Lugano, 18 November 2017 – Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein Joselito A. Jimeno was guest speaker at the 7th World Peace Forum in Lugano which banners the theme, “The Communication of Peace”.
The event, which runs from 13 November to 07 December 2017, is especially dedicated to Peace and the Philippines in commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Switzerland.
Ambassador Joselito A. Jimeno speaks at the 7th World Peace Forum in Lugano
In his message, Ambassador Jimeno spoke about cooperation between the Philippines and Switzerland. “The Philippines, like Switzerland, is a melting pot of ethnic, linguistic and religious groups. However, our narrative is made more complex by our geographic landscape and colonial experience,” said Ambassador Jimeno.
“The Philippines looks at Switzerland as a model where cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity presents no barrier to progress, and trusts in its support for capacitating the vulnerable and the marginalized, especially in southern Philippines, so that this sector could also contribute toward promoting peace and prosperity in our country,” added the Ambassador.
Other speakers at the forum were Lugano Mayor Marco Borradori, MP Macro Romano of the Swiss National Council, and Col. Mauro Antonini, Border Guard Commander for Ticino Region. Journalist Antonio Franzi hosted the forum.
Photos (L-R): Lugano Mayor Marco Borradori and MP Macro Romano of the Swiss National Council
The speeches were followed by a presentation by Culture Ticino Network Association and its partner, Founder of the Children of Paombong Philippines Association (COPA) of the projects the partnership is assisting in the Philippines.
Italian violinist Giulio Vella played the piece Cavatina by renowned Filipino composer Nicanor Abelardo, known for his kundiman (opera-style classical Filipino love songs). Russian mezzo soprano Julia Gertseva also performed with the children choir “La Musica”.
The 7th World Peace Forum aims to raise funds for the construction of a multipurpose center in the Philippines that will be used to provide food and medical examinations, and serve as venue for the cultural needs of underprivileged children and students in Paombong, Bulacan, and for the cultural project called “Petals of Peace” for the schools and population of Ticino. END
