All posts by CPNN Coordinator

About CPNN Coordinator

Dr David Adams is the coordinator of the Culture of Peace News Network. He retired in 2001 from UNESCO where he was the Director of the Unit for the International Year for the Culture of Peace, proclaimed for the Year 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly.

Togo participation in the Luanda Biennale, or Pan-African Forum on Culture, to take place in the Angolan capital from November 22 to 24

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

An article from Republic of Togo

The Luanda Biennale, or Pan-African Forum on Culture, will take place in the Angolan capital from November 22 to 24.

Three young Togolese were invited, Komlan Nestor Kotchadjo, Samson Ayi Kouevi and Lidaw-wè Fabienne Dontema.


Samson Ayi Kouevi © republicoftogo.com

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(click here for the original French version of this article.)

Question related to this article:

The Luanda Biennale: What is its contribution to a culture of peace in Africa?

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This meeting is a joint initiative of UNESCO, the African Union (AU) and the Angolan government which aims to promote the prevention of violence and the resolution of conflicts, by encouraging cultural exchanges in Africa and dialogue between generations .

As a space for reflection and dissemination of artistic works, ideas and good practices linked to the culture of peace, it brings together representatives of governments, civil society, the artistic and scientific community and International organisations.

The Forum is participating in the implementation of the “Action Plan for a Culture of Peace in Africa/Agissons pour la Paix” adopted in March 2013 in Luanda.

Samson Ayi Kouevi, the Togo national coordinator of the Pan-African youth network for the culture of peace, is pleased to be on the list of participants.

‘Peace and living together are our priorities. We believe in human dignity, social justice, international cooperation and the harmonious coexistence of peoples. These values are necessary if we want to build a better future,’ he said on Tuesday.

For the Luanda Biennale, it is a question of working towards daily and lasting individual and collective appropriation and implementation, on the continent, of the concept of culture of peace.

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

How to promote the culture of peace in the DRC?

… EDUCATION FOR PEACE …

An article from Radio Okapi

The Democratic Republic of Congo is still facing numerous challenges, particularly the risks of security instability and conflicts, during this electoral period. For experts, it is essential to promote the culture of peace and non-violence in the minds of men and women. It is in this context that Gospel artists decided to come together to promote peace through songs during the Festival called “100 voices for peace, Gospel Mass Choir for Peace” scheduled for next October in Goma (North-Kivu).

(Article continued in right column)

(Click here for the French original of this article)

 

Question related to this article:

What place does music have in the peace movement?

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Nearly 20,000 festival-goers are expected at this great celebration of peace. How are the preparations for this event going? How to promote the culture of peace through the Gospel?

Jody Nkashama talks about it with Ludovic Kalengay, coordinator of the Multisectoral Popularization and Awareness Program (PMVS), Marlon Mateta, Deputy Manager of the Festival “100 voices for peace » and with Mrs. Annifa Vahavi, President of Divine Gracia and member of the organizing team of the 100 Voices for Peace Festival

Africa, EDUCATION FOR PEACE

Towards an African renaissance through culture and history

. EDUCATION FOR PEACE .

An article from La Depeche d’Abidjan

Through oral tradition and knowledge of history, African culture can convey peace and creativity on the continent, beyond, and throughout the world.

In West African folklore, Anansi was a charming prankster with the appearance of a spider. He realized that human beings were sad, because they had no reason to hope or envisage a bright future. He then remembered that Nyame, the sky god, had magical things called stories. These stories could make humans happy, Anansi thought.

He visited Nyame and asked to buy his stories. However, the sky god told him that they were not for sale. “I won’t sell them for anything in the world, except for Onini the murderous python, Osebo the elusive leopard, Mmoatia the mischievous fairy and Mmoboro, the swarm of deadly hornets,” says Nyame. This mission was a feat, but not for Anansi, who managed to capture these four out-of-reach targets using his genius. When he delivered them to Nyame, the latter was not satisfied. However, having made a deal with Anansi, he had to honor his promise.

“Bring these stories back to earth and give them to humans,” Nyame said. They will be eternally grateful to you. Besides, they will name all the great tales “spider stories” in your honor. »

Thus, Anansi the joker became the god who knew all stories. The myth of Anansi illustrates the need for every society to create and share stories.

Netflix and UNESCO have joined forces to launch an innovative short film competition on the theme “African folk tales revisited” throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The winners of the competition will be trained and monitored by professionals in the field and will receive a production budget of $75,000 to produce short films which will be broadcast for the first time on Netflix in 2022, in the form of an Anthology of African folk tales. One of the main objectives of this competition is to discover new voices and give international visibility to young directors from sub-Saharan Africa.

From spider tales to African history

Stories such as those shared by Anansi have been at the heart of human life for thousands of years, a kind of cognitive game that stimulates the human mind, allowing us to understand natural and social phenomena, and to imagine different strategies for living in a complex world. It could be assumed that the more we collect and share these stories, the more we will be able to understand ourselves, others, the world around us, respective and common values and traditions. UNESCO’s work over the past decades to document, collect and write down these stories from around the world is not only a much-needed effort to protect and preserve precious heritage, but also an effort to develop knowledge of the world as well as our collective capacity to understand ourselves.

Spider tales are widespread in West Africa,. The Ghanaian tales of Anansi are among the best known, in the Akan language the name Anansi comes from the word “spider”.

Today, Anansi symbolizes the wisdom, creativity and complexity of the entire African continent. Oral traditions — messages, songs, fables and proverbs — are passed from one generation to the next without writing, allowing people to make sense of the world around them and teaching them essential aspects of their culture.

Like the tales of Anansi, told since the dawn of time, the history of the African continent has been passed down orally from generation to generation. Although historical writings have existed in West Africa for many centuries, the majority of people on the continent were unable to read them. Oral tradition allowed Africans to share their common history, whether they came from the north or the south of the continent, however Europeans considered that the latter had no history, because they were incapable of reading and understanding it. to understand. Thus, the history of Africa that was shared with the rest of the world began with the story of colonialism and that of Europeans in Africa.

Decolonizing African history

In the early 1960s, as Africa entered a phase of rapid decolonization, intellectuals and leaders of newly independent countries worked to liberate their history as well as that of their nation. In order to put an end to the general ignorance of African history, UNESCO launched the “General History of Africa” in 1964. The Organization invited African intellectuals to write, for the very first time, the history of their continent using sources often ignored by Western historians, such as folklore, traditions and culture, to provide an African perspective, free of the racial biases emanating from the slave trade and European intervention.

This ambitious project, intended to renew scientific approaches to the history of Africa, had immense repercussions on world history, and offered a new global perspective on the history of all continents. It placed Africa at the heart of the history of humanity. For the first time, we attempted to go beyond the borders of national stories in order to construct a true “general history”, highlighting the common points between peoples and cultures, revealing trends and exchanges over the centuries beyond borders. national, and highlighting identities like never before.

The African continent has the longest history in the world: it is the cradle of humanity. In the 19th century, Charles Darwin was the first to suggest that the common ancestor of human beings was most likely African, an idea that alarmed many at the time. “The fact that we could have evolved in Africa was anathema to many, who were unable to believe that the pure white, blue-eyed, flaxen-haired northern populations could have originated on the ‘dark continent’. ”. However, all the major events linked to our history date back to Africa,” explains the Kenyan paleontologist, Richard Leakey, one of the first contributors to the General History of Africa project. “We are an African animal, an African species that has colonized and recolonized the world at different times and in different ways. Today, no human being can say that Africa is not their motherland.”

The General History of Africa

The General History of Africa (HGA) is a pioneering, unprecedented project, aiming to cover the history of the entire African continent, from the beginning of humanity to the contemporary challenges faced by Africans and their diasporas around the world. A story which brings to light the pre-colonial period and intertwines the destiny of Africa with that of humanity by highlighting its link with other continents and the contribution of African cultures to the general progress of humanity. In recent years, UNESCO has begun the preparation and editing of three new volumes of the HGA (volumes IX to XI).

Starting from the example of Africa, UNESCO has led other vast historical projects on a regional scale, such as the General History of Latin America and the Caribbean, the History of Civilizations of Central Asia, the different aspects of Islamic culture as well as the History of humanity. These volumes and their thousands of pages, written well before the birth of online platforms such as Wikipedia, represent one of the most ambitious scientific endeavors aimed at building a common understanding of the human history we share. The General History of Africa has since changed the global perspective on how history is written and constitutes a historiographical shift in scale that modern “world history” and contemporary “connected histories” continue to explore .

The General History of Africa in video

The General History of Africa (HGA) launched by UNESCO in 1964 has entered a new phase with a nine-part documentary series, produced by BBC journalist and producer Zeinab Badawi. The latter traveled to the four corners of Africa, interviewing historians, archaeologists and African citizens whose testimonies and stories paint a vivid picture of their continent’s past and its influence on their lives today.

Teaching the General History of Africa

In March 2009, UNESCO launched “Pedagogical Use of the General History of Africa” to respond to requests made by African countries concerning the adaptation of the content of the volumes of the General History of Africa. Africa to school education. To do this, UNESCO has developed educational content to teach to children in African primary and secondary schools in order to improve the knowledge of African pupils and students on the way in which African societies have evolved through time and space. and on the impact of these changes on the present and the future.

Celebrating a common culture: from north to south, from west to east

There is an expression common to many Southern African languages: “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”, which literally means “a person is a person through other people”.

In African culture, the “self” is not separate from the world, on the contrary, it is one with the natural and social environment. Although there are different ethnicities and nationalities — each with their own language, gastronomy and artistic expressions — all Africans share a common culture. This African wisdom echoes John Donne’s famous quote “no man is an island”, which reminds us that human beings do poorly when they are isolated from others and need to be part of a community to thrive.

The end of colonization at the beginning of the 1960s was no guarantee of lasting peace on the continent.

On the contrary, violent political events, rooted in ethnic conflicts, have hit sub-Saharan Africa since independence, causing millions of deaths and slowing economic development.

To ensure peace on the continent, regional communities understood that they needed to strengthen their ties and interact with each other, celebrating their common culture.

Let us draw together from our values, our traditions, our culture in order to find the path to prosperity and peace. Denis Mukwege, Congolese gynecologist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018

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(Click here for the original French version of this article)

Question related to this article:
 
Can popular art help us in the quest for truth and justice?

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Building peace in Africa

Every two years, Luanda, the Angolan capital, transforms into a global center for peace in Africa, as the city hosts the “Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace”, also known as the Luanda Biennale. More than 60 countries are represented, attracting representatives of governments, international organizations, NGOs and artists. They share ideas, enter into new partnerships and take part in cultural events, with one common goal: to strengthen the culture of peace on the continent.

The Biennale is the result of the joint efforts of the Angolan government, the African Union and UNESCO. It is organized to overcome the various obstacles to growth and prosperity in Africa.

It also constitutes a platform of choice for taking stock of and encouraging some of UNESCO’s most important initiatives in favor of education, science, press freedom and equality. genres across the continent. According to data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), at least half of young people aged 15 to 17 in sub-Saharan Africa were out of school before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the situation is not only got worse. This is the highest proportion of any region in the world. More than half of those who should now be honing the skills they need for the job market or to access higher education are not even in school. As an example of concrete action, the UNESCO Global Education Coalition provided free internet access to Senegal and other African countries to facilitate immediate distance learning for a half-million learners, with the goal being to enroll an additional 3.5 million in the program.

The Luanda Biennale Partners Forum focuses on how to build innovative partnerships for inclusive democracy and peace across African countries. It brings together international organizations, the private financial sector, foundations and media as well as civil society, artists and cultural entrepreneurs.

This forum of ideas provides a platform for dialogue on the future of Africa, and focuses on solutions to prevent and resolve conflicts using culture, education and the free press. It addresses the protection of displaced people and migrants, the contribution of the African diaspora and the concerted management of the continent’s natural resources.

The women’s forum focuses on ways to end all forms of violence against women and the role of women’s networks in achieving peace in Africa. “I think it is important for us as a continent to come together and have a discussion about the paths we want to take and how we are going to get there,” said Xoliswa Phenya, Deputy Director of the development of crafts with the South African Department of Arts and Culture. Our leaders spoke of the African renaissance. Perhaps it is time for younger generations to step in to make this dream a reality. »

When African history helps us understand today’s societies

The Anansi spider has become the symbol of African finesse and wisdom in expression and its stories have survived through oral tradition. They have also traveled all over the world. This same oral tradition spread Anansi tales to the rest of the world, particularly to the Caribbean, through populations enslaved during the colonization of Africa.

For enslaved Africans and their descendants, Anansi became a symbol of resilience and survival. Tales recounting the spider’s ingenuity and trickery helped slaves survive the ordeal of captivity, perpetuate the link with their African past and assert their identity.

Today, nearly 200 million people across the American continent consider themselves of African origin. Several million more live in other parts of the world, outside the African continent. Understanding these historical and cultural connections is a prerequisite for meeting the contemporary challenges of social cohesion and the many forms of cultural belonging in modern multicultural societies. It is also an opportunity for all countries whose populations are made up of millions of citizens of African descent to encourage international dialogue and build links with other societies around the world. Citizens of African origin often represent some of the most disadvantaged and marginalized groups, with limited access to quality education, health services, housing and social security. Understanding the past is perhaps one of the conditions for breaking the vicious circle and the legacy of racism, discrimination and exclusion.

During the transatlantic slave trade, some four million slaves were brought to American shores in Salvador de Bahia, in what is now Brazil, to work on sugar plantations. Some slaves managed to escape and settle on free land. Among them, the ancestors of Sandra de Santos, who created the agricultural community, Quilombo do Dandá, 250 years ago. Yet Sandra had to fight to preserve the land her family had lived on for generations.

“Tractors came to destroy our crops. There were conflicts. Overnight all our plantations were destroyed,” she says. After months of legal battle, she was allowed to stay on her land.

To help descendants of African slaves and people of African descent, UNESCO supported the International Decade for People of African Descent. Launched in January 2015, it will continue until December 2024. This decade aims to celebrate the importance and contributions of populations of African origin around the world, to advance policies of inclusion and social justice , to eradicate racism and intolerance, promote human rights and create more prosperous communities in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

African culture and art around the world

Aged 19 and originally from the Dominican Republic, Eveline Murmann is one of the young Afro-descendant activists who fight every day for recognition of their roots and an end to discrimination, trivialized in daily exchanges: “straight hair is more formal” and “pale skin is prettier”. Others use artistic expressions such as songs, rap, poetry and dance to tell their stories, as their ancestors did with the tales of Anansi.

“This is the starting point for ending the structure of racism that permeates our society. Being Afro-descendant implies accepting our origins, loving our culture and taking part in our history,” she says. It means being proud of this beautiful skin and this hair so full of freedom. It is recognizing our value and highlighting our contribution to the development of societies.

