The Presiding Council is the governing body of the Universal Peace Federation. Members are elected for a period of two years. The Chairman of the UPF also serves as Chair of the Presiding Council.

The following comments made by Presiding Council members at UPF conferences offer insights into the fundamental mission of the UPF.

Dr. Hyung Jin Moon (Chair, 2009-      )
We all realize that peace is not simply the cessation of conflict. Rather, as we have learned from the great teachers and prophets of the ages, peace is much more than a political, economic, or military accomplishment. Peace is rooted in our relationship with God. Hence, for example, Muslims say, salaam alekhem, Jews say shalom, Hindus say shanti, and Christians call Jesus the prince of peace. When we are lacking in spiritual discipline and wisdom, peace is not possible. Peace arises when we are in a right relationship with God, when our mind and body are united. If we are people of internal struggle, selfishness, and sin, then all our efforts in this world will bear no good fruit but will only lead to struggle and conflict.
- Dr. Hyung Jin Moon, Chairman, Universal Peace Federation

Hon. Jose de Venecia, Jr.
I believe that God in his goodness, his infinite wisdom, and his mysterious way will someday renew all our minds and hearts and bring together Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Confucianists, and Buddhists. Jews, Christians, and Muslims are grandchildren of Abraham. We are all one human family. Peace can be achieved. I know it will be done. It is a question of time, humility, simplicity, and our willingness to reach out. It is a question of political will. If we are able to do this, then our planet will be a place of peace and happiness. We are beginning this process of getting together, working together, and uniting together among the leaders of civil society and religious groups. Eventually we will be united in the bosom of the great, grand planet earth. This is my mission for our country, for the world, and for our planet. Let us unite in this vision of peace.
- Hon. Jose de Venecia, Jr., Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Philippines

Hon. Hamilton Green
The major difficulties facing us are the nature of interstate relationships and the standards for behavior by individual nation states. There is also the critical issue of a standard moral code that all nations, rich and poor, big and small, should subscribe to and respect without equivocation. The role of religion and caring people in this process is vital. How else can we secure integrity of our world through global peace and security? We need to replace arrogance with humility, intolerance with tolerance, and anger with understanding and patience. Most of all, we need to respect other nations and allow them to pursue their affairs and efforts without the boundaries of their history and culture. The only instrument for good governance is the grand architect of the universe, the one God, the living God. We must provide leadership and guidance to our people by working and walking along God's narrow and straight path. Providence produces leaders from time to time, men with a vision, men who can be the catalyst for change. If we can persuade governments and businesses that embracing inclusiveness and righteousness are qualities that should characterize their administrations, we can rest assured that peace will overtake all places and every corner of the globe.
- Hon. Hamilton Green, Former Prime Minister, Guyana

H.E. Dr. Ahmad T. Kabbah
To establish a new paradigm of leadership and good governance, each of us must play a part. Parliamentarians and government ministers must concentrate on how best they can serve their country and not how much wealth they can accumulate in the process. I consider what I do for my country to be an obligation that I owe to my people, and therefore I have to give my best. The compensation will be determined by God. Thus, we must each become a person who lives for the sake of others. Each day we must work not only to try to change others. We must begin by changing ourselves. Let two principles guide us: First, live unselfishly. Second, in all situations, seek reconciliation, harmony, and cooperation. When do we begin? The time is now.
- H.E. Dr. Ahmad T. Kabbah, Former President, Republic of Sierra Leone

H.E. Stanislaw Shushkevich
We can deepen our understanding of how to distill the best of globalization and at the same time to remove ourselves from its bad aspects, how to act in unison, how to avoid dividing society as a whole into "we" and "them," and how to usher in the process of subduing those roots of aggression within the human soul and steer clear of conflicts between all the various groups. In this new world, thanks to new technology, directly and without any help from governments, all kinds of criminality, narcotics, terrorism, pollution, disease, weapons, and also simply migrants are able to penetrate freely across any borders. With the support of governments and making use of the latest technologies, cannot mutual understanding pervade instead? Can we not carry out joint actions bringing health, prosperity and joy to all peoples? Our obligation is to enact this possibility as a concrete reality.
- H.E. Stanislaw Shushkevich, Former Chairman, Supreme Council, Belarus