Brazil—On September 21, 2021, the Universal Peace Federation of Brazil held the “Launch of the International Association for Peace and Economic Development,” in commemoration of the International Day of Peace with the objective of increasing the scope of the UPF in Brazil in promoting peace. Also celebrated was the appointment of new Ambassadors for Peace. The event was attended by 77 people at the Zoom meeting with an additional 522 viewers on YouTube.
The emcee for the event, Pastor Walisson Delano, representing UPF and FFWPU in Federal District - Brazil, welcomed everyone and thanked them for their attendance. He emphasized the importance of strengthening links for peace.
After the singing of the national anthem of Brazil by Major Hardalesson de Araujo, the opening prayer was given by Pastor Walisson Delano. Next, Ms. Eliza Ferreira, public relations department of the UPF and FFWPU, thanked everyone for their presence and expressed great satisfaction in meeting people who share the same will and mission to build peace.
After the presentation of a video that showcased UPF activities around the world, Rev. Dong Mo Shin, chairman of the UPF in South America, highlighted the values and missions of Ambassadors for Peace who are carrying out activities for the benefit of others, regardless of the field of action, nationality or ideology, creating strategies to overcome obstacles.
Next to speak was the chairman of The Washington Times, president of the Global HJ Magnolia Foundation and global coordinator of IMAP and IAED, Mr. Thomas McDevitt. He presented the points of the IAED program to leverage the world economic leadership, which with the crisis we are facing is demanding a pattern of leadership that harnesses all human potential. He gave an overview of the IAED mission, strategy and objectives.
An explanation of the mission of Ambassadors for Peace was presented by the secretary general of UPF in South America and president of UPF in Brazil, Dr. Simão Ferabolli, emphasizing the missions that Ambassadors for Peace must perform and an outline of all the pillars’ institutions founded by co-founder of UPF, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. He also explained that the title of Ambassadors for Peace seeks to recognize the good deeds carried out in society in creating bridges between different areas of activity in order to improve the society.
Several of the Ambassadors for Peace in the area of business, who are actively supporting the activities of UPF, presented brief reports about their experiences of working together with UPF and how their area can support the vision of IAED, bringing about peace through economic development.
Next we had the installation ceremony for the new Ambassadors for Peace. Four people were selected to receive this recognition at this event: Congressman Eduardo Costa, Lebanese businessman Mr. Ahmad Yassine, Mrs. Simone Sarolli Côrtes and Mrs. Iara Guilherme Raimundo.
This was followed by a commemorative photo and closing remarks, establishing goals and objectives and inviting everyone to carry out activities that promote peace.
