Novosibirsk, Russia - Universal Peace Federation volunteers participated in the celebration of the 119th anniversary of the founding of Novosibirsk on June 24 and helped promote the International Day of Peace, September 21.
The event was initiated and carriedby the public relations department of the mayor’s office. In the main square facing the State Opera and Ballet House, exhibits on the theme “The Active City” were set up, giving the citizens and guests of the city a chance to get acquainted with the many and diverse public activities of residents, including city programs and projects, and share their experiences.
{besps}/images/ftp_uploads/2012/russia/4577{/besps}The festive program of the City Day started with the traditional performance of artistic groups in Lenin Square; by noon time thousands of people were gathered there. The exhibits by grassroots organizations were visited by the regional governor, Vasily Yurchenko, and the city's mayor, Vladimir Gorodetsky. Representatives of the city resource centers, youth and veterans’ grassroots organizations, and artistic groups demonstrated their achievements before the public.
The UPF volunteers conducted free master-classes for citizens: the first on conflict prevention and establishing harmonious relations between people of different nationalities and religions; and the second on the role of mediators in solving conflict situations and the role of Ambassadors for Peace. The citizens were told about the peace initiatives and key programs of the Universal Peace Federation.
Youth Ambassadors for Peace invited the people to guess the rating of the developed countries, including Russia, in the Global Peace Index (Russia ranks 153rd). The main purpose of the activity was to inspire citizens to participate in the events planned for the International Day of Peace, September 21. The Message of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon related to the 100-day countdown before the International Day of Peace was distributed to participants of the program.
Young people chanted “Peace in the soul – Peace in the family – Peace on the planet!” invoking the interest and warm smiles of citizens. They handed out booklets and magazines to passers and invited them to join a brain-twister game of developing a non-standard thinking.
UPF received a letter of gratitude from the organizing committee of the fair. All enjoyed a positive impression of harmonious teamwork on that beautiful sunny day. It makes people feel good to share with others their knowledge, heart, and hope for peace and sustainable development in the 21st century.