N'Djamena, Chad - The Universal Peace Federation celebrated the Week of Peace and Security in Africa, September 13-21, together with government of Chad, the United Nations, and the African Union. The overall program was under the patronage of the Prime Minister and Chief of Government of Chad, H.E. Emmanuel Nadingar.

The opening program was held on September 15 at the conference hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Cooperation. Present at the opening ceremony were 13 Cabinet members, officials of the presidency and Prime Minister's office, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international and national NGOs and international institutions, UPF Ambassadors for Peace, and guests.

The program started with traditional dances performed by the National Ballet of Chad, followed by the introductory speech of the President of UPF-Chad, current Minister of Justice Mbailao Naimbaye Lossimian; it was read by Ambassador for Peace Ganda Mayoumbila. Then the Ambassador of the African Union, Ki Doulaye Corentin, spoke, followed by a special representative of the UN. Finally the Prime Minister H.E. Emmanuel Nadingar gave his opening address.

After the protocol ceremony ended, the Secretary General of UPF-Chad, Ndilmbaye Nekar, spoke on "Fostering a Culture of Peace through Service." The UN special  representative and the Ambassador of the African Union each gave a lecture on the theme of peace. The conference ended with questions and answers.

On September 21, the International Day of Peace, a Caravan of Peace set out at 10:00 am. Two long vehicles decorated with banners and art exhibits went through various important avenues of the city. Banners were posted in several main squares and public places announcing the International Day of Peace. At 3:00 p.m. army veterans and civilian soccer teams met at the Idriss Mahamat Ouya Stadium for a Soccer for Peace match.

A young girl read a poem entitled "Universal Peace." The program ended with the presentation of 13 Ambassador for Peace certificates. Recipients included:

• Former President of Chad Goukouny Weddeye (1979-1982)
• Special Vice Representative of UN-Chad
• Ambassador of the African Union to Chad
• Military Counsellor of the African Union in Chad
• National Mediator of Chad (in charge of resolving conflict)
• President of Red Cross/Red Crescent-Chad

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