Sydney, Australia – August 2024
The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) recently hosted two significant events in Sydney, reaffirming its dedication to fostering global peace and harmony.
Peace Conference: August 24, 2024
On August 24, the Oceania Peace Embassy in Sydney served as the venue for the annual Peace Conference, themed “Toward a World Culture of Peace.” Co-sponsored by UPF, the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), the Chinese People’s Federation for World Peace (CPFWP), and Iraqi Renaissance Australia, the event drew 65 participants from diverse backgrounds.
Mrs. Aila Willitts led the conference as Master of Ceremonies, and the proceedings began with an Acknowledgement of Country by Aunty Pearl Wymarra. The first session featured speeches by Mr. Greg Stone (Secretary-General, UPF Oceania), Mr. Fouad Sobbi (President, Mandaean World Congress), and Professor Shirley Chan (Associate Professor, Macquarie University). A video message from Hon. John Ruddick (MP, NSW Legislative Council) was also presented.
The afternoon included a bento lunch and a video from CPFWP. The second session, focusing on the role of youth in peace-building, included talks by Mr. Ken Schmittat (UPF youth representative), Mr. Ali Alassadi (Iraqi Renaissance youth representative), and Ms. Katharine Zhang (Founder of “Wealth: Of Living”). The third session addressed “Towards Peaceful Reunification of North and South Korea,” featuring Dr. Thi Truong Phan (academician and philanthropist), Ms. Sophie York (public speaker and legal advocate), and Mr. John Adamedes (President, UPF Australia).
The event concluded with a reflection by Kingsley Yiu, President of the Chinese Community Council of Australia (NSW), and a presentation by Neel Joshi, a Year 10 student from Homebush Boys High School. Attendees left with renewed insights and a shared commitment to overcoming barriers for global peace.
Peace Road Walkathon: August 25, 2024
The following day, August 25, saw the successful completion of the Peace Road Walkathon, aimed at supporting the peaceful reunification of North and South Korea. Held at Arnott’s Reserve in Homebush, the event attracted 200 participants and was organized by UPF in collaboration with FFWPU, WFWP, CPFWP, and Iraqi Renaissance Australia.
The walkathon featured a lively entertainment program hosted by Ahjeong Yoo, including performances by a UPF youth choir and various cultural groups. The five-kilometre walk concluded at Bicentennial Park, with participants enjoying a sausage sizzle lunch. VIPs including Mr. Jason Yat-Sen, MP for Strathfield, and Strathfield Council representatives Benjamin Cai and Sandy Reddy, attended and voiced their support for the event’s peaceful mission.
This year’s Peace Road Walkathon marks the second consecutive year it has been held in Homebush, with hopes for continued growth and impact in future years.
