In April 2025, UPF New Zealand was honoured to send representatives to the World Summit 2025, held at the Lotte World Hotel in Seoul, South Korea. The summit opened on 11 April under the theme "Contemporary Challenges to World Order: Establishing a New Era of Peace and Prosperity", drawing leaders from 117 nations.
The gathering held particular significance: 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (24 October 1945) — the same year the Korean Peninsula was divided, a wound that remains unhealed eight decades on.
New Zealand Delegates
UPF New Zealand was proud to be represented at this historic summit by two distinguished guests from the Ratana Church:
- Tumuaki Manao Tamou — President, Ratana Church
- Kamaka Manuel — Chairman, Ratana Church
Their participation reflects the deep relationship between UPF New Zealand and the Ratana Church — one of New Zealand's most significant indigenous Christian movements — and underlines the Pacific region's voice in global peacebuilding conversations.
Summit Highlights
Dr. Charles S. Yang, Chairman of UPF International, opened the proceedings with a sobering assessment of Korean Peninsula security, noting: "Without peace on the Korean Peninsula, there can be no peace in Northeast Asia. Nor can we achieve world peace."
The summit addressed two overarching global crises:
- The climate crisis — humanity's ongoing domination of the natural world
- Humanitarian crises — hunger, displacement, and ongoing conflicts
Among the international speakers was Dr. Paula White-Cain (USA), Senior Advisor to President Trump for the White House Faith Office, who noted that more than 1,000 faith leaders had visited the White House since January 20 for faith diplomacy and religious liberty efforts.
Cheon Won Gung Opening
Summit participants were also invited to the opening of the Cheon Won Gung on 13 April — a new Interreligious and International Peace Palace located on the slopes of Cheonseong Mountain at Lake Cheongpyeong. Spanning 125,000 square metres with 82,000 square metres of floor area, the palace is designed as a global centre for peace education, culture, and interreligious exchange.
The Sunhak Peace Prize
The summit also featured the 6th Sunhak Peace Prize ceremony, recognising individuals tackling some of the world's most pressing challenges. Founders' Prizes were awarded to two distinguished figures from Africa — a former head of state and a prominent religious leader — by Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.
UPF New Zealand is proud to have contributed a Pacific voice to this global gathering, and we look forward to channelling the summit's spirit of cooperation into our local work across Aotearoa.