The Universal Peace Federation (UPF), New Zealand chapter hosted a launch event of the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) earlier this month in the presence of 70 leaders from various backgrounds.
The members who participated at the event were heads of different religious groups, faith-based organisations and political leaders who rendered their views contributing to peace and prosperity between members of different communities.
The event was held on Saturday, April 13 at Mt Eden War Memorial Hall.
The theme of the event besides the formation of IAPD was “addressing the Critical Challenge of our time to create a vibrant community: The contribution of religious and faith-based organisations."
UPF, an international and interreligious network of individuals and organisations, including representatives from religion, government, civil society and the private sector, is dedicated to achieving world peace.
As per UPF, the need to launch IAPD in New Zealand became more relevant and urgent following the Christchurch mosque attacks in March this year.
“New Zealand experienced the darkest historical tragedy just over a month ago as 50 followers of Islam were killed by a confused criminal. The brutal act was brought to international attention for nobody expected such an attack would happen in the peaceful society of New Zealand,” the media release of UPF stated.
The concept of IAPD is embedded in the statement of UPF that sums that world peace can be only attained with the wisdom and efforts of the world’s religious leaders and the cooperation and endeavours of national political leaders.
The event began with an address by the UPF-NZ Secretary General Geoffrey Fyers who thanked the attendees at the assembly followed by a prayer and a minute’s silence for the victims of Christchurch attack.
Two-panel discussions were held- one with the leaders from the religious and spiritual affiliations in New Zealand and the second of the political leaders and faith-based organisations.
The first panel discussing on “A Vibrant Community for Family, Peace, and Human Development” comprised GulZaman, President of Auckland City Multi-Ethnic Council- speaking on Islam’s perspective, Sanatan Ambassador Ram Dharma Nand who spoke from Hinduism perspective, Ngapuhielder David Rankin speaking on Maori Spirituality and Rev. Elder Suamalie NT losefa Naisali from the United Reformed Christian Church speaking on Christianity.
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The second panel spoke on the subject “Exploring Ways to Cooperate for Lasting Peace” had former MP Ross Robertson, Anne Degia-Pala, QSM, founder of EthNix Links Networks, Daud Azimullah, FIANZ Executive member and National List MP Kanwaljit Bakshi.
Director of UPF-NZ Adel Jamati delivered a keynote addressing the challenges posed by the atheistic ‘religion’, and ‘Secular Humanism’ such as the teaching of the doctrine of Evolution in schools.
Mr Jamati discussed the way it is moulding the youths as well as weakening the culture of marriage and family. He also highlighted the universal and profound spirituality embedded in all religions as a unifying factor for world peace.
The event ended with the launch of IAPD in ‘Peace Water Ceremony’ a symbolic representation of the significance of religious and civic representatives pouring sacred water into a bowl that symbolises an ocean.
“The Inaugural Assembly of the IAPD [has] brought a new level of unity amongst interreligious communities in cooperation with the political leaders to work together in order to create a vibrant community, society, and nation,” the media release said.
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