Regional Unity and Reconciliation: WFWP Hosts Historic Peace Gathering in Paraguay — Women's Federation For World Peace International

Written by: Gloria Dantas

From September 5-7, 2024, the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) and the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) held a special event in Paraguay, bringing together representatives from Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The three-day gathering featured diplomatic exchanges, cultural celebrations, and a powerful reconciliation ceremony aimed at fostering peace and unity in the region.

Welcome Dinner
The program began on the evening of September 5 with a welcome dinner at a Korean restaurant in Asunción, where VIPs and Ambassadors for Peace from the participating countries met and shared a meal. This gathering set the tone for the collaborative and celebratory nature of the event.

Ambassador Appointments and Bridge of Peace Ceremony
The highlight of the second day took place at the National Congress of Paraguay on September 6, where 125 participants gathered for the appointment of new Ambassadors for Peace and the Bridge of Peace Sisterhood Ceremony. The event opened with a stirring performance of the Paraguayan National Anthem by the Chamber Orchestra of the National Police.

Five individuals were honored with appointments as Ambassadors for Peace, recognizing their commitment to peacebuilding. Among the honorees were Favio Chávez Morán, the orchestra teacher of the famous recycled instrument group “Cateura,” and Tamara Denis Pereira, Director of Human Talent and Communication at UNIGRAN, both of whom expressed their gratitude for the recognition. Paraguayan National Congress members Del Pilar Vázquez and Freddy Franco delivered congratulatory speeches, while Paraguay’s only female bandoneonist closed the first part of the ceremony with a moving rendition of "Recuerdos de Ypacaraí."

Bridge of Peace and Women's Leadership Panel
The Bridge of Peace Sisterhood Ceremony, a symbolic act of reconciliation and unity, was introduced by Marisa Chilavert, President of WFWP Paraguay. This ceremony paired women from different nations in a gesture of healing and solidarity. Before the ceremony, a panel discussion on “Women’s Leadership in Regional Integration, International Cooperation, and Environmental Protection” took place, moderated by Rosetta Conti, President of WFWP Argentina. Panelists included:

María Icka Araki, Councilwoman from Rapa Nui, Chile
Laura Balsells-Miró, Provincial Congresswoman of Argentina
Emilia Franco, former First Lady of Paraguay

These women leaders shared their experiences and commitment to advancing peace, social justice, and environmental protection. Their discussions highlighted the vital role women play in promoting sustainable development and peace in their communities.

Emilia Franco presented the Global Woman Peace Ambassador Award to Luz Maria Shembori, a businesswoman and Ambassador for Peace, for her contributions to WFWP Paraguay. The audience was treated to two musical performances by the "Cateura" orchestra, a group that crafts their instruments from recycled materials, showcasing an inspiring example of environmental responsibility.

Marisa Chilavert, President of WFWP Paraguay

Moment of Reconciliation
One of the most moving moments of the event came when Audry Loreley Olivera Blanco, Uruguayan National Police Corporal and Secretary General of WFWP Uruguay, offered a heartfelt apology on behalf of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay for the devastating Battle of Acosta Ñu during the War of the Triple Alliance. This historic battle saw thousands of Paraguayan children lose their lives, and Olivera's emotional plea for forgiveness brought many in the audience to tears.

The Bridge of Peace Ceremony then united two women leaders in a symbolic embrace, representing the healing of historical wounds. The emotional ceremony was followed by a performance of “Acosta Ñu,” sung by a young girl, Amelie Campos, capturing the spirit of reconciliation and hope.

Amelie Campos a young girl sang “Acosta Ñu”.

Closing Remarks and Celebration
Gloria Miranda Dantas, Director of WFWP Subregion 2, delivered closing remarks, congratulating the new sisters and encouraging them to work together to build a world of unity and happiness. Following the ceremony, a victory celebration took place at the Del Paraguay Hotel, where Ambassadors for Peace and international VIPs enjoyed artistic performances and danced to the music of Rapa Nui, bringing the evening to a joyful close.

Tour of Iguazú Falls
On September 7, the final day of the program, participants, including Ambassadors for Peace and guests, traveled to the breathtaking Iguazú Falls. This excursion offered an opportunity for reflection and the strengthening of bonds among the newly formed sisterhoods. For many attendees, it was their first time visiting this natural wonder, a fitting conclusion to a program focused on peace, unity, and the beauty of our shared world.

The Paraguay gathering left a lasting impact on all participants, deepening their commitment to peacebuilding across borders and inspiring continued collaboration among women leaders in Latin America.

Recording here