Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - September 21, 2008 was the International Day of Peace and also a national day of sport. The government of Tanzania collaborated with the United Nations and other institutions dealing with sports and peace in setting up this program. The program started at 7:30 a.m. and ended at 12:00 noon. There were various sports demonstrations, along with the reading of peace poems and peace messages.
The guest of honor was the Minister of Sport and Information. A representative of the United Nations read a speech from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Once she had finished reading, Ambassador for Peace Mrs. Marie Kigalu read the UPF Declaration of the International Day of Peace. Copies of the declaration were distributed to all those seated at the head table, including the Hon. Minister and his Deputy, UPF-Africa Regional Leader Rev. Dr. Hee Sun Ji, and UPF-Africa Secretary General Rev. Mwalagho Kililo. The UPF Declaration inspired many people, especially the UN staff here, who promised to work closely with us.
After the Ambassador for Peace finished reading the UPF Declaration, the Hon. Minister offered his hand of thanks to her.
This day was a good opportunity to meet numerous key people who showed interest in our work for peace. Many were moved by the UPF declaration.
To read UPF's Peace Declaration and reports of observances in other nations, click here.