See us ! Hear us ! Count us in! » [Regardez-nous ! Entendez-nous ! Incluez-nous !]:

Voices from the Decade for People of African Descent

Video celebration of the first part of the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent (2014-2025): musical performances, mini-documentary produced in Latin America, conversations with experts and inspiring voices of young people of African descent African people from all over the world sharing their testimonies, their hopes and their dreams through dance, poetry, singing, rap, slam and other creative expressions.

Indeed, the voices of the African diaspora and its young representatives have become loud enough to be heard around the world. Like that of Mohamed Mbougar Sarr, a 31-year-old Senegalese author, who has won numerous literary prizes in recent years for works on contemporary themes such as racism, discrimination and Africa’s relations with Europe. Thanks to his latest novel, The Most Secret Memory of Men, he became the first author from sub-Saharan Africa to receive the most prestigious French literary prize, the Prix Goncourt, and one of the most young winners of all time.

Just like African history, African literature has never stopped living. The growing recognition of its authors is an important first step towards redefining Africa’s relationship with the world. UNESCO forms of recognition such as International Jazz Day or the inscription of the Congolese rumba as an element of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity are part of the numerous initiatives recently taken to highlight and raise awareness of the importance of artists and creators of African origin. By combining the musical tradition of their ancestors with arrangements and improvisations, artists of African descent created new musical codes, which led to the birth of blues and jazz on the banks of the Mississippi Delta in New Orleans. Congolese rumba singers and dancers have also been at the forefront of all struggles and aspirations for Congolese independence.

Focusing on Africa means improving our world. Recognizing and sharing the many ramifications of African history helps us understand today’s societies and live together. This is the driving force behind UNESCO’s commitment to Priority Africa, and the reason to believe that African culture is an accelerator of mutual understanding, creativity and innovation, allowing us to harness the field of possibilities. This is how UNESCO delivers on Anansi’s promise and writes the next chapter in the spider’s story.

UNESCO and its development partners are closely monitoring 54 African countries, using a stronger and more focused strategy. The African renaissance is underway: the adoption of Agenda 2063 of the African Union and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development prepare the ground for action by the African Economic Community.

The African heritage

UNESCO firmly believes that sustainable peace and development are intrinsically linked to the capacities and skills of individuals as well as their dignity and rights. It is about taking advantage of this momentum by strengthening the assets of Africa, whose heritage represents a prodigious source of creativity. The richness of the continent’s heritage encourages us to safeguard it for future generations. Although Africa is under-represented on the World Heritage List with only 12% of the sites registered throughout the world, almost half of these sites are on the list of world heritage in danger.

Agenda 2063: the Africa we want

Agenda 2063 is the blueprint and blueprint for Africa aimed at transforming Africa into the global power of the future. It is the strategic framework of the continent which aims to achieve its objective of inclusive and sustainable development. It is a concrete manifestation of the Pan-African desire for union, self-determination, freedom, progress and collective prosperity pursued within the framework of Pan-Africanism and African renaissance.

The African Cinematic Heritage Project (AFHP)

AFHP is a long-term project carried out in partnership with the Film Foundation, chaired by Martin Scorsese, and the Pan-African Federation of Cinematographers (FEPACI) to contribute to the localization, restoration and preservation of films made on the African continent. It will identify 50 films of historical, artistic and cultural significance and will subsequently undertake the restoration process. UNESCO plans to include these films in the “Memory of the World” register.

Africa, EDUCATION FOR PEACE

The sea rescue association SOS MEDITERRANEE wins the Right Livelihood Award 2023

. TOLERANCE AND SOLIDARITY . .

An article from SOS Mediterranée

As the humanitarian crisis intensifies in the Mediterranean, the humanitarian and maritime organization SOS MEDITERRANEE is the winner of the Right Livelihood Award 2023, considered the “alternative Nobel Peace Prize”.

In 2023, the Mediterranean saw the highest number of deaths since 2017. A dramatic observation for a humanitarian crisis that continues. A crisis recognized and highlighted by the presentation of the Right Livelihood Award to the SOS MEDITERRANEE association, for having provided assistance to more than 38,500 people in the central Mediterranean.


“There are already more than 2,000 deaths recorded in 2023, just in the Central Mediterranean region. » declares Caroline Abu Sa’da, General Director of SOS MEDITERRANEE Switzerland. “For us, it is therefore extremely important that the Right Livelihood Award highlights the situation of these thousands of people who are trying to cross the Mediterranean, risking their lives. »

The humanitarian and maritime organization is honored to be among the winners of the Right Livelihood Award 2023. For more than 40 years, this award has recognized and supported individuals and organizations who work tirelessly to solve the world’s greatest challenges. SOS MEDITERRANEE thus joins the prestigious list which notably includes the Ukrainian human rights defender, Oleksandra Matviichuk and the Congolese doctor Dr. Denis Mukwege.

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(Click here for the French version.)

Question for this article

The refugee crisis, Who is responsible?

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The Right Livelihood Award provides valuable visibility on the dramatic situation at sea, as well as on the new constraints weighing on the association, such as the considerable increase in the price of fuel or the allocation of very distant disembarkation ports, after the rescues.

SOS MEDITERRANEE would like to warmly thank all its volunteers, donors, partners and supporters who make its mission possible. “This award is the result of collective work and the commitment of many people dedicated to sea rescue.” concludes Caroline Abu Sa’Da.

About SOS MEDITERRANEE:

SOS MEDITERRANEE is a maritime and humanitarian organization rescuing people in distress at sea. It was founded by European citizens in 2015 and launched rescue operations in the central Mediterranean in February 2016. Since then, the organization has provided assistance to more than 38,000 people at sea. More than 9,000 people have been rescued by the Ocean Viking since it began operating in August 2019. The non-profit organization, based in Switzerland, France, Germany and in Italy, is mainly financed by donations.

About the Right Livelihood Award:

For more than 40 years, Right Livelihood has honored and supported courageous people working to solve global challenges. Each year, Right Livelihood highlights changemakers with an award. To date, 194 winners from 76 countries have received this distinction. By recognizing the actions of these visionaries and making meaningful connections around the world, Right Livelihood encourages urgent, long-term societal change.

The prize was created in 1980, after the Nobel committee rejected a proposal to create two new prizes to recognize those who work for social justice and environmental protection.

(Thank you to Kiki Adams, the CPNN reporter for this article.)

global, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Week of Global Mobilization for Peace in Ukraine

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

Excerpts from the website of the International Peace Bureau

The International Peace Bureau (IPB) calls the civil society organizations in all countries to join a Week of Global Mobilization for Peace in Ukraine (WGMPU) from Saturday 30th September to Sunday –  8th October 2023. The common goal is to call an immediate ceasefire and peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

As a participant in the international Ukraine coalition, IPB will compile and record all the events and incidents associated with the WGMPU on this webpage.

The interested groups will carry out their own initiatives to advance peace in Ukraine. IPB’s responsibilities are to promote all the planned activities and advertise them on the website and social media pages. You can join us with your activities using this link.

Here are the actions listed as of October 3. For links to the actions, click on the respective country on the IPB page.

➤ Austria
– IFOR & ATTAC
2 & 3 Oct. 2023: “The Ukraine War: Backgrounds and Perspectives”. Lecture by Clemens Ronnefeldt with discussion. Organiser: International Fellowship of Reconciliation. 2.10.2023, 19:00 in Linz (Wissensturm Kärntnerstraße 26); 3.10.2023, 19:00 in Vienna (C3, Alois-Wagner-Saal, Sensengasse 3)

➤ Belgium
– Vrede
24 Oct. 2023 (5pm): Koningsstraat (Congreskolom tegenover nr 77, 1000 Brussel – Stop the killing! An arms truce for Ukraine! In Belgium, the peace movement is calling for people to participate in a peace vigil at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

➤ Canada
–September 30-October 30 street vigil at 10AM – handouts and discussions on alternatives to violent responses to conflict on an international scale
Location: Arnprior District Museum 35 Madawaska Street,
Arnprior, ON K7S 2N7
– Canada-Wide Peace and Justice Network
The Canada-Wide Peace and Justice Network (CWPJN) urges people in Canada to join the global mobilization with actions across the country from October 1-8 demanding an end to the war in Ukraine.
– Hamilton Coalition To Stop The War:
September 20th: Webinar Cluster Bombs & Depleted Uranium Weapons in Ukraine: 2 More Reasons to end the War Now!
October 7th: Anti-war rally – Send a message to the Trudeau government! Where: Federal Building, 55 Bay Street North, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

➤ Czech Republic
Prague Spring II Network
7 October (10:30 – 17:00 CEST), Webinar: Social and Ecological Paths to Peace. Register here.

➤ Denmark
The Peacemovement of Esbjerg
Thursday, October 5 (5:30pm), Hovedbiblioteket Esbjerg, Nørregade 19, 6700 Esbjerg – Presentation and Debate “Ceasefire and Peace Negotiations in Ukraine“.

➤ France
– Le Mouvement de la Paix & Collectif 21 Septembre:
21 September, for the International Day of Peace
23 September, for rallies and demonstrations against nuclear weapons
26 September, the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.
Saturday October 7, everywhere in France, gatherings and demonstrations within the framework of the “World Day of mobilizations and actions for peace.

➤ Germany
IPB:
September 30th, at 13:00 CEST: Webinar – Immediate Ceasefire and Negotiations: The Development of the War in Ukraine since the International Summit for Peace (more details here)
October 1st: Conference in Frankfurt – CREATE PEACE! At 10:00 in Saalbau Gallus.
October 3rd:
Hamburg: Frieden statt Krieg! DIE WAFFEN NIEDER! A rally is planned in front of Altona station / Mercado at 13:00 followed by a demonstration to Fischmarkt.
Munich: Frieden statt Krieg! DIE WAFFEN NIEDER! From 14.00 Odeonsplatz. Munich Peace Alliance supports the International Demand: Peace through peaceful means.
Kalkar: demonstration for peace at the Bundeswehr and NATO command centre, 11:30 a.m.
Frieden und Diplomatie website with more information (in German).

➤ Hungary
– WILPF activists for peace in Europe:
29.09., 30.09., 01.10: Conference in Budapest (conference venue)

➤ India
6th of October – Peermade: discussion organized by an IPB inidividual member

➤ Ireland
– Irish Neutrality League 
28 September: In person event – Why Neutrality Neutral Ireland can play a positive role supporting ceasefire and negotiations.

➤ Israel
– Club for Social Initiatives – OneFuture
5 October (11am), In person event, Hod HaSharon Park – “An urgent summit of countries with nuclear weapons – as a way to an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. “PLEDGE never to use nuclear weapons first – NFU – No First Use agreement”. Street, open area talks with people and Parlament Members.

➤ Italy
– Europe for Peace and Rete Pace e Disarmo:
Saturday September 30 (3pm), Turin – Centro Studi Sereno Regis, via Garibaldi 13 – Conference “Get out of the war system and build a peace policy“;
Monday October 2 (6pm), Modena – Galleria Europa, piazza Grande n. 17 – Conference “War? I have an objection“.
Saturday October 7 – National demonstration ‘Together for the Constitution‘, in Rome;
Mobilisation in several cities. More information will be provided over the next two weeks.
“Ceasefire and negotiation to save life and build peace”
– Comitato Pace e non più Guerra
Saturday September 30 (4pm), Teatro Ghione Roma Italy. “Peace, Land and Dignity Assembly“;

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Questions related to this article:
 
Can the peace movement help stop the war in the Ukraine?

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➤ Mexico
– Grupo Renovador México del Foro Social Mundial/Mexico Renewal Group of the World Social Forum
October 7 16.00 Mexican Time (3am UTC) mobilisation at the Hemiciclo Juárez, Ave Juarez, Mexico City and afterwards Assembly 17:30 Mexican time (4am UTC) at the Sindicato de Electricistas Avenida Insurgentes Norte Mexico

➤ Nepal
– Youth for Human Rights Campaign Nepal
Event in office

➤ Nigeria
– Living Values Children Education Foundation/International Youth Summit On Peace and African Unity
30th September: Roundtable Dialogue: Building Capable States In The World in Lagos

➤ Norway
– Fredsinitiativet 2022 (Norwegian Peace Initiative 2022), International Women’s Leauge for Peace and Freedom – Norway (IKFF) and Stop NATO:
7th October: Demonstration in Oslo – there will be speeches in front of the Norwegian Parliament Stortinget, then a march via the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Russian Embassy. Among other speakers: Aslak Storaker, Norwegian representative of the IPB. 

➤ Philippines
– Philippine Initiative on Critical and Global Issues:
October 7 (9am), Metro Manila Zone One Tondo Organization – Community, Art for Peace Workshop.
October 7 (10am), online, Webinar on Zoom and FB Live “WEAPONS AND NUCLEAR POWER IN SPACE – Keep Space for Peace Week”.
– Peace Women Partners and ZOTO: October 8 (9am), Urban Poor Community in Metro Manila – Art workshop, teach in.

➤ Spain
– ATTAC:
5 of October, 19:00 CEST – Plaça de la Mare de Déu Valencia-España: Street action called by the Assemblea Popular Vàlencia Contra les Guerres (Vàlencia Popular Assembly Against the Wars).
– Federación Unión Africana:
30 of September, 17:00 CEST – València, Calle del Marqués de Montortal, 65 – 46019. Workshop What we talk about when we talk about peace.

➤ UK
– Lancaster Friends Meeting House:
27 September (12pm) – Meeting House Lane, Lancaster, Quaker meeting for worship followed by meal and discussion.
“Our desire for peace unites every person from Ukraine to the UK”
– Côr Gobaith:
30 September (11am) – Street choir at Owain Glyndwr Square, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Cymru
“Safwn gyda chi – We stand with you”
3 October 2023 (12pm) Peace vigil for Ukraine in Owain Glyndwr Square, Aberystwyth – A chance to do a simple action to show your support for peace in Ukraine. Bring banners and placards! “Stronger Together “
– The Peoples Assembly:
30 Sep. – 2 Oct. 2023: “National Demonstration and Festival of Resistance
1 Oct. 2023 (12 pm): “National Demonstration” at Oxford Rd.

