Tirana, Albania—More than 120 prominent Albanians celebrated International Day of Peace at a UPF event at the Tirana Peace Embassy.
The audience included representatives of academia, the media, sports, and women’s groups, as well as young people and Ambassadors for Peace.
The theme of the event, held on September 20, 2022, was "Peace Starts with Me," as UPF believes that each individual has the extraordinary potential to become a starting point of peace. Each individual can resonate peace within himself, within the family and beyond.
Defrim Methasani, the chairman of the Tirana Peace Council and a well-known journalist, was the moderator of the event. After the welcoming speech given by Dr. Eva Çipi, the chairwoman of UPF-Albania, the participants were greeted by Dr. Katsumi Otsuka, the co-chair of UPF for Europe and the Middle East.
This was followed by a moving performance by the well-known tenor Kastriot Tusha.
The two main speakers were H.E. Professor Dr. Bamir Topi, a former president of Albania; and H.E. Almira Zebi Xhembulla, the deputy minister of tourism. Both gave profound messages related to the theme of the International Day of Peace.
The international youth of UPF then gave a beautiful dance performance, showing in practice how to overcome racism and build peace.
Gani Rroshi, the secretary general of UPF-Albania, gave a brief presentation on UPF’s principles and its activities on the national and world levels.
The event concluded with a ceremony in which 10 respected Albanians received the title of Ambassador for Peace.
In addition to former President H.E. Bamir Topi and Deputy Minister of Tourism H.E. Almira Zebi Xhembulla, the new Ambassadors for Peace included Lutfi Nuri, a well-known businessman and philanthropist; Mereme Llubani, a publicist and journalist; and Nertila Spiri, the director of information and news of FAXNEWS TV.