The Taiwanese government has asked for international assistance in rescuing stranded villagers and relief work to aid displaced and homeless persons. Buildings collapsed in the floodwater, and mudslides buried everything in their paths. The death toll was 153 on August 20, and the eventual number might rise to over 500, since many more are missing.

UPF-Taiwan has initiated a relief project by Ambassadors for Peace for the reconstruction of two devastated hill tribe villages in the worst affected areas: Haocha Village in Pingtung County and Maolin Village in Kaohsiung County. They will help the victims of these two villages rebuild their homes and provide psychological counseling for those in need.

The fundraising campaign is part of the ongoing service projects leading up to the October 31 Global Peace Festival. The people of Taiwan will feel greatly encouraged by the contributions of caring people around the world.

Donations may be sent to:

Bank Name: Hua Nan Commercial Bank
Bank Account: 102-97-0120492
Account Name: Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace-R.O.C.
Bank Address: No. 245, Section 3, Roosevelt Road, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
SWIFT CODE: HNBKTWTP

UPF-Taiwan will directly hand the money to the victims through its AFP Kaohsiung Branch, which is closest to the disaster area.

The distinctive historical backgrounds of great faiths, beliefs, traditions, cultures and customs of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism as well as Christianity and Muslim make the country unique.

GPF Taiwan 2009, a 3-day celebration aim at promoting peace, inter-religious cooperation, family harmony and communal unity. Jointly organized by the Universal Peace Festival (UPF), Inter-religious and International Federation for World Peace (IIFWP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tourism Bureau of MOTC, Council for Cultural Affairs and National Youth Commission of Executive Yuan.

The Global Peace Festival consists of four parts:

(i)    International Leadership Conference (ILC)
“A New Global Vision for the 21st Century – Building a Culture of Peace”
Taipei, Taiwan
October 29- November 1, 2009

(ii)    Main Global Peace Celebration Program
National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Liberty Square
Sunday, October 31, 2009

(iii)    Exhibition of Calligraphy and Painting for Peace;

(iv)    Social Impact Service Projects

On 31st October, we will see the 3-day event climaxing with a Peace Celebration at National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. An estimated 20,000 participants including prominent foreign and local leaders and young people will attend. You are cordially invited to join us to this highly exciting peace celebration, here in Taipei.

Taiwan, Touch Your Heart.

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More Global Peace Festival Taiwan news

“Peacebuilding for the 21st Century: Interfaith, Service and Family”
December 10-14, 2009 – Manila, Philippines

The competition features some of the top teams in the world, including Juventus of Italy, Aston Villa from England, and previous champions Lyon of France.

But the real interest will be in the performance of the revitalized hosts, Real Madrid.

For more information visit: Peace Cup Website | Kam Sports International | SoccerLens |Goal.com

The UPF Founder Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, however, harbored no such doubts as he addressed a diverse group of 500 religious, political and diplomatic leaders from 84 nations who had gathered in Seoul July 10 at short notice to consider the question of how the world can truly become one family.

“It is time to accelerate a true-love revolution,” he said. “This is a time when all of us must come under the guidance and protection  and of the new heavenly law, by leading transparent lives with your every action being as clear as a crystal.” Dr. Moon went on to call for all religions to work together to strengthen the family and the marriage bond, to reject sexual immorality, and to make a common commitment to break down the walls and barriers that divide humanity based on political parties, religions, races, cultures and even nations.

H. E. Rodrigo Carazo, former President of Costa Rica, reflects on Korea’s progress to peace

UPF Founder Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon calls for a true love revolution.

“We are giving full attention to Rev. Moon’s vision of a renewed United Nations that embodies the parental heart of God,” said the Hon Rodrigo Carazo, the former president of Costa Rica. Carazo, who first came to Seoul on a state visit in 1981 when there were just two bridges across the Han, said that the peaceful growth of Korea was a bright symbol to other nations of how quickly change is possible. “This ambitious goal of reform and renewal is applauded by leaders from around the world,” Carazo said.

Interfaith Prayers for Peace

Rev. Moon was introduced by his youngest son, Rev. Hyung Jin Moon, who is himself leader of a fast-growing congregation in Seoul. Earlier, Rev. Dr. Filotheos Farag, a priest of the El-shadidein Coptic Church of Khartoum, Sudan, led a group of interfaith leaders in a moving prayer for peace. “Give all the world’s leaders wisdom to know how to love others,” he said. “Create in us a new clean heart that knows how to forgive and to accept forgiveness.”

Mrs. Geetha Rajan (Hinduism)

Rev. Filotheos Farag (Christianity

Dr. Wahiba Chaker (Islam)

Rabbi Richard Gamboa (Judaism)

In conclusion, the delegates signed a proclamation that resonated with the US Declaration of Independence in a “firm reliance on divine providence.” “The present age is the era of God’s authority when all persons should strive to live by the highest ethical standards, in ways that are transparent and good,” all concurred, “and to resolve the historic division between races and faith traditions.

An Idea Whose Time Has Come

The Hon Jose de Venecia Jr., five-time speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives, agreed. “Victor Hugo once said that ‘More powerful than an invading army is an idea whose time has come,’” de Venecia said. “Rev. Moon, on this day I want to say that you, and your ideas, and the movement you have created are indeed more powerful than any invading army. I am especially inspired and committed the vision of a new United Nations that respects the wisdom and experience of religious leaders.”

Rev. Hyung Jin Moon introduces his father

Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr. of the Philippines

Entertainment by renowned tenor Dr. Ji Ho Yoo

The audience enjoying the moment

International Leadership Conference

In the International Leadership Conference preceding the July 10 event, the delegates debated the important but complex role of religion in bringing about peace. “With significant differences in core beliefs, ethical and traditional practices, not to mention language and culture, religion can seem to be a force for division as much as one of bringing unity,” said Michael Balcomb, opening the discussion. “Yet if we are indeed brothers and sisters of one family, we must find a way to put our differences aside in search of a lasting unity.”

The conference also heard reports of the Universal Peace Federation’s work with the United Nations, including world-wide celebrations for the United Nations International Day of Families in May, and plans for the International Day of Peace in September. Plans were also announced for a Global Peace Convention to be held in Manila, Philippines in December.

“Father Moon has always wanted to see the United Nations affirm the highest spiritual truths and live for the sake of others,” said UPF Chair Rev. Dr. Chung Hwan Kwak. “For this to happen, it’s guiding principle should go beyond national self-interest to a focus on service, cooperation, and the promotion of reconciliation and harmony among religious, racial, and ethnic groups, as well as among nations, building one family under God.”

Conference Presenters

Dr. Thomas Walsh, UPF Secretary General

H. E. Rahim Huseynov, UPF Global Peace Council

Rev. Dr. Chung Hwan Kwak UPF Chair

Dr. Ana Olson, USA

Dr. Michael Balcomb, USA

Hon Yadav Sharma, Nepal

Mr. Heiner Handshin, Switzerland

Mr. Mwalago Kililo, Kenya

Mrs. Amala McLackland, India

Mr. Taj Hamad, USA/Sudan

Dr. Su Thye The, Malaysia

Mrs. Gail Paine, USA

Mrs. Alice Huang, China

Mrs. Tomiko Duggan, USA/Albania

Mr. Greg Stone, Australia

Tan Sri Zaleha Ismail, President of UPF Malaysia (left), Dr Walsh, Secretary General of UPF International (middle) and Lt. Gen. Dato’ Shahron (right), Chief of Staff, Malaysian Armed Forces