Plans for Asia Pacific Union Forum Garner Multilateral Support

 Seoul, South Korea – Speakers from the Asia Pacific region and beyond gave their perspectives on the creation of an Asia Pacific Union Forum (APUF) that would include like-minded individuals and organizations from government, NGOs, and faith-based organizations, during the second plenary session of World Summit 2025 in Seoul on April 11, 2025.

Moderated by Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, member of Parliament of Nepal and chair of UPF Asia Pacific, the session focused on the idea proposed by UPF co-founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon for a broad and inclusive regional organization based on Asian cultural values such as filial piety, family, and faith. It is envisioned as a forum for sharing best practices, encouraging economic growth, promoting tourism, and promoting peace in the region.  

In his congratulatory remarks, Hon. Agung Laksono, former speaker of the House of Indonesia, described his nation's "free and active" foreign policy promoting neutrality, non-alignment, and multilateralism, and voiced his hopes for the success of the APU Forum initiative.

H.E. Chaiyong Satjipanon, former Thai Ambassador, emphasized the Asia-Pacific's essential role in shaping 21st-century peace but highlighted challenges like climate change, geopolitical shifts, and security concerns. He also stressed promoting inclusive development and nurturing a culture of peace involving civil society, religious leaders, educators and communities.

Dr. Chheng Kimlong, director of the Asian Vision Institute (AVI), provided a progress report on the APUF and the Universal Peace Charter (UPC), which was adopted during the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP) in Cambodia last year after 28 rounds of consultative sessions. The UPC is the product of multilateral cooperation between governments and civil society, and aligns with the principles of the UN Charter and other international treaties.

Hon. Dionisio Oswaldo Amarilla Guirland, senator and former vice president of the National Congress of Paraguay, suggested that Latin America and Asia Pacific have the opportunity to lead change through strategic integration to create resilient value chains and transparent trade rules. Paraguay aspires to be a bioceanic bridge and commercial partner for Asia Pacific, aiming to deepen relations on market access, non-traditional exports and public-private dialogues.

Hon. Dave Akbarshah Fikarno Laksono, an Indonesian member of parliament, described the Asia-Pacific as the epicenter of global transformation. He argued for a strong security framework built on collaboration, innovation and inclusivity through platforms like ASEAN. Hon Marek Krajčí, member of parliament from Slovakia, spoke of security cooperation with the Republic of Korea and the vision of a unified Korea as a hope for the future. He noted that the unresolved Korean conflict affects global stability, including Europe's, drawing a parallel to Slovakia's own history of division.

Dr. Niklas Swanström of the Institute for Security and Development Policy addressed the diplomatic impasse on the Korean Peninsula, where North Korea has rejected dialogue. Potential intermediaries include Europe (like Sweden, which has long-standing ties to North Korea) and China. He added that multilateral forums and humanitarian engagement can circumvent political barriers in areas like food security, health, environment, and people-to-people exchanges.

Ms. Choy So Yuk, former Hong Kong deputy to the National People’s Congress, spoke on "Harmonizing Diversity for a Shared Future," stating that true peace is rooted in the human heart. She presented Hong Kong as a symbol of resilience and coexistence, where the principle of “one country, two systems” exemplifies harmony in diversity. H.E. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Jarwan, president of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace (GCTP), addressed a surge in hate speech and fragmentation driven by greed. He stated that rebuilding trust requires a return to ethical principles, investing in people, strengthening bonds, and prioritizing shared human values.

Hon. Senator Mushahid Hussain, co-chairman of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), noted that the world is experiencing turbulence and transformation, with the global center of gravity shifting from West to East. He highlighted the situation on the Korean Peninsula as a significant challenge, suggested that UPF is uniquely placed to promote peace through dialogue in this region.

H.E. Suos Yara, chairman of the Commission on Foreign Affairs of Cambodia and president of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP), highlighted the urgent need for collective leadership, reinvigorating regional and global partnerships, respecting international law and the UN Charter, to prevent conflict and foster justice. He further explained the Universal Peace Charter, which he sees as a complementary initiative to the APU Forum.

To wrap up the session, Dr. Chang Shik Yang, international chair of UPF, explained that the APUF was organized in response to the growing momentum of the "era of Asia-Pacific civilization," which is shaping the 21st century. A vital mission of APUF, he said, is fostering dialogue and cooperation for peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula, encouraging North Korea to open its doors. He voiced the hope that peace, beginning from the Korean Peninsula, will spread globally.

By Gregory Stone, UPF-Oceania April 11, 2025