UPF-Argentina and Pacis Nuntii Celebrate Family and Community
- khwang562
- Oct 9
- 2 min read
Paraná, Argentina – For the third year, UPF-Argentina and the Pacis Nuntii Movement co-sponsored a program on the theme, “We Are Siblings, We Are Family.” This heartfelt event took place on October 9, 2025, at Mayo Hall in Paraná City, with more than 150 participants.
The meeting marked the 40th anniversary of the Pacis Nuntii canoe expedition between the Brazilian capital of Brasilia and Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires. In 1985, the UN International Youth Year, the canoe paddlers sent a peaceful message of fraternity to the world, carrying the Universal Peace Flag designed by their organization.
The event began with welcoming words by Ms. Sandra Rivabén, coordinator of Mayo Hall, a space for artistic and cultural expression located along the Paraná River. Mr. Miguel Werner, UPF-Argentina president, and his wife Ms. Alba Luz Tangarife, both added their words of welcome, followed by Mr. Eduardo Borri and Ms. Jackeline Giusti, coordinators of the Pacis Nuntii Movement.
Ten organizations and 10 individuals from various areas and provinces were recognized for their values and good practices. All of them received with gratitude and emotion this recognition, which consisted of a diploma, the Universal Peace Flag and various tree species, donated by Paraná’s María Lourdes Cura tree nursery.
This was followed by interfaith prayers, reflections, and an olive tree watering by Ms. Adela María Chanquia, representative of the Native Diaguita Community and the Santa Fe Constituent Communities Space; Ms. Blanca Sosa, who honors her mother and grandmother by following their footsteps and native roots; Pastor Berta Contreras, from the Santa Fe Presence of God Ministry; Sister María Rosa Moysés de Motta, communications director of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; and lecturer Mr. Pablo Folonier, representative of the Roman Catholic Church.
The program included performances by Ernesto Marval and Juan, and the Entre Ríos Children and Youth Music Band, whose catchy rhythms set the audience clapping and dancing.
UPF-Argentina also explained the worldwide Peace Road campaign that organizes marches and activities in many countries under the theme “Connecting the World through Peace.” Such events have taken place in Argentina since 2015, and since 2020 have promoted various causes in the fields of ecology, education, sports, art, family, interreligious and intercultural harmony, and more. Everyone was invited to participate in an upcoming Peace Road event in this city on November 30, under the theme: “Peace Flourishes in the Argentinian Embrace.”
To conclude, the audience recognized Mr. Eduardo Borri, Mr. Gustavo Calderón and Mr. Ismael Rodríguez, expeditionaries who rowed 5,400 kilometers from Brasilia to Buenos Aires 40 years ago. The event ended with a toast and cake cutting for the 40th anniversary of the Pacis Nuntii expedition.
The objectives of the “We Are Siblings: We Are Family” initiative are to strengthen fraternity and family spirit among entities and organizations, ethnicities and cultures, nations and religions; and to promote dialogue, cooperation and reconciliation through educational, ecological, cultural, sports, intercultural or interreligious activities that imply a commitment to peace.
