Peru Events Highlight African Culture & Buddhist Wisdom
Lima, Peru – Songs and dances from the African diaspora enlivened an event in Lima on September 4, 2026, organized by UPF-Peru to commemorate the International Day for People of African Descent. The event, which featured local speakers of African descent, took place in the auditorium at UPF headquarters in Miraflores, Lima, and was attended by 80 guests.
The program opened with a prayer by Pastor Orestes Sánchez Luis of the Assemblies of God. Pastor Sánchez is Peru coordinator for the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development. Mr. Jaime Fernández Túpac and Dr. Trevor Jones, respectively secretary general and president of UPF-Peru, delivered welcome remarks. Dr. Jones’ remarks were sent by video message from London.
Guest speaker Mr. Paul Wenceslao Colinó Monroy, leader of the Francisco Congo Black Movement and a UPF ambassador for peace, then addressed the gathering on “The aspirations and rights of people of African descent.” He was followed by guest speaker Mr. David Esteban García Fuentes, an Afro-Peruvian consultant who is also a UPF peace ambassador. He spoke on "People of African descent: recognition, justice and development."
Music, songs and dances performed by local artists of African descent added life and color to the program. The performances were followed by the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the artists, and the appointment of 12 new Ambassadors for Peace.
The gathering concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Jaime Fernández, who encouraged the guests – especially those of African descent – to continue working together for the rights and cultural identity of Afro-descendant people in Peru and around the world.
At the same location on September 18, 2026, UPF-Peru and the Drukpa Peru Buddhist center co-sponsored a talk titled "Caring for the Mind in Difficult Times," delivered by Buddhist monk Lopon Phuntsok. The event took place the UPF-Peru auditorium in Miraflores, and was attended by UPF ambassadors for peace, members of Drukpa Peru, and members of the general public.
Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Jaime Fernández, who then presented an overview of UPF's work and its founders. A video tribute to Dr. Hak Ja Han, co-founder of UPF, was also shown, highlighting her life and work dedicated to serving humanity.
Lopon Phuntsok, a Buddhist monk from Bhutan, then took the stage to deliver the talk on "Caring for the Mind in Difficult Times." He discussed the origins of thoughts and disturbing emotions and presented mindfulness tools for maintaining emotional stability when the external environment is uncertain or stressful. Following the talk, Lopon Phuntsok was appointed an Ambassador for Peace in recognition of his global efforts to educate and serve others.
The gathering concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Fernández, who thanked the speaker, the Drukpa organization, the attendees, and those watching the livestream on the UPF-Peru Facebook page. The meeting ended with a group photo of all those present.