➤ USA

– Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment
October 3, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM First Parish on 35 Church Street in Watertown, in person event.
– Defuse Nuclear War
Sep. 17: March for Peace at the joyful 46th annual Willy Street Parade!
Bring the kids! Bring the adults! Find us easily by coming at 10:30 am to 1025 Williamson St, in the rear next to Nature’s Bakery parking lot. Or look for us and our banners at 10:45 in the crowded parade staging area at 926 Williamson St. Parade steps off at 11:00. We’ll have lots of peace banners, flags and signs, or you can bring your own. 
Sep. 21 – 5 pm – 7:45 pm International Day of Peace Movie & Letter Party to Defuse Nuclear War & for Peace in Ukraine – Hawthorne Library, 2707 E Washington Ave.
Defuse Nuclear War & for Peace in Ukraine have called for national and international weeks of action Sept 24 – Oct 8. Events will be held throughout this country and across the world. In Madison we will host four events.  In this first event, we will stream a movie or a webinar, then cooperate to craft letters to editors or commentaries related to the topics that are being highlighted nationally in the two weeks of action. Info on all the events: https://worldbeyondwar.org/madison/

Sep. 24 – 3:00 – 4:30 pm, Debate: Is War in Ukraine Justified?
Madison Watch Party for World BEYOND War’s conference — No War 2023: Nonviolent Resistance to Militarism – RSVP to warabolition@gmail.com for location.
In this 1.5 hour friendly debate, moderated by Marcy Winograd of CODEPINK, we’ll hear 3 perspectives debated: 1) Russia had no choice but to invade Ukraine, argued by former CIA analyst Ray McGovern, 2) Ukraine had no choice but to fight Russia, argued by journalist James Brooke who works as the Ukraine/Russia columnist for The New York Sun, and 3) Russia and Ukraine both had options better than war, argued by WBW Executive Director David Swanson.  In this third event, we will watch a live-streamed debate by experts on the war in Ukraine.

Sep. 30 – 9:30 am – 11:00 am Speak-out at Dane County Farmers Market
Rotary Park, N Hamilton & Pinckney, the outdoor performance space by the entrance of the Children’s Museum.  In this third event, will speak-out to Defuse Nuclear War and for Peace in Ukraine. We will broadcast our messages “a viva voce” to the market-goers!

Sep. 30 – 12 pm – RALLY – TAKE ACTION FOR PEACE IN UKRAINE! Stop the killing – Ceasefire Now! Negotiations for Peace, Not Endless War Saturday, Rally and March from Downtown Crossing to Boston Common.

Oct 1 – 7:00 – 8:00 pm Candlelight Vigil for Peace in Ukraine for People of Faith and Conscience. Capitol Square – State Street Steps. 

Oct 26, 6 pm – National Bird about illegal drone murder.
Central Library, 201 W Mifflin St, Room 302. Discussion following the film. Free popcorn. RSVP if you can to warabolition@gmail.com. In this fourth event, people of faith and conscience will vigil with candles at the Capitol. Madison Veterans for Peace, Chapter 25 and Madison for a World BEYOND War are launching a New Antiwar Film Series. 

Nov 30, 6 pm – Theaters of War: How the Pentagon and CIA took Hollywood.
Central Library, 201 W Mifflin St, Room 302. Discussion following the film. Free popcorn. RSVP if you can to warabolition@gmail.com. Madison Veterans for Peace, Chapter 25 and Madison for a World BEYOND War are launching a New Antiwar Film Series.

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, global

A Global Call for Peace in Ukraine Emerges at UN General Assembly

. .DISARMAMENT & SECURITY. .

An article by Medea Benjamin and Nicolas J.S. Davies in Common Dreams ( reprinted according to Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)

As it did last year, the 2023 United Nations General Assembly has been debating what role the United Nations and its members should play in the crisis in Ukraine. The United States and its allies still insist that the UN Charter  requires countries to take Ukraine’s side in the conflict, “for as long as it takes” to restore Ukraine’s pre-2014 internationally recognized borders.

They claim to be enforcing Article 2:4 of the UN Charter that states “All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.”

By their reasoning, Russia violated Article 2:4 by invading Ukraine, and that makes any compromise or negotiated settlement unconscionable, regardless of the consequences of prolonging the war.

Other countries have called for a peaceful diplomatic resolution of the conflict in Ukraine, based on the preceding article of the UN Charter, Article 2:3: “All Members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered.”

They also refer to the purposes of the UN, defined in Article 1:1, which include the “settlement of international disputes” by “peaceful means,” and they point to the dangers of escalation and nuclear war as an imperative for diplomacy to quickly end this war.

As the Amir of Qatar  told the Assembly, “A long-term truce has become the most looked-for aspiration by people in Europe and all over the world. We call on all parties to comply with the UN Charter and international law and resort to a radical peaceful solution based on these principles.”

This year, the General Assembly has also been focused on other facets of a world in crisis: the failure to tackle the climate catastrophe; the lack of progress on the Sustainable Development Goals  that countries agreed to in 2000; a neocolonial economic system that still divides the world into rich and poor; and the desperate need for structural reform of a UN Security Council that has failed in its basic responsibility to keep the peace and prevent war.

One speaker after another highlighted the persistent problems related to U.S. and Western abuses of power: the occupation of Palestine; cruel, illegal U.S. sanctions against Cuba and many other countries; Western exploitation of Africa that has evolved from slavery to debt servitude and neocolonialism; and a global financial system that exacerbates extreme inequalities of wealth and power across the world.

Brazil, by tradition, gives the first speech at the General Assembly, and President Lula da Silva  spoke eloquently about the crises facing the UN and the world. On Ukraine, he said,

The war in Ukraine exposes our collective inability to enforce the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. We do not underestimate the difficulties in achieving peace. But no solution will be lasting if it is not based on dialogue. I have reiterated that work needs to be done to create space for negotiations… The UN was born to be the home of understanding and dialogue. The international community must choose. On one hand, there is the expansion of conflicts, the furthering of inequalities and the erosion of the rule of law. On the other, the renewing of multilateral institutions dedicated to promoting peace.

After a bumbling, incoherent speech by President Biden, Latin America again took the stage in the person of  President Gustavo Petro of Colombia:

While the minutes that define life or death on our planet are ticking on, rather than halting this march of time and talking about how to defend life for the future, thanks to deepening knowledge, expand it to the universe, we decided to waste time killing each other. We are not thinking about how to expand life to the stars, but rather how to end life on our own planet. We have devoted ourselves to war. We have been called to war. Latin America has been called upon to produce war machines, men, to go to the killing fields.

(Continued in right column)

Question related to this article:

Can the culture of peace be established at the level of the state?

(Continued from left column)

They’re forgetting that our countries have been invaded several times by the very same people who are now talking about combatting invasions. They’re forgetting that they invaded Iraq, Syria and Libya for oil. They’re forgetting that the same reasons they use to defend Zelenskyy are the very reasons that should be used to defend Palestine. They forget that to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, we must end all wars.

But they’re helping to wage one war in particular, because world powers see this suiting themselves in their game of thrones, in their hunger games and they’re forgetting to bring an end to the other war because, for these powers, this did not suit them. What is the difference between Ukraine and Palestine, I ask? Is it not time to bring an end to both wars, and other wars too, and make the most of the short time we have to build paths to save life on the planet?

…I propose that the United Nations, as soon as possible, should hold two peace conferences, one on Ukraine, the other on Palestine, not because there are no other wars in the world—there are in my country—but because this would guide the way to making peace in all regions of the planet, because both of these, by themselves, could bring an end to hypocrisy as a political practice, because we could be sincere, a virtue without which we cannot be warriors for life itself.

Petro was not the only leader who upheld the value of sincerity and assailed the hypocrisy of Western diplomacy. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves  of St. Vincent and the Grenadines cut to the chase:

Let us clear certain ideational cobwebs from our brains. It is, for example, wholly unhelpful to frame the central contradictions of our troubled times as revolving around a struggle between democracies and autocracies. St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a strong liberal democracy, rejects this wrong-headed thesis. It is evident to all right-thinking persons, devoid of self-serving hypocrisy, that the struggle today between the dominant powers is centered upon the control, ownership, and distribution of the world’s resources.

On the war in Ukraine, Gonsalves was equally blunt. “…War and conflict rage senselessly across the globe; in at least one case, Ukraine, the principal adversaries — the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and Russia — may unwittingly open the gates to a nuclear Armageddon… Russia, NATO, and Ukraine should embrace peace, not war and conflict, even if peace has to rest upon a mutually agreed, settled condition of dissatisfaction.”

The Western position on Ukraine was also on full display. However, at least three NATO members (Bulgaria, Hungary and Spain) coupled their denunciations of Russian aggression with pleas for peace. Katalin Novak, the President of Hungary, said,

…We want peace, in our country, in Ukraine, in Europe, in the world. Peace and the security that comes with it. There is no alternative to peace. The killing, the terrible destruction, must stop as soon as possible. War is never the solution. We know that peace is only realistically attainable when at least one side sees the time for negotiations as having come. We cannot decide for Ukrainians about how much they are prepared to sacrifice, but we have a duty to represent our own nation’s desire for peace. And we must do all we can to avoid an escalation of the war.

Even with wars, drought, debt and poverty afflicting their own continent, at least 17 African leaders took time during their General Assembly speeches to call for peace in Ukraine. Some voiced their support for the African Peace Initiative, while others contrasted the West’s commitments and expenditures for the war in Ukraine with its endemic neglect of Africa’s problems. President Joao Lourenço  of Angola clearly explained why, as Africa rises up to reject neocolonialism and build its own future, peace in Ukraine remains a vital interest for Africa and people everywhere:

In Europe, the war between Russia and Ukraine deserves our full attention to the urgent need to put an immediate end to it, given the levels of human and material destruction there, the risk of an escalation into a major conflict on a global scale and the impact of its harmful effects on energy and food security. All the evidence tells us that it is unlikely that there will be winners and losers on the battlefield, which is why the parties involved should be encouraged to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy as soon as possible, to establish a ceasefire and to negotiate a lasting peace not only for the warring countries, but which will guarantee Europe’s security and contribute to world peace and security.

Altogether, leaders from at least 50 countries spoke up for peace in Ukraine at the 2023 UN General Assembly. In his closing statement, Dennis Francis, the Trinidadian president of this year’s UN General Assembly, noted,

Of the topics raised during the High-Level Week, few were as frequent, consistent, or as charged as that of the Ukraine War. The international community is clear that political independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity must be respected, and violence must end.

You can find all 50 statements at this link on the: CODEPINK website

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, global, United Nations,

In final declaration, G77 rejects “digital monopolies” and calls for “reform” of the financial system

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .

An article by Gabriel Vera Lopez from the Peoples Dispatch

In the final declaration, the G77+China Summit highlighted the importance of technology for development, the impacts of climate change, and called for a reform of the international economic system. The event ended on Saturday September 16 in Havana, the capital of Cuba, and was attended by heads of state from Latin America, Africa, and Asia including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, as well as United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and diplomats and delegations from more than 100 countries.


Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, the host and president of the G77+ group, addresses the summit. Photo: Presidencia Cuba

“We stress the urgent need for a comprehensive reform of the international financial architecture and a more inclusive and coordinated approach to global financial governance, with greater emphasis on cooperation between countries, notably by increasing the representation of developing countries in global decision-making and policy-making bodies that will contribute to increasing the capacities of developing countries to access and develop science, technology and innovation,” says the Havana Declaration.

The summit’s final declaration also criticizes “digital monopolies” and “other unfair practices that hinder the technological development of developing countries”.

The text also attacks “sanctions” and “coercive economic actions” against developing countries. “We emphasize that such actions not only undermine the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and international law, but also seriously impede the advancement of science, technology and innovation and the full realization of economic and social development, particularly in developing countries.”

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel stressed at the opening of the summit on Friday September 16 that one of the aims of the event was to seek common positions so that the countries of the Global South could take their demands to other international forums. On the same day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres pointed out that “global systems and structures have failed” the countries of the Global South.

President Lula on Saturday September 16 criticized the sanctions imposed by the United States against Cuba, defended the reformulation of the global governance system and also questioned technology companies. 

“It is particularly significant that, at this time of great geopolitical transformations, this summit is being held here in Havana. Cuba has been an advocate of fairer global governance and is even the victim of an illegal economic embargo. Brazil is against any unilateral coercive measure. We reject Cuba’s inclusion on the list of states that sponsor terrorism,” said the Brazilian head of state.

“The South can no longer bear the dead weight of all the misfortunes”

The Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Group of 77 (G77) and China began on Friday September 15. The opening ceremony was preceded by an excerpt from Fidel Castro’s speech at the “first Summit of the South”, held in 2000, also in Cuba. The opening speeches were then given by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres.

At the start of his inaugural speech, the Cuban president emphasized the importance of the group, which currently has 134 members: “Today we are two-thirds of the UN’s members, home to 80% of the world’s population,” he said.

Díaz-Canel also paid tribute to former Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez, recalling that he used to say that “we presidents go from summit to summit, while the peoples go from abyss to abyss.” He called for joint efforts to coordinate joint actions between the countries of the global South in order to “change the rules of the game” and achieve the “pending democratization of the system of international relations”.

“It is the peoples of the South who suffer most from poverty, hunger, misery, deaths from curable diseases, illiteracy, human displacement and other consequences of underdevelopment,” said Díaz-Canel. He described the international economic order as “unjust and ecologically unsustainable”.

(Article continued in right column)

Question related to this article:

How can we develop the institutional framework for a culture of peace?

(Article continued from left column)

He also said that “this will be an austere summit”, since in Cuba “we lack many things, but we have an abundance of feelings of friendship, solidarity and fraternity.” He denounced the fact that “Cuba is literally surrounded by a blockade that has lasted six decades and all the difficulties that derive from this siege, which has now been reinforced.” He stressed that Cuba “is not the only one suffering from this unjust world order.”

Describing the global situation, the Cuban president said that “We are traveling on the same ship, even if some are the passengers and others the servants. The only way for this world ship not to end up like the ‘Titanic’ is through collaboration.”

Díaz-Canel questioned the international patent system and made a special complaint about international military spending and the irrationality of the fact that these resources cannot be used to improve the living conditions of the majority.

“Estimates indicate that 9% of world military spending could finance adaptation to climate change in 10 years, and 7% would be enough to cover the cost of universal vaccination against the pandemic,” he estimated.

In the opening speech of UN Secretary General Guterres, he started by saying that the countries of the Global South are “caught in a web of global crises”.

“Poverty is increasing and hunger is growing. Prices are rising, debt is exorbitant and climate disasters are becoming more frequent,” said Guterres. “Global systems and structures have failed them,” adding that “the conclusion is clear: the world is failing developing countries.”

The UN Secretary-General noted that in recent decades, the G77 countries and China “have lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and have come together in the United Nations in search of global solutions and solidarity.”

“To change this, we need action at the national level to ensure good governance, mobilize resources, and prioritize sustainable development. And we need action at the global level that respects national ownership, with the aim of building an international system that defends human rights and looks after the common interest,” he said.

