Moscow, Russia - UPF-Russia marked Africa Day in two programs on May 25. The Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of Africa, the highest academic source in Russia on Africa, invited UPF to make a presentation at its Africa Day conference, entitled “Africa Day – 50 years of Freedom.” Dmitry Oficerov, head of UPF-Russia's International Department, presented UPF's Statement on Africa Day on behalf of UPF President Dr. Thomas Walsh. The program was attended by 120 academic leaders and representatives of the African community.
Later in the day, UPF in partnership with the largest Russian inter-ethnic NGO, “The Assembly of the Peoples of Russia,” held a public celebration of the Africa Day in the conference hall of the House of the Peoples of Russia. This is the Main Compound of the Russian Exhibition Center in Moscow, the largest exhibition facility in the nation. The program was attended by diplomats, UN officials, representatives of the Moscow city government, and NGO leaders. Among the audience were H.E. Dr. Moses Ebuk, Ambassador of Uganda to Russia; H.E. Dr. Sam K. Mbambo, Ambassador of Namibia to Russia; H.E. Dr. Kodzo Alabo, Deputy Ambassador of Ghana to Russia; and Onessimus Atanze, Temporary Representative Plenipotentiary of Nigeria to Russia. There were 60 participants at the event.
Konstantin Krylov, Secretary General of Universal Peace Federation-Russia, was the moderator of the event. Ambassador for Peace Sergey Kuchinsky, General Director of the House of the Peoples of Russia, opened the program by saying: “Our meeting symbolizes the desire of peoples of Russia and Africa to support the principles of democracy and universal values. We support peace and security on our small planet, jointly overcoming the menaces facing our world such as armed and international conflicts, hunger and diseases, desire to expand peaceful dialogue between peoples, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.”
Mrs. Yulya Vlasova, the Assistant Director of the United Nations Information Center in Moscow, presented an address on behalf of the UN. She noted that the United Nations welcomes the development of many African nations in the cause of economic policies to eradicate poverty and strengthening democracy.
Dr. Katsumi Ohtsuka, Chair of UPF-Eurasia, made a presentation on UPF activities in Africa and Eurasia. Gichuki Geoffrey, the Advisor of UPF-Eurasia on Africa, read the address on behalf of Dr. Jean Ping, Chairman of the Commission of the African Union.
The program received also a welcoming letter from the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of Africa. The program concluded by Russian music and African poetry. The participants joined a tea party and tasted African cuisine after the event.
For more information about Africa Day, click here.