- Monday, February 4, 2019

The concept of “Heavenly Africa” — in which the continent becomes known as a global example of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values — was first described in the First Africa Summit, held in Senegal in January 2018.

The following 10 projects are proposed by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and its supporters towards achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and to create a culture of peace.

1. International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace. This international network of current and former parliamentarians was created in 2016 to harness the experience and wisdom of these leaders to bring resolutions to territorial disputes, religious conflicts, racial conflicts, environmental degradation, violent extremism and poverty.

2. Interreligious Association for Peace and Development. This international network of religious leaders was created in 2017 to address divisive tendencies within religions and promote dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation among faiths. The IAPD also seeks to connect religious leaders with leaders of government, civil society and the private sector so foundations of morality and the vision of a good society can be imbued in human activities.

3. International Association of Chiefs for Peace and Prosperity. Officially launched at the Africa Summit held in November 2018, this organization seeks to develop a network of peace-loving African chiefs and traditional rulers to lead efforts to strengthen social harmony, good marriages, prosperous communities and a healthy environment.

4. New Africa (Saemaul) Movement. Modeled on a key driving force behind the Republic of Korea’s post-war economic development, the movement establishes companies and community networks based on the qualities of diligence, self-help and cooperation.

5. Medicine and health care. In this broad arena, both Eastern and Western medical practices are valued; physical and spiritual health are promoted; and clean air, pure water and nutritious foods are emphasized.

6. International Peace Highway (Peace Road). Envisioned in the 1980s by the late Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, this international, intercontinental road project — which would use tunnels and bridges to permit people to travel from Africa’s Cape of Good Hope to Santiago, Chile, and from London to New York City — seeks to encourage unprecedented global tourism and cultural and economic exchange.

7. Sunhak Peace Prize. This biennial $1 million prize was established in 2015 by Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon in honor of her late husband’s lifelong dedication to peace. Sunhak laureates are selected for their extraordinary efforts to improve the lives of millions of people.

8. Hawaiian Queen Coffee. This award-winning coffee farm, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, has produced high-quality, 100-percent Kona coffee for more than a decade. The ideal growing conditions for this coffee — high altitudes, tropical climates and rich soil — are found in certain African nations, making it feasible to successfully transfer the expertise and techniques for Hawaiian Queen Coffee to new countries.

9. Hyojeong Character Education. This project for schools, colleges and universities promotes character education that stresses a “filial heart” (hyojeong) toward others and qualities such as altruism, compassion, honesty, respect and public service.

10. True Family Values Movement. A prime mission of this project is to uplift the institution of marriage and family and introduce the interfaith Marriage Blessing ceremony as a way to encourage harmony and understanding among the worlds faiths.

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