More than 5,000 People Gather at Science Park for Peacemakers' Celebration

HONG KONG., Feb. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 5,000 people have attended the "Peacemakers' Celebration", co-organized by UNESCO Hong Kong Association ("UNESCO HK") and UNESCO Arts in Education Observatory for Research in Local Cultures and Creativity in Education ("UNESCO RLCCE"), on 24 February 2013 at the Hong Kong Science Park.

Officiating at the ceremony were Dr Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai, GBM, GBS, JP, Member of Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Professor Tao Xiping, Vice President of the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs and President of the National Federation of UNESCO Associations in China Officiated the Inaugural Ceremony together with Guests of honour from participating Consulates and a long list of international and community organizations.

On behalf of the organizers, Professor Patrick Lau SBS JP, President of UNESCO HK and Professor Samuel Leong, Director of UNESCO RLCCE thanked all the contributors of the Programme at the ceremony.

To act for peace, Professor Lau emphasized the importance of working together. "Confronted by the challenge of growth and sustainable development worldwide today, it is ever more important for us to work collaboratively and in partnerships to contribute to peace," said Professor Lau.

Professor Leong reminded students that the Celebration was not just "One day for peace". "Today is one important step along the continuing road towards peace. Whatever course your lives may take, may you always strive to make decisions and take actions that would make a difference to 'Peace for All'," said Professor Leong.

The ceremony was followed by the Global Peace Concert conducted by Maestro Mak Ka Lok with a congregation of students from schools.

On the same day, a variety of programmes was also held at the Science Park, including Peace Booth Exhibition, Installation Arts Exhibition, Cultural Performance, Culture Discovery Workshops, "What can I do for peace" Essay Competition- Award Presentation, Peace Street Arts Carnival, and Hong Kong Style Milk Tea Demonstration.

Peacemakers' Celebration was the highlight of the Peace for All Programme, which is a new UNESCO HK initiative with support from Hong Kong local and international communities, to promote peace in the context of cultural diversity and provide a cultural discovery platform for students. Thousands of students and teachers from local and international schools as well as representatives from the international and community organizations showcased the outcome of their projects promoting peace and intercultural understanding on the Celebration Day.

Photos are available at:

http://www.facebook.com/UnescoHongKongAssociation#!/photo.php?fbid=617239648302001&set=o.335995706480417&type=1&theater
Group Photo of Organizers, Officiating Guests, Representatives of Consulates

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=111205625700108&set=o.335995706480417&type=1&theater#!/photo.php?fbid=617243428301623&set=o.335995706480417&type=3&theater
Global Peace Concert

http://www.facebook.com/UnescoHongKongAssociation#!/photo.php?fbid=617259064966726&set=o.335995706480417&type=1&theater
Peace Booth Exhibition

http://www.facebook.com/UnescoHongKongAssociation#!/photo.php?fbid=617259794966653&set=o.335995706480417&type=1&theater
Culture Performance

http://www.facebook.com/UnescoHongKongAssociation#!/photo.php?fbid=617260764966556&set=o.335995706480417&type=1&theater
Closing of Peacemakers' Celebration