President of UPF-Austria Speaks at Vienna Diplomatic Academy
- khwang562
- May 21
- 3 min read
Updated: 37 minutes ago
Vienna, Austria – Mr. Peter Haider, president of UPF-Austria, was invited to speak at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna on May 21, 2025, on the topic, "What role do you see interfaith harmony could play in the foundation of a just international order?" Other speakers, which included several ambassadors to the United Nations in Vienna, addressed the overall theme of "Opportunities and Challenges for Middle Powers and the Contemporary Geopolitical Order."
The seminar, organized by the Embassy of Pakistan and the Vienna School of International Studies, drew a large audience including representatives from several embassies, UN diplomats, international students, and members of the Pakistani community in Austria.
A special address was delivered via Zoom by Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, chair of the Foreign Relations Committee of the National Assembly and former foreign minister of Pakistan. The panel included Amb. Li Song of the People's Republic of China; Amb. Carl Hallergård, of the European Union; Amb. Mustafa Kibaroglu of Türkiye, who is also dean of the faculty of economics, administrative and social sciences at MEF University in Istanbul; Mr. Peter Haider, president of UPF-Austria and chair of the NGO Committee on Peace UN Vienna; Amb. Gerhard Sailler of the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and international Affairs; and Amb. Kamran Akhtar Malik of Pakistan.
Ms. Khar stressed the centrality of multilateralism in resolving global issues. In this context, she highlighted the inability of the United Nations to resolve conflicts in South Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and other parts of the world. Referring to the impact of global power competition on effective multilateralism, she warned against the selective application of principles in different situations, resulting in loss of confidence in the system. In conclusion, she urged the international community to pay particular attention to the normalization of violations of territorial integrity by a group of states, which could severely undermine global and regional peace and stability.
All the speakers were unequivocal in their condemnation of the heinous terrorist attack on a school bus in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province, and emphasized that the targeting of innocent children is totally unjustifiable. They further stated that a rules-based international order provides clear guidelines and principles and reduces conflicts and misunderstandings. It creates the foundation for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and global stability. Multilateralism ensures that all countries, large and small, have a voice in global affairs.
After stating that the United Nations remains the cornerstone of global cooperation, despite its imperfections, and still is the most legitimate platform for multilateral engagement, Mr. Haider introduced the proposal made by the UPF founder, the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon, in August 2000:
“The existing United Nations structure, composed of national representatives, may be regarded as a congress where the interests of each member nation are represented. However, I submit that serious consideration should be given to forming a council of religious representatives within the structure of the United Nations. This assembly or council would consist of respected spiritual leaders in fields such as religion, culture, and education. The wisdom and vision of religious leaders will substantially supplement the political insight, experience and skill of the world's political leaders and will be able to make great advances in ushering in a world of peace.”
Mr. Haider further quoted from Pope Leo XIV’s speech to the media, in which he co-opted journalists and journalism in general for his campaign for peace: "We must say 'No' to the war of words and images; we must reject the paradigm of war!" In conclusion, Mr. Haider reiterated we do not need loud, violent communication, saying: “Let us disarm words, and we will help disarm the world. A disarmed and disarming communication allows us to share a different view of the world and act in a way that is in accordance with our human dignity.”
