Peru—Forty-five new Ambassadors for Peace were appointed in the framework of the celebration of the 201st anniversary of the independence of Peru. The celebration was held at the auditorium of the Congress of the Republic of Peru “José Faustino Sánchez Carrión,” on August 5, 2022, The meeting was sponsored by the office of Congressman of the Republic of Peru Raúl Huamán Coronado in association with the Universal Peace Federation, UPF-Peru branch.
In addition to Congressman Dr. Coronado, the Forum brought together outstanding leaders, including army brigadier general Luis Elías Caballero Toulier, and Dr. Wilfredo Medina Bárcena and Dr. Andrés Alfaro Lagos from the National Education University Enrique Guzman y Valle, all seated at the table of honor.
Dr. Trevor Jones, executive president of UPF-Peru, during his welcoming remarks called on the ambassadors to work together in order to lead society towards building a world of peace and ensure its sustainable development based on the principles of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values. Likewise, Congressman and Ambassador for Peace Dr. Coronado corroborated the statements made by Dr. Jones regarding working together for the sake of others during his opening remarks.
The audience then heard a special presentation about the mission of the Ambassadors for Peace by the secretary general of UPF-Peru, Mr. Jaime Fernandez, in accordance with the core principles introduced by UPF founders, Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. Army brigadier general Luis Toulier introduced to the audience the meaning and value of the independence of Peru and the national sovereignty of the country. The presentations continued with Dr. Bárcena and Dr. Lagos, explaining the role of Generalissimo José de San Martín and the liberator Simon Bolívar in their emancipating work from an historical and sociological perspective, focusing on the legacy that both personalities have built in search of peace in Peru.
The meeting continued with the secretary generals of the associations of UPF-Peru branch formally receiving their credentials (something which had not been possible during COVID restrictions). The appointment ceremony was chaired by Mr. Fernández, representing of Dr. Jones:
- Teresa Otiniano Castillo, as secretary general of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace, IAPP-Peru branch
- Pastor Orestes Sánchez Luis, former congressman of the Republic of Peru, as secretary general of the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development, IAPD-Peru branch
- Segundo Valentín Valladares Melgar, as secretary general of the International Association for Peace and Economic Development, IAED-Peru branch
- Ángel Sánchez Dueñas, as secretary general of the International Media Association for Peace, IMAP-Peru branch
- Engineer Christian Contreras Otiniano, as secretary general of the International Association of Academicians for Peace, IAAP-Peru branch
As part of the forum, 45 new Ambassadors for Peace were appointed, among whom were officials, academics, religious leaders, businesspeople and civil-society leaders. The appointment of new Ambassadors for Peace ceremony was moderated by Mr. Fernández, with the secretary generals of UPF-Peru also taking part and welcoming the new Ambassadors for Peace to their respective associations.
During the celebration, Mr. Fernandez, representing Dr. Jones, awarded a certificate of recognition to Congressman Raúl Coronado, together with a copy of the autobiography of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, Mother of Peace. In the same way, congressman Raúl Coronado awarded certificates of recognition to Dr. Trevor Jones, Mr. Jaime Fernández and the panellists at the table of honor.
The forum featured a special musical performance in tribute to the 201st anniversary of the independence of Peru by the singer and Ambassador for Peace Alberto Carulla. Likewise, Ambassador for Peace Jheniffer Pomatana Samaniego read an inspiring poem about peace written by Ambassador for Peace Diana de los Ángeles, writer and poetess.
The Women’s Federation for World Peace, WFWP-Peru, and the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace, IAYSP-Peru, co-sponsored the event.