Peacebuilding Seminar in Washington, DC is a Call to Action
- khwang562
- Aug 19
- 2 min read
Washington D.C., United States – UPF-IAPD held a one-day educational seminar “Act Now for Building Peace” at The Washington Times on June 28, 2025. It was part of an ongoing series of programs focused on peace building, centered on UPF core values: interdependence, mutual prosperity, universal values, and interfaith cooperation.
Ms. Tomiko Duggan, senior vice president, warmly greeted the guests and emphasized the importance of collaboration among leaders from faith communities in building a peaceful nation and way of life.
Dr. Robert Kittel, co-chair of UPF and former education director in Asia-Pacific, introduced an innovative approach in his presentations on “Building Block for Peace” and “Creating a Culture of Heart.” He emphasized the essential role of the family as the building block for peace, especially loving family relationships as pillars that stabilize the family.
Dr. Michael Jenkins, president of UPF-North America, presented the UPF vision, its historic programs in the Middle East, and an overview of UPF’s global developments. He provided insight on the impact of UPF on peace efforts in the Middle East, and UPF co-founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon’s World Peace Summit with global political and religious leaders.
The seminar was attended by 97 guests, including a group of 31 high school students from Istanbul Beyoglu Anatolian Imam Hatip High School, one of the top public high schools in Turkey. These students had passed difficult entrance exams to enter this school, and then were selected to come to the United States for a five-week curriculum on peacebuilding efforts.
A survey conducted to assess responses to the seminar showed a high level of appreciation and inspiration among the students. At the conclusion, all students and youth leaders from the local community received a Certificate of Appreciation for their engagement and participation.
An important highlight of the day’s program was the appointment of prominent leaders from faith and business communities as ambassadors for peace. Their appreciation of this appointment and determination to fulfill its mandate reflected the beautiful and joyful spirit of unity and harmony among the seminar’s attendees.
