and refreshments, making the event both meaningful and communal.
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