Botucatu, Brazil—Thirty-two new Ambassadors for Peace were appointed at Botucatu City Hall in Sao Paolo state in Brazil. The event, which took place on June 21, 2016, was co-organized by UPF; the Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation in Brazil, a martial arts group; and the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU)-Brazil. The name Botucatu derives from the Tupi[1] word “ybytukatu,” which means “good air” or "good wind"
The Secretary of Communication of Botucatu, Mr. Carlos Alberto Pessoa, was the emcee. The event began with a prayer, which was offered by a representative of the Tong-Il Moo Do Federation, Prof. Cleomir Correia, who also gave the welcoming remarks. The President of the Tong-Il Moo Do Federation in Brazil, master Diosdada Ladica dos Santos, also gave brief remarks.
A video about UPF’s activities around the world was shown. Afterwards, the Secretary General of UPF-South America, Dr. Simon Ferabolli, spoke about UPF and the mission of the Ambassadors for Peace.
Then, 32 new Ambassadors for Peace were appointed. Among the honorees were local government officials; leaders of nonprofits; businessmen; journalists; professors; pastors; and an Olympic medalist, including Dr. John Cury Neto, a lawyer and the current mayor of Botucatu; Dr. Paulo Marcos Borges dos Santos, mayor of Itatinga municipality; Prof. José Benedito Gamito, a teacher, journalist and former Botucatu city councilor; Prof. Denise Aurora Martins, education director of Botucatu and president of the Lions Club of Serra Botucatu; Maria Aparecida de Fatima Olimpio, pastor of the Brazil for Christ Church; Master José Ribeiro dos Santos, a 1990 Open Games Gold medalist; and Mr. Abelardo da Costa Neto, a journalist with TV Alpha Botucatu.
Also appointed as an Ambassador for Peace was Mr. Abelardo da Costa Neto, owner of TV Alpha Botucatu, who conducted an interview with Dr. Ferabolli.
At the end of the event, everyone expressed their hope to work together for peace.
[1] Tupi is an indigenous language spoken in South America.