UPF Africa Regional Secretary General Dr. Paterne Zinsou Visits Liberia for IAPP Launch and Summit Preparations

Written by UPF-Africa

Friday, October 25, 2024

Liberia ― In September 2024, Dr. Paterne Zinsou, Regional Secretary General of UPF Africa, made an important visit to Liberia to discuss the upcoming summit and the launch of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP). His visit aimed to strengthen partnerships with key Liberian leaders and lay the groundwork for the success of both initiatives.

On September 21, 2024, Dr. Zinsou was warmly welcomed in Liberia by Hon. Sam P. Jallah, a Young Ambassador for Peace and member of the House of Parliament. Hon. Jallah played a pivotal role in arranging crucial meetings with Liberia’s Speaker of the House of Representatives and Vice President, held on September 22. Both leaders expressed their full support for the summit and the IAPP launch, and a collaborative committee was established under the leadership of Hon. Jallah to work closely with UPF on the event’s success.

That same day, in a moment of warmth and celebration, Dr. Zinsou's birthday was honored by both the Speaker and Vice President, adding a personal touch to his mission in Liberia.

Further Engagements and Meetings

On September 23, Dr. Zinsou held additional meetings with the Speaker and Vice President at the House of Parliament to solidify plans for the summit. He also met with officials at Cottington Graduate School on September 24, where UPF Liberia Chairman Dr. Roosevelt Jayjay is based. In attendance at these meetings were Ambassador McCarthy Teaysh, the Secretary General of UPF Liberia, and the Deputy Minister for Internal Affairs.

During his visit, Dr. Zinsou also engaged with various youth leaders from organizations such as the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) and the Liberian Student Union. These meetings underscored UPF's commitment to empowering youth as key stakeholders in peacebuilding efforts in Liberia.

Pre-Visit Activities and Welcoming Ceremony

Before Dr. Zinsou's arrival, UPF Liberia had been actively preparing for the upcoming summit. On September 18, 2024, UPF Liberia’s Secretary General presented a gift to the Speaker of the House of Representatives in celebration of his birthday, marking the beginning of the warm collaboration between UPF and Liberia’s top leaders.

On September 21, the Peace Run was held in Monrovia to promote peace and unity, setting the tone for Dr. Zinsou's visit the following day.

When Dr. Zinsou arrived on September 21, he was warmly greeted by the National President of FFWPU, along with several members, and presented with flowers. His visit began with a moment of reflection and prayer at the Cheon Shim Won (Prayer Hall) before moving to the Bella Casa Hotel, where key discussions and engagements took place.

Key Meetings with Government Officials

Hon. Sam P. Jallah was vital in facilitating Dr. Zinsou's meetings with government officials. These meetings with Liberia's Vice President and Speaker of the House of Representatives were critical to gaining government support for the IAPP launch and ensuring the success of the upcoming summit.

All deeply appreciated Dr. Zinsou's leadership and dedication to the cause of peace, and his visit inspired a renewed commitment to peacebuilding efforts in Liberia.

Appreciation for Dr. Zinsou’s Leadership

On behalf of the leadership and members of UPF Liberia, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Paterne Zinsou for his exceptional leadership and tireless efforts during his visit. His presence and guidance were truly inspiring, and his contributions will leave a lasting impact on Liberia’s peace initiatives.