National Appointment Ceremony of Global Women’s Peace Ambassadors
Written by: Andrea M. Fayad Betancourt
On May 3rd, 2025, the Women's Federation for World Peace – Colombia, under the leadership of Ms. Sonia Torres, Secretary of Government of Tauramena, Casanare and Global Peace Ambassador of WFWP Colombia, held a groundbreaking ceremony in the municipality of Tauramena during the National Congress of Women Councilors (Ediles). In this historic event, more than 300 women were appointed as Global Women’s Peace Ambassadors, in a deeply moving celebration that embodied the new paradigm of feminine leadership inspired by our co-founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, the Mother of Peace.
Women councilors in Colombia are elected by popular vote to represent their communities at the municipal level. Many of them live in regions affected by armed conflict and have led community processes with great sacrifice, often without compensation or proper recognition. For this reason, the appointment ceremony was experienced by many as a moment of true dignification and validation of their work. Some cried with emotion, saying: "No one has ever recognized what we do with so much love for our communities."
The event was officially supported by the Municipality of Tauramena, led by Mayor Javier Augusto Álvarez Alfonso, and his wife and social coordinator, Deicy Naybeth Olarte, as well as the Governor’s Office of Casanare, led by Governor César Ortiz Zorro. It was also honored by the presence of the Minister of Equality, Mr. Carlos Rosero, along with local and departmental authorities, national women’s organizations, and over 500 women leaders from all across Colombia, including the National Federation of Women Councilors.
From WFWP Colombia, the event was attended by Mrs. Mery Salcedo, Director for the Meta Department; Mrs. Digna del Socorro, Director for the Arauca Department; Ms. Luisa Vásquez, National Environmental Director; and Mrs. Andrea M. Fayad Betancourt, President of WFWP Colombia. Representing UPF were Mr. Alejandro Fayad and his wife Silvana Amaral, who offered institutional support. Mrs. Roswitha Dueck, WFWP Regional President for Latin America and the Caribbean, also shared a virtual message that was received with deep gratitude by all participants.
Training and Ethical Commitment
This ceremony was not an isolated event. Since February 2025, the women councilors have participated in virtual training sessions on universal values, leadership with purpose, practical spirituality, interdependence, and mutual prosperity. Each of them fulfilled the requirements outlined in the Global Peace Ambassador Manual, and at the end of the ceremony, all took part in a solemn oath, joined by local officials present at the main table.
Expanding the GWPN in Colombia
This event marked a key milestone in the development of the Global Women’s Peace Network (GWPN) in Colombia. In a nation marked by deep social, cultural, and territorial diversity—as well as by decades of conflict—GWPN has emerged as a powerful tool for healing, reconciliation, and transformation, led by women with spiritual vision and public purpose.
As a follow-up to the national appointment, WFWP Colombia will launch a Peace Leadership Training Program in alliance with FENAEDILCO (National Federation of Women Councilors of Colombia). The program will be delivered regionally across four key zones of the country and will focus on character education, leadership based on universal values, and practical strategies for community peacebuilding. This marks the beginning of a long-term educational commitment to strengthen the impact of newly appointed Peace Ambassadors.
As the WFWP National President stated:
"I believe all WFWP National Presidents share the same dream—to see our nations reflect the heart of Heaven. In Colombia, that begins with women. The GWPN must raise leaders who embody God’s feminine qualities, who live for the sake of others, and who carry these universal principles with conviction and courage."
Strategies and Tools
To make this nationwide initiative possible, digital tools like Google Forms and collaborative platforms were used for participant registration, distribution of training materials, and follow-up communication. This enabled the successful enrollment of 288 women councilors.
These digital tools will also play a crucial role in the next phase: a continued education process across regions and departments, designed to strengthen the network and nurture a living community of women leaders centered on values, character, and spiritual identity.
Visibility and Communication
The event received extensive coverage from local and regional media, and continues to be shared through Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, and community radio programs. Visibility of the Ambassadors’ work is key to inspiring more women, attracting new partners, and amplifying the impact of the GWPN both in Colombia and across Latin America.
Conclusion
Tauramena marked the beginning of a new chapter for WFWP Colombia. This was not just a formal gathering—it was a spiritual manifestation of God's love for women, a recognition of their silent service, and a powerful demonstration of what is possible when heaven, earth, and humanity work together in harmony. We are deeply grateful to every leader, volunteer, and Ambassador for Peace who made this dream possible. With faith, vision, and unity, we are committed to building a vibrant and regenerative GWPN across Colombia, so that the teachings and example of the Mother of Peace may reach more and more hearts.
