The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) UK's Principles of Peace seminar offered an in-depth introduction to UPF’s vision of peace and the teachings of its co-founders, Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, Mother of Peace. Through presentations by Rev. Dr. David Hanna and Robin Marsh, participants explored the foundations of peace, the causes of conflict, the path of restoration, and UPF’s practical multi-sectoral approach to peacebuilding in the UK and around the world.
At the start, Robin Marsh explained how the Universal Peace Federation employs a comprehensive approach to peacebuilding by engaging multiple sectors of society and launching peacebuilding initiatives.
Dr. Hanna emphasized that lasting peace must be built on universal values rooted in God and true love, interdependence (recognizing our connection to others), and mutual prosperity (working for shared benefit).
True religious practice, he explained, should cultivate the virtues that support peace in relationships and society, such as humility, respect for others, fidelity in relationships, forgiveness, and love for others, including enemies.
And then, Dr. Hanna presented a philosophical framework in which God possesses both an internal character and an external form. Regarding internal character, he said that “heart” [in this context] is understood as the impulse to experience joy through giving and receiving love, which gives rise to complementary relationships throughout creation.
His first presentation explored how harmony is created through common purpose between persons or entities, proper subject-object relationships, and the generation of love, truth, beauty, and goodness through harmonious interaction.
He described the “Three Foundations for Lasting Peace:” “Individual Peace,” which begins within each person through mind-body unity, self-mastery, and the alignment of thought and action; “Peace in Family and Society,” where peace is learned and practiced in relationships rooted in true love, and that the family is the fundamental school of love and the basic unit of peace in society, and “Universal Peace,” is peace which extends beyond human society to include care for creation, environmental responsibility, and stewardship of the natural world. He finished this presentation, stating, “Lasting peace must be built on universal values rooted in God and true love.”
Dr. Hanna’s second presentation included a video on understanding the “Causes of Conflict and Path to Peace.” He explained that conflict arises from prioritizing self over the greater whole. He said that self-centered thinking is encouraged by certain ideologies and described the tension between selfish tendencies and a human's original good nature.
He cited “Four Aspects of Fallen Nature”: Not loving others from God's perspective, leaving one's proper position or role, neglecting personal responsibility, and spreading evil through actions and influence.
Dr. Hanna introduced a “Concept of Restoration,” whose central theme is that restoration involves both divine and human effort combined, hinging on correcting wrongdoing and restoring lost positions or relationships. He gave Biblical examples, including the stories of Cain and Abel and Jacob and Esau. He showed how the concept of restoration applies to both personal conflicts and global issues
In his presentation, on “Peace Starts with Me,” Dr. Hanna emphasized that peace must begin with individual change, and that transformation starts in the mind or heart - a principle reflected in UNESCO's founding documents. He highlighted how UPF Co-Founder Dr. Hak Ja Han's "Peace Starts with Me" rallies embody this concept.
Dr. Hanna recommended "As a Peace-Loving Global Citizen" by Father Moon, describing it as a book containing profound life lessons rooted in his personal experiences in peacemaking and spiritual insights on the subject.
In the final presentation, Robin Marsh made a call to action, listing opportunities for involvement, including applying to become Ambassadors for Peace, volunteering or interning with UPF's associations, supporting fundraising efforts, assisting the secretariat's work, becoming a monthly donor, nominating candidates for Young Achiever Awards, and subscribing to UPF - UK's Newsletter.
Ian Pelham Turner, a royal photographer, broadcaster and commentator, invited participants to contact him or the UPF team to appear on the Royally Rich Lifestyles Show to share their peace work and initiatives.
The seminar concluded with Nila Balasubramanian's appointment as an Ambassador for Peace, in recognition of her contributions to peace-building efforts. In the photo here with UPF - UK Patron Ian Pelham Turner.