Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - UPF-Ethiopia participated in a forum on the International Day of Peace September 21 at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

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For this year's celebration, the African Union and UN Women of Ethiopia chose to emphasize the important role played by African women in bringing about peace in society. From this perspective, UPF-Ethiopia chose the theme "True Families as a Foundation for Sustainable Peace," believing that the role of women starts in the family and prepared a literature table with that theme.

Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, Commissioner for Peace and Security, read the message of the Chair of the African Union Commission, Mr. Jean Ping. “We believe that everyone can contribute to making sustainable peace a reality even through the expression of small acts of kindness to one another. These are the simple things that make this day special,” he said. “This year, we will be giving special attention to the issue of women and children in armed conflicts in Africa, for they are the ones who bear the heaviest burden of conflicts, and endure the bitter pain and suffering that war brings.”

Women Ambassadors for Peace were proud to participate in the symposium at the African Union headquarters because of their concern for African women in conflict-torn areas. They believe that unity among African women offers substantial hope for sustainable peace.

Ambassadors for Peace representing UPF-Ethiopia at the forum included:

• Seble Tadesse, IT expert and youngest Ambassador for Peace
• Ergo Tafa, insurance company employee
• Woinshet Tilahun, NGO manager
• Fitsum Hailu, director of ELFORA agro-industry company
• DEGEF, lecturer in conflict resolution
• Betlehem Taye, lawyer
• Happiness Amare, wife of UPF representative
• Meseret, journalist
• Metasebia Hailu, lawyer

For more reports about International Day of Peace 2012 programs click here.