Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee it is my honor to welcome you to the 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize Award Ceremony.

Today we will honor five remarkable individuals who have devoted their lives to planting seeds of peace across the world.

As we know, peace does not become a reality automatically or naturally like the sunrise.  It comes into being, like any great work, on the foundation of the investment of time, energy and creativity, guided by a moral and spiritual vision, and requiring courage, resolve and conviction. Such work for peace will be on display today.

The Sunhak Peace Prize was established in 2014, born from the noble ideals and far-reaching vision of the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon and brought to life through the unwavering dedication of Dr. Hak Ja Han.

Throughout their lives, Rev. and Mrs. Moon have taught us that a lasting peace can only be achieved when we transcend barriers that divides us and learn to relate to one another with love, compassion and respect for each person’s God-given dignity and value.

Those we honor today are truly remarkable individuals who exemplify the ideals, principles and practices affirmed by the Sunhak Peace Prize. These laureates are not bystanders in the arena of history. Their life stories are testimonies to what is possible when conviction, compassion, and conscience converge—and give rise to action.

I hope today’s program will be an inspiration to each one your you. I pray it will move each of us to deeper self-reflection, and ultimately to action. Let us remember that peace begins with each one of us. It emerges from the choices we make in our daily lives—choices that are guided by a vision that sees all human beings as members of one global family under God.

Thank you for your kind attention.