Peace Advocates Celebrate UN Day of Peace in Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – Civil society leaders, UPF ambassadors for peace, and women leaders joined to commemorate the UN International Day of Peace on September 27, 2026, in Santo Domingo, under the theme “Transforming the Future, Investing in peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day: Family and Youth.” The event was co-sponsored by UPF-Dominican Republic and the national chapters of Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) and Family Federation for World Peace (FFWPU).
Ms. Miry Belliard Okazaki, as moderator, invited Ms. Marlette Rodríguez to offer the opening invocation. Mr. Leonidas Belliard, president of UPF-Dominican Republic, then delivered the welcome remarks. “Peace is a responsibility; we must keep its vision alive and make it a reality in our time,” he said. “Hostility and selfishness have led us to the current situation, but this day must be more than a celebration: it must be a time for deep reflection on how to contribute to the founders' mission and establish a world of lasting peace. Our children deserve a better world, with conditions superior to those we have today.”
Mr. Eliecer Araya, president of UPF-Latin America and the Caribbean, participating via live video from Costa Rica, expressed his deep affection for the Dominican peace ambassadors and encouraged them to strive for peace through even small actions in daily life.
“Peace is the presence of love,” he said. “The presence of respect. The presence of compassion. The presence of justice, hope, opportunity and understanding … But peace cannot remain in the heart. It must travel: from the heart to the home, from the home to the community, from the community to our institutions, and from our institutions to the nation.”
Dr. Bélgica Ramírez, president of WFWP, emphasized the role of women as mediators and promoters of peace through the raising of their children.
Rev. Bernardo Cruz Peralta, national director of FFWPU, pointed out that peace begins in the family. The family is the cornerstone of society, he said, and the starting point for peace in the nation and the world.
Mr. César Regalado, secretary general of UPF-Dominican Republic, delivered the keynote address, outlining universal principles of peace and the important role the United Nations plays in advancing those principles. Dr.
Soraya Aquino, president of the Christian Solidarity Party, sent a message stating that Dr. Hak Ja Han’s motto, “Peace begins with me,” is profoundly true, because no one can give what they do not possess.
The final speaker was Dr. Francisco Polanco, a judge and lawyer associated with the Santiago Masonic lodge. “Peace is a challenge,” he said, “a responsibility that requires us to be permanently engaged in its construction.” By taking daily personal actions to build peace, he said, one day that dream will come true.
His speech was followed by a performance by guest singer Mr. Ricardo Angomás. Throughout the program, artistic performances – including music, dramatic presentations, and dance – were interspersed with the speeches, making the experience enjoyable, pleasant, and above all, peaceful.
A commemorative photo and a toast to peace brought the event to a close.
By Leonidas Belliard, President, UPF-Dominican Republic September 27, 2026
