Buenos Aires, Argentina—UPF-Argentina celebrated the Global Day of Parents, whose theme for this year is “Honoring Life,” at the Embassy for Peace in Buenos Aires on June 9, 2016. The program included video presentations; guests sharing their life experiences; a reading of “Honoring Life,” UPF-Argentina’s statement on the Global Day; and recognition of couples who have been married for more than 25 years.
The event began with a reading of the resolution the UN General Assembly adopted on September 17, 2012 (*), establishing the Global Day of Parents, by Mrs. Orfa Pérez, secretary of UPF-Argentina’s Peace Council. The resolution proclaims June 1 as the date the Day is to be observed annually to “honor parents throughout the world.”
Two videos were then shown. “Gift” is about a child who is ashamed of his father because he considers him “unsuccessful.” In the end, he comes to a realization that, as his father taught him, “Being rich is not about how much you have, but how much you give.” “The Perfect Mother” is a short documentary, produced by Caracol Televisión, a Colombian TV network, in which many children confirm their love for their mothers, because “The perfect mother exists: it is yours.”
After a short text, written by the UN about the Global Day (1) and a passage from the Bible (2) was read, the guests shared memorable experiences they had with their parents and grandparents. Then, two couples who have been married for more than 25 years were recognized: Julián Palma Hinostroza and Ana María Solís Auris (36 years of marriage), and Horacio Daniel Comerci and María Rosa Rzepka (44 years).
Mr. Eduardo Corales, who is a member of UPF-Argentina’s Peace Council, read “Honoring Life,” the chapter’s statement on the Day (3). It states: “1. Life is a gift, and the first, essential human right to ensure; 2. Honor parents as the giver of life and of values; 3. A father and a mother are the backbone of the family; 4. Acknowledge and honor the Creator, our common origin, according to different spiritual traditions, maker of the sacred value of life.
To close the event, two songs, “Pueblo natal” and “Abrazar con cariño,” were performed by several Japanese volunteers.
(1) “The family has the primary responsibility for the nurturing and protection of children and that children, for the full and harmonious development of their personality, should grow up in a family environment and in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding. Parents from all races, religions, cultures and nationalities are the first ones who educate and protect their children, so they can spend a happy, productive life. Parents are the backbone of the family structure, the communities, and the society. We pay tribute to their devotion, commitment and sacrifice to ensure the future of their children.” (www.un.org/en/events/parentsday)
(2) “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment, “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” – Ephesians 6:2-3
(3) “Honoring Life”
Statement for the Global Day of Parents 2016
We remember the Preamble to the United Nations Charter on its 70th anniversary: “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war;” “to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small;” “to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained;” and “to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.” In addition, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF)-Argentina values and celebrates the Global Day of Parents (resolution 66/292*, adopted by the UN General Assembly on September 17, 2012) and, on this occasion, delivers the statement, “Honoring Life”:
- Life is a gift, and is the first, essential human right to ensure. Life is being threatened everywhere, not only in areas of conflict and war, but also within society, by old and new political, economic and social conditions, such as terrorism. Even if it is redundant: all rights and values come from the respect for life.
- Honoring parents as the giver of life and values. Being a responsible father and mother requires sacrifice, daily commitment, time and love. Therefore, we reaffirm the value of those who decide to give birth to children, the most precious resource of humanity. We also value those who assumed this role in challenging social realities.
- A father and a mother are the backbone of the family. The understanding and communication with and mutual love between a father and mother are vital for raising a child and developing his/her talents, personality, and love; and for him/her to be honest and support the community. Children are the privileged ones in a home, which includes grandparents, keeper of traditions and source of experiences and wisdom.
- Acknowledging and honoring the Creator, our common origin according to the most diverse spiritual traditions. Maker of the sacred value of life, maker of the essential universal relationship: Father/Mother/Son-Daughter, which makes us belong to a great universal family. This divine essence in each being and our common destiny can be celebrated on this Global Day of Parents.
UPF considers it essential to create a culture of peace and achieve sustainable social development, which requires our commitment and daily cooperation. Therefore, we urge governments, non-profit organizations, companies and academic institutions to create conditions of well-being and stability through promoting and supporting innovative projects and programs aimed at increasing the value of life and human dignity.
Argentina, June 2016
(*) Global Day of Parents: UN Resolution 66/292
- Decides to proclaim 1 June the Global Day of Parents, to be observed annually, honoring parents throughout the world;
- Invites Member States to celebrate the Global Day of Parents in full partnership with civil society, particularly involving young people and children;
- Requests the Secretary-General to bring the present resolution to the attention of all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system and civil society organizations for appropriate observance.
130th plenary meeting
17 September 2012