6th Rally of Hope: Launch of THINK TANK 2022

The 6th Rally of Hope took place on May 9, 2021, with the main program being held in South Korea. This event is a part of a virtual series started by Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, Co-Founder of both Women's Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI) and the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), in August of last year. The 6th Rally of Hope was hosted by Dr. Moon and sponsored by UPF. Participants from 194 countries were in attendance. The Rally of Hope series is based on the theme of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values.

The highlight of this event was undoubtedly the inauguration of Think Tank 2022, which focuses on the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula. In a press release, UPF describes Think Tank 2022 as a "global multi-sector network of more than 2,000 experts from a wide range of fields—government, business, academia, faith, media, arts and culture—dedicated to the collaborative search for solutions to the world's most critical challenges."

High-level leaders were present in attesting to the importance of Think Tank 2022 including, Hon. Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations (2007-2016); H.E. Mohamed Bazoum, President of the Republic of the Niger; and H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar.

Hon. Ban Ki-Moon, who will serve as a chairman of the new initiative, stated that "this [Think Tank 2022] network will make a difference for peace on the Korean Peninsula through international unity."

In addition, other notable speakers in attendance were H.E. José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission (2004-2014) and Nobel Laureate; Hon. Mike Pence, Vice President of the United States (2017-2021); Hon. Mark Esper, Secretary of Defense, United States (2019-2020); and Hon. David Beasley, Executive Director of United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020. 

Hon. Mike Pence commended leaders and civil society by stating "I commend you for coming together at this event to continue to sow the seeds of peace, believing that in time we will reap a harvest of peace that will benefit the people of Korea, the United States and all mankind."

Hon. David Beasley, the Executive Director of the world's largest humanitarian organization, expressed that "this rally is reaching across continents, uniting people all over the world in a spirit of peace, mutual prosperity and public service. It highlights the importance of everyone coming together to work for peace all around the world."

During this event, a resolution which formally established the inauguration of Think Tank 2022 was signed by Dr. Moon and representative leaders from around the world.