WFWPI Anniversary Celebration - 31 YEARS OF TOGETHERNESS!
Written by: Mion Tsuchiaka
31 years of togetherness are represented by our dedication, perseverance, compromise and wisdom!
The Women's Federation for World Peace International hosted a virtual celebration on April 15 via Zoom and YouTube, bringing together approximately 650 leaders, members and guests from around the world. The program consisted of an official celebration, an awards ceremony, and an appreciation event with important announcements. This special event was moderated by two young professionals: Ms. Christine Bulayo, Regional Secretary General of WFWP Asia Pacific 1, and Mrs. Grace Kisile, International Administrator of WFWPI UN HQ in New York.
WFWPI President, Mrs. Moriko Hori and WFWPI Secretary General, Dr. Paris Moon opened the ceremony by thanking all the volunteers who work tirelessly in their respective fields to realize the vision of peace, educate women and youth, create better family environments, and achieve world peace together.
The participants were then congratulated by important WFWP supporters and friends, including the Former First Lady of Paraguay - Mme. Emilia Alfaro de Franco; Former Member of the Ontario Parliament, Canada - Dr. Margaret Best; Councilwoman in USA - Mme. Christine Ellis; and Sub-Director, Prime Minister’s Office Yaounde in Cameroon - Mme. Comfort Teichim Jack epse Ngum Chia.
To bring the spirit of celebration, WFWP Eurasia prepared special entertainment from the children dancing troop "Angels of Peace" presenting the Russian traditional dance and song. The moderator then divided the participants into small groups for time to greet and congratulate their colleagues and friends from overseas in person. It was an enjoyable time for leaders and members to share and connect with each other under one vision of peace, despite differences in language and culture.
The climax of the celebration was a congratulatory video with messages from WFWP national chapters, with over 20 chapters expressing their creativity through dancing, singing and board messages.
The second part of the event was the award ceremony acknowledging the Outstanding Volunteers, partners and honoring the memories of deceased leaders. The WFWPI Outstanding Volunteer Award was first launched in 2021 to recognize the great work and effort of the WFWP volunteers worldwide. Without the contributions of volunteers, who generously donate their time, power, and skills, WFWP would not have developed, and in particular, received recognition as an NGO in General Consultative Status with the UN. Their work is vital and has a significant impact on making the world a better place. With heartfelt thanks, WFWPI gave special recognition to the most outstanding volunteers from each of WFWP’s regions in Africa, Asia Pacific 1 and 2, Europe, Eurasia, Middle East, Japan, North America, and Latin America. The awards were divided into four categories: 30, 25, 20, and 10 years of service. Mrs. Gloria Dantas from Argentina, Mrs. Brigitte Wada from France, Mrs. Yumiko Teves from the Philippines, and Mrs. Gwendoline Tshimbana from South Africa were selected as the representatives to share their work as WFWP volunteers with the audience.
The event concluded with celebratory music by the Young Professionals Band of WFWP Europe inTune singing "Air." A video also showed pictures of WFWP's past activities, demonstrating the great legacy of the organization and empowering all participants to work even harder for a common goal.
The "31 Years of Togetherness" commemoration was a great success, connecting the hearts of each and every participant and renewing their commitment to further activities.
WFWP IHQ would like to thank its leaders, members, volunteers, and supporters who never forget their work and who make a positive difference in the world every day, bringing us closer to a world of peace.
YouTube Recording
