Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In light of attacks on religious freedom in China, Japan, the Middle East, and elsewhere, The Washington Times Foundation, Universal Peace Federation, and International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace are convening the Second Conference of Hope for Universal Human Rights and Religious Freedom.

Conference of Hope speakers will focus on human rights issues around the world and offer solutions for overcoming threats to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

The event will be live-streamed from South Korea simultaneously in time zones around the world. In the United States, it will begin Friday, December 16, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. EST and 4:30 p.m. PST.

A highlight of the conference will be the presentation and signing of a Declaration in Support of Fundamental Human Rights and Human Dignity: Overcoming Threats to Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion. “We call upon all people throughout the world to affirm this declaration and to uphold the universal freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and to stand firmly against all forms of intolerance, prejudice, slander, and hate toward others,” says the Statement, which will be signed by international representatives, including 5,000 parliamentarians from 193 nations.

Distinguished keynote speakers include:

• Hon. Suzan Johnson Cook, US Ambassador At Large for International
• Religious Freedom, US State Department (2011-2013)
• Hon. Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of State (2018-2021)
• Hon. Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria President (2010-2015)
• Hon. Nevers Mumba, Zambia Vice President (2003-2004)
• Hon. Newt Gingrich, U.S. Speaker of the House (1995-1999)
• Hon. Daniel Herman, Minister of Culture (2014-2017) and Member of the Council for Human Rights, Czech Republic
• Mr. Massimo Introvigne, Founder & Managing Director, Center for Studies on New Religions, Italy
• Rev. Jonathan Falwell, Senior Pastor, Thomas Road Baptist Church, Virginia, US
• Rev. Don Meares, Senior Pastor, Evangel Cathedral, Maryland, US
• Mr. Humphrey Hawksley, BBC Foreign Correspondent (1986-2016)
• Mr. Doug Bandow, Senior Fellow, Cato Institute, specializing in foreign policy and civil liberties
• Dr. Michael Pillsbury, Director, Center on Chinese Strategy, Hudson Institute
• Mr. Yoshio Watanabe, Vice President, International Federation for Victory Over Communism
• Hon. Dan Burton, Member of Congress (1983-2013) and Co-Chair, International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace
• Dr. Young-ho Yun, Chairman, Conference of Hope Organizing Committee
• Mr. Thomas P. McDevitt, Chairman, The Washington Times, and Board Member of The Washington Times Foundation
  
  The Conference of Hope series transcends political, religious, racial, and ideological boundaries and seeks to build a unified and more peaceful world around the core ideals of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values.
  
  Among the issues to be discussed are the plights of Muslim Uyghurs, Tibetan Buddhists, Jews, Christians, Bahais, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Yazidis, Falun Gong and Unificationists.
  
  The Washington Times Foundation, founded in 1984 in Washington, D.C., hosts regular programs, including its monthly “Washington Brief,” to gather expert commentary on issues relating to peace and security in the world.
  
  The Conference of Hope for Universal Human Rights and Religious Freedom will offer translation in numerous languages. Please register and join us for this important and timely event at www.ConferenceofHope.info