In a world filled with turmoil and uncertainties presenting themselves as sources of unending conflicts, humanity longs for a realm where kindness triumphs over all. The UN International Day of Peace was started to stimulate our innate desires for peace and harmony, and this year’s edition concentrates on the theme, “Partnerships for Peace; Dignity for All.” With the focus on creating bridges for peace while preserving every individual’s rights and self-esteem, this year’s celebration in Auckland, New Zealand is a special forum discussing the recent issue of refugees. The theme, “Refugee Influx – A Crisis or An Opportunity,” was deliberated on 27th of September at Parnell Peace Embassy. The forum was attended by about 60 AFPs, distinguished guests and family members who worked hand-in-hand to make the event a successful gathering, aimed to raise awareness of the complex global situation that could perhaps be both a crisis and an opportunity.
We had the privilege of having Mr Qemajl Murati, an Officer from Immigration New Zealand, along with UPF-NZ Secretary General, Mr Geoffrey Fyers and AFP Rev Frank Smith from the College of St John the Evangelist to join us as the Panel of Speakers in the afternoon forum. The programme also included presentations by New Zealand AFPs who have had recent experiences in travelling to Korea for the International Leadership Conference and the World Summit, AFP Kieran Trass and AFP Rev Diane Winder respectively.
The forum was hosted by Mr Geoffrey Prentice, who made the call for the first order of the afternoon; which was an interfaith prayer by various religious leaders. They are Rev Suamalie Iosefa representing the Christian Faith, Imam Zahoor Rahman representing the Muslim Faith, Mr Peter Holdem representing the Unification Faith, Mrs Shanti Singh representing the Hindu Faith and Mrs Farah Kothare representing Zoroastrian Faith. It was followed by welcoming remarks by UPF-NZ Public Relations Coordinator, Dame Jane Seccombe who took time to appreciate the opportunity and highlight the importance of the gathering in commemoration of the Day of Peace. Next, AFP Gul Zaman, President of Auckland City Multi Ethnic Council read the UN and UPF Day of Peace Statements in succession, to emphasize the cause and the need for a continual devotion for peace.
AFP Rev Diane Winder then shared her experiences of attending the recent World Summit in South Korea. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to meet with various proponents of peace, be it from religious, political or service sectors. The speakers addressed various threats to peace, including climate change, poverty and inequality, geopolitical ambitions, and the rise of religious fundamentalism or terrorism; along with reformative works the world need to undertake, centering upon God as the source of goodness. There’s an underlying need for dialogue between religious faiths, and we need to continue the good work we’ve been carrying out in order for a stronger platform for World Peace to be established.
AFP Kieran Trass then echoed the call for action as he summarized his experience from the recent International Leadership Conference in South Korea. He felt that the ones who are responsible and can make a difference were the very ones who gathered that afternoon. Unless there are people who are willing to step up and embody the ideal of a peaceful world, it will never come to fruition. In fact, at that very time and place, as we gather and care for one another, we created a microcosm of that utopia we envision, for the world to substantially manifest in the future.
Brimming with positivity, the event moved on to the forum itself as the speakers to their stand to impart their experiences and knowledge with regards to the current, global issue of refugees. Firstly, Mr Geoffrey Fyers who has been exposed to a variety of cultures and situations after spending time as a missionary in Palau and Zambia gave his insight upon the challenges faced by refugees who are forced to migrate away from their respective countries. Given a choice, these refugees would rather stay in their homeland despite the hardships they have to endure. Still, he finds that as people of different cultures start to live together, there is always an opportunity for greater integration between positive aspects of humanity to develop. This was personally felt as he went through a mixed cultural marriage initiated by Father Moon, upon which he married his Japanese wife.
The next speaker, Rev Dr Frank Smith, took his time to explain the injustice experienced by the refugees from religious context. He emphasized the need for human compassion and focused on one’s caring heart in dealing with refugee situation.
Lastly, Mr Qemajl Murati explained New Zealand’s continual effort to accept refugees from the 1960s from various parts of the world. It has always been in communication with the UN in order to allow an influx of refugees within a preset quota. Although the number of Syrian refugee that New Zealand is accepting is currently small, there’s a plan for it to be increased in the near future; along with the completion of planned infrastructure development to sustain it.
The floor was then open to discussion, which was enriching to everyone present. Afterwards, a short break ensued which enabled everyone to converse freely with one another, in a harmonious environment befitting a peace-loving global community such as this.
We enjoyed a light supper together, in the spirit of sharing and togetherness. There is little that could replace the beauty and bonds formed through the sharing of love, in something as easily taken-for-granted as a family dinner.
The last segment of the event was the apt recognition of hard-working individuals who had forsaken a portion of their time, effort and resources for their community; through the new Ambassador For Peace Award Presentation. They are Mrs Rosemine Mutamuliza, Rev Sofala Lafita, Mr Daud Azimullah, Mr Ibrar Sheikh, and Mrs Farah Kothare. We are truly honored and grateful for their willingness to connect with the AFP Network in order to work hand-in-hand in creating a better world for everyone.
Afterwards, Rev Julius Gicole gave a closing remark to remind everyone the familial atmosphere we’ve forged with one another that enables us to gather as brothers and sisters longing to create an ideal world together. He invited us to maintain a strong connection in this network that is filled with abundant hope and was looking forward to the next meeting we can all gather at. Rev Rob McKay then closed the evening with a prayer, and we were able to resume our heartfelt interaction with one another, in appreciation of the beautiful opportunity to commemorate this year’s Day of Peace.
Although the world may seem to be heading into disarray, it is through little efforts such as this that perhaps a new environment filled with love, harmony and peace can be born and raised for a brighter future. We hope that we will not neglect the chance to exemplify peace and harmony that may resound for eternity.
– Photos courtesy of Barry Noel; Written by Andrew Halim