Lisbon, Portugal—UPF held an online event commemorating the UN International Day of Peace 2021, inviting Ambassadors for Peace, representatives of partner organizations, and some close friends and supporters.
Just as the word “peace” is central to the name of the Universal Peace Federation, our organization has been very much in line with the United Nations in the annual celebration of the International Day of Peace.
The 90-minute program held online on October 16, 2021, was attended by about 40 people.
After the UPF-Portugal board secretary opened the meeting, words of welcome were offered by the national leaders of two of UPF's main partners in the field of peace:
- Sérgio Neto, the national president of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU);
- Marta Rodrigues, the national president of Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP).
A UN introductory video about the International Day of Peace 2021 was shown, followed by the presentations of the main speakers:
- Professor Dr. Carlos Poiares (PhD), a full teacher and vice rector of the Lusophone University of Humanities and Technologies (Lisbon);
- Professor Helena Marujo (PhD), a professor at the Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences (Lisbon); executive coordinator of the UNESCO Chair (Education for Sustainable Global Peace), University of Lisbon;
- Professor Paulo Oliveira, a professor at Lusophone University (Lisbon); CEO of the Lusophone Observatory of Economic Activities; economic and financial advisor to the prime minister of Guinea-Bissau;
- Professor Nuno André, a professor and researcher, New University of Lisbon; coordinator of the Education for Peace project, Lusophone University (Lisbon).
Following the presentations, a video was shown that summarized the seventh Rally of Hope and Think Tank 2022—two major projects of UPF in the past two years that have focused on Korean reunification. The content of the video was complemented by the presentation given by the UPF national president.
The appointment of seven new Ambassadors for Peace, mostly academics, was another very significant moment of the program, with each of them offering a few heartfelt words to express their thanks and commitment to collaboration. In addition to the four main speakers, the new Ambassadors for Peace are:
- Professor Fernanda Silva, coordinator of the Qualify Center (vocational training for young people);
- Hiral Shah, a representative of the Hindu Community of Portugal;
- Pastor Simão Vemba, the national representative of the Tocoist Church (Angolan foundation).
The meeting ended with several announcements, in particular the publication of the Portuguese edition of Mother of Peace, the memoirs of UPF co-founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.
UPF-Portugal will continue to hold meetings of this kind, inviting more contacts, especially in the academic area, who can become Ambassadors of Peace and partners in peace, gradually creating a Peace Council of IAAP (International Association of Academics for Peace) at the national level. "We are together!"