Briefing on the International Universal Peace Federation World Summit in Korea
The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) – UK hosted a special briefing on the UPF World Summit 2025 in Korea, sharing highlights from one of the world’s most significant gatherings for peace, dialogue, and cooperation. The Summit brought together heads of state, parliamentarians, faith leaders, scholars, and civil society representatives to address today’s most pressing global challenges.
Video Link Youtube - https://youtube.com/live/MD0kbOpVXPI
Video Link Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/universalpeacefederation.uk/videos/2131759787297964
🌍 UPF World Summit Highlights
The briefing opened with a video presentation of the UPF World Summit 2025, setting the stage for reflections by three distinguished speakers:
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Jacques Marion, UPF President for Europe and the Middle East
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David Fraser Harris, UPF Secretary General for Europe and the Middle East
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Ms. Shukria Barakzai, former Afghan Ambassador to Norway and former Minister for Women
Together, they highlighted the Summit’s focus on peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, climate action, gender equality, and parliamentary cooperation.
🏆 Sunhak Peace Prize & Inter-Parliamentary Conference
Jacques Marion, speaking online from Paris, reflected on two major highlights:
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The Sunhak Peace Prize 2025, awarded to three laureates for contributions to African education, ecological restoration, and poverty eradication. Dedicated to Africa’s future leaders, the Prize reaffirmed UPF’s commitment to supporting visionary global leadership.
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The Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference, where 40 Speakers of Parliament became founding members of a new organisation for international parliamentary dialogue. The International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) also held a General Assembly, signing a joint peace declaration.
🕊️ Interfaith Peace Palace & Leadership Transition
Jacques also emphasised the spiritual and cultural significance of the Interfaith Peace Palace and Cheon Il Sanctum, where tens of thousands—including former heads of state, religious leaders, and parliamentarians—participated in a historic peace ceremony. This event symbolised a leadership transition to younger generations, stressing the importance of preparing youth for global peace leadership.
👩🦰 Shukria Barakzai – Women and Peace
From London’s Lancaster Gate, Shukria Barakzai shared her reflections on the Summit’s focus on peace, environment, and creativity. She highlighted the importance of women’s participation in leadership, praising sessions on women and peace and noting both the challenges and progress in advancing gender equality worldwide.
🌐 David Fraser Harris – Climate, Governance, and Interfaith
Speaking online from Scotland, David Fraser Harris noted the academic and practical depth of the Summit’s sessions. Highlights included:
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The climate and environment forum, emphasising sustainability and global responsibility.
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The women’s session, featuring the International Association of First Ladies for Peace and the Women’s Federation for World Peace.
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The Asia Pacific Union Forum, addressing peace on the Korean peninsula with optimism and constructive dialogue.
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Partnerships with governmental and interfaith organisations, strengthening collaboration for sustainable peace.
🌎 Asia Pacific Union Forum & Closing Ceremony
The Asia Pacific Union Forum brought together leaders to reaffirm the possibility of peaceful cooperation in Northeast Asia. The Summit concluded at the Peace Temple, where participants renewed their commitment to dialogue, unity, and a shared vision of global peace.
✨ Conclusion
The UPF World Summit 2025 demonstrated the power of bringing together diverse leaders—parliamentarians, faith leaders, women, scholars, and civil society representatives—to promote peacebuilding, sustainable development, and interfaith dialogue. The briefing at UPF-UK reaffirmed the organisation’s mission of advancing a world of mutual prosperity, interdependence, and universal values.
Read More:
Dr Hak Ja Han - Mother of Peace, A Life Dedicated to Unity, Family, and Global Peacebuilding
UPF Celebrates 20 Years of Global Peacebuilding
Universal Peace Federation Declares Spiritual Unity and Religious Freedom 2025 Interfaith Leadership Conference, Republic of Korea
Honouring a Legacy of Peace - Rev Dr Sun Myung Moon
Fostering Dialogue and Reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula
The United Nations at 80: A Partner for Peace and Sustainable Development
Robin Marsh: Secretary General, UPF – UK
Margaret Ali: Director, UPF – UK
Universal Peace Federation (UPF) - UK
www.uk.upf.org @ukUPF
Charity No. 1185412
UPF is an NGO in General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN