Co-founder of the Universal Peace Federation, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon (Mother Moon), at the event.

By Elizabeth Osayande

Co-founder of the Universal Peace Federation, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon(Mother Moon), and former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, has joined world leaders to sue for peace in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is threatening to plunge the world into struggles with conflicts over territory and resources, religious and racial discord, and the collapse of family values, and climate change, among other challenges.

Ki-Moon, Chairman of the National Council on Climate and Air Quality,  Korea, made the call in his opening address at the online One Million Rally of Hope for the Realisation of a Heavenly Unified World of Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity, and Universal Values.

The event, broadcast in Korean, Japanese, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese and Thai, with over one million participants and viewers, was organised by the Co-founder of the Universal Peace Federation, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.

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In her keynote address, Mother Moon said: “Through Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity and Universal Values we wish to realize one family of humanity under the Heavenly Parent. This remains our earnest desires.

“However, when we look at human history until now, human history has been a sad one of continuous conflicts.

“Even now around the world conflicts are happening everywhere. Why is it that at this time it is difficult to see a future filled with hope? Originally the creator had a dream. Heavenly Parent’s wished to realise the ideal of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth together with his beloved children.

“However, due to the unexpected fall of the first human ancestors, today’s world is remembered to be one of continuous conflict. When we look at nature, nature moves according to the principles with which, God created the principles of creation.

“For example, when you look at the monarch butterflies you can see an incredible example. as you are all aware the life span of a butterfly is relatively.”

On the importance of spirituality, unity, Han Moon noted that “we speak of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values. The realisation of a unified community of humanity under the Heavenly Parent. As long as Heavenly Parent remains the centre of any community or family or society all problems can be solved.

“However, in today’s world we can see that nationalism, selfishness are rampant. These are characteristics that are far from Heaven’s wish; there are many organisations and initiatives that do not recognise God.

“Our duty is to seek our True Parents, the Heavenly Parent. If we live a life of true attendance to the Heavenly Parents on earth and upon ascension to the eternal world, we can enter the kingdom of Heaven in Heaven. Please think about this.”

Climate, Korea’s unification

Han Moon also spoke on climate change and politics, Korea’s unification: “Today, not just in Korea but all over the world, due to the ignorance of Human Beings climate change is afflicting the livelihood of billions of people.

“Originally God created this beautiful earth and we can see the impact of environmental destruction and nations who are relatively better off are exploring space.

“That cannot be seen as the one true solution to all of these problems. God has created this world with love and God wishes Human beings to live here in harmony and happiness and simply seeking to go to space to avoid the problems on this earth cannot be seen as a solution.

“At this moment an incredible number of causalities have been arriving because of COVID-19 and due to natural calamities and also floods, incredible number of causalities and also displaced civilians occurred. What do you think when you see these terrible calamities?

“Heaven, God the creator is love, God is our parent; the parent cannot see the children dying and suffering. As a parent how painful must God’s heart be to see his beloved children suffer.

“We, from this moment, in particular the people of Korea, the religious leaders, the political leaders of Korea; let us really repent on our knees for our shortcomings and really render glory unto Heaven.

“As a blessed people, Korea has the responsibility of bringing together the people of the world and guide together the people to the bosom of God. This is the mission of this nation’s people.

“We cannot just be ambivalent about this responsibility. Please, put aside any thought of ambivalence. This is the last opportunity, but also warning of Heaven to this nation of Korea.

“It is only when we attend Heavenly Parent that the issue of North-South reunification, that a true unified Korea can be realised.

“There are many powerful nations in the vicinity of Korea; they are not the centre. Heaven, through True Parents is working to see the realisation of the providence.

“Therefore, before Heaven let us become filial sons and daughters let us become patriots of the Heavenly nation.

“May Korea become a nation of virtue that can stand as a beacon of attendance to Heavenly Parent before the world; may Korea become the citizen that shows the citizens and the nations of the world how to attend Heavenly Parent in our daily lives,” Han Moon added.

