Ferizaj, Kosovo—A group of passionate cyclists took part in a "Peace Road" event in Kosovo’s third-largest city.
UPF-Kosovo, in cooperation with the Municipality of Ferizaj, organized the event on November 13, 2021.
The event was attended by 34 people, including Ambassadors for Peace and representatives of the Municipality of Ferizaj. The number of attendees followed Ministry of Health anti-COVID measures prohibiting gatherings of more than 30 to 35 persons.
The event started in Ismail Kadare Square, where UPF-Kosovo Secretary General Ejona Icka welcomed the participants with a speech explaining the purpose and history of the "Peace Road" initiative.
After a group photo the cyclists set off on the designated route, accompanied by a police escort.
The second part of the event was held in the Municipality of Ferizaj cultural center. Moderator Labinot Pacolli, the assistant secretary general of UPF-Kosovo, invited the attendees to watch a short video introducing Universal Peace Federation. Words of greeting were delivered by prominent personalities of Ferizaj.
Mexhide Mjaku Topalli, a member of the Assembly of Kosovo and the chair of the Women's Parliamentary Group (2014-2019), said: “I have given many speeches in many countries and many speeches in Kosovo, but every time I talk about UPF, I get excited. I feel privileged to be part of UPF, and I hope that this organization, which is based on family values and principles of life, will make a difference for all of us.”
The chair of the Municipal Assembly of Ferizaj, Kristina Gashi Bytyçi, who is also an Ambassador for Peace, welcomed the "Peace Road" event on behalf of the municipality and expressed her wish that it would become an annual tradition.
Professor Binak Ulaj, the president of the General Council of UPF-Kosovo, greeted the participants, emphasizing that sports and peace activities are very important for physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Ejona Icka then gave a presentation that introduced the founders of UPF as well as its main principles. She explained the main areas and activities of UPF as well as the meaning of the title "Ambassador for Peace."
The event continued with a beautiful ceremony in which three new Ambassadors of Peace were appointed: Qëndrim Guri, a bicyclist who has participated in the Olympics; Nazmi Kupina, a dentist, activist and enthusiast of cycling; and Albion Sherifi, a lawyer and social activist. Certificates of appreciation also were awarded to all the cyclists who participated in the event.
The atmosphere became festive with the fantastic performance of the young and very talented singer Ertiola Ademi, accompanied on piano by Leon Çerkini and under the wonderful organization of another Ambassador for Peace, Professor Lindita Isufi, a composer, conductor and university lecturer of music.
The event closed with a group photo and heartfelt congratulations to the new Ambassadors for Peace.
Outside the theater, Ejona Icka was interviewed by the local television program "Koha" about the "Peace Road" event.
The Ambassadors of Peace were invited for coffee in a nearby cafe, where they exchanged ideas on organizing “Peace Road” events on a much larger scale after the pandemic has ended.