Asuncion, Paraguay—UPF inaugurated the South America office of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) at a gala dinner held at the World Trade Center in Asuncion, Paraguay on December 5, 2017.
Twelve parliamentarians from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador and Paraguay, as well as government, religious, civil society and academic leaders and representatives from the media attended the event.
UPF-South America president, Rev. Dong Mo Shin, thanked the leaders present for their support of the IAPP, on behalf of UPF co-founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, and asked them to work together for world peace, uphold human rights and build a more humane society.
Dr. Simao Ferabolli, president of UPF-Brazil, called on everyone to commit themselves to support family values and stressed the importance of overcoming oneself and combating internal dangers, such as extreme individualism, selfishness and discrimination.
Afterwards, the parliamentarians from neighboring countries spoke for three to five minutes each. They highlighted their enthusiasm to support the IAPP and this office which provides a space for all parliamentarians, beyond political party, to gather and search for solutions to problems our society faces at this time. The recently selected "Miss Paraguay," Ms. Yessica Daiana Ledezma Báez, sang two Paraguayan songs to loud applause.
At the end of the event, everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner during which they shared their experiences and made new friends.
