AFRICA/IVORY COAST - A Catholic priest and 13 other Ivorian personalities appointed "Ambassadors of the culture of peace" by the Presidency of UNESCO

Wednesday, 23 December 2020 peace   culture   local churches  

Abidjan (Agenzia Fides) - Fr. Éric Norbert Abekan, parish priest of the Sainte Famille parish of the Riviera, Abidjan Cocody and 13 other Ivorian personalities from the religious world, economic affairs, sports and health have been appointed Ambassadors of the culture of peace by the Unesco Chair for the Culture of Peace at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny University of Abidjan Cocody, in a ceremony held on December 20 in the presence, among others, of His Exc. Mgr. Paolo Borgia, Apostolic Nuncio in Ivory Coast.
This distinction was awarded in view of their commitment and action for the establishment and preservation of a climate of peace in Ivory Coast.
"These personalities were chosen by a scientific committee with regard to their actions to concretize the concept of a culture of peace that evolves according to society", said Professor Méké Meité, holder of the Unesco Chair for the Culture of Peace. "It is a great honor for all of us to receive this gratifying recognition which recognizes the efforts and commitments of each; Today, we express all our joy and our feeling of infinite gratitude", said Fr. Abekan on behalf of all the winners, hoping that the recognition "can inspire courageous choices, arouse new energy and rekindle new hope in individuals and communities". "Ivory Coast does not need words, but convinced witnesses, peacemakers open to dialogue, without exclusion or manipulation".
The Unesco Chair for the Culture of Peace essentially aims to promote, through the quality of education and research, democracy, human rights, the spirit of tolerance and many specific values of a culture of Peace. More than 20 years after its creation, it remains an important tool for conflict prevention and peace.
Like Fr. Abekan, another religious leader was also elevated to the rank of Ambassador for the culture of peace by the Unesco Chair for the Culture of Peace of the Félix Houphouët-Boigny University of Abidjan Cocody, Imam Cissé Djiguiba, namely Imam of the great mosque of the Plateau (municipality of Abidjan). (S.S.) (Agenzia Fides, 23/12/2020)


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