13th Anniversary of Father Moon's Ascension 
Co-Founder of Universal Peace Federation
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. David Hanna – Former President, UPF North Europe
Tuesday, 26th August 2025
📍 43 Lancaster Gate, London, W2 3NA📡
13th Anniversary of Father Moon’s Ascension: Honouring the Legacy of Peace
London, UK – 26 August 2025 – The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) – UK hosted a moving commemorative gathering for the 13th Anniversary of the Ascension of Father Sun Myung Moon, Co-Founder of the Universal Peace Federation. The evening at 43 Lancaster Gate, London, also streamed online via Zoom and Facebook, brought together religious leaders, Ambassadors for Peace, diplomats, community activists, and UPF supporters to honour Father Moon’s enduring legacy of peace.
Keynote Address – Rev. Dr. David Hanna
The keynote speaker was Rev. Dr. David Hanna, former President of UPF North Europe, who offered personal testimonies of Father Moon’s life, including memorable moments such as his fishing traditions, which symbolised determination, sacrifice, and perseverance. Rev. Hanna reflected on Father Moon’s profound dedication to interfaith cooperation, family unity, and the vision of “One Human Family under God.”
Speakers offered personal reflections on Reverend Moon’s charismatic leadership, moral vision, and global peace initiatives, including UPF's Ambassadors for Peace programme and his call for an Interreligious Council at the United Nations. There were inspiring speeches by Keith Best, Rev Dawnecia Palmer, Imam Dr Pirzada, Hon. Shukria Barakzai, Rev Isaac Ayani, Duchess Nivin ElGamal, Ahmed Shebani, Wafiq Mustapha, and Cllr Susan Farjana Thomas who shared their own personal experiences with Father Moon or with UPF.
Father Moon’s Legacy of Peace and Unity
Reverend Sun Myung Moon (1920–2012), together with his wife Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon (“Mother of Peace”), co-founded the Universal Peace Federation in 2005. Their vision emphasised:
- Interfaith dialogue and cooperation
- Strengthening marriage and family values
- Peacebuilding and reconciliation in conflict areas
- Universal values of service, love, and mutual prosperity
Father Moon’s initiatives included mass wedding blessings promoting unity across race and religion, proposals for UN reform, and grassroots projects for reconciliation in regions such as the Korean Peninsula, the Middle East, Nepal and Africa.
Religious and Intercultural Unity
Several speakers, including Hon. Shukria Barakzai and Imam Pirzada, compared Father Moon’s peace advocacy to leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. They stressed the importance of overcoming prejudice, embracing religious unity, and recognising the divine light in every person. They spoke of visits to Seoul and other facilities during UPF International Summits.
Personal Testimonies and Global Impact
Contributors such as Ahmed Shebani and Ian Pelham Turner highlighted how Father Moon’s philosophy of “living for the sake of others” continues to inspire humanitarian work, journalism, and peace initiatives worldwide. Ian Pelham Turner emphasised the power of communication in the process of building peace. The evening reaffirmed UPF’s mission to build bridges of understanding across faiths, cultures, and nations.
Looking Ahead – UPF UK Peace Activities
The event concluded with an announcement of upcoming UPF activities:
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UPF Principles of Peace - October 4th with Rev. Dr. David Hanna
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UPF’s (including UPF - UK) Participation in the UN 100-Day Campaign to the International Day of Peace
- Preparations for further interfaith, youth, and women’s empowerment programmes
This anniversary also recalled milestone global gatherings such as the World Summit 2020 (marking Father Moon’s centenary) and World Summit 2022, which highlighted UPF’s international impact through the Rallies of Hope.
Continuing the Vision
Father Moon’s legacy endures through the work of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and the worldwide network of UPF chapters. His message of peace, reconciliation, and the ideal of one family under God continues to inspire religious leaders, civil society actors, and governments to work together for a better world.
Programme Contents
The meeting focused on honouring the legacy of Reverend Sun Myung Moon, co-founder of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), who dedicated his life to promoting peace, love, and service through interfaith cooperation and family unity initiatives. Speakers shared personal experiences and reflections on Moon's charismatic leadership and his efforts to bridge cultural and religious divides, while discussing UPF's mission to promote peace and unity among diverse communities. The conversation ended with announcements about upcoming peace-related events and seminars, emphasizing the importance of individual peace and its potential to spread to families and communities.
Reverend Moon's Legacy of Peace
The meeting focused on the life and legacy of Reverend Sun Myung Moon, co-founder of the Universal Peace Federation. Participants shared personal experiences and reflections on his charismatic leadership, dynamic initiatives, and profound impact on global peace efforts. Reverend Dr. David Hanna, among others, highlighted Moon's resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to peace, despite facing persecution and adversity. The discussion emphasized Moon's unique approach to peacebuilding, including his emphasis on love for enemies, personal sacrifice, and efforts to bridge divides, both within Korea and globally.
