The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Colombo is pleased to be associated with the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), which has ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) status with and supports the United Nations and its initiatives and actions.
UNIC has had the privilege of working together with UPF to organize celebrations of International Days of Peace in Sri Lanka in the past. Taking this bond further, just after the announcement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the UN in September 2015, UNIC partnered with UPF-Sri Lanka to organize a national tour to take the message of the SDGs and the importance of peace in achieving the goals across the country through awareness programs, from December 4-13, 2015.
This joint venture we just concluded was meant to empower youth through peace education and capacity building for leadership required to achieve the SDGs. It reinforced UNIC’s actions of promoting the SDGs in the country and to make even greater strides towards a peaceful and sustainable future.
The participation of senior officials of UPF-Asia, Dr. Chong Sik Yong, regional president; Dr. Robert S. Kittel, director of education, and Mr. Edgar Tanate, throughout the program increased the value of it. Their commitment, dedication and sincere interest were amazing and encouraging. They could win the hearts of Sri Lankan youth through their effective speeches and presentations, which stimulated young minds and hearts to deal with the tremendous task ahead to protect our planet.
These awareness programs were attended by peoples’ representatives, and drew their attention to issues of national interest, as well as paved the way to meet and discuss the way forward with the Hon. speaker of the parliament of Sri Lanka, Mr. Karu Jayasuirya, and His Excellency, the President, Mr. Maithreepala Sirisena, marking the highest assurance of actions towards achieving peace and sustainable development in Sri Lanka.
Very special mention has to be made on the outstanding contribution of the secretary general of UPF-Sri Lanka, Dr. Chula Senaratne, who was the live-wire of the whole process.
UNIC Colombo extends its sincere thanks to UPF for selecting UNIC for this collaboration, creating a win-win scenario, which proved to be a great success, and we wish UPF every success in its good work!
We look forward to working together with UPF for a better world for our future generation.
Hiranthi Gunawardena
UNIC Colombo