In this sense, Guterres recognized that “many current global institutions reflect a bygone era.” He highlighted the need to update the UN Security Council, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

Importance of the Summit

The summit takes place a few days before the opening of the 78th UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday September 19. It is hoped that the countries meeting in Havana will be able to agree on common positions to be defended at the assembly.

Although the UN General Assembly does not have a binding character that obliges member countries to adopt its declarations, several experts emphasize the importance of the 134 countries that currently make up the G77 + China coordinating joint positions as a way of putting pressure on the most powerful countries.

Claudia Marin, from Cuba’s International Policy Research Center, noted that “many of the countries that make up the G77 + China have gained enormous international weight in the last two decades, as in the case of those that make up the BRICS, and this means that the countries of the Global South as a whole have greater weight in their demands.”

However, Marin stressed in an interview with Brasil de Fato that “it will only be possible to build a fairer international system if the weight of these emerging countries can be articulated with the number of countries from the Global South through a greater degree of South-South collaboration”.

Diplomatic victory against the blockade

The G77 Summit of Heads of State and Government is being held in Cuba just days after US President Joe Biden extended the law regulating the blockade against Cuba for another year. A ritual that both Democrats and Republicans have been repeating year after year for more than six decades. Cuba is currently the only state subject to US trade restrictions under the Trading with the Enemy Act, although it is not the only one to suffer unilateral sanctions from Washington.

Every year since 1992, Cuba has presented a draft resolution to the UN General Assembly on the need to suspend the US blockade. Since then, the majority of member states have always voted in favor of the document. This year, the vote is expected to be repeated.

According to several experts, the fact that delegations from all over the world have arrived in Havana to take part in the summit demonstrates the enormous diplomatic capacity that Cuba has managed to build.

(Editor’s note: From various Internet sources, it seems that heads of state at the Havana Conference included those of Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Comores, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka and Venezuela, as well as the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia, Malaysia, Mexico, Saint Kitts and South Africa and the special representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping.)

DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, global

English bulletin October 1, 2023

. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE .

According to our survey of the Internet there was an increase in participation in the International Day of Peace this year. This was true in all regions of the world except for Africa and the Arab and Middle Eastern States.

There were more actions in Russia and the Ukraine, especially in schools and universities, but they many were greatly complicated by the war. Most simply wished for peace, often expressed by cutting paper doves or origami and hanging them for all to view or giving them to people. But many other actions explicitly supported the soldiers on their side of the war. In the events in schools of the Ukraine, many called for victory. And some events in schools of Russia were carried out by army representatives recruiting for the war. Since criticism of their war effort is forbidden, it could not be directly expressed on Russian websites. However, in a few cases, it was indirectly expressed in the form of anti-war cartoons that we have reproduced.

As usual, the greatest number of actions took place in Europe. In France, thanks to the mobilization by Mouvement de la Paix and militant trade unions, there were actions in half of the one hundred departments of the country bearing the multi-colored flag of peace. In Belgium, most towns and cities took part in the action of raising the peace flag above the town hall. There were actions in 42 towns and cities of Italy this year. Especially touching was the Italian school that planted a cherry tree in memory of their favorite bear who recently died. The bear was named “Black Cherry” because she was especially fond of this fruit. And especially unusual was the football tournament in the Rebibbia women’s prison near Rome. The director of the prison said “We wanted to celebrate the International Day of Peace through sport, which has always been fertile ground for exalting the values of solidarity, fairness and respect for others.”

Also as usual, the next largest mobilization was in North America, involving 43 of the 50 United States and 4 Canadian provinces. Often, an entire city was mobilized, as was the case in Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia and Montreal. The United Nations devoted the day to a program involving youth from around the world and their contemporary culture. In his annual message, the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres referred to the deadly fires, raging floods and soaring temperatures around the world and called for action to “end the war on our planet and its natural gifts.”

There was a great increase in actions this year in Asia and the Pacific. This was especially evident in Japan, where there were 28 actions, including 13 where high schools participated in a project to draw large-scale calligraphy for peace. In India and Nepal, we found 17 actions carried out by a variety of civil society organizations including Scouts and Guides, Lions Club and Rotary, as well as schools and universities.

The greatest increase in actions this year was in Latin America. This included 28 actions in Brazil, 15 in Mexico and 14 in Argentina, as well as action in 14 other countries. In 10 of these countries, actions were carried out at a government level. At the level of municipal authorities: Esquel, Mendoza and Puerto Genera San Martín in Argentina; Campo Grande, Guarulhos, Juazeiro and Ourinhos in Brazil; Medellin and Popayan in Colombia; Holguin in Cuba; Quito in Ecuador; and provincial authorities in La Altagracia, Dominican Republic and Merida and Queretero in Mexico. National government authorities were involved in Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and Venezuela.

There were fewer actions in Africa, 59 this year compared to 74 last year. In the states of central Africa torn by conflict and trying to separate from European neo-colonialism, the occasion was used to call for dialogue and non-violence. Actions in this regard took place in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan and Togo. Angola took the occasion of the International Day of Peace to announce the third edition of the Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace that will take place later this year. Of special importance, given the vulnerability of Africa to the effects of global warming, was the initiative for planting of trees in Kenya.

There were fewer actions in Arab States and the Middle East this year, but the good news is the increased dominance of the voice of women. In Kuwait, The Women’s Institute for Development and Peace used the occasion of Peace Day to announce the formation of an Arab Women’s Network for Peace. And in Syria, the office of the Kurdistan Women’s Union hosted a dialogue session for the International Day of Peace calling for an end to violence and armament and for a comprehensive and just political solution that saisfies all parties in Syria.

In addition to the actions listed above, there were some virtual events on an international scale, including the following:
° Women as Powerful Agents of Transformation for Peace
° Peace One Day
° Peace Education Day
° Service Civil International: The many ways of peace and antimilitarism
° NoWar2023 Conference: Nonviolent Resistance to Militarism

Fortunately, the last two events specifically attacked the culture of war, unlike most events that took place this year for the International Day of Peace. This is important, as pointed out in our most recent blog.

GLOBAL



What has happened this year: International Day of Peace

UNITED STATES AND CANADA



United States and Canada: International Day of Peace

EUROPE



Europe: International Day of Peace

ASIA AND PACIFIC

Asia and Pacific: International Day of Peace
  

EX-SOVIET COUNTRIES

Ex-Soviet Countries: International Day of Peace

ARAB STATES AND MIDDLE EAST



Arab States And Middle East: International Day of Peace

LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN

Latin America and Caribbean: International Day of Peace

AFRICA

Africa: International Day of Peace
d-information, Uncategorized

What has happened this year (2023) for the International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION
This year we give links to 297 actions carried out in 17 countries of Western Europe and 147 in 7 countries in Eastern Europe that were once part of the Soviet Union. We link to 257 actions in 6 Canadian provinces and 43 of the 50 states of the United States. There are 82 actions cited in 16 countries of Asia and the Pacific, 85 from 17 Latin American and Caribbean countries, 59 from 26 African countries, and 15 from 8 Arab and Middle Eastern countries. See the CPNN bulletin for October for a synopsis.

Detailed data may be found on the following CPNN articles:

Europe: International Day of Peace

Ex-Soviet Countries: International Day of Peace

United States and Canada: International Day of Peace

Asia and Pacific: International Day of Peace

Arab and Middle Eastern States: International Day of Peace

Latin America and Caribbean: International Day of Peace

Africa: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, global

Ex-Soviet Countries: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .

A survey by CPNN

The following 147 actions in 7 countries formerly part of the Soviet Union were listed in Google during the weeks of September 17-28 this year under the key words “Международный день мира”and “Міжнародний день миру”, as well as “International day of peace”. These include 53 events from Ukraine, 48 from the Russian Federation and 8 from regions disputed between Ukraine and Russia.

In addition to these, 16 events are listed on the maps of One Day One Choir and Montessori schools singing for peace, but with one exception below that is new this year, there is no indication which took place this year and which took place only in previous years.


photo from Smenovtsky, Russia

Here are excerpts from the articles, translated into English.

* * * AZERBAIJAN * * *

BAKU: Employees of the Azerbaijan National Library named after M.F. Akhundzade have prepared a virtual exhibition “International Day of Peace”. According to AZERTAC , the virtual exhibition presents photographs, articles and books on the topic. Those wishing to view the virtual exhibition can use the link .

* * * BELARUS * * *

BARANAVICHY: On September 21, the world celebrates International Day of Peace . On this day, college students learned all about the history of this holiday and held the “Dove of Peace” event, where each participant could write wishes for friendship and peace on paper doves. The participants of the action collected a symbolic globe on which only peace and goodness live. (with many photos)

BOBRUISK: As part of the Peace Day, children born on September 21: Mikholap Alina, Tsyplakova Maria and Shishko Bogdan were presented with gifts from the Leninsky district organization of the city of Bobruisk of the public association “Belarusian Peace Foundation” and the Bobruisk city committee of the NGO “Belarusian Republican Youth Union”. The following performed at the festive lineup: the dance studio “Dance Laboratory”, Daria Bugaeva, Valeria Zayats and Yana Khamdamova – young specialists of our Center. The event ended with a friendly vote of all participants: “We are for peace and goodness on our Earth!” (with many photos)

BREST: On September 21, 2023, Polesie State University took part in the International Round Table “Gagarin, Space, Earth” , dedicated to the International Day of Peace. The organizer of the round table was the Volga Region Institute of Management named after P.A. Stolypin – branch of the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (Saratov, Russian Federation). The main speaker on the topic “Gagarin – Ambassador of Peace” was the head of the Saratov regional branch of the All-Russian public organization of solidarity and friendship with the Republic of Cuba “Russian Society for Friendship with Cuba”, head of the scientific and organizational department of the Institute, Ph.D. Oleg Yurievich Abakumov. (with many photos)

BYKHOV: On the occasion of Peace Day, the library of the Bykhov-1 microdistrict held an information hour “Peace in this world depends on us!” During the event, the children were told the history of this holiday, how it is celebrated in different countries of the world, about the symbol of peace – the image of a dove holding an olive branch in its beak, conflicts in the world today and much more. The children also became acquainted with the legend of the Japanese crane, which is associated with a little girl from Japan – Sadako Sasaki. At the end of the event, paper cranes and leaflets with the symbol of peace – a dove – were distributed to all those present as souvenirs. (with photos)

GOMEL CINEMA: As part of the events dedicated to the International Day of Peace, the “Doves of Peace” event was held at the “Mir” cinema for students of educational institutions in the Novobelitsky district. (with photos)

GOMEL FOUNDRY: On the International Day of Peace on September 21, activists of the factory “primary organization” of the Belarusian Republican Youth Union of the Gomel Foundry “CENTROLIT” prepared memorial cards for the organization’s employees with wishes of peace and goodness. (with photos)

GOMEL SCHOOL 27: Today is International Day of Peace. In Belarus, a Week of Peace and Creation was organized on this occasion. In the Gomel region, all schools in the world and peacekeeping units joined the marathon. In particular, school No. 27 of the regional center has been holding events, assemblies and flash mobs on the theme of mutual understanding, kindness and friendship between peoples since Monday. And the windows of the educational institution are decorated with children’s drawings. The Peace School organized an open week at the local museum: it talks about the activities of peacekeeping units and diplomatic relations with schools in other countries. Teachers and students from all over the region can visit the exhibition by agreement; excursions are held regularly. This week there is also a competition of poems and essays, a master class on making a dove, radio broadcasts, propaganda teams for first-graders, and lotteries. (with photos)

GOMEL KINDERGARTEN 18: An event dedicated to the International Day of Peace was held in our preschool institution State Educational Institution “Kindergarten No. 18 of Gomel”. . . The students learned where this holiday came from and became acquainted with the symbols of the holiday. The teachers had conversations about what peace on Earth means and how important it is maintain peace, what can each of us do for the sake of Peace and from childhood we must learn to live together, understand each other and take care of the fragile peace. The practical activity turned out to be no less interesting – the children made an appliqué of a dove (a symbol of peace), and it turned out great for them. (with photos)

GORKI: “The circle of the sun, the sky all around.” How students of Gorki Gymnasium No. 1 celebrated the International Day of Peace The event dedicated to the International Day of Peace was held with the participation of Kimmel Olga Andreevna, Chairman of the Goretsk district organization of the NGO “Belarusian Peace Foundation” (with many photos)

ILYICH VILLAGE: On September 21, at the parade ground of the Lyceum of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, a lyceum-wide ceremony was held, dedicated to the International Day of Peace and timed to coincide with the Year of Peace and Creation. The main theme of the event is “Action for Peace. . . . the floor was given to the guest of honor – the First Secretary of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Belarus, the head of the Russian House in Gomel, Natalya Aleksandrovna AVRALEVA, who congratulated everyone on the International Day of Peace and expressed her best wishes to the participants . . . The solemn ceremony ended with the final words of the head of the Lyceum of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Alexei Dashkevich. Alexey Georgievich congratulated everyone on the International Day of Peace and announced that teachers would conduct Peace Lessons. According to tradition, the ceremony was completed by the passage of personnel in a solemn march. (with many photos)

IVATSEVICHY: The ceremonial assembly dedicated to the International Day of Peace was held at the lyceum of the Ivatsevichi District. Guests of honor Svetlana Pototskaya, head of the education department of the Ivatsevichi district executive committee, Denis Pokalyuk, chairman of the Ivatsevichi branch of the Belarusian Party “White Russia”, Yana Shelest, assistant prosecutor of the Ivatsevichi district, Alexander Velikoselets, chairman of the Ivatsevichi district organization of the Belarusian Peace Fund, together with Lyceum students took part in the opening of the exhibition hall “Genocide. No statute of limitations.” (with photo)

KLIMOVICHI: Peace in the eyes of children: an action and open dialogue on the International Day of Peace was held in Klimovichi. On this day, employees of the children’s reader services department of the central district library, together with the children’s art school, held the “The World Begins with You” campaign for young readers. In the city park, the event participants were told the history of the holiday and how it is celebrated in different countries of the world. The children learned that the symbol of peace is a dove carrying an olive branch in its beak, and its author is the famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. Together with the children, librarians attached paper doves to the balloons. (with many photos)

LIDA: The International Day of Peace is celebrated annually on September 21. Today, thematic platforms were organized for Lida schoolchildren, where everyone could express themselves. A dance flash mob “For Peace and Kindness” took place at the Palace of Culture. With this event, students from educational institutions in the region wanted to show that they stand for maintaining peace in our country. Click here for the video

BELARUS STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY : Information hour “International Day of Peace”. September 25, Dormitory No. 5. SSO room, 20:00. Responsible= Educators, SSO

MINSK GYMNASIUM 29: Today, on the International Day of Peace, students of the gymnasium in a solemn atmosphere joined the ranks of young Peacemakers. The gala event dedicated to the International Day of Peace was attended by the guest of honor – Leonovich Vitaly Vyacheslavovich, member of the public council of the Republican public association “Patriots of Belarus”. (with many photos)

MINSK SCHOOL 21: On September 21, at secondary school No. 21, an action dedicated to the International Day of Peace was held. Teachers, students and their parents congratulated each other on the holiday, took photographs and extended paper palms of peace and friendship.

