On 29th April, Finland could contribute to the Global Peace Tour 2009 successfully. In the afternoon the UPF (Universal Peace Federation) hosted a conference at the New Parliament building of Parliament of Finland on the topic of “Youth in Multicultural society”, and in the evening the main event took place in the main Parliament House with the theme of “A new Vision of Peace for the 21st Century.” The both events were organized by the Ambassador for Peace, Parliament Member and Lutheran pastor, Lauri Oinonen.

In the conference, the UPF had several presenters among the panellists, one from the Ministry of Education (Secretary General of Council of Youth Affairs), an Imam from Muslim faith, a representative from the Mormon church (Head of education dept.) and a panellist representing the UPF. MP Oinonen opened the conference with his welcoming remarks, and Mr. Tim Miller, the Vice chairperson of Universal Peace Federation in Europe also greeted the audience before the panellists presented their views on the topic of the event, youth in multicultural society. About 43 guests attended the conference. From the audience as well as from the panellists the organizers received feedback that the presentations offered important insight on the challenges and difficulties of youngsters, who come from different cultural background from the main population. There were also presented some working methods on how to support and strengthen the family ties and religious values in the family.

The topic of multicultural youth in the society is a current issue and relevant to many European countries, as the immigration has increased in the past 15 years a lot to those countries including to Finland as well. Many participants expressed that Finland needs to prepare and to develop a vision and idea for young people in order to avoid some negative destructive behaviour by youth groups witnessed in many European countries, when the youngsters and young adults are frustrated in Western materialistic society and cannot sense deep purpose and value in their lives. Finnish ministry of education is actively working out ways in order to support multicultural families to integrate smoothly into the Finnish society. The concept of “One Family under God” was introduced as a solution.

In the main event, PM Oinonen as a chairman of the event led the program and gave warm welcoming remarks in the beginning. Another Parliament member, the Chairman of Foreign Affairs committee, Mr. Pertti Salolainen, introduced some current issues been discussed at the foreign department. He is one of the most outstanding politicians in Finland with a long history of public service, and his presence at the Global Peace Tour-event delighted the whole audience. In addition, Dr. Aarne Toivanen, former General Secretary at Finnish Institute in the Middle East and fomer General Secretary of Bible translation Committee for 16 years could give very wonderful remarks followed by Mr. Miller with the keynote speech. Mr Miller took the audience with his English charm and genuine presence and melted the ice of even the coldest Finn.

There were about 90 people attended including Emeritus Bishop of Lutheran Church, Chairman of Jews Community in Finland, Chairman of Baptist Church of Finland, diplomats from various nations, members of ethnic groups, NGOs and women leaders. In the end of the program, two guests received “Ambassador for Peace” certificates. They were so happy. One of them was a female immigrant, active in politics as well in neighbourhood programs. She expressed her deep gratitude for the reward also how moved she was by the recognition given at such a prestigious event. After the main event, UPF invited foreign diplomats, religious leaders and those Ambassadors for Peace who supported the Global Peace Tour 2009 for a dinner reception. Everyone could share and talk freely about their visions while enjoying a nice Finnish meal.

This time, Ambassadors for Peace really worked so hard to invite their friends, and thus they substantially supported the event. Especially, Ambassador Latvanen arranged to meet with PM Salolainen before the main event. Mr. Miller explained him about the vision and activities of the UPF at European and International levels and in addition about activities in Finland. Mr. Miller enjoyed spending time with him, and he agreed to participate in our main event and share a few words with the audience without prior notice on the spot. He just happened to have opening in his busy schedule that evening. Finally, all felt that the Global Peace Tour in Finland could succeed because of harmoniously working together and understanding about the vision of peace.

Contact:

Keijo Mikkanen
Rekipellontie 2
Helsinki, Finland
iifwp-fi@kolumbus.fi
www.upf.org