UPF Africa Regional Secretary General Dr. Paterne Zinsou Visits Liberia for IAPP Launch and Summit Preparations

In September 2024, Dr. Paterne Zinsou, Regional Secretary General of UPF Africa, made an important visit to Liberia to discuss the upcoming summit and the launch of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP). His visit aimed to strengthen partnerships with key Liberian leaders and lay the groundwork for the success of both initiatives.

On September 21, 2024, Dr. Zinsou was warmly welcomed in Liberia by Hon. Sam P. Jallah, a Young Ambassador for Peace and member of the House of Parliament. Hon. Jallah played a pivotal role in arranging crucial meetings with Liberia’s Speaker of the House of Representatives and Vice President, held on September 22. Both leaders expressed their full support for the summit and the IAPP launch, and a collaborative committee was established under the leadership of Hon. Jallah to work closely with UPF on the event’s success.

That same day, in a moment of warmth and celebration, Dr. Zinsou's birthday was honored by both the Speaker and Vice President, adding a personal touch to his mission in Liberia.

Further Engagements and Meetings

On September 23, Dr. Zinsou held additional meetings with the Speaker and Vice President at the House of Parliament to solidify plans for the summit. He also met with officials at Cottington Graduate School on September 24, where UPF Liberia Chairman Dr. Roosevelt Jayjay is based. Ambassador McCarthy Teaysh, the Secretary General of UPF Liberia, and the Deputy Minister for Internal Affairs were in attendance at these meetings.

During his visit, Dr. Zinsou also engaged with various youth leaders from organizations such as the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) and the Liberian Student Union. These meetings underscored UPF's commitment to empowering youth as key stakeholders in peacebuilding efforts in Liberia.

Pre-Visit Activities and Welcoming Ceremony

Before Dr. Zinsou's arrival, UPF Liberia had been actively preparing for the upcoming summit. On September 18, 2024, UPF Liberia’s Secretary General presented a gift to the Speaker of the House of Representatives in celebration of his birthday, marking the beginning of the warm collaboration between UPF and Liberia’s top leaders.

On September 21, the Peace Run was held in Monrovia to promote peace and unity, setting the tone for Dr. Zinsou's visit the following day.

When Dr. Zinsou arrived on September 21, he was warmly greeted by the National President of FFWPU, along with several members, and presented with flowers. His visit began with a moment of reflection and prayer at the Cheon Shim Won (Prayer Hall) before moving to the Bella Casa Hotel, where key discussions and engagements took place.

Key Meetings with Government Officials

Hon. Sam P. Jallah was vital in facilitating Dr. Zinsou's meetings with government officials. These meetings with Liberia's Vice President and Speaker of the House of Representatives were critical to gaining government support for the IAPP launch and ensuring the success of the upcoming summit.

All deeply appreciated Dr. Zinsou's leadership and dedication to the cause of peace, and his visit inspired a renewed commitment to peacebuilding efforts in Liberia.

Capacity-Building Session for Ambassadors for Peace in Burkina Faso

On September 21, 2024, the Universal Peace Federation of Burkina Faso (UPF-BF) organized a capacity-building session for both current Ambassadors for Peace and new candidates preparing for their upcoming distinction. The event aimed to strengthen the understanding of the Ambassadors for Peace mission and to deepen their commitment to promoting peace and family values in Burkina Faso.

The program began with a video presentation introducing the UPF Founders, outlining the goals and mission of the Ambassadors for Peace. Following the video, Mr. Guigma Sidi Mohamed, head of the communication department at UPF-BF, delivered a presentation on the Five Principles of Peace. He emphasized the importance of placing God at the center of one’s life on an individual, family, societal, and national level. Special emphasis was placed on the promotion of family values as a foundation for peace.

In addition, a discussion on the causes and resolution of conflicts was led by Secretary General Diarra Thomas, offering insights on how to address challenges that hinder peacebuilding efforts.

A total of 55 Ambassadors for Peace participated in the session, expressing their satisfaction with the program and reaffirming their full support for UPF’s mission in promoting peace and harmony.

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UPF-CI Chairman Delivers Official Statement for UN International Day of Peace

On Thursday, September 26, 2024, His Excellency Aka Saye Lazare, Chairman of UPF Côte d'Ivoire (UPF-CI), delivered the official statement from the UPF International Headquarters in commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Peace. The statement, which was presented in front of the national press, emphasized the global call for peace and unity.

The event saw the presence of key members of the UPF-CI executive team, who gathered to show their support for the message of peace and to strengthen their commitment to advancing peacebuilding initiatives in Côte d'Ivoire and beyond..

Presentation of UPF to National Deputies at the People's Palace in DRC

On Saturday, September 28, 2024, UPF/RDC held an introductory conference at the Banquet Hall of the People's Palace, the headquarters of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The event was attended by seven National Deputies and aimed to achieve two important objectives: to prepare the Deputies for their recognition as Ambassadors for Peace and to revitalize the IAPP Committee within the Assembly.

Hon. Tunda Lukali Prosper, an Ambassador for Peace, opened the event with a warm welcome address. This was followed by a video presentation showcasing UPF's global activities. The Secretary General of UPF/RDC then provided a detailed explanation of UPF's vision and mission, grounded in universal principles and values. The presentation was well received by all the National Deputies in attendance, marking an important step toward their active involvement in promoting peace through UPF's initiatives..

Celebration of the International Day of Peace in Tanganyika Province, Kalemie

The International Day of Peace was celebrated in Tanganyika Province at the Neema Hall of the Catholic Church in Kalemie, on Saturday, September 28, 2024, with an impressive turnout of 150 participants. The event featured a peace conference attended by key local figures, including the Mayor of Kalemie, representing the provincial Governor, as well as provincial ministers of budget and interior, local authorities, university rectors, religious leaders, and many young people.

Led by Pastor Boissa, Itinerant Secretary of UPF in the province, the conference focused on the theme "Living Together: A Factor of Interdependence, Co-Prosperity, and Universal Values: Peace Begins with Me." The discussions emphasized the importance of unity and peacebuilding as key components for community development.

After the event, twelve individuals were honored with the prestigious title of Ambassadors for Peace, recognizing their contributions to fostering peace in the region.