MINSK SCHOOL 155: The capital’s schoolchildren also did not stay away from Peace Day. A gathering of creative children took place on the territory of secondary school No. 155. All of them are participants and winners of the essay competition “Prygazhosts – geta klasna!”, which was initiated by the Minsk branch of the Belarusian Peace Foundation. The guests of honor of the gathering – writers, doctors, representatives of the city administration – awarded the authors of the best works. There was also a master class on making peace symbols and a drawing competition on asphalt. There was an open-air museum “What happened – let’s not forget!” (with many photos)

MOLODECHNO: A rally dedicated to the International Day of Peace was held in Molodechno. The “From Generation to Generation” rally at the memorial complex in Victory Park brought together peacemakers of different generations who are not indifferent to the fate of their country. Representatives of local authorities, public associations and Peace Schools, and city residents took part in it. Deputy Chairman of the Molodechno District Executive Committee Alesya Lukovskaya addressed those present with a welcoming speech . . . Chairman of the Board of the Minsk regional branch of the Belarusian Peace Foundation NGO Oleg Matusevich noted that the Molodechno organization is the best in the Minsk region both in the number of events held and in their scale. . . . Peacekeepers from this gymnasium went on a bike ride to the places of military glory of the Molodechno region. (with many photos)

MOŬČADŹ: On the International Day of Peace, the action “We are for peace!” was held at the sanatorium boarding school, the kids drew pictures on the theme “How good it is to live under a peaceful sky,” each student tried to make their own bird of peace and take part in the action. The high school students discussed the relevance of the value of peace and the peaceful policy of our state. (with photo)

OSHMYANY: At secondary school No. 3, they decided to celebrate Peace Day in a special way. In the assembly hall, students gathered a lesson on legal knowledge, which was conducted by the head of the legal consultation of the Oshmyany district Svetlana Olenskaya, the head of the civil registry office of the Oshmyany district executive committee Inna Podielskaya, and the notary of the Oshmyany notary office Tatyana Lavtsel. . . . Both the adult and the child were given a paper white dove – a symbol of peace, which was then attached to planet Earth. Throughout the day, the “planet” was gradually filled with snow-white doves, which could not but rejoice. (with photos)

ROADTRAIN: In the Year of Peace and Creation, the Ministry of Education and the Republican Youth Center will hold the second season of the republican project “Road train”. Registration will last until September 8. Passengers of the train can be young people from 18 to 31 years old who are active participants in district, regional, and republican events in the field of education, culture, sports, science, and professional activities. Do good deeds, take care of others and share goodness with the whole country! The start of the project will take place on September 15 in the city of Gomel. The completion is planned to take place on September 21, the International Day of Peace, in the capital of Belarus. The main feature of the project will be visits to nursing homes, orphanages, maternity hospitals, animal shelters, where train participants will organize cultural, leisure, sports programs and master classes, as well as provide assistance in the improvement of socially significant facilities. In order to become a participant in the “Road Train #BelarusYouthCreation” project, you need to register , in the “about yourself” column, tell about yourself, your achievements and your abilities. (with logo of Road Train)

SLAVGOROD LIBRARIES: Events dedicated to the International Day of Peace were held in the district’s libraries:
Central Library at Secondary School No. 1 – thematic exhibition
Rzhavsk Branch Library – peace lesson
City Library – Branch 1 – drawing competition
Novoslobodsk Branch Library – information hour
(with photos)

SLAVGOROD SCHOOL: This morning at the first city school began with an event dedicated to the International Day of Peace. Schoolchildren read poems about peace . . . They expressed their solidarity with all peaceful people of the globe by releasing balloons with figures of white doves into the sky. (with many photos)

SLAVGOROD YOUTH: The youth of the Slavgorod region took part in a motor rally in support of peace and “digitized” the “Blue Spring.” (with many photos)

SMORGON: September 21 is International Day of Peace. The ARZAMAS Gymnasium together with the Smorgon Gymnasium took part in the action “We draw the world on the asphalt!” Students painted a picture about peace and friendship in the schoolyard. We received a photo from Arzamas, in defense of the project, the guys from the Smorgon gymnasium made a video with an original song. The author of the text is teacher of Russian language and literature E.A. Panferova, the music was composed by students of grade 9 “B”. Click here for video

TROTINSK: Every year on September 21, the international community celebrates the International Day of Peace. This Day was declared by the UN General Assembly as a day to strengthen the ideals of peace among all countries and peoples. On the eve of this date, a conversation “The White Crane – Messenger of Peace” was held at the Trostinsk Rural Library for primary school students. . During the event, the children heard the history of this holiday, how it is celebrated in different countries of the world, about the symbol of peace – the image of a dove holding an olive branch in its beak, conflicts in the world today and much more. At the end, the librarian and the children held a master class on making a white crane using the origami technique. (with photos)

VITEBSK: September 21 is International Day of Peace! Today the college held an event dedicated to Peace Day, as well as the year of peace and creation. Students and teachers today came to college with doves – a symbol of peace. They also expressed their opinion about what the word “peace” means for each of them. (with many photos)

VOLOZHIN MUSEUM: On September 21, 2023, an information hour dedicated to the International Day of Peace was held in the museum for 4th grade students of secondary school No. 1 in Valozhin. This holiday was established by the UN to preserve world peace. The children learned about the history of the holiday, its goals, and symbols. In the final part of the event, students drew a dove with an olive branch – the most recognizable symbol of peace on planet Earth. (with many photos)

VOLOZHIN SCHOOL 1: On this day, the Peace lesson “Peace on Earth is a guarantee of the future!” with the participation of a serviceman of military unit 30695 Oleg Nikolaevich Belov. The guest of the event introduced high school students to the history of the holiday, how important this day is, which has been proclaimed as a day of non-violence and ceasefire throughout the world, taking into account the current military-political situation. . . . The school held thematic information hours, and an exhibition of drawings by primary school students “We Need Peace!” was created. The guys also attended an event at the Regional Museum of Local Lore. (with many photos)

ZHABINKA: Today, September 19, secondary school No. 2 of the city of Zhabinka was solemnly awarded the honorary status of “School of Peace”. It became the 27th school in the world and the second in the Brest region (last year Staroselskaya Secondary School received this status). The date September 19 was not chosen by chance. As noted by the chairman of the board of the Brest regional branch of the public association “Belarusian Peace Foundation” Lydia Romanyuk, in Belarus Peace Day is celebrated every third Tuesday of September, and International Peace Day is celebrated on September 21. (with many photos)

* * * KAZAKHSTAN * * *

OPEN SCHOOL: In September we celebrate Family Day, Mother’s Day, Day of Languages ​​of the People of Kazakhstan, International Day of Peace. Together with the UNESCO Associated Schools, we celebrated these dates in a special way – with an online festival of lullabies. The Open School magazine thanks Yulia Ilyinichna Kim, Executive Assistant to the National Coordinator of UNESCO Associated Schools in the Republic of Kazakhstan for supporting the idea and organizational assistance in implementing the project. Click here for video.

* * * KYRGYZSTAN * * *

BISHKEK: The concentration of “Peace and Conflict Study” of the Faculty of “Liberal Arts and Sciences” announces that you have the opportunity to partake in the first-ever Yntymak Week, a global event taking place right here in Bishkek on the occasion of the Global Peace Day. . . . AS A STUDENT, you may contribute to Yntymak Week by participating in Essay and Photo Contests. All students currently enrolled in universities, colleges, or other higher educational and special secondary educational institutions in Kyrgyzstan, regardless of their citizenship, are eligible to take part in the Essay Contest
In your essay, you have to address and reflect on the following questions:
● What does “peace” mean for you as an individual and a citizen of your country?
● How can you and your community contribute to peace building at local and national
levels?
● What do you think are the key drivers of sustainable peace in the world?
Three best essays will be selected and published online on the Yntymak Week website.
The winners will be notified by September 19, 2023, and invited to the Award Ceremony on the Closing Day of the Yntymak Week. A finalist of the essay contest will have an opportunity to start paid internship at one of the member organizations of the Peacebuilding Hub.

* * * MOLDOVA * * *

KISHINEV: MilleniuM Training and Development Institute. Dear friends and families, We are extremely happy to share with you moments from a wonderful International Peace Day, where families from Ukraine and Moldova spent a wonderful time together, making our world a little brighter. Children played together and created a soulful atmosphere and beautiful memories, and the volunteer chefs prepared delicious dishes for everyone with great love. Through good actions like this, we promote peace, friendship, understanding and unity among our communities. We thank everyone who participated and contributed to this special day. With lots of love MilleniuM team, EduJoc and Centrul de Tineret Buiucani. (with photos and video)

NIZHNYAYA ALBOTA: International Day of Peace is celebrated on September 21. The holiday covers millions of people, many countries and regions, where various actions and events are held by public and youth organizations. On this occasion, the library of the village of Nizhnyaya Albota organized the competition “The World through the Eyes of a Child.” The competition is held among all library users aged 7 to 16 years. Participants must create original drawings in A4 format using colored pencils, gouache, felt-tip pens and other drawing tools. It is important that the works are signed by the author (name, surname and age) and are not plagiarized. Participants must submit their drawings by September 20th. The library believes that this competition will allow children and teenagers to express their vision of the world through art and emphasize the importance of preserving life without war and cooperation in modern society.

STATE PRISON: Sports events dedicated to the International Day of Peace were held among persons undergoing compulsory treatment for alcoholism in labor treatment centers of the State Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR),. . . . Women undergoing treatment for chronic alcoholism at the women’s section of the treatment center of the UMPiSR State Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice of the PMR took part in a darts competition. . . . A friendly volleyball match was held at the men’s section . . .



Every year on September 21, the entire planet celebrates the International Day of Peace. The cartoon by Soviet artist Yuli Ganf was published in the Krokodil magazine in 1954. And now it’s time to get it out of storage again, because, alas, it is still relevant. (Web link withheld to protect Russian authors.)

* * * RUSSIAN FEDERATION * * *

ALTAI: On the eve of the celebration of Peace Day, workers of the Kuyagan rural House of Culture and the Tourak rural club held the “Dove of Peace” and “Messenger of Peace” campaigns. The action is aimed at nurturing patriotism, a sense of solidarity, involvement in the events taking place in the world and helps to unlock the creative potential of schoolchildren. At the events, children got acquainted with the history of the birth of the Dove of Peace symbol and with the life story of their peers (Samantha Smith, Sadako Sasaki and Vitya Cherevichkina) from different parts of the planet, who, unfortunately, are no longer alive today, and about their passionate desire to live in a world without wars on Earth. These are children who have remained in their childhood. They will never grow up. The evil committed in the world did not allow them to live on Earth. . . . At the Tourak school, club employees together with children held the “White Dove of Peace” event. Schoolchildren made pigeons using the origami technique and listened to heartfelt stories about their peers, whose names are immortalized forever. (with photos)

ARKHANGELSK: The “Dove of Peace” event was held at school No. 11 in Arkhangelsk on the eve of the International Day of Peace, which is celebrated annually on September 21. Schoolchildren read poems, observed a minute of silence in memory of civilians: adults and children who died at the hands of terrorists in Donbass, and launched white doves symbolizing goodness, peace and good news. The event was organized by employees of the Patriot center. (with photo)

BAKAKOVO: Yesterday, September 21, was the International Day of Peace. A social event “Children for peace on earth!” was held at the kindergarten No. 24. The children had conversations about the history of the holiday and its meaning, listened to songs about peace and friendship: “Let there always be sunshine”, “Stork on the roof”, “Children of the Earth”, and the children also made the holiday emblem “Dove of Peace” in the form bracelets that pupils gave to passers-by and elderly people. (with photos)

BASHKORTOSTAN LIBRARIES: September 21 is the International Day of Peace. This holiday calls on all people to join forces to resist violence and aggression.
On September 20, in the rural library of the village of Petrovskoye, together with the children of the Fidgets club, they held a master class “Dove of Peace”. Guests of the event made white birds – doves – out of paper.
A thematic round table “We are together – this is our strength” took place in the Skvorchikhinsky rural library. The children drew pictures, wrote their warm wishes and put their “Letters of Happiness” in parcels that were collected by the whole village.
A Peace lesson was held at the Sairan village library. During the event, the librarian told those present about the history of this day. Afterwards, the guys cut out a figurine of the peace symbol “dove”.
“May there always be peace! “- under this name an information hour was held in the Yanurusovsky rural library, timed to coincide with World Peace Day. (with photos)

CHEBOKSARY SCHOOL NO. 61: In order to promote the formation of patriotism and citizenship in students on the eve of the International Day of Peace on September 12, 8E grade students spent their primary school years on a virtual trip to international organizations designed to strengthen peace (UN, OSCE, UNICEF, International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent). (with photos)

CHEBOKSARY COLLEGE: The chief librarian of CHETK, E. A. Makarova, prepared a library video lesson “International Day of Peace” dedicated to this event. From which you can learn about the history of the holiday, traditions and procedures for celebrating the International Day of Peace. Click here for video)

CHEBOKSARY MILITARY: In Russia, some security forces and officials used the International Day of Peace to promote war among schoolchildren, reports Arbat.media. On the eve of September 21, at school 31 in Cheboksary (the capital of the Republic of Chuvashia), employees of the Federal Penitentiary Service (Punishment Service) came to the ninth-graders and conducted a lesson in courage. To do this, people in uniform brought with them weapons, a gas mask and body armor.

ENGELS, SARATOV OBLAST: On the eve of the International Day of Peace, a number of events were held at the Engels boarding house. Residents took an active part in creating drawings that reflected a world without war and showed the friendship of all children on the planet, took part in thematic conversations, and also made small white doves out of paper with their own hands, on which they wrote the names of the heroes, and tied them to balloons, filled with helium. . . . Then, in a single impulse, those gathered released balloons into the sky to the legendary song of Isaac Dunaevsky “Fly, doves, fly.” (with many photos)

ILYACHEVSK, BASHKORTOSTAN: For the International Day of Peace, which was celebrated on September 21, the Ilyachevsk Rural Library held a campaign and creative hour “Dove of Peace”. (with many photos)

IZHEVSK: September 21 is International Day of Peace. The UN General Assembly declared this day as a day dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace by observing 24 hours of non-violence and ceasefire. The Harmony School of the city of Izhevsk took part in the “Ring of Peace, Memory and Joy” event dedicated to this day.

