In 2018, hundreds of public officials and local leaders of African organizations joined with the United Nations-based Universal Peace Federation (UPF) to promote the theme of harmony, universal values and mutual prosperity at events held in the countries of Senegal, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The inaugural event — the First Africa Summit for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development — was held in Dakar, Senegal, on Jan. 18-19, 2018, at the Abdou Diouf International Conference Center.
Some 1,200 participants came from more than 60 countries in Africa for two days of presentations and discussions about “New Africa: Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity and Universal Values.” Republic of Senegal President, His Excellency Macky Sall, addressed the summit as did dozens of government officials, parliamentarians, religious leaders, business executives and traditional rulers.
In her remarks, UPF co-founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon introduced the concept of “Heavenly Africa,” which refers to the continent’s future as one that realizes God’s ideals of peace, freedom, equality and happiness.
As part of her visit to Senegal, Mrs. Moon visited the historically infamous Gore Island where she offered tearful prayers for the millions of Africans who lived, suffered and died under the scourge of slavery.
In November, UPF — which in July was elevated to “general consultative status” by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations in appreciation for its services to communities around the world — organized two more similar-themed events: In Harare, Zimbabwe, a Peace and Family Festival and Blessing was held Nov. 21 in the capital’s 60,000-seat National Sports Stadium, featuring a message from Zimbabwe President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa. In Cape Town, South Africa, UPF and the Royal House of Mandela co-sponsored the “Africa Summit: Honouring the Legacy of Nelson Mandela” on Nov. 22-24, which featured remarks from Chief Zwelivelile Mandela, the eldest grandson of the revered South African icon.
More events are being planned in Africa in 2019.
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