Conference on the Culture of Peace and the Induction of New Ambassadors for Peace in São Tomé and Príncipe

Written by UPF-Africa

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

São Tomé and Príncipe – The conference hall of the National Assembly of São Tomé and Príncipe was the venue on Saturday, August 2, 2025, for an important conference on the culture of peace, followed by the solemn induction of new Ambassadors for Peace.

Organized by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Africa in collaboration with the UPF São Tomé and Príncipe National Chapter, under the presidency of Her Excellency Celmira Sacramento, President of the National Assembly and member of the AIPP-Africa Regional Council, this conference was honored by the presence of the First Lady of the Republic, Mrs. Maria Fátima Vila Nova, Patron of the event.

The first sub-theme addressed on this occasion was: “Origin and Resolution of Human Conflicts.”
In his keynote address, Dr. Paterne Zinsou, Secretary General of UPF Africa and the main speaker of the day, offered a clear and profound spiritual and historical perspective on the origins of human conflicts. Through multiple illustrations and demonstrations, participants were convinced that human conflicts are rooted in the rupture of the original lineage between God and humanity, illustrated by the fall of Adam, Eve, and the archangel Lucifer. This fall is not simply linked to a literal forbidden fruit, but to a premature act connected to misdirected and disordered conjugal love. The episode of Cain’s murder of Abel embodies the first tragic consequence of this separation within the first family, confirming the succession of conflicts, violence, and various forms of wars that have marked human history to this day. The explanations strongly resonated with participants.

Addressing the section on conflict resolution, the speaker pointed out that this process begins with restoring the lost bond with our divine origin, re-educating the human heart, and promoting universal values. He called for inner transformation, beginning with the renewal of love within the family – the fundamental cell of society – to build individuals of peace. The path to peace therefore, starts with the true lineage, true love, true life in service to others, forgiveness, and the recognition of humanity’s highest common purpose.

This was followed by the presentation of the Universal Principles and Practices for Lasting Peace, fundamental principles on which the new Ambassadors for Peace are to build their social, marital, family, and professional lives. These five summarized principles emphasized:

• Humanity as one family created by God, the Ultimate Reality, calling recipients to become ambassadors of this Source and restore universal brotherhood;
• The spiritual dimension of the human being, inviting the practice of moral and spiritual virtues;
• The importance of the family as the primary school of love and peace.
• Living for the sake of others – for one’s community and one’s nation;
• Cooperation and solidarity beyond races, religions, and nations.

Dr. Zinsou reinforced his presentation with a powerful metaphor: the five fingers of the hand as a symbol of unity in diversity, complementing each other, each in its individuality representing one of the five pillars of the culture of peace.

During the ceremony, eleven new Ambassadors for Peace, from diverse political, social, religious, and professional backgrounds, were inducted and took an oath to become pillars for a peaceful nation and world.

In her inspiring speech, First Lady Maria Fátima Vila Nova, Patron of this distinguished conference, thanked the UPF and emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives that strengthen peace, particularly within families and communities. She highlighted the depth of the keynote speaker’s message and encouraged the new Ambassadors to act with integrity and dedication, becoming vectors of peace in their environments.

The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe shared a heartfelt testimony about her participation in the 2025 World Summit and renewed her sincere commitment to the cause of peace and international cooperation for harmony and peace.

The ceremony concluded with a call to action for all participants.