On the 18th of October 2025, the Poetic Gathering on Peace was held under the theme “Peace and Freedom in Lusophone Countries”. The event was organised by the Ambassador for Peace Initiative of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF). Dr Antonieta Gomes, herself a recipient of the Ambassador for Peace Award, was the principal player in organising this Gathering. The event brought together a range of distinguished figures from cultural, social, and academic circles. The purpose of the meeting was to create a space for reflection and exchange around the universal values of peace and freedom, with particular emphasis on the role these values play within the community of Portuguese-speaking nations.
Among the guest speakers was Dr Sérgio Vieira, President of UPF Portugal, who presented the fundamental principles that guide the organisation’s work, highlighting the importance of cooperation, solidarity, and intercultural dialogue and showing how these are essential foundations for building peaceful coexistence among peoples.
The meeting provided an occasion for intellectual and cultural exchange, where diverse perspectives on the meaning of peace in the contemporary world were shared. Participants reflected on the current challenges that threaten social harmony and individual freedom, recognising the urgent need to strengthen peace education and promote mutual respect among different cultures and communities.
The event concluded on a note of hope and commitment, reaffirming the idea that peace is an ongoing process, built daily through words, actions, and understanding between human beings. The initiative was widely praised for its relevance and for the valuable contribution it offered to the ongoing dialogue on peace within the Lusophone world and beyond.