Father Moon's Vision for Harmony
Rev Dr David Hanna described a moving experience of witnessing Father Moon's prayer at a public event, noting his intense dedication and ability to connect with people through both serious and lighthearted interactions. They explained that UPF is a non-confessional organization founded by Father Moon, who believed in embracing all faiths and promoting ethical principles to build a harmonious world. The speaker shared their experience attending the Unification Theological Seminary, where they studied various religions alongside Unification Church teachings, and recounted a story of Father Moon's early morning fishing challenge of catching 12 fish every morning as a spiritual condition to support his wife's speaking tour.
Rev Hanna shared personal reflections on a failed fishing trip, drawing parallels to life's challenges, and emphasized the importance of determination and focus to achieve goals.
They discussed the life and teachings of Sun Myung Moon, highlighting his commitment to Christian unity, interfaith cooperation, and the development of the "marriage blessing" tradition through mass wedding ceremonies. He also touched on the persecution faced by Moon and his wife, Holy Mother Han, and their unwavering dedication to their vision, concluding with an appreciation for Moon's legacy and his principles of love and service.
Reverend Moon's Legacy of Peace
The meeting focused on the legacy of Reverend Sun Myung Moon, founder of the Universal Peace Federation, who dedicated his life to promoting peace, love, and service to humanity. His vision included interfaith cooperation, family unity, and global reconciliation, with initiatives such as the Ambassadors for Peace programme and the proposal for an interreligious council at the United Nations. The discussion highlighted his efforts to bridge cultural and religious divides, with examples of successful peace-building projects, and his enduring influence through his family and followers, including his wife, Mother of Peace, Dr Hak Ja Han Moon.
Several religious leaders shared their experiences from a recent conference in South Korea, emphasizing the unity and peace-building efforts of UPF (Universal Peace Federation). Reverend Isaac Ayani highlighted his personal encounter with Father Moon and the divine principle, urging attendees to unite their families and communities through UPF. Mr. Ahmed Shebani, a long-term peace ambassador and founder of the Democratic Party of Libya, stressed the importance of the divine light within each individual and the need to embrace unity across spiritual identities.
UPF's Vision for Global Peace
Speakers discussed the mission of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) to promote peace and unity among diverse communities, emphasizing the importance of finding inner peace and understanding. They highlighted the need for dialogue and listening to others, rather than assertion, as a path to true peace. Mrs Shukria Barakzai shared insights from a recent conference with Afghans in the UK and mentioned Reverend Moon's vision for a peaceful world, comparing him to other great leaders like Martin Luther King. They encouraged attendees to take action, however small, towards achieving world peace and to spread the message of unity and love.
Religious Unity and Peace Advocacy
Several speakers emphasized the interconnectedness of religions and the importance of overcoming bigotry and prejudice. Shukriya Baraksai, a former Afghan ambassador and minister, spoke about the importance of peace and the role of Father and Mother Moon in promoting harmony. Fontany, a religious leader with experience in multiple faith traditions, advocated for studying all holy scriptures to achieve unity. The meeting also honoured the legacies of Father Moon and Judge Frank Caprio, who both exemplified peace and justice through their lives and work.
Promoting Peace Through Understanding
Ian Pelham Turner shared his personal experiences and insights on peace, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding across communities. He highlighted a visit to Lebanon, where he encountered the harsh realities faced by children and the efforts of Hezbollah to foster peace through shared meals, despite their challenging circumstances. He expressed his support for UPF's mission to unite communities and bring hope, drawing parallels between his work as a journalist and the organization's efforts to promote peace and understanding.
UPF Peace Seminar Announcement
The meeting ended recognizing and appreciating Margaret's selfless and peace-loving work with UPF since its begining.
A seminar on the principles of peace was announced for October 4th, featuring Reverend Dr. David Hanna. Attention was drawn to the United Nations 100-day campaign until the International Day of Peace that UPF – UK has been supporting enthusiastically.
This anniversary also reminds us of milestone moments such as the World Summit 2020, marking the centenary of Father Moon’s birth, and the World Summit 2022, which demonstrated UPF’s global impact. To learn more about Father Moon’s centenary legacy and the ongoing Rallies of Hope, please visit: www.thelegacyoflove.org
Event Streamed:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/universalpeacefederation.uk/videos/1271771034110850
Youtube https://youtube.com/live/WCa5iLAi4zE
Explore Further:
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
Fostering Dialogue and Reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula
The United Nations at 80: A Partner for Peace and Sustainable Development
Become an Ambassador for Peace – Join a global network of leaders, changemakers, and community builders committed to advancing peace, dialogue, and moral leadership.
Videos Highlighting Father Moon’s Legacy
- A Determined Man – Watch here
- Rev. Moon and the UPF – Watch here
- A Man of Peace – Watch Here
Robin Marsh, Secretary General, UPF – UK | 📱 07956 210768
Margaret Ali, Director, UPF – UK
Universal Peace Federation – UK🌐 www.uk.upf.org | ✉️
Registered Charity No. 1185412
UPF is an NGO in General Consultative Status with the United Nations ECOSOC