Montreal, Canada – The Montreal chapter of UPF-Canada held its annual meeting to appreciate Ambassadors for Peace on April 13, 2024, at the Hotel Ruby Foo's. Participants included friends and supporters from the religious, political, community activist, academic, business and other communities. The program was beautifully planned, organized and executed by a team of UPF activists and volunteers.
The conference began with an expression of acknowledgement and respect for the Indigenous First Nations, whose presence in Canada predates by many centuries the arrival of settlers from Europe and other parts of the world. Indigenous representatives Archie and Pierette Martin gave a very enlightening summary of the Indigenous approach to social behaviour, spirituality, and responsiveness to the natural world.
After introductions by the two MCs – UPF Secretary-General Mr. Robert Duffy in English and Ms. Chantal Viau in French – warm welcoming remarks were given by the mayor of the Borough of St. Laurent, Montreal, Mr. Alan DeSousa, and City Councillor Mr. Aref Salem, both Ambassadors for Peace.
A video of UPF’s international work was followed by a presentation from Dr. Franco Famularo, president of UPF-Canada, on the origins of conflict and paths toward conflict resolution. The content was very well received and much appreciated by the audience. Several young singers then entertained the audience with the song “Heal the World.”
The keynote speaker, City Councillor Mrs. Vana Nazarian, of Armenian descent and a new Ambassador for Peace, gave an excellent presentation on conflict resolution and management, based on her experience working with genocide awareness projects.
Mr. Duffy then expounded on the meaning of the Ambassador for Peace initiative as an integral part of the worldwide UPF network.
Mr. Antoine Nahas, former chair of the Board of Governors of Lions Club International, shared his testimony as a proud Ambassador for Peace. His goal is to promote “living for the sake of others” through the Lions Club programs in Canada. Finally, the audience witnessed the wide array of great achievements of current Ambassadors for Peace with a very impressive presentation conducted by the MCs.
To close the program, new Ambassadors for Peace were appointed, photos were taken, and lunch was served, followed by plenty of time to network. New alliances were made, and old relationships were strengthened in this tremendously warm and fruitful in-person conference of friends and supporters.
