Fier and Tirana, Albania—UPF-Albania organized observances of the UN International Day of Families 2015 in the cities of Fier and Tirana.
Fier
Over 60 dignitaries, including the city mayor, celebrated the UN International Day of Families in a program held in Fier City Hall by UPF-Albania.
The event, held on May 15, 2015, was held to support the objectives of UPF International and the United Nations, raise awareness about the institution of the family and foster cooperation among Ambassadors for Peace.
The mayor of the city of Fier, prefecture-level officials, school directors and Ambassadors for Peace were among the participants.
After a video presentation about UPF’s activities worldwide, Mr. Gani Rroshi of the UPF-Albania Presiding Council spoke on “Promoting a Marriage-Friendly Culture.” Although governments and NGOs focus their attention on society’s vulnerable groups, he said, one group that is overlooked is young people entering into marriage. Virtually everyone needs education in order to create happy marriages and families. Mr. Rroshi challenged his listeners to think of ways in which they can promote marriage and family values.
Following that presentation, Fier Mayor Mr. Baftjar Zeqo promised to support one or two projects promoting marriage and family on the city level, so that Fier will become a model for other cities to follow. He asked Fier Ambassadors for Peace to prepare projects and vowed to support them immediately.
The meeting in Fier was also the occasion for the appointment of six new Ambassadors for Peace.
Local Ambassadors for Peace contributed greatly to the success of this event, especially Mrs. Mirela Cepele, the chair of the Fier Peace Council, who beautifully moderated the event; and Mr. Myzaljen Hoxha, who gave a very poetic and meaningful message about the importance of this day and the value of the family.
Rev. Gi Young Shin, special envoy of the UPF founders to Albania and Kosovo, and Mr. Sokol Rexhepi, secretary general of UPF-Albania, supported the event with their participation. In his closing address, Mr. Rexhepi encouraged all Ambassadors for Peace, especially those who had been newly appointed, to study the UPF principles more deeply and to take part in the next Interfaith Peace Blessing next year.
Special thanks also to those who worked behind the scenes to ensure the success of this event, especially Mrs. Suzana Sulajmani, the secretary of the Fier Peace Council.
After the event, the old and new Ambassadors for Peace went together for a coffee, joined by the city mayor.
Tirana
In the capital, Tirana, the Peace Council marked the UN International Day of Families with a program on Sunday, May 17.
The audience of about 100 persons consisted of UPF Ambassadors for Peace as well as Albanian representatives of UPF sister organizations Women’s Federation for World Peace and Family Federation for World Peace and Unification.
Mr. Sokol Rexhepi, UPF-Albania secretary general, opened the event by underlining the importance of the International Day of Families and reading the message that UN Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon had sent for this day.
After a short artistic program performed by Universal Peace Academy students in Albania, Mrs. Katarzyna Minollari, the chair of WFWP-Albania, spoke on “Creating a Family Culture.” In her talk she introduced the idea of “familiarchy” as a system that respects the rights and responsibilities of all family members.
Hon. Gago Apostoli, one of the first Ambassadors for Peace appointed from Albania, gave the closing remarks and sang “The Power of Love.” In addition, four couples received the Ambassador for Peace title in recognition of their exemplary family life.