Zagreb, Croatia - On May 4, 2009, UPF-Croatia held its first Global Peace Tour event, under the theme: “A new vision of peace for the 21st century.” The main speaker was Mr. Mark Brann, Secretary General of UPF in Europe, as well as five local Ambassadors for Peace.

The event took place in the "European house," a well-known meeting place in Croatia, and was attended by 60 people, including Ambassadors for Peace and other guests.

The first speaker, Dr. Marko Tarle, a long-time supporter of UPF, gave an introduction. Following him, Mr. Marijo Zivkovic, president of the Family Center, a leading Catholic organization in Croatia, talked about family values and importance of sexual education for children in the schools.

Then Dr. Tihomir Domazet, is a member of the Economic Council of Croatia and a well-known expert in economy, talked about the current economic situation in Croatia and the world and it impacts the family and society, creating conflicts, etc. He stressed that investment in education of young people is one of the most important ways to deal with such problems.

Pastor Damir Super from the Adventist Church talked about the importance of a spiritual foundation in our lives and the need for interreligious tolerance and dialogue. He said that all problems can be solved if we are united in love with God. Through this unity with God people can become better persons, better parents and children, better citizens and we can build better families and society.

Professor Lidija Kraljevic talked about the character education project started recently in Croatia. UPF's first character education book has been published, and plans are to start character education in our schools.

The main speaker, Mr. Mark Brann, gave the keynote speech in English with translation into Croatian. Most guests could understand English very well, so they didn't need translation.

The program closed with Gorana Biondic singing a few themes from the musicals "The Barber of Seville" and "Les filles de Cadix," uplifting and inspiring the audience.

This event marks a new beginning for UPF in Croatia.

For the keynote address and more information about the peace tour, click here.