UN Student Observance

23 September 2011

URI is a partner with the Department of Public Information at the UN in creating the annual student observance of the International Day of Peace at the UN. It is an honor to work on this program and to link with all of you for the International Day of Peace on September 21. Click here to view a webcast of this year's event on September 15.

The Special Guests were:

Michael Douglas, Messenger of Peace with focus on disarmament

Jane Goodall, Messenger of Peace with focus on conservation and the environment

Stevie Wonder, Messenger of Peace with a focus on persons with disabilities

Ishmael Beah, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador (former child soldier)

Monique Coleman, United Nations Youth Champion

The webcast also included a video on a project in Guatemala, Call for Facebook action.

The moderator was Chris Bashinelli, a young activist whose NGO is called Bridge the Gap. His energy, knowledge and caring heart did so much to make this program so special for all who attended. His NGO produces videos to highlight those whose voices are not usually heard.

The webcast ends with Deborah Moldow, who represents both the World Peace Prayer Society and the URI at the UN, leading the World Peace Flag Ceremony. We sent out prayers for peace to every country of the world, so you were prayed for during this observance! The photo attached is with Deborah Moldow, Mrs. Ban and myself, taken as we prayed for peace in the United Nations and we also wished her a Happy Birthday!

It was a special treat to have George and Jocelyn Armstrong, URI New Zealand, in the audience.

May Peace Prevail on Earth,

Monica Willard