Nearly two million people worldwide registered for the 5th Rally of Hope, with viewers reaching 320 million people on more than 400 digital platforms.
UPF co-founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon shared an inspiring message of hope in her Founder’s Address, as speakers focused on key global issues—like COVID-19, race relations, poverty, and inequality—under the theme “Building Partnerships for Peace based on Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity, and Universal Values.”
Dr. Moon emphasised to the Rally of Hope the importance of global peace and unity to prevail over the world’s challenges, calling for citizens to cultivate a “sense of reverence” for our God-given blessings and fulfill our responsibilities by creating ideal families.
“Let us join hands in making a new resolve to advance God’s providence today,” said Dr. Moon. “If the Korean Peninsula can be reunified and become one people, and if all of the Asia Pacific can be united into a heavenly civilisation and connect the entire world, we can become a force for good that will expand to all of the continents and oceans of the world … I encourage each of you to join me in marching forward victoriously.”
Bishop Noel Jones quoted the Beatitudes in his opening prayer and peace message, saying, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God,” and cultivating “the love for peace … is the function of those who walk with God.” He noted that February 28 marked the birthdays of Dr. Moon and her late husband, the Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, as well as the 30th anniversary of their historic 1991 visit and talks with Kim Il Sung to “encourage the North Korean leader to bring peace” to the Korean Peninsula.
According to The Washington Times, former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said ‘a unified Korean Peninsula would contribute greatly to a more stable, peaceful Pacific region and that goal is within reach.’
“We will stand firm against our common adversaries, even as we work in good faith to turn our adversaries into friends,” said Mr. Pence. “In doing that, I believe we can lay a foundation to bring about the peaceful unification of Korea within our lifetime. That vision of freedom, peace, and prosperity is the same vision the people of the United States and the Republic of Korea have shared for nearly 70 years: A Korea united by the universal values of human dignity, liberty, and economic freedom.”
“Thirty-five years ago, the situation that confronted us in South Africa appeared to be hopeless,” said His Excellency F.W. de Klerk, former president of South Africa and 1993 Nobel Peace Prize winner with the late South African President Nelson Mandela. “South Africa was isolated, filled with unrest, protests, lawlessness, and under siege by pro-communist forces before having its first fully inclusive election in 1994, leading to the inauguration of President Mandela and “the adoption of a truly inclusive and democratic constitution,” said Mr. de Klerk. Challenges continued, “but above all, we have learned the importance of never losing hope.”
The Rally of Hope series, launched in August 2020, is dedicated to “building a unified world of peace,” said UPF Chairman Dr. Thomas G. Walsh. UPF, which was founded in 2005 by Rev. Moon and Dr. Moon, has chapters and programs worldwide and is an NGO in General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
