From September 23 to 30, world leaders convened in New York for a historic opening of the 64^th UN General Assembly, highlighted by the presence of President Barack Obama of the United States and H.E. Colonel Muammar Al-Qadhafi of Libya, who stressed important global issues such as the Millennium Development Goals, climate change, disarmament and UN reform.

During this time, UPF leaders Dr. Chung Hwan Kwak, Dr. Thomas Walsh, and Mr. Taj Hamad held consultations with several heads of delegations to discuss future projects and partnerships which could lend assistance to their nations.

President of Palau, H.E. Johnson Toribiong shared his aspirations for Palau to spearhead an alliance amongst the Pacific island nations to resolve climate change issues and combat poverty. UPF has sought to promote unity among the Pacific island nations since 2007 and readily supported H.E. Toribiong’s stance.

In the meeting with H.E. President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania and Minister of Labour, Employment and Youth Development, Prof. Juma Athumani Kapuya, UPF sought counsel and approval for future projects in character education and job development in Tanzania, as well as support for the feasibility of an interreligious council at the UN.

Prime Minister of Nepal Rt. Hon. Madhav Kumar Nepal described the reforms taking place in Nepal on writing a constitution, formulating a political structure and reducing poverty. UPF representatives agreed to support these undertakings.

UPF Chairman Rev. Chung Hwan Kwak and the Prime Minister of Kenya, Hon. Raila Odinga, outlined the next steps for the expansion of the Nairobi River Cleanup Project, launched during Global Peace Festival 2008 in Kenya. Hon. Odinga also expressed a strong desire to see the Global Peace Festival become an ongoing effort, as it has been effective in unifying the sectors of Kenyan society.

The head of the Guinea delegation, Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Alexandre Cécé Loua, and the permanent representative of Guinea to the UN, H.E. Alpha Ibrahima Sow, listened to explanations of UPF’s vision and interest in carrying out projects supporting good governance and character education in their country.

Substantial headway was made in expanding meaningful programs in these respective nations through these consultations, as UPF continues to work towards building a culture of peace and goodwill in each nation.

For background materials on the proposal for an interreligious council at the UN, click here.