Peru—On Friday, July 23, 2021, UPF-Peru held a virtual dialogue dedicated to the Bicentennial of the Independence of Peru. More than 400 participants followed the broadcast through Zoom and social networks.
The dialogue was divided into 5 sessions. The importance of the independence of Peru and the challenges and opportunities that Peru is currently facing were analyzed. Twenty-two distinguished panelists, among them government officials, representatives from the armed forces, businessmen, academics and religious leaders, gathered at this important meeting and shared their thoughts and reflections about the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Proclamation of the Independence of Peru.
The dialogue had the special participation of Dr. Dong Mo Shin, President of UPF South America and Lic José Rafael Sánchez, Vice President of ALPAL, as guests of honor. The dialogue brought together distinguished government officials, including Mr. Orestes Sánchez Luis, congressman of Peru; Dr. Ántero Flóres Aráoz Esparza, former president of the Congress of Peru and former Minister of Defense of Peru; LTC Luis Yika García, former congressman of Peru; Dr. Carlos Malpica Faustor, former Minister of Education of Peru; and Carlos Rivas Dávila, former Minister of Economy of Peru.
Likewise, the event had the special participation of UPF-Peru Association’s general secretaries: Congressman Orestes Sánchez Luis, general secretary of IAPD Peru; Dr. Teresa Otiniano Castillo, general secretary of IAPP Peru; journalist Ángel Sánchez Dueñas, general secretary of IMAP Peru; Mr. Valentín Valladares Melgar, general secretary of IAED Peru; and Eng Christian Contreras Otiniano, general secretary of IAAP Peru.
As part of the program, a ceremony for installation as Ambassador for Peace was held for Dr. Jeri Ramón Ruffner, first woman rector of the San Marcos Mayor National University UNMSM, in recognition of her career and her commitment to contribute to the establishment of a peaceful society and sustainable development. The ceremony was led by UPF-Peru general secretary Mr. Jaime Fernández.
In his opening remarks, UPF-Peru executive president Dr. Trevor Jones reflected on the development of UPF activities in Peru and internationally, to contribute to the establishment of a more just and more caring society, for the benefit of all Peruvians. For his part, Dr. Dong Mo Shin, president of UPF-South America, gave congratulatory remarks on the bicentenary of the independence of Peru and reminded the audience of the commitment to transform society towards goodness and ensure its sustainable development based on UPF’s core principles: interdependence, mutual prosperity and universally shared values.
“Educating future generations in values and virtues is absolutely necessary to sustain a life of genuine freedom, full realization, and to form solid leaders and good citizens,” said Lic José Rafael Sánchez, vice president of ALPAL. Likewise, career ambassador Dr. Juan Álvarez Vita said, “Independence is a process that is conquered day by day. What our country is currently experiencing is a clear reflection that we need to achieve equality, fraternity and independence throughout the nation.”
The meeting featured the participation of the Ambassador for Peace and tenor José Luis Costa who performed the musical theme “Malabrigo.” The dialogue concluded with final remarks from Dr. Trevor Jones, who thanked the panelists and guests for their attendance and invited the audience to participate in upcoming UPF meetings and activities and to contribute to the establishment of a peaceful society.