WFWP Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and UK Celebrate WFWP’s 30th Anniversary

On August 27-28, 2022, people from Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and the UK spent an exciting weekend together in the deep forest on the border between Sweden and Norway to celebrate the 30th anniversary of WFWP.

It was a joint event between WFWP and the Universal Peace Federation in Scandinavia. Around 70 participants gathered at a special place called Morokulien, located on the border between Sweden and Norway. Also called the “micro peace nation,” a monument was raised here in 1914 to symbolize the peaceful border between Norway and Sweden. In 2014, a peace bell and pagoda was donated to Morokulien by the county of Hwa Cheon located close to the DMZ in South Korea.

The 30th anniversary celebration of WFWP took place in the evening following a beautiful Peace Road walk in the forest along the border.

Welcoming remarks were given by Ing Marie Kikuchi Hedberg of Sweden, where she happily could acknowledge that half the audience were men.

Britta Houston, President of WFWP Sweden, gave a presentation that started with a short video by Julia Moon, President of WFWP International. President Moon summarized in the video remarkable achievements by WFWP from its start in 1992 until today, from leadership training, service projects all around the world and involvement in the United Nations. She also acknowledged the continued work needed for women to get access to leadership positions and in peacemaking processes.

The Peace Park project at the DMZ that WFWPI has taken under its wing and formulated visions and ideas around was also mentioned in the presentation. Thereafter followed testimonies from sisters from all participating nations.

Johanna Toresen, President of WFWP Norway, gave a passionate speech about her involvement with WFWP and the unconditional love and support she has experienced over the years. She pointed out how important the trust and freedom she experienced in WFWP has been for her and she feels that WFWP is in the forefront when it comes to raising up future leaders.

Viveka Freeland, former President of WFWP Sweden, donated a traditional handmade rag rug she had weaved in a loom at home for this celebration and WFWP decided to give this gift to WFWP’s co-founder, “Mother of Peace,” Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, together with a letter explaining the history of this traditional rug as well as expressing our loyal support in the everlasting vision for peace in the world.

A sisterhood ceremony concluded the program before a delicious dinner was served by a family run restaurant. The evening then ended with some outdoor entertainment while the sun set through the tops of the spruce trees.