Dr. Chang Sik Yang, World Chairman of the Universal Peace Federation served as the MC for the event, and Ki-hoon Kim, regional president for North America offered the opening report prayer, followed by messages of congratulations by representatives from the United States and Japan.

Sam H. Zakhem, former US ambassador to Bahrain, urged the establishment of an interreligious body of international religious leaders at the UN as advocated by Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han's in order to advise the governments of all nations in seeking the path to a world of peace without conflict.

In his letter of congratulation Minister of Unification Ryu Gil-je stated, "Developing relations between the North and South, as well as the expansion of international cooperation are crucial for peaceful reunification. Let's work for a warm and mature society, and open our minds to work for trust and harmony, with an attitude of restoring mutual prosperity."

Deputy Minister for Reunification and Senior Vice Chairman of the National Unification Advisory Council Kyungdae Hyun urged "Peaceful unification of our people will bring the development of our nation one step higher, and is urgently needed for the existence of our people in the 21st century." He continued, "We need to look at this age with our eyes wide open, and make effort to prepare for unification."

Universal Peace Federation Chairman Yoon Jeongro reported, we are actively working throughout the country, having conducted professional forums in 10 of the 12 major cities of Korea and under the topic of  "The Role and Mission of Ambassadors for Peace in Working Toward Peace in Northeast Asia." Next year's plans are to focus on seminars regarding Korea - Japan cooperation in support of peace in Northesat Asia, with special emphasis in the Yeongnam area on increasing international exchange through the Korea - Japan Tunnel Project.

Lu Kyeng Seuk, chairman of the Korean Family Federation for World Peace described plans for the new year, with a focus on Vision 2020, a New Beginning of a New Age of Cheon Il Guk.  "With Vision 2020, we will focus on new members, making a foundation for North South unification, and becoming a peoples' religion as our goals. In 2014 will focus on recovering our identity and inheriting the realm of heart, new members and true family activities, and uniting three generations of church members with one heart."

[NEWSis] 2013 First Year of Cheon Il Guk Rally for Leaders from around the World

Former US Ambassador to Bahrain Sam H. Zakhem delivers his message at a Rally for Leaders from Around the World for 2013, year one of Cheon Il Guk held on the afternoon of December 15 at the CheongShim Peace World Center in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province.