Chairman Il-Sik Hong mentioned “This year makes the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, and the 70th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Korea, thus making this event all the more meaningful,” and he emphasized that the role of The Sunhak Peace Prize is to change the concept of peace to not just the present or the past, but extending it well into the future to broaden the scope of peace and awaken our moral responsibilities. Furthermore, he also said, “Under the banner of ‘One Global Family, Making the World Better for Future Generations,’ The Sunhak Peace Prize will go beyond the limits of civilizations that humanity has constructed until now and create a new peaceful civilization based on love for humanity.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The laureate, President of Kiribati Anote Tong said, “It will be remiss of me if I do not pay tribute to the late Reverend Dr. Sun Myung Moon and to you Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, for the work that you have done underpinned by the ultimate aim of global peace for all.” He also spoke of our moral obligation of ensuring that our children’s future will be safe. He shared the glory with his wife and people of Kiribati and showed his respect to the co-recipient, Dr. Modadugu V. Gupta, for his lifelong work in food security. He closed his speech with his traditional blessing by saying, “Te Mauri (Health), Te Raoi (Peace) and Te Tabomoa (Prosperity).”

 

The other laureate Dr. Modadugu Vijay Gupta stated, “I feel it an honor and privilege to be selected for the first Sunhak Peace Prize. I am glad that the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee recognizes the importance of food security, environmental integrity and overall socioeconomic development as essential pre-requisites for a peaceful society.” He expressed his gratitude to the farming communities, NGOs, scientists, planners and administrators in different countries where he has worked. He acknowledged the sacrifices his wife and children have made in order to support his work. He also promised to pursue his goals of contributing to a peaceful society through the alleviation of hunger and poverty. In closing, he paid homage to Reverend Dr. Sun Myung Moon for the ideals he stood for and his vision of one global peaceful family.

 

After the awards ceremony, the world-renowned Soprano singer Sumi Jo and the Little Angels gave performances.

 

 

Next, Soprano singer Sumi Jo sang <Adagio> and <Inside a cloud made of flowers>. The audience was touched by her beautiful voice

  

In closing, Sumi Jo and The Little Angels sang ‘Heal the World’

One attendee who came from Brazil said, “This was my first time participating in such an important event. Through this ceremony, we could understand more about two exemplary men who did great work not for their own benefit, but to help other people. I’d like to thank The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee for providing this opportunity. I wish more organizations could give recognition to those who live for the sake of others.”

Another attendee who came from Bangladesh said, “I will always remember the great contribution given by the laureates. And I was very impressed by the celebratory performances.”