On the 13th of March 2021, IAYSP Switzerland’s committee collaborated with Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Switzerland in the organization and moderation of the Ambassadors for Peace Training, given in English with French translation. The whole training was given by Chantal Chételat Komagata, Secretary General of UPF Switzerland. Among the 23 who participated through the day, 11 of them became Peace Ambassadors.
The program was divided in 12 sessions and touched many subjects related to peace, such as the origin of conflicts, the purpose of life, the sake of living for others and the foundations for sustainable peace and happiness. Every two sessions, the participants were divided in small groups of 3-4 people so that they could answer to the questions, share their experiences and beliefs as well as to expand their point of view. This training gave the opportunity to the participants to learn about many universal values through religious teachings and scientific statements, with peace as our main focus.
Feedbacks and comments from the participants:
“Thank you everyone. We shared our opinions in small groups. In every meeting we met different people, with different opinion but common interests. I hope that Love and peace will win. Bridges will be built, and not barriers. With all the participants coming from different parts of the world, it was like a mini-world together.”
“Thank you for this training! It is always inspiring to hear about peace and other people’s experiences and thoughts. Talking about peace with people gives me hope.”
Dadastone Ipoma, CEO of the IPOMA foundation:
“I am part of the IPOMA Foundation in Paris. Peace is a really important aspect of my work and I have done many projects for peace and sustainable development in Congo, Angola, Belgium, France and many other countries. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a lot of hate against our fellow Asian colleagues. For example, a lot of Asian people have been mistreated in public transportations.
As Ambassadors for Peace, we have to start working for peace within ourselves, in our families, communities and neighborhoods.
If we respect that, we will be Peace Ambassadors. It isn’t hard to understand.”
Article by Séline Reymond, Committee member of IAYSP-Switzerland
Picture 1 : Screenshot of the participants.
Picture 2 : Slide of the training about the basis for sustainable peace and happiness.
Picture 3 : Questions participants had to answer to in groups.
