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One Million Rally of Hope for the Realization of a Heavenly Unified World

Macky Sall

President of the Republic of Senegal

Honorable Dr Hak Ja Han Moon, Ladies and Gentlemen,

As a Sunhak Peace Prize laureate, I am happy to join you for the Universal Peace Federation’s Rally of Hope 2020.

I would first like to salute the legacy of the esteemed founder of UPF, Reverend Sun Myung Moon, whose centenary we are celebrating this year. I address my affectionate tribute to the Honorable Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, who pursues with such love and generosity UPF's ideal of peace and human brotherhood.

This Rally of Hope is taking place at an unprecedented time in history, when the entire world is bearing the brunt of the brutal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to being a major health crisis, the virus has deeply disrupted our living conditions and our social relations. Education systems are in jeopardy, economies at half mast, companies are in trouble and workers face a precarious situation.  

The COVID-19 pandemic ignores borders as well as social, ideological and geopolitical considerations. It brings to light the limits of the most sophisticated health care systems and shows us our common vulnerabilities—men and women, young and old, rich or poor. Countries of the North and the South are all equally affected.  

To date, COVID-19 has not revealed all of its secrets. And there is still no medicine or vaccine to fight it. In the face of so many challenges and uncertainties, faith, confidence in science, and the resolve to act together will help us maintain hope, overcome trials, and overcome our common vulnerabilities.

We need to act together, because just as the virus has circled the planet in a few months, it will remain a threat to everyone as long as it continues to be active somewhere in the world. Self-centeredness is not an option if we are to bring victory. Rather we need to work in solidarity and human fraternity, as UPF has always done.

This is what prompted me, on May 14, to co-sign the International Appeal so that the future vaccine for COVID-19 is a common good, free and accessible to all countries.

In the same spirit, I salute and support the Rally of Hope 2020 which brings us together so that the post COVID-19 world will be a better place for everyone. I send you my warm congratulations and wish your event to be a complete success.