Mexico City, Mexico - UPF-Mexico celebrated the International Day of Peace in cooperation with the NGO “Vivir en Paz” (Live in Peace) chaired by Dr. Othon Perez Fernandez del Castillo, who is also the president of the Ambassadors for Peace of Mexico; Mrs. Diana Elizarraraz, president of the National Council of Women's Rights; and Mr. Jesus Montenegro, national leader of the Family Federation for World Peace in Mexico.
{besps}/images/stories2/americas/2011/mexico/3954{/besps}
The event took place on the campus of the Universidad Panamericana. Among the 300 participants were students of school district No. 23, teachers and professors from the primary to university levels, Ambassadors for Peace from various walks of life, as well as members of organizations of retired teachers and senior citizens.
During the event, winners in the painting and speech competition on the subject of peace that was organized for the occasion received recognition.
The opening remarks were given by Professor Arturo C. Rivas, who spoke about the importance of the student-teacher relationship in promoting a more peaceful nation and therefore contributing to a peaceful world.
The keynote speaker was Diana Elizarraraz, who spoke about the importance of education and the role of the family in building peace; she described the role of the United Nations in building world peace and requested that everyone observe a minute of silence for peace in the world.
The closing remarks were given by Dr. Othon Perez, who spoke about the need for both government and society to be committed to building a more peaceful and egalitarian world with peace as intrinsic value.
At the end, white balloons were released symbolizing doves of peace and bells rang at the nearby church, whose pastor was among the organizers.