Quito, Ecuador—More than 60 people—including 14 current members of the National Assembly, from eight political parties; four former members of the Assembly; religious and civil society leaders; and Ambassadors for Peace—attended the launch of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) in Ecuador. The event was held on December 19, 2017 at the Swissótel in Quito.
Dr. Fausto Segovia Baus, former minister of education and culture and a director of UPF-Ecuador, served as the emcee and gave the opening address.
Following the singing of Ecuador’s national anthem, Hon. Raúl Auquilla, a member of the National Assembly, gave the welcome address. He explained the purpose of the IAPP and highlighted the importance of internal peace. “Internal peace allows us to create a harmonious relationship with the environment, to be transparent, to love all human beings without distinction, and to experience joy in our families. In conclusion, only in this way can universal peace be achieved. I believe in your great decision to support this organization [dedicated] to realizing [this].”
Rev. Dong Mo Shin, president of UPF-South America, spoke about the mission of UPF and the activities it has carried out around the world.
After a video about the IAPP was shown, Dr. Eduardo Villarreal, president of UPF-Ecuador, talked about UPF’s Principles of Peace and, using data from the UN, pointed to challenges facing the world. “As long as poverty, ignorance, and racism exists and family breakdown continues, will world peace be unreachable. … Today, you, as Ambassadors for Peace, have an opportunity to make the world better,” he said.
Dr. Sang Seuk Kim, regional chair of UPF-Latin America, gave a speech about the history of the IAPP, including the development of the IAPP in the Caribbean and Central America region and in South America.
After singer Paora Aranda sang several songs for peace, 13 members of the National Assembly were appointed as Ambassadors for Peace. Each of them expressed a determination to support the IAPP-Ecuador, and signed the resolution launching the IAPP chapter.
