Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September, since 1982. The UN declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
The United Nations invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.
In answering to the call of the United Nations to commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace United Religions Initiative – Africa (URI-Africa), All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), African Union - Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC), United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA), Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA), Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA), Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), and the African Media Initiative (AMI) organised in partnership a celebration of the International day of Peace on Monday 21 September, 2015 at the Desmond Tutu Conference Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.
During the ceremony, Peace messages from the United Nations, UNESCO, AU-ECOSOCC, African Union Commission, URI-Africa, AMI, PROCMURA, OAIC, and AACC were delivered and highly appreciated by the participants. The celebration was opened by prayers for peace from religious leaders and representatives from – Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Baha’i, Sikh and Brahma Kumaris. After the prayers, a moment of silence was honoured to remember the many victims of conflict and violence, including innocent people who perished in the seas trying to escape war and misery.
The most moving moment of the celebration was the touching message of children, who wished to see and live in a peaceful world free from war, fear, hunger, violence, diseases and discrimination. They publicly committed to be ambassadors of peace for all their lives.
All participants committed to further enhance the working partnership with the UN, AU, Faith-Based and Interfaith Organisations, and all other stakeholders in the effort of promoting a culture of peace and the teaching of the Golden Rule which says “Treat others the way you wanted to be treated” as it is a blueprint for dignity to all. The participants appreciated the work of the UN and AU in promoting a culture of peace and human dignity.
The celebration concluded by sharing information on the global framework of African vision on Agenda 2063 which is a roadmap formulated by African heads of state during the 50th Golden Jubilee of the African Union to make Africa united, prosperous and peaceful continent.
May peace prevail on Earth.
See more URI celebrations of the International Day of Peace 2015