Ki-Moon

Besides Han Moon, Ki-Moon stated that it time the world built bridges, not to erect walls in order to have a unified world.

According to the former UN Secretary-General: “COVID-19 has indeed become a grave threat to humanity.

“In the wake of this crisis, we have seen the intensification of unsettling trends. I will mention four of them, all of which are interrelated.

“First is the growing tension between the US and China, which some call a new Cold War. This trend has, and will have global implications, but nowhere more profoundly than here in Asia.

“Second, nationalism and protectionism are on the rise, resulting in countries to shift away from multilateralism and international cooperation. Third, there remains the imminent threat of climate change, undermining health and security of humanity on many fronts.

“If we fail to unite as one world community, our very existence will be threatened. Fourth, there is a crisis in values, ethics and social capital that underpin good governance and stable societies.

“The new Cold War in the COVID-19 era, nationalism and protectionism, climate change and the crisis of social capital are the clear manifestations of nature’s stern warning to humanity.

“We need to heed this warning, and with foresight and empathy, seek for practical ways to coexist with nature.

“Peace is not an issue that is exclusive to one individual or a nation. Peace is our common wish and a long-cherished desire. I believe that lasting peace will only get stronger when governments and civil society closely partner with one another.”

Ki-Moon also noted that “now is the time for us to build bridges, not to erect walls. If we work together, there is no challenge that is too great, no obstacle that cannot be overcome.

“Regardless of our national, ethnic, racial, religious or political backgrounds, we are the members of one human family.”

The rally had President of Senegal, Macky Sall, and the Prime Minister of Niger, Brigi Rafini, delivering the keynote addresses, and goodwill messages by Spiritual Advisor to President Donald Trump, Rev. Paula White.

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Hun Sen, who spoke on the theme “World Rally of Hope: Building and Renewing Our Nations in the Post-Covid-19 World: Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity and Universal Values.”

Other speakers were the President of Guatemala, Jimmy Morales, who spoke on  “The Day After”; former speaker, USA House of Representatives, Newt Gingrich, and President of the House of Councillors, Japan, Date Chuichia.

Other world leaders included former Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper; former President of the Republic of Albania and Chairman of the International Summit Council for Peace, Balkans, Alfred Moisiu.

Africa calls for peace

According to Senegalese President, Macky Sall, the rally came at an unprecedented time in history, when the whole world was bearing the brunt of the brutal impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

His words: “In addition to being a major crisis, the virus has deeply disrupted our living conditions and our social relations.

“Education systems are in jeopardy, economics at half-mast, companies are in trouble and workers face a precarious situation.

“The Covid-19 pandemic ignores borders as well as social, ideological and geopolitical considerations.

“It brings to light the limits of the most sophisticated health care systems and shows us our common vulnerabilities. Everyone and everywhere are affected. Yet no cure.

“In the face of so many challenges and uncertainties, faith, confidence in science, and the resolve to act together will help us maintain hope, overcome trials and overcome our common vulnerabilities.

“We need to act together, because just as the virus has circled the planet in a few months, self-centeredness is not an option if we are to bring victory.”

On his part, Niger President, Brigi Rafini, who noted that Covid-19 has had significant impact on the geopolitical balance of power and economy, explained that Africa must confront not only the pandemic but also need to revive its economy.

He said: “This fight on two fronts requires an exceptional mobilisation of financial resources.

“Already, before the pandemic, Africa needed N600 billion dollars annually to achieve the SDGs and those of Agenda 2063— in particular the objectives of its first 10-year plan for 2013-2023— providing objects related to the African Continental Free Trade Area, ACFTA, infrastructure, industry and agriculture.

“These two agendas constitute the great vision around which all our energies remain mobilised.

“A decisive step in the implementation of these agenda was taken with the launch, in July 2019 in Niamey, of the AfCFTA.

“For success to be sustainable, however, and for other projects to be implemented, it is necessary not only to guarantee funding, but to guarantee stability, peace and security.”

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