KHABAROVSK:
MONTESSORI SCHOOL EUREKA joined with other Montessori schools around the world to mark the International Day of Peace with song.

KIROV: Kirov Regional State Professional Educational Autonomous Institution “Yaran Technological College”. Students wrote what peace means to them. (with photos)

KIZLYAR, DAGESTAN: In School 11, activists of the First Movement organized a master class “The world is in our hands” in the school foyer. The children also distributed information booklets to school teachers and congratulated them on International Peace Day. In some classes of the school, a traditional class hour dedicated to Peace Day was held. Events dedicated to this date were also held in other schools in the city. (with a photo)

KRASNODAR: An open lecture dedicated to the celebration of the International Day of Peace was held at the Krasnodar Cooperative Institute of the Russian University of Cooperation. The lecture was prepared by Associate Professor of the Department of Law, Anna Petrakova for students of the Faculty of Law and Management. (with photos)

MARKS, SARATOV OBLAST: On the International Day of Peace, members of the YDP “Monolith” detachment with the leader, member of the Public Council at the Department of Internal Affairs, teacher of additional education of the Center “Growth Point” O. A. Galenko, together with the educational psychologist Youth Plus, A. Simakhina, held an event among students 5- 6 classes “Look how good the world you live in is!” Our main goal, noted O. A. Galenko, is to promote the formation in the younger generation of a respectful attitude towards each other and towards the entire world around us. (with photos)

MENZELINSKY DISTRICT: On September 21, a series of events dedicated to the International Day of Peace will take place in the rural houses of culture and rural clubs of the Menzelinsky district, which will allow you to reflect on what peace, kindness, mercy are – these are important concepts for absolutely everyone. The program includes: educational hour, action, drawing competition.

MOSCOW CENTER FOR CREATIVITY: We invite you to celebrate Peace Day with us. On September 19 at 17:00 we are waiting for everyone at the Structural Unit “Young Russia” at the address: Prospekt Mira, 43. At the festival you will be able to: take part in master classes, games of different nations and get acquainted with the culture of the peoples of the world and the “wider circle” event. (with poster)

MOSCOW – DIPLOMATIC ACADEMY: On September 21 at 16:30, as part of the activities of the Middle East Club of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (BVK DA), a meeting dedicated to women of the Middle East will be held. On the International Day of Peace, the Club invites you to the event “Women Leaders of the Middle East: Their Contribution to Politics and Business,” dedicated to the achievements of the fair sex in the countries of the Middle East. The event program includes speeches by high-ranking guests from Arab states and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as a cultural part. The meeting will take place in the Assembly Hall of the Academy. (with poster)

MOSCOW – KOSINO-UKHTOMSKY DISTRICT: An educational meeting will be held in library No. 101, where children will be told about the International Day of Peace. The event will begin on September 23 at 15:00. Free admission. Children will be read poems and told about the Nobel Peace Prize and the history of the holiday.

NIZHNY NOVGOROD: Social Rehabilitation Center. On September 21, the International Day of Peace is celebrated annually, the symbol of which is the dove! This holiday calls on all people to join forces to resist violence and aggression! On this day, our students, together with their teachers, made crafts as part of the “Dove of Peace” event! (with photos)

NORKA: Norka rural library branch No. 14
Every year on September 21, the international community celebrates the International Day of Peace. The Norka Rural Library together with the Norka SDK will hold an event in which youth and children of the village of Norkino will take part. Those present will make white doves out of paper – birds of peace and goodness. During the work, they will talk about the history of the holiday and its significance for the population of the entire planet. After the event, guests of the event will distribute the “dove of peace” symbol to the village residents and keep the “dove of peace” symbol as a souvenir.

ORLYONOK, KRASNODAR: In the All-Russian Children’s Center “Orlyonok” there is a change of children’s public organizations and associations “Children’s Diplomacy of Friendship”. Its participants included 150 schoolchildren from ten regions of the country. The program is aimed at developing knowledge and skills in the field of communication, leadership, self-organization and teamwork. The key events of the project will be the Day of the RSDM “Movement of the First” and the International Day of Peace. (with many photos)

ORENBURG: The International Day of Peace is celebrated annually on September 21. In order to develop in young people a sense of personal responsibility and involvement in preserving the peace and traditions of the peoples of the multinational Orenburg region, the youth policy department of the Orenburg city administration is conducting the “Threads of Friendship” quest for students of educational organizations of higher and secondary vocational education on September 21, 2023 at 14:00. We invite a team of 10 people from your educational organization to take part in the event. Gathering and registration of participants from 13:30 at the address: Orenburg, Parkovy Ave., 6a (Perovsky Park).

ORLOV: Our college (Orlov-Vyatka Agricultural College”) held a peace lesson in which freshmen learned that the main goal of Peace Day is to achieve non-violence and a ceasefire, even if only for 24 hours. Advisor to the director for education of Darovskikh L.A. and history teacher Z.N. Sharapova emphasized the importance of this day and called on all people to join forces in the fight against violence and aggression. College volunteers conducted a master class on making a dove of peace and presented it symbolically to the residents of the city. (with photos)

PETROVSK: oday, September 21, is the International Day of Peace, which calls on all people to unite their efforts and resist violence and aggression. To this date, 6th grade students – pupils of the “Ecological Culture and Healthy Lifestyle” club of the “Growth Point” Center of School No. 1 dedicated a socially significant event.
At a meeting with primary school students, the children told them about the history and traditions of Peace Day, handed them postcards in the form of white doves, and asked the third graders to write on palm-shaped pieces of paper the words they would like to say to the people around them. Then the sixth graders organized a symbolic flash mob and launched blue balloons into the sky. (with photos)

PUSHCHINO: Pupils of the Pushchino gymnasium took part in the traditional Dove of Peace event, which takes place as a sign of support for peace on earth, as well as gratitude to veterans of the Great Patriotic War for giving us a peaceful sky. . . . Gymnasium students prepared paper doves and red balloons to participate in the event. (with photo)

REBRIKHA: On September 21, employees of the Rebrikha Central House of Culture held various events dedicated to the International Day of Peace on Revolution Square, in which more than 350 people took part. A drawing competition and a game program “May there always be peace!” were held for pupils of kindergartens “Smile”, “Swallow” and primary school students of the Rebrikha Secondary School. Also, for 2.5 hours, everyone was able to take part in the “Peace to the World!” campaign by signing their wishes on a paper dove and placing them on the “Dove of PEACE” themed banner. At the end of the festive program, a dance flash mob “A world without war!” took place, in which high school students from the Rebrikha Secondary School and students from the Rebrikha Lyceum of Vocational Education took part. (with many photos)

RYBNITSA: The International Day of Peace was celebrated in Rybnitsa. The ceremonial meeting took place at secondary school No. 6 with lyceum classes. . . . The schoolchildren wrote their wishes on paper doves. The figures were pasted onto the stand. And some of the white-winged messengers were released into the sky with balloons as a symbol of good intentions. And everyone has one wish, that the messengers of peace be able to fly to a place where there is no peace now. . . .
Also, in school number 11, a concert program dedicated to Peace Day was organized and conducted by workers of the Olympus cultural and leisure center. The program was intense. Dances, songs, miniatures, poems, instrumental solo performances. And all performed by young Rybnitsa residents. Creative performances were prepared by pupils of Rybnitsa kindergarten No. 10, a children’s art school, the Center for Children and Youth Creativity, and the Olympus leisure center. Click here for the video

ST PETERSBURG, VASILYEVSKY ISLAND: International Day of Peace will be held on Vasilyevsky Island. Every year, at the end of September, residents of the Vasileostrovsky district gather to celebrate Peace Day . Last year, the event was attended by more than 2,000 residents and guests of the island. This year the holiday has grown into the “Mir” Management Company Festival, which will delight city residents with its activities from September 23 to 24.
° Performances by creative groups: teenage and youth club “Leningradets”; contemporary creativity studio ALL Bright; beatboxing and music making schools CONNECT School; pantomime studio “WORD”; charitable public organization “Street of Peace”;
° master classes: on making fox masks from the school of speed reading IQ007; in piano playing from the current pianist of the Italian company MSC Natalia Anufrieva; for painting on a large canvas; and even playing the spoons;
° lectures: from the BioMax volunteer team, where 11th grade students will talk about first aid in various situations and show basic actions in practice; from the children’s programming school CYBERKIDS, where the topic “Child and gadgets: harm and benefit” will be discussed;
° excursions: “From the Church of the Annunciation to St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Two lines – three centuries”; “The Life and Work of Alexander Green”;
° chess tournament and simultaneous play session with international grandmaster Daniil Lvovich Linchevsky;
° graffiti festival

SARATOV: On September 21, the entire planet celebrates International Day of Peace. On this day, 2nd and 4th year students of the branch of the Engels Medical College of St. Luke (Voino-Yasenetsky) in Marx remembered the history of the holiday, significant events on planet Earth, shared their thoughts about what peace is, and first-year students with hope for peace wrote letters to the soldiers (the video can be viewed here.)

SAYANSK: September 21, 2023, within the framework of the Community Center, teachers from school No. 7 together with teachers from MDOU No. 36 “Smile” and the “Young Guard of United Russia” held the “Dove of Peace” campaign, in which schoolchildren and children from kindergarten took an active part in participation. To create a symbol of peace and goodness, volunteers of the Pulse detachment needed only paper, scissors and colored pencils. The birds made will go to the fighters in the special military operation zone. We hope that such warm news from home will give them strength and energy. ( with many photos)

SEMEYKINO VILLAGE: Today marks the International Day of Peace. This is a day of global ceasefire and non-violence. War brings grief and destruction. And this day is celebrated so that people think and stop all wars. Today, children from the 4th grade of the Semeykino educational complex No. 31 came to the library of the Semeykino village to take part in the “White Dove – a Symbol of Peace” event. After watching a thematic multimedia presentation, the children learned about the symbol of peace – the white dove. We also learned how to make a dove out of paper using the origami technique. At the end of the event, the children decorated the tree with their crafts, thereby confirming that they are for world peace. (with photos)

SMENOVTSY: On September 21, a holiday was held at the All-Russian Children’s Center “Smena” – the children solemnly celebrated the International Day of Peace. More than 1,000 children from 85 regions of Russia took part in thematic events. On the eve of the International Day of Peace, thematic events were held in Smena from September 18 to 20. At the “Peacemaking Workshop,” the children were given a master class on making paper doves of peace, which Smenovo members used to decorate the doors and windows of the Center. Participants in the cross-cutting educational module “Good in Smena” developed infographics with which they introduced their peers to the history of the holiday. And on September 21, Smena members immersed themselves in the theme of the day at the morning round dance of friendship. At the “Charge with Peace” event, the counselors told the children a legend about peace and tied a thread as a sign of unity. (with photo shown above)

SOLOVYOVKA: In Russia, some security forces and officials used the International Day of Peace to promote war among schoolchildren, reports Arbat.media . The Russian military visited schoolchildren in the village of Solovyovka in the Sakhalin region. The topic of the meeting was a story about the “Russian Peacekeeping Mission”.

Question for this article

What has happened this year (2023) for the International Day of Peace?

(Survey continued from left column)

SOROKINSKY DISTRICT, TYUMEN REGION: SOROKINSKAYA SECONDARY SCHOOL NO. 2. On September 21, the world celebrates International Day of Peace. An event dedicated to this holiday was held for 3rd grade students. The children read poems about peace and friendship, learned about the history of the International Day of Peace, and important world problems that need to be solved to maintain peace on Earth. (with photos)

STOLBOVSKY: The International Day of Peace. On this day, the “Dove of Peace” event was held at the Stolbovsky rural library. The children carefully held in their palms the symbol of peace on Earth – a white dove, thereby showing how fragile peace on the planet is. The world is in the hands of people and everyone must protect and preserve it. (with photos)

TETYUSHY, TATARSTAN: MBU “Center “Forpost” informs that today, as part of the implementation of the project “Creativity without Borders”, a creative event “Dove of Peace” dedicated to the International Day of Peace was held for young people with disabilities. . . . A specialist from the youth law enforcement movement “Forpost” began the event with a warm-up using a math tablet, then a master class was organized for the participants on making a souvenir with their own hands, symbolizing world peace.

UFA: On September 21, the world celebrates International Day of Peace. As part of developing children’s knowledge about this holiday, developing schoolchildren’s interest in the history and culture of Russia, as well as cultivating friendliness and desire in children to show creative initiative, the ability to live without conflicts, 7 “B” grade with their class teacher Tairova I.V. . visited the “Museum of Polar Explorers named after V.I. Albanov.” (with photos)

URUSSINSKY: On September 21, on the day of International Peace Day, a thematic lesson was held in the speech therapy group of Urussa kindergarten No. 4. The children were told the history of the holiday, explained the meaning of the word peace, and were introduced to the symbol of the holiday – the dove. To protect peace on Earth, children glued cut out palms. (with a photo)

USOLIE, SIBERIA: At the Central Children’s library young readers will learn the history of the holiday, the International Day of Peace, learn which bird is a symbol of peace, listen to poems, riddles, stories and a quiz about the International Day of Peace. At the end of the event, the children will draw a dove, a symbol of peaceful life.

VETLUZHSKY: Cultural and concert center. Thematic hour “International Day of Peace”. Master class “White Crane – Messenger of Peace”. Ignashova O.V., production designer of an exemplary theater.

VLADIKAVKAZ: For more than 10 years, from September 19 to 22, the Movement of Young Peacemakers of the Republic of North Ossetia-Asia has been holding an annual peacekeeping campaign “Peace Week” dedicated to the International Day of Peace. . . According to the established good tradition, young peacekeepers – students of the “Peace Schools” of Vladikavkaz, at the beginning of the “Peace Week”, laid flowers at the stele “Vladikavkaz – the city of military glory” and the memorial slab, under which lie cartridges with soil from all the hero cities and cities of military glory of Russia, and also paid tribute to the victims of the collapse of the Kolka glacier, and visited the Barbashovo Pole memorial. The 12th gathering of young peacekeepers took place in the assembly hall of the Veterans House on the International Day of Peace. After the anthems of Russia and the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania were performed, the flag of the Young Peacemakers Movement was brought into the hall. (with a photo)

VLADIVOSTOK: MBOU Secondary School No. 47. During the lesson for the International Day of Peace, students learned what needs to be done so as not to destroy peace on planet Earth. They became more familiar with such concepts as war, conflict, peace and friendship, kindness and mercy. Students also learned the history of the International Day of Peace and its symbolism. We listened to the song “Children Against War” and got acquainted with examples of children’s posters for the holiday. The symbol of this holiday was made from paper using the origami technique – the Paper Dove of Peace. We drew our own poster: “We are for peace.”

