Benin Honors the Life and Service of UPF Founder
Godomey, Benin – UPF-Benin held a commemoration to mark the 14th anniversary of the ascension of UPF-co-founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon on September 12, 2026, at the Peace Embassy in Godomey. The event, “Remembering the Life and Service of Rev. Sun Myung Moon and the Legacy of UPF,” was organized together with UPF affiliates including the Women’s Federation for World Peace, Family Federation for World Peace, and Youth and Students for Peace. It also celebrated the 21st anniversary of the founding of UPF.
With the support of UPF-Africa, represented by Secretary General Dr. Paterne Zinsou, the event gathered 60 participants, including three honorary ministers, two former parliamentarians, various religious leaders, academicians and ambassadors for peace.
The event began with musical performances by the Sun-Hak Choir, creating a warm and uplifting atmosphere. Then, in a tribute ceremony, 14 flowers were offered in honor of Rev. Moon, representing the 14 years since his ascension. The flowers were presented by distinguished personalities and ambassadors for peace.
This was followed by a panel discussion on the theme “What does the legacy of peace left by our founding father, Rev. Sun Myung Moon, mean to you? How can we transform it today into concrete actions for future generations?” The panel provided an opportunity for participants to share personal testimonies of their encounters with the founder and to reflect on his legacy.
Honorary Minister Prof. Jean Bio Chabi Orou testified that Rev. Moon was a leader who demonstrated by his own example how to make peace, including through education. He described him as a man who taught through the example of his own life, embodying the teachings before transmitting them to others. He also shared his perspective on the transmission of Dr. Moon’s legacy from an academician’s point of view.
Hon. Dr. André Dassoundo, a former parliamentarian, shared a testimony about his encounter with Rev. Moon in Nigeria. He stated, “Rev. Moon is not a man like you and me; he is truly a messenger of the Most High. I wonder if he is not very, very close to God.” He explained that this was the only explanation for how Rev. Moon could accomplish all that he did in his lifetime. He recalled that when he met Rev. Moon in Nigeria in 2011, Rev. Moon told him, “At the next assembly, I will no longer be with you.” His ascension followed in September 2012.
Ambassador for Peace Ms. Rabiatou Balogoun said it would never be possible to thank Rev. Moon enough, and that the best way to express gratitude is for each person to become an actor for peace. She praised Dr. Paterne Zinsou as a man who represents Rev. Moon’s legacy, and carries the torch of UPF high in Africa with devotion and selflessness.
Mr. Rama Ahouandjinou, also an ambassador for peace, expressed his view that God sent Rev. Moon with a message of peace. Since this message had traveled throughout the world to reach Benin, he stated that it was the peace ambassadors’ responsibility to cross their homes, neighborhoods, cities, borders and generations in order to transmit peace to everyone.
Dr. Paterne Zinsou then gave a solemn speech, emphasizing the importance of the mission of UPF and its ambassadors for peace in contributing to the establishment of peace in the nation. He then led a Peace Flame ceremony, in which a lit candle was passed around the room to representatives of each group present. The ceremony expressed the idea that, although the missions of the different organizations may be different, the light they carry is one.
Participants then stood for a solemn moment of renewal of their commitment to peace; a declaration of commitment was read by a representative ambassador for peace. This was followed by the cutting of a cake to mark UPF’s 21st anniversary.
Finally, a group of devoted ambassadors for peace was presented with certificates of recognition for their faithfulness and unconditional support of UPF.
The ceremony ended with joy and a spirit of renewal.
