The Words of the Balcomb Family
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The Words of the Balcomb Family |
Tirana, Albania - The Global Peace Tour in Albania on March 11-13, brought a message of peace to leaders of Albania and other Balkan nations, building on the dedicated peace efforts by Ambassadors for Peace in the region.
Many Ambassadors for Peace in Albania are leaders of important institutions and sectors of life. One of them is the Chairman of District 1 of the Municipality of Tirana, Mrs. Lindita Nikolla, a member of UPF-Albania's National Peace Council. She organized a service project in her District in cooperation along with the leader of Tirana center, Mr. Sokol Rexhepi. The March 11 project was entitled “My Neighborhood is My Home.” More than 100 middle school students and municipality staff cleaned areas in the city and delivered leaflets on keeping the environment clean and taking responsibility for one's neighborhood. The project was well received by the residents, and national TV and other media covered the event.
Around distinguished guests and Ambassadors for Peace from Albania and other Balkan nations participated in the International Leadership Conference on March 13. Members of Parliament from Macedonia, Montenegro, and Kosovo attended, along with representatives of the Prefecture of the Thessaloniki in Greece and two Ambassadors for Peace from Bulgaria. There were 130 Albanian participants. The ILC took place at the Tirana International Hotel, and seven television stations covered the event.
The Conference started with the opening address given by Hon. Gaqo Apostoli, a member of the Global Peace Council, and a congratulatory address given by the Former President of Albania H E. Alfred Moisiu. Mrs. Lavdie Ruci, Chair of UPF-Albania, talked about the role of Ambassadors for Peace and the Universal Peace Federation in the development process of the country. Mr. Gani Rroshi introduced the activities of UPF-Albania since its inauguration on October 30, 2005, and Mr. Jang Dug Bong and Mr. Robert Williamson, two regional leaders for UPF in the Balkans, talked about the core principles of UPF. Prof. Dr. Shezai Rrokaj, Chairman of Albanian National Peace Council, talked about leadership and good governance. Other speakers included with Dr. Zamira Sinoimeri, Mr. Hydajet Hyseni (Chairman of UPF-Kosovo), and Mrs. Tomiko Duggan.
More than 50 new Ambassadors for Peace were appointed at the end of the conference. These included members of parliament from Macedonia and Montenegro, diplomats, educators, journalists, and authors.
The Main event started at 5:00 PM, exactly on time. The main hall of Tirana International Hotel was completely full with 400 Ambassadors for Peace, distinguished guests, and peace-loving people from around the country. Most of conference participants attended the main event. The MC was Mrs. Marinela Stefanc, Secretary General of the Korca Peace Council and also the Executive Director of Albanian Global Peace Festival which took place last year in Korca City. The welcoming address was given by Hon. Gaqo Apostoli, who set the atmosphere for receiving the message of peace. As he read the Peace Tour message, Dr. Young-Cheol Song shared his deep love and heart for Albania and many times he spoke out of his written message. His words were warmly received by the audience, and many times he was interrupted by applauses.