Peru—More than 300 participants joined the live online broadcast of the 2021 UN International Mother Earth Day forum organized by UPF-Peru on April 22, 2021.
The forum brought together leaders specialized in environmental issues. As part of the programming, 23 new Ambassadors for Peace were appointed, committed to promote peace initiatives and social service work to benefit those most in need. UPF-Peru General Secretary Mr Jaime Fernandez moderated the event.
UPF Peru Executive Director Dr. Trevor Jones emphasized in his opening remarks the importance of embracing projects and initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprints impact and the need to seek greener alternatives for the safe development of the world's economies. The conservation of our planet "is a mission for everyone," he concluded.
"The current development model promotes predatory activities," affirmed the international advisor Dr. Valentín Bartra Abensur, who called on intellectuals and public officials to adopt concrete actions for environmental protection, efforts to reinforce environmental awareness, and the massive use of renewable energies to support development “in order to satisfy the basic and real needs of the population.”
Mr. Christian Contreras, engineer and infrastructure specialist at the Peru branch of the Nature Conservancy, described the impact of climate change on human life, sustainable development and biodiversity at national and global levels. In addition to this, the adoption of "measures of adaptation and mitigation, as part of the government's climate agenda by 2030 at the national level, environmental education, and the efficient use of resources will contribute to reduce the carbon footprint.”
"We are at a crucial time and close to the point of no return," said engineer Javier González Estrada, who emphasised the responsibility and moral obligation to preserve and take care our planet, ensuring the maintenance of climatic environmental conditions and biodiversity for "the continuity and sustainability of future generations."
The event featured the participation of Mrs. Patricia Boza, who read the message from the UN General Secretary for International Mother Earth Day. The presentation of an ecological anthem "Planet of Life" was given by singer–songwriter Rosa Luz Lopez.
Dr. Jones chaired the ceremony for the inauguration of new Ambassadors for Peace.
Admiral Jorge Carlos Montoza Manrique, congressman of the Republic of Peru; Professor Carlos Malpica Faustor, former minister of education of Peru, and María Zoraida Arias Vásquez, journalist and broadcaster, gave congratulatory remarks. They encouraged everyone to become more aware of the current problems and to promote actions toward the conservation of the environment and sustainable development.
Dr. Jones thanked the panelists and the audience for their attendance and invited them to participate in upcoming UPF events and activities, such as the next ILC International Leadership Conference 2021 of the Americas and the Sixth Rally of Hope. Dr. Jones concluded his speech with an encouraging message to the audience.