By FFWPU and UPF Benin
Joint Commemoration of the 14th Anniversary of the Ascension of Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, True Parent of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, and the 21st Anniversary of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF)
On Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Peace Embassy in Godomey, the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU-Benin), in collaboration with the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and affiliated providential organizations, organized a national commemoration of the 14th anniversary of the Ascension of Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and the 21st anniversary of UPF, under the theme: “Honoring the Legacy, Passing the Torch, Renewing the Commitment to Peace.” This initiative, supported by UPF Africa and represented by its Secretary-General, Dr. Paterne ZINSOU, brought together 110 participants. Among them were members of the Heavenly Parent’s Holy Community, honorary ministers, former parliamentarians, religious leaders, academics, Ambassadors for Peace, and representatives of providential organizations.
Beyond a simple commemoration, this celebration was intended as a national tribute to True Father, Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, in recognition of the exceptional work he accomplished for God and humanity. The organizers wished to emphasize that his legacy of peace, reconciliation, family restoration, and cooperation among peoples remains alive today and continues to inspire men and women of all faiths and backgrounds. In the current providential context experienced by FFWPU, this initiative also expressed Benin’s support and hope for Holy Mother HAN, while reaffirming the determination to strengthen unity among all organizations founded by the True Parents to pursue the realization of a peaceful world and to make their vision more widely known.
The ceremony, hosted by Mr. Kijung SONOUMEY, National Vice-Leader and Secretary-General of UPF-Benin, began with performances by the Sun-Hak Artistic and Musical Group, setting an atmosphere of joy and reverence. Following the introductory remarks, participants watched a video tracing the life, vision, and legacy of Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon. A particularly solemn moment marked the first part of the ceremony with the offering of fourteen flowers, representing the fourteen years that have passed since his Ascension. This symbolic gesture, performed by providential leaders, national figures, and Ambassadors for Peace, served as a collective tribute to the man whose teachings continue to inspire members and peacemakers around the world.
The major reflection panel, organized around the theme “What does the peace legacy of Founding Father Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon represent to you? How can we transform it today into concrete actions for future generations?”, allowed several providential leaders and prominent figures to share their testimonies. Speakers unanimously praised True Father’s universal vision and his commitment to peace. Professor Jean Bio CHABI OROU, Honorary Minister and former Ambassador of Benin to UNESCO, emphasized that Rev. Dr. Moon demonstrated through his own example that education is one of the essential foundations of peace. Other Ambassadors for Peace recalled their personal encounters with him, highlighting his constant call to become peacebuilders in their communities. Honorable Dr. André DASSOUNDO, former First Vice-President of the National Assembly, emotionally stated: “Rev. Moon is not merely sent by God; he comes directly from God and abides with Him,” expressing that only this conviction could explain the magnitude of his work. Pastor Pascal DEGBEY, BFD of Benin, shared his testimony on the legacy of numerous families who received the Marriage Blessing from True Parents and now serve as primary pillars of peace in society, centered on the true family values instilled through their education.
One of the most significant moments of the celebration was the transmission ceremony of the Flame of Peace, led by Dr. Paterne ZINSOU. In his message, he reminded attendees that peace can only become a reality when every component of providence and society fully assumes its responsibility. The flame was sequentially passed to the representative of UPF, then to FFWPU (representing families), the representative of the Women’s Federation, the youth representative, and representatives of religious leaders, parliamentarians, and academics, before being entrusted to the Ambassadors for Peace—illustrating the complementary commitment of each sector in building a harmonious society. All of these flames then converged into a central Flame of Peace, symbolizing the unity of all True Parents’ works and the renewal of collective commitment to peace.
The celebration of UPF’s 21st anniversary continued with the cutting of the commemorative cake, the symbolic act of 21 commitments to peace marked by the release of 21 balloons, and artistic performances celebrating hope and brotherhood. An awards ceremony followed, honoring several distinguished figures and Ambassadors for Peace for their faithfulness and remarkable contributions to promoting peace and family values. A declaration of commitment, read on behalf of all participants, reaffirmed their determination to continue collaborating with FFWPU and UPF in service to peace in Benin. Congratulatory messages from HE Mr. Désiré BATCHASSI of UEMOA, Mr. Augustin AMO (Secretary-General of UPF TOGO), and Rev. Woo Sung GUELI (President of FFWPU-Benin) concluded the ceremony on a note of encouragement and hope.
This commemoration will remain a historical moment of communion among providential organizations, national authorities, and Ambassadors for Peace. It served not only to honor the memory and legacy of Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, True Parent of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, but also to renew the participants’ commitment to pursuing his ideal of peace. For FFWPU-Benin, this celebration was a concrete expression of fidelity to True Parents and a testament to its commitment to working alongside all partner organizations toward building a nation and a world of peace founded on family values, true love, and service to the Heavenly Parent.