WFWP Ireland - Gong Bath — Gong4all Around the World (International Music Day)

At the occasion of the International Human Rights Day, the Women’s Federation for World Peace, in partnership with the Universal Peace Federation, organized a meeting on the theme “Human Rights and Our Responsibility” on Saturday, December 13, at the Espace Barrault, in Paris.

Brigitte Wada, mistress of ceremonies for the event, opened the meeting by emphasizing that, 77 years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, these rights are still far from being fully universal, as current events clearly show. Hunger, wars, and inequalities persist in many regions of the world. She recalled that the objectives of this Declaration can only be achieved if every human being changes their attitude and assumes their share of responsibility.

Four main speakers took turns addressing the topic from different perspectives:

Jacques Marion, President of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) for France, Europe, and the Middle East, emphasized the importance of linking rights with duties and spirituality, while recalling the history of the UPF and highlighting current threats to religious freedom in Asia.

Driss Senda, advisor and Head of the Department of Foresight and African Geopolitics, presented a complex geopolitical overview, pointing out the shift of global power toward Asia and criticizing the enormous budgets allocated to war at the expense of peace.

Marie-Claude Machon-Honoré, representative of BPW (Business and Professional Women) International to UNESCO, highlighted the role of UNESCO and stressed the importance of education and art as vehicles for resistance and peace.

Carolyn Handschin, Director of the United Nations Office of the Women’s Federation for World Peace International in Geneva, presented the initiative “No peace without women,” launched in the aftermath of the invasion of Ukraine, underscoring the crucial role of women in conflict prevention.

Following the presentations, a discussion period allowed participants to engage in dialogue with the speakers. The meeting then concluded with the presentation of Ambassador for Peace certificates to several individuals committed to promoting peace.