Luján de Cuyo, Argentina – On November 26, 2023, UPF-Argentina held its final Peace Road event for the year in the small town of Luján de Cuyo, a favorite tourist spot globally renowned for its vineyards and wineries. Peace Road 2023, with the theme “Argentina Chooses Peace,” began in May and ran through all 23 provinces.
The program, held at Balcarce Observatory in Ferri Park, began with words of welcome from Luján de Cuyo’s new mayor, Mr. Esteban Allasino. He referred to the conflict in the Middle East, and the importance of choosing “to have empathy and respect for others.” He concluded by saying, “The earth we live in is not only from our ancestors, it is the one we bequeath to our children…Choosing peace will allow us to build a more sustainable world; this great global village is for everyone.”
Dr. Sung Jong Seo, president of UPF-Southern Cone, thanked everyone for their participation in Peace Road, an initiative that originated in his home country of South Korea, and aims to connect all people through their common desire for a peaceful world. “I pray that Peace Road keeps progressing to reach all parts of Argentina and South America,” he said.
Prayers were then offered by representatives of Mendoza’s Interreligious Council: Rosi Pérez Vitali and Cristina Mazzuccheli from Mendoza’s Evangelical Methodist Church; Jorge Mazzitelli from Mendoza’s Israelite Society; and Deacon Enrique Oriolani from the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church. Journalist Lourdes Cicconi, from the Mil Milenios de Paz Foundation, explained the meaning of the Peace Flag.
Representing the Huarpe and Koya native peoples, respectively, Noemí Jofre and Vicente Mamani conducted the ceremonial planting of an olive tree.
Following an introductory video on Peace Road, a global campaign that has mobilized peace-loving peoples around the world since 2013, the audience was treated to a “virtual walk” across the country, with images of Peace Road events and actions in every province. Argentina joined the movement in 2015, with walks, cycling events and environmental campaigns in Buenos Aires and Córdoba. Since 2020, organizers have conducted ecological, educational, athletic, artistic, interreligious or intercultural initiatives in all provinces, in Buenos Aires, and even in Antarctica.
The virtual journey across the country concluded with the song “Argentina Chooses Peace,”
produced by Ayelén Francou, representative of Argentina’s Folklore Federal Council, Chacho Region.
Dr. Sung Jong Seo presented Mendoza Provincial Deputy Laura Balsells Miró with a certificate of appreciation and UPF-Argentina’s 2023 Leadership and Teamwork Guidebook; in turn, she presented Dr. Seo with a 2023 Peace Road Declaration of Interest from Mendoza Province.
Miguel Werner, president of UPF-Argentina, thanked all participants, and presented the Peace Road Trophy to Luján de Cuyo city representative Paola Rodríguez. The trophy will remain in the city until the 2024 venue is announced.
The Peace Road Trophy is an artistic creation by José María Martín, self-taught sculptor from Tierra del Fuego, who contributed his inspiration and skill. The trophy is a circular structure made from recycled materials that includes a map of the Southern Cone, with Argentina and Antarctica; the five regions are made of wood from native trees. It includes the Peace Road symbol, which crosses all continents and unites the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. A dove flies above Santiago de Chile, as an expression of hope.
Argentina Peace Road 2023 concluded with the song “We Are the World,” performed by singer Fabiana Cacase and the Alas de Agrelo Municipal Orchestra.
