Lima, Peru—Outstanding women leaders were speakers at the celebration of the International Women’s Day held on March 8, 2023 at the Historical House of Marshal Ramón Castillo auditorium. More than 200 people attended the meeting hosted by the Universal Peace Federation UPF-Peru branch.
The celebration was chaired by Dr. Trevor Jones, UPF-Peru executive president, who opened the meeting virtually. In the same way, Dr. Teresa Otiniano Castillo, general secretary of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace IAPP Peru, and Eng. Natalie Condori Jahuira, the former congresswoman of the Republic of Peru, attended this important celebration as guests of honor. Likewise, Ivonne Ruth Tapia Vivas, the Metropolitan Councillor of Lima; Justibel Romero Zela, the Metropolitan Councillor of Lima; Elizabeth Nancy Cabezas Flores, the Councillor of Ate district; and Carmen Álvarez Miranda, the Councillor of Rímac district, participated as panellists.
The forum was attended by distinguished guests and Ambassadors for Peace, including General Héctor Jhon Caro, the vice president of UPF-Peru, and Mr. Ángel Sánchez Dueñas, the secretary general of IMAP Peru and president of the Federation of Journalists of Peru. In the same way, Pastor Orestes Sánchez Luis, the former congressman of the Republic and current secretary general of the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development IAPD Peru, and Pastor Violeta Nolasco, member of IAPD, attended the event.
As part of the celebration, an incorporation ceremony for 28 new Ambassadors for Peace was held. Dr. Jones gave an induction speech to the new ambassadors, welcoming them to the organization. The appointment ceremony was led by UPF-Peru general secretary Mr. Jaime Fernández, who gave the certificates to the new ambassadors. Surgeon Luis Enrique Viscarra Jara, director of María Auxiliadora Hospital, and Mrs. Ana Odali Parada Casanova offered acknowledgement remarks for their appointment as Ambassadors for Peace, ratifying their commitment to promote peace and provide help to those most in need.
Certificates of recognition were awarded to women leaders for their outstanding work in support of peace and those most in need. The meeting concluded with a performance by singer Pedro Parvina, former vocalist of the musical group Los Pasteles Verdes. Closing remarks were given by Mr. Fernández.