国連「世界父母の日」記念行事（in Japan）

Tokyo, Japan – In commemoration of the Global Day of Parents on June 1, which was designated by the United Nations last September, UPF-Japan held a series of Leadership Banquets with Ambassadors for Peace and social leaders in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka.

On May 30^th, some 250 people, who included members of the Diet and local assemblies, ambassadors, and diplomats stationed in Tokyo, as well as leaders in religions, academia, and business, attended the banquet in a Tokyo hotel.

Representing the Association of Ambassadors for Peace, which was one of the organizers, its chairman Hiroo Suzuki made the following remarks: “At a critical juncture for peace in Asia and the world, your endeavors are highly appreciated. The basic unit and the first step for peace must be the family, where good people are raised in sound familial environment. “

After showing a video presentation on the UPF’s activities in Japan and the world, the keynote address was given by UPF Japan’s Regional Chair and Senior Advisor to the Association of Ambassadors for Peace, Dr. Yong Cheon Song. Reviewing the rises and falls of civilizations, he predicted a fruition of the pan-Pacific civilization with Japan, South Korea, and the United States of America as its pivotal nations. These three nations which share the universal values such as freedom, democracy, and human rights, he said, should take responsibility for the peace and prosperity of the Pacific Zone.

Further, he asserted that a conventional national education aiming at nurturing patriots will have a limitation in this global age. “We need to invest more to raise the world-loving individuals in good familial foundation,” he said

Concerning the security and peace in Asia, Dr. Werner Fasslabend, former Defense Minister of the Republic of Austria, who was invited for this series of events, emphasized vital necessity of the strategic alliance among democratic nations in Asia, especially between Japan and South Korea.

Another guest of honor, former Japanese ambassadors to Myanmar, Turkey and Madagascar, encouraged the UPF’s endeavors, referring to the UNESCO Constitution’s preamble, which says that since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed. “As the UPF activities are aimed at deeper understanding through eradicating prejudices and misconceptions among different states, nations, cultures, religions, and histories, I do appreciate your objectives as such and hope for more productive operations,” he said.

Similar banquets were held in Nagoya (June 1) and Osaka (June 2), assembling Ambassadors for Peace and dignitaries of the areas. Through their lively talks, the participants reaffirmed precious roles of parents as the universal basis transcending cultures, religions, or social fabrics. They also re-committed to peace-making efforts in their immediate region as well as involving the United Nations. (end of texts)