VOLGOGRAD: September 21 is International Day of Peace. The UN General Assembly declared this day as a day dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace by observing 24 hours of non-violence and ceasefire. Every year the event is held by Lyceum No. 5 named after. Yu.A. Gagarin, Central district of Volgograd . The idea is very simple – ring the bell all together at the same time (12.00 Moscow time), notifying all residents that our planet needs peace. Schools that joined the action posted posts in the news feed of the school account along with text, photographs and videos.

YAKUTSK: Central Library System. September 21. International Day of Peace
14:00 Conversation – May there always be peace.
15:00 Conversation – Everyone needs peace

YEMVA: In Russia, some security forces and officials used the International Day of Peace to promote war among schoolchildren, reports Arbat.media .In the small town of Yemva (Komi Republic), third-graders guessed military songs and professions. The event was held under the title “The World We Need!”

YUGOVKA: The bright holiday on the International Day of Peace was held by the library named after A.K. Yugov together with the Kurgan regional branch of the international public foundation “Russian Peace Foundation”. This year, a patriotic concert was held for Kurgan schoolchildren in honor of Peace Day. It started with the Virtual Philharmonic. The performance of the Moscow State Academic Symphony Orchestra with Karl Jenkins’ work “ Cantata Memoria ” was broadcast on the big screen of Yugovka. . . . Then the young artists of the theater group “Firebird” Elena Prosekova and Semyon Pechenkin, Arseny Prosekov, as well as Sofia Uzun and Ekaterina Romanchuk performed for the audience with piercing and touching numbers. . . Political scientist Vladimir Sablin told the festival guests about the importance of peace on our planet and how important it is to unite in difficult times . Representatives of the Kurgan branch of the Russian Writers’ Union Nikolai Anoshchenko, Nikolai Pokidyshev, Vitaly Nokhrin, Valery Melnikov read poems of their own composition with reflections on peace and the horrors of war. (with many photos)

ZHUKOV: The International Day of Peace. On this holiday, in the city library of the State Educational Institution “Vozrozhdenie”, librarian N. V. Zhdakaeva conducted a peace lesson “A world that everyone needs!” There were 25 children present. At the beginning of the lesson, the children got acquainted with the book exhibition “How beautiful this world is!” and gave a definition to the word “peace”. . . . The result of the event was the creation of the planet “Friendship”, on which white doves were placed with wishes for peace, happiness, love for every person, the absence of wars, suffering, worries, because every person on the planet has the right to peace. The guys showed themselves as true artists and made their dreams of peace on Earth come true. Our children already know well that war brings many troubles and misfortunes. They understand that everything can be fixed if every person is on the side of peace and goodness. (with many photos)



Photo from Zhmerynka, Ukraine

* * * UKRAINE * * *

BILHOROD-DNISTROVSKYI
On the International Day of Peace, Bilhorod-Dnistrian police officers held a thematic event with schoolchildren. In one of the educational institutions, senior juvenile prevention inspector Oksana Kvachuk and community police officer Maryna Bob together with the students made a symbol of peace – a dove, on which they wrote wishes for victory and happiness for all Ukrainians. The children symbolically pasted the birds on the map of Ukraine. During the event, police officers told about the history of the origin of the holiday and watched a thematic video with the children. The guests tied patriotic yellow and blue ribbons to each student and presented balls. “During the war, children grew up prematurely and began to think differently. Now, instead of new toys, they dream of victory, so that their relatives, who protect our country from the enemy, will return home as soon as possible,” – shared the impressions of juvenile police officer Oksana Kvachuk. Finally, the law enforcement officers reminded the children of the rules of safe behavior at home and at school, emphasized safety measures during the war, in particular during the “Airborne alarm” signal. Click here for video

BILHOROD LIBRARIES: International Day of Peace in the libraries of Belgorod-Dnistrovskyi. In particular, in the library on Peremogy Street, children drew on the asphalt on the theme: “We are for Freedom, we are for Peace!”. ,In the branch library named after M. Kropyvnytskyi’s book exhibition “Let there be peace from now on and forever!” is on display. During the day, the children and youth service department of the Public Library held: quiz “Peace through the eyes of children”, master class “Dove of peace”, campaign “White dove, you fly into the world, let there be peace in our Ukraine!” Also, patriotic videos devoted to the Day of Peace were broadcast in the Internet centers of the libraries of CU “PBBD”. (with many photos)

BILA TSERKVA: On September 21, the world celebrates the International Day of Peace. Pupils of Bilotserkiv secondary school-primary school No. 6 “Perspektiva” actively participated in these events. The smallest pupils, who recently became schoolchildren, took part in an incredible flash mob. The children sincerely thank the fearless and brave soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the opportunity to develop, study in spacious, comfortable classrooms, and walk the streets of our city. First-graders, whose parents protect our independence, performed a touching dance, putting their love, tenderness, and goodness into it. Small hearts united for a great cause! After all, the video of this touching flash mob will be sent to dads with the hope of VICTORY and return home. Click here for the video.

BROVARY LYCEUM NO. 11: With the aim of instilling in schoolchildren a sense of national dignity and revealing knowledge about the traditions and customs of the Ukrainian people, on September 21, 2023, on the International Day of Peace, pupils of the “Cossack Glory” and “Cossack Gart” groups held the “Dove of Peace” campaign . Eighth and ninth graders conducted the quiz “I know everything about Ukraine!” at recess. and for the correct answers to the questions they were awarded symbols of doves with wishes for peace, goodness and victory in Ukraine. (with photos)

BUCHA: Today, peace in Ukraine is not an abstract wish, it is a conscious goal, because the struggle for peaceful existence, for the right to live in one’s own state continues. And today every Ukrainian family felt the highest value of peace, which is the key to a happy life. On the occasion of Peace Day, Lyceum No. 5 held thematic events. The day began with a flash mob “The dove of peace flies to Ukraine”, which was prepared by students of grades 1-4. The book exhibition “Under a peaceful sky” is organized in the school library. During the day, the student self-government held the “Dove of Peace” campaign, during which the students of the lyceum expressed their wishes for peace and harmony. Class teachers spent hours of communication “Peace on earth – joy in the family!” (with many photos)

BUCHANSKA: Today’s Day of Peace was celebrated by pupils of the 2nd-A and 2nd-B primary school. We all long for peace, a peaceful sky, peace and tranquility on our land. Children should grow and develop in peace for happiness and goodness. We believe that our sincere wishes will bring peace to all of us. (with a photo)

CHERKASY COLLEGE: Korsun-Shevchenkivo Pedagogical Vocational College. For the International Day of Peace, a book exhibition “September 21 – International Day of Peace” was opened in the reading room of our college, where scientific, popular science, reference publications and articles from periodicals are presented, which consider the importance of maintaining peace for ensuring the sustainable progress of mankind. About the history of the Ukrainian people, their traditions and the military present. (with many photos)

CHERKASY SCHOOL 3:The students of our school also actively participated in the events dedicated to the International Day of Peace, activities took place in every class, not a single student or teacher remained indifferent. Postcards, three-dimensional – appliqués and hand-made doves of peace flowed from all classes of the elementary level of our school. For the parallel of the 1st grades, the class teachers conducted an interactive exercise with elements of a conversation about peace “Whatever our today, PEACE is our tomorrow…”, and also 1-B – colored the mega coloring page “We are for peace in the whole world”, 1 -A- drew pictures “We believe in our victory. We wish everyone peace.” 2nd graders made “Dove of Peace” appliqués, designed postcards “Children want victory! Children want peace!” and watched the video “International Day of Peace”. Children of the 3rd grade made their own paper doves, which united in a single circle to protect our Motherland from war. (with many photos)

CHERNIHIV YOUNG NATURALISTS: On the occasion of Peace Day, the thematic events “I choose Peace”, “I am for peace in Ukraine”, an hour of communication “Peace on earth – joy in the family”, master classes were held for students of education groups of the communal institution “Chernihiv Regional Station of Young Naturalists” from the production of the “Peace Dove”. (with a photo)

CHERIHIV SCHOOL 13: On the occasion of the International Day of Peace and the Liberation Day of Chernihiv, the students of school No. 13 produced a large number of doves, which symbolize world peace. Each pigeon carried a wish for a peaceful sky over our Motherland and an end to hostilities on the territory of Ukraine. They also made a collective drawing on the asphalt “Let there be peace!” The smiles on the children’s faces inspired hope that there will be no place for wars in Ukraine and throughout the world! (with many photos)

CHUMAKY, DONETSK: International Day of Peace at the Chumaky Lyceum. At a time when enemy missiles that bring death are flying over Ukrainian cities and villages, students of the 1st grade took part in the creation of the project “Children of Ukraine for world peace” to show how important peace, freedom, kindness and respect are. An educational hour and a master class “Making a dove of peace”. (with many photos)

DONETSK YOUTH PALACE:
Donetsk Youth Palace – Click here for video

DONETSK MEDICAL FACULTY: On September 21, the world celebrates the International Day of Peace. But September 21 in Ukraine is not peace, but 3,500 days of war and terrorist acts without any hint of peace. It is because of this that on September 21, 2023, the cultural and mass sector of the Medical Faculty No. 2 together with the social and humanitarian circle held a round table on the occasion of the International Day of Peace!
Very important issues were discussed at this meeting, namely:
Why does the world go to war from time to time?
Why can’t humanity live in peace?
Is the UN capable of maintaining peace?
(with photos)

DONETSK REFUGEES: Peace Day in Ukraine is celebrated on September 21. For almost ten years now, for Ukrainians, it is not peaceful, but in a struggle with Russia. All these years, Donetsk region has been the place where the hottest battles have been fought at the front. Now here, peaceful cities regularly come under Russian shelling. Residents of Donetsk region told us how they see peace for Ukraine and themselves now. (with a video of the interviews)

FASTIV: The weekend in honor of the International Day of Peace is coming soon and we invite you to celebrate this event at the Dubravushka Club . This is a special holiday that reminds us of the importance of peace in the modern world and the value in human life that is worth fighting for.

GLUKHIV: Girls of the 7-B class of the KZ SOR of the Glukhiv Lyceum boarding school with enhanced military physical training together with the teacher Myskova N.I. joined the celebration of Peace Day. Took part in an online quiz for children for the International Day of Peace. Young ladies made symbolic doves as part of the all-school flashmob “Let there be peace and silence the wars on Earth!” (with many photos)

GLUKHIV HUMANITARIAN CENTER: On the eve of the International Day of Peace, the psychologists of the humanitarian center Prolisk – Sumy , which operates with the support of UNHCR Ukraine – the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine , held a group event “Dove of Peace” for IDPs living in the IDPs on the basis of the dormitory of the VSP “Agrotechnical College of SNAU” in the city of Glukhiv. The participants of the event received information about the history of the International Day of Peace, took part in a master class on art therapy, made a “Pigeon” craft, actively interacted in interactive games and exercises. (with photos)

KAMIANETS-PODILSKYI: Graduates and graduates of Lyceum No. 13 joined the celebration of the International Day of Peace. Schoolchildren took part in a flash mob. Dressed in embroidered dresses, holding national symbols in their hands, the children formed the word “PEACE”. Pupils chanted the words “Victory!”, “PEACE”, sang the national anthem of Ukraine. Pigeons made of white paper – a symbol of peace – looked especially good. They fluttered in the wind, inspired hope for a peaceful future, for the long-awaited Victory. (with many photos)

KAMIANSKE: Tik-tok video: September 21 is the International Day of Peace. Peace and Victory to you, Ukraine. from student self-government, Kamianske Vocational Lyceum

KHARKIV: On the International Day of Peace, the department of social and humanitarian work held informative talks for students of higher education. The cadets watched the recording of the speech of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi at the UN General Assembly . . . During the conversation with the cadets, the specialist of the leisure department, Andriy Prokhorov, informed us of another rocket attack, which affected five regions of Ukraine on the very day when the entire civilized world celebrates the Day of Peace and calls for an end to hostilities. (with photos)

KRYVYI RIH: School 68. For the International day of Peace, the school library presented the thematic exhibition “We are the ones. We are for peace.” (with poster)

KYIV – SVYATOSHYHSKA DISTRICT : nternational Day of Peace. Pupils and teachers of school #13 organized and conducted a number of events aimed at popularizing the values ​​of peace, tolerance and kindness. The day of peace at the school was rich and vivid: master classes on making the symbol of this day – doves, flash mob “Peace over Ukraine”, reflected on the question: “What is peace for you?”. The children gave different answers: for some it is safety, for others it is harmony, for others it is love. But everyone agreed that peace is the greatest wealth for humanity. This day has a special significance for Ukraine. That is why Ukrainian children especially value peace and wish it to the whole world. Thanks to our defenders! We believe in the Armed Forces of Ukraine! (with photos)

KYIV HOSPITAL: Children’s specialized hospital “Okhmatdit” presents a collection of children’s fairy tales “Bramara and the Kingdom of Assamita” on the International Day of Peace. The book was written by a psychologist, art critic, researcher of Indian culture David Sureshwar, who during the siege of Kyiv was a volunteer in the shelters, helping children overcome the horrors of war with the magic of fairy tales. As the deputy of the Kyiv City Council, the first deputy head of the permanent commission on health care, family and social policy, the co-organizer of the event Nataliya Berikashvili noted, at the presentation, all those interested will not only learn the history of writing books, but will also be able to learn how to portray the main characters in using sign language. . . . Organizers of the event: the public union “Union of Women of Ukraine” in partnership with the public organization “Ukrainian Smile” and the Finland-Ukraine Friendship Association “Kalyn”.

KITSMAN-PODILSKY UNIVERSITY: International Day of Peace is traditionally celebrated on September 21 in Ukraine and around the world.Today, peace in Ukraine is not an abstract wish, it is a realized goal, because for peaceful existence, for the right to live in one’s own state, a war continues in our country. And today every Ukrainian family felt the highest value of peace, which is the key to a happy life. The Student Council of the VSP “Kitzman Vocational College of the ZVO “PSU” joined the flash mob “We are for peace!” Click here for their video

KOZIATYN SCHOOLS: International Day of Peace. In the yard of Lyceum No. 5, a week before this date, students drew a giant dove and painted it in the colors of the national flag. They left their wishes on it: “No war”, “Peace on earth”, “Joy in the family”, “Under a peaceful sky”. . . . In Lyceum No. 3, the third-graders set their desks for the International Day of Peace lesson in a circle, the class teacher flipped through the slides, and the students listened carefully to the teacher and asked her questions. . . . Lyceum No. 1 named after Shevchenko, the event began with drawings on the asphalt by students of grades 1-4 under the slogan “Children of Ukraine for Peace on Earth.” . . . In gymnasium No. 9, even preschoolers and students of grades 1-3 joined the Day of Peace, (with many photos)

LUTSK: In Lutsk, the best readers of the charity online marathon under the hashtag Mir_Ukraine were recognized. The action took place on the International Day of Peace in the regional library for youth.The event was organized in the library courtyard with the participation of creative children’s teams, said the head of the library, Alla Yefremova. Click here for video

LVIV: On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, students of Lviv State University of Internal Affairs organized a patriotic event. Details are provided for the many names of the performers and the songs or poems performed along with photos.

MORSHYN: International Day of Peace is traditionally celebrated on September 21 in Ukraine and throughout the world . On this day, thematic events were held in educational institutions of the Morshyn community .Children painted murals with wishes for peace, happiness and a clear sky. In all educational institutions of the community, the all-school action “Dove of Peace” was held. Pupils made paper doves with wishes for peace and victory for Ukraine. (with many photos)

MYROPIL: On September 21, the world community celebrates Peace Day. On this day, the students of the 4-A class of the Myropil Lyceum under the guidance of the class teacher Tetyana Oleksandrivna Manzhesova held the action “The Dove of Peace flies to Ukraine”. Thanks to everyone who participated. The collected funds will be sent to support the Armed Forces. We wish everyone peace in everything – in families, in hearts, in our native Ukraine! May the Dove of Peace fly into each of our homes with good news on this September day! Together to victory! Click here for their video

NIZHYN: On the occasion of Peace Day and with the aim of expanding students’ knowledge about the importance of peace on Earth, the education of patriotism and love for one’s people and the Motherland, in the Nizhyn Professional College of the NUBiP of Ukraine, class leaders of academic groups held educational events, with students of various courses and specialties a flash mob was held “We for peace!” and the “Wishes for Ukraine and Ukrainians” campaign was organized, during which everyone could leave their wishes on paper figurines in the form of miniature birds. (with many photos)

ODESSA HEALTH CARE CENTER On September 21, 2023, to the International Day of Peace, employees of the Center for Primary Health Care No. 4 held a charity fair in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Doctors baked goodies and sold them, and also held a bright patriotic holiday, where the musical group “4.5.0” performed. Defenders of Ukraine, who are currently undergoing treatment in our city, were also invited to the holiday. All in all, thanks to the fair, the doctors of the CPMSD No. 4 managed to collect about 50,000 hryvnias. All money will be directed to the needs of the military formations that defend Odessa. (with many photos)

ODESSA SCHOOLS For the students of Odesa schools, thematic classes, exhibitions of drawings, newspapers, and various promotions were held for the International Day of Peace. Schoolchildren joined the all-Ukrainian action “Dove of Peace”. . . Representatives of the student self-government of Odesa primary school No. 85 visited defenders-military personnel who are being treated in the Odesa military hospital and presented hygiene products, basic necessities, sweets, children’s drawings, charms made by elementary school students and, of course, letters of support. An open event “May there be peace!” was held in Odesa Lyceum No. 9. During the event, the military chaplain of the 38th anti-aircraft missile regiment met with the students, who congratulated everyone present on the International Day of Peace. At the end of the event, the students handed over the means of individual use and goodies they had baked with their own hands to defenders in the east of Ukraine. (with many photos)

ODESSA UNIVERSITY : Odessa State Environmental University. Peace Day is celebrated on September 21 all over the world. The purpose of today’s meeting, organized by the senior lecturer of the Department of Ukrainian Studies, M.I. Myroshnychenko. with students of the 3rd year of the Faculty of Environmental Protection of groups E-20, E-22i, EK-20, TZ-20, TZ-21i, was to turn to the discussion of topical issues of peace through the thematic mini-discussion “Dimension of Peace”. . . . We began to appreciate peace more and understand its true meaning. We believe that peace will surely come in our country and we will live under a peaceful sky! (with photos)

OKHTYR: September 21 – International Day of Peace. In the Okhtyr Central Public Library of the Okhtyr City Council, librarians had an hour of communication with representatives of the Okhtyr City Red Cross Organization and employees of the Okhtyr City Local History Museum “Let there be peace over Ukraine!”. (with a photo)

PEREYASLAV: Pereyaslav educational institutions held events on the occasion of the International Day of Peace, which is celebrated worldwide on September 21. In the morning, the fourth-graders of Gymnasium No. 1 organized a patriotic flash mob. . . Then the schoolchildren, together with their teachers – Natalia Lytvynenko , Nadia Filonenko , and the deputy director for educational work, Larisa Pylypenko , organized the Peace Walk. They passed by the Alley of Heroes, honoring the memory of the fallen soldiers-compatriots. And then they visited the city council: with loud slogans and patriotic songs, they greeted the leadership and employees of local self-government bodies. (with many photos)

PLESETSK: Today, in the 1st classes of the Plesetsk gymnasium, an hour of communication took place under the slogan “We are for Peace”. Where students learned about the origin of the holiday, watched a video and made postcards. We wish peace in everything – peace in families, peace in hearts and peace to our native Ukraine! (with many photos)

POGREBYSHCHE: HVS № 42 in Pogrebyshche International Day of Peace. Click here for their video

POKROV: On Peace Day, Pokrov’s children demonstrated their conscious position by participating in various activities. Pupils of the art department of the school of arts creatively approached the celebration of this date, expressing their thoughts and feelings through a drawing on the asphalt. With the help of multi-colored chalk, they tried to embody their thoughts and messages. They colorfully depicted Ukraine without war and violence, painted the houses of their dreams under a peaceful sky, the symbol of peace – doves, etc. National symbols and blue-yellow colors prevailed in the drawings. . . . Many online events were also held in cultural and educational institutions. Schoolchildren joined the challenges “Umbrella of peace”, “Ukraine wants peace”, poetic flash mob “Let there be peace in our Ukraine”.(with many photos)

POLTAVA STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY: On the occasion of the World Day of Peace, Oksana Krasnova, a teacher of the department of public health with medical and labor expertise, held a conversation on the topic “World Day of Peace” with students of the international faculty of the 6th year of the 23rd group. Students learned in an interesting way why and when people celebrate Peace Day; learned that the symbol of international solidarity of all the people of the world is the Bell of Peace. They remembered that the emblem of peace is the dove, which symbolizes goodness and well-being. (with photos)

POLTAVA UNIVERSITY: On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, branch library No. 13 for children of the Central Library of Poltava State University invited young users to join the flash mob “Children of Ukraine for Peace”. The visitors were waiting for the bright exhibition-appeal “We want peace in our native Ukraine”, the video clip “We are for peace”. A pleasant highlight was the viewing of children’s drawings “Peace through the eyes of children”, which young talents presented to the library. On this day, the children made their own patriotic hearts and the emblem of peace – a dove with an olive branch. (with many photos)

RIVNE LIBRARY: September 21 is celebrated in Ukraine and around the world as the International Day of Peace, which is not an abstract wish in our country today. This is a conscious goal, because the struggle for peaceful existence, for the right to live in one’s own state continues. Today, every Ukrainian family felt the highest value of peace, which is the key to a happy life. On the occasion of this event, lyceum students of the 7-A class joined the event at the Rivne Regional Library. The students made a symbol – a dove of peace – using the origami technique and expressed their wishes: “Learn to do good to people and do good on Earth. Live in peace and harmony!” (with a photo)

RIVNE REHAB CENTER: On the occasion of the Day of Peace, teachers organized a number of thematic events with the students at the “Special Child” RNRC. During the day, artistic moments, exhibitions of works and drawings were held. “International Day of Peace” information hour was organized by the teachers of the GPA. Educational activities are organized with students of grades 1-4. (with many photos)

SELYDIV, DONETSK: Selydiv Lyceum No. 1. International Day of Peace is traditionally celebrated on September 21 in Ukraine and around the world. An educational hour on the topic “We are for peace in the world” was held with the students of the 1st-V class. The children were interested in learning the history of this day and the meaning of its symbol, the white dove. The children happily made such pigeons with their own hands and “inhabited” our Ukraine with them. During the “Association bush” exercise, children wrote down associations with the word PEACE, and an online exhibition of drawings was also held. Click here for their video

SKVARYAVA: Skvaryavsky ZZSO I-III degrees. Students of the 1st grade under the guidance of Gurska G.V. prepared the event “We are for peace in Ukraine”. Hours of communication in the 2nd grade (head G.V. Fedash) “Peace on earth – joy in the family” in the 3rd grade (head N.M. Savchyn) “Under a peaceful sky” in the 4th grade (head I. Savchuk S.) “Peace on the planet – happiness for all children” encouraged students to think about the most important value of every nation – peace! (with many photos and videos on different facebook pages for each class)

SLOVIANSK, DONETSK: Pupils of Sloviansk Secondary School No. 12 joined the regional flash mob action ” Vote for PEACE!” “. We want to live in a moderate country, under a peaceful Ukrainian sky. We believe that soon we will hear the long-awaited words: “Victory! Peace in Ukraine!” Click here for their video)

TARUTYNE: Community news: a legal educational event for the international day of peace was held in the Tarutyn community with subjects of probation
On September 20, 2023, the head of Bolgrad district sector No. 2 of the branch of the State institution “Probation Center” held a legal educational event for the International Day of Peace with probation subjects for the purpose of national and patriotic education. (with a photo)

TSERKVA: Confirming Ukraine’s commitment to the ideals of peace, in accordance with the Decree of the President of Ukraine since 2002, the Day of Peace has been established in Ukraine, which is celebrated annually on September 21 – the International Day of Peace. The students of the Bilotserki Professional College of Service and Design, like every conscious Ukrainian, dream of VICTORY, the earliest possible cessation of hostilities, the return of relatives, loved ones, friends, a peaceful sky above their heads, the healing of unbearable wounds in human hearts, and wish everyone peace in to everything – in families, in hearts and in our native Ukraine! Honoring the traditions of this important day, teachers and students of education filled the associative tree of Life with inscriptions, which in their opinion are associated with the word PEACE. And on the college playground, energetic girls arranged a dancing FLASHMOB and charged everyone with positivity. Happy Peace Day! Victory to Ukraine! (with photos)

TYSHKIV: A number of events dedicated to the Day of Peace took place in educational institutions of the Tyshkiv community. A large friendly family of the elementary school took part in the action “We want peace in Ukraine!”. Throughout the day, children attached doves and palms of peace to the blackboard in the school lobby, writing their most cherished dreams and wishes on them. At the circle of decorative and applied arts “Fantasia”, students made doves of PEACE. At the end of the school day, everyone had a good time and took pictures on the soft grass of the football field.
(with many photos)

VINNYTSIA: On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, traditional events were held in lyceums and gymnasiums of our city. In the yard of Lyceum No. 5, a week before this date, students drew a giant dove, which was painted in the colors of the national flag. They left their wishes on it: “No war”, “Peace on earth”, “Joy in the family”, “Under a peaceful sky”. . . In Lyceum No. 3, the International Day of Peace event was held in each class separately. The third-graders set their desks for the International Day of Peace lesson in a circle, and the class teacher flipped through the slides, and the students listened carefully to the teacher and asked her questions about peace. . . . Lyceum No. 1 named after Shevchenko, the event began with drawings on the asphalt by students of grades 1-4 under the slogan “Children of Ukraine for Peace on Earth.” . . In the support lyceum. 2 events took place at once. In addition to the traditional thematic hours for the International Day of Peace, they held elections for the president of the lyceum. . . . In gymnasium No. 9, pupils and preschoolers took part in the peace event.(with photos)

YURYIVKA: The head of the Pavlograd district sector, Larisa Bazarna, held an event for the Day of Peace in Ukraine for probation subjects of the sector in the local library. (with photo)

ZAPORIZHIA REGIONAL CENTER: In honor of the Day of Peace, employees of the Zaporizhia Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine came in embroidered jackets and tied symbolic yellow-blue ribbons on the branches of a tree, on which they wrote down the desire for peace, harmony and well-being for our country. Together to peace! Let’s walk to Victory together! Everything will be Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to heroes! (with photos)

ZHMERYNKA: On September 21, at the “Zhmeryn Higher Vocational School” an open event was held – a meeting with a participant in hostilities and a teacher of the school A.H. Humenyuk, dedicated to the International Day of Peace. (with many photos, one of which is shown above on this page)

ZHYTOMIR: Flash mobs for Peace Day were held in Zhytomyr educational institutions. In particular, students of Lyceum No. 32 created a circle in the form of the planet Earth, in the center of which was depicted a dove, a bird that symbolizes peace. In Lyceum No. 21, children made paper doves of peace and thus demonstrated their desire to live in a peaceful country. (with many photos)



September 21 – International Day of Peace. PS what a bitter irony, what a mockery this date looks like today. That’s all I can say without using obscene language. (Web link withheld to protect Russian author.)

* * * DISPUTED BETWEEN UKRAINE AND RUSSIA * * *

BRYANKA, LUGANSK: International Day of Peace is celebrated on September 21. On this day, promotions, concerts, and holidays are held in different countries. On this most beautiful bright holiday, the event “The World I Need” was held for students of UVK No. 17, dedicated to the International Day of PEACE. The event was organized with the aim of introducing children to the concept of peace, its significance and ways to maintain and strengthen peaceful relations, as this is a call to all people in the world for peace, to show care, to safe living conditions and non-violence. The children learned about the origin of the holiday, its symbol, defined the word “Peace,” read poems about peace, and sang the song “Let there always be sunshine.” (with many photos)

DONETSK PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC: Today, September 21, on the International Day of Peace, on the initiative of the Ministry of Information of the DPR, together with the Ministry of Education and Science of the DPR, a thematic exhibition of children’s drawings, as well as open letters of appeal in support of the defenders of our Motherland and wishes for a speedy Victory, was organized. . . . Students from schools in all cities and regions of the DPR took part in the exhibition with great desire. Their works have a deep artistic meaning, because every day they experience the horrors of war and, like no one else, dream of a speedy peace. In their works, the children depicted the feat of the defenders of the Republic, a planet without wars, and an image of a dove as a symbol of peace. Click here for their video

DONETSK CHILDRENS CENTER: Students of the Center for Children’s and Youth Creativity of the Kyiv district of Donetsk took an active part in the action “The Dove of Peace Soars Above Us” and created their own symbols of peace. Click here for their video

FEODOSIA, CRIMEA: International Day of Peace.
° Koktebel Children’s Art School: Exhibition of drawings “The World through the Eyes of Children
° Primorsky Children’s Art School: Info lesso dedicated to the International Day of Peace
° Nasypