León, Nicaragua—UPF commemorated the UN International Day of Peace 2015 with two events in León, the second largest city in Nicaragua.
First Event
On September 24, 2015, an event was held at the University of Commercial Science (Universidad de Ciencias Comerciales; UCC), which 75 people attended, including professors; staff and students of the school.
Among the speakers were Rev. Jorge de Oliveira, a representative of UPF-Nicaragua, who gave a presentation on “The Philosophy of Peace,” and Dr. Chang Shik Yang, advisor to UPF in Central and South America, who spoke about economic development and sustainable peace.
The program concluded with words from Dr. Nejama Bergman, president of the UCC.
Afterwards, Dr. Yang spoke to approximately 500 students, who had also organized an event in commemoration of the Day.
The program was covered by Nicaraguan TV station, Canal 2.
Second Event
UPF-Nicaragua organized a second International Day of Peace celebration on September 26, 2015 at the Convent Hotel.
Approximately 200 representatives of civil society attended the event. Among the distinguished guests were Dr. Nejama Bergman, president of the UCC; Ms. Nejama Narváez Bergman, vice dean of UCC; Ms. Martha Roque, professor of the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua (UNAN); Dr. Marta Esperanza Madriz Zelaya, magistrate of León’s court; Dr. Vida Icaza, a judge in the city of Chinandega; Ms. Ana Rosa Fonseca Bárcenas, former legal adviser to Nicaragua’s immigration department; Ms. Norma Yanina Balmaceda of the revenue department; Ms. Rosa Dalia Martínez, a representative for small businesses in León; Mr. Silvio Martínez Fletes, a member of León’s Supreme Council; Mr. Alberto José López, a lieutenant; Pastor Asael Rodríguez; Pastor Michael Eduardo Chávez; and Pastor Kenia Hernández.
Pastor Rodríguez offered a prayer and Mr. Gerónimo Vargas, a local leader and an engineer, gave the welcoming remarks.
Among the speakers were Rev. Oliveira, a representative of UPF-Nicaragua, who spoke on the topic, “One Family Under God,” and Dr. Yang, who spoke about economic development and sustainable peace.
New Ambassadors for Peace were also appointed, after which, several traditional Nicaraguan dances were performed.
Pastor Marcia Jirón and Mr. Vargas organized the celebration with the support of local leaders, who also sponsored the event.