Jerusalem, Israel - An International Interfaith Consultation on “Interfaith, the United Nations and Peace in the 21^st Century” is taking place in Israel August 20-24. Faith leaders, political leaders and parliamentarians, and civic leaders will consider how to advance the proposal for an interreligious council at the UN.

In August of 2000, UPF’s Founder, Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, spoke at the United Nations and proposed the establishment of an interfaith council within the UN system. Over the past ten years significant steps have been taken toward that goal. However, much work remains to be done in order to make the dream a reality. This is part of a series of International Interfaith Consultations providing opportunities to assess the UPF Founder’s proposal and work toward recommendations that may be presented to the United Nations when the General Assembly opens on September 21 in New York.

Participants include faith leaders, political leaders and parliamentarians, and civic leaders with experience in interfaith dialogue and a basic understanding of UPF's vision for an interfaith council at the UN.

The Universal Peace Federation is sponsoring the Middle East Peace Initiative series in order to provide support for world leaders in their conscientious efforts to address and resolve critical global problems. Recognizing the profound significance and power of religion as a force for peace in our troubled world, this initiative brings together the family of faiths, providing a model of interfaith service and leadership characterized by mutual respect, harmony, and cooperation, for the sake of peace.

The schedule of activities also includes a "Legacy of Peace" program.

For background information about the proposal for an interreligious council at the United Nations, click here.
To read about an Israeli Ambassador for Peace reaching out to a Turkish politician to ease tensions between their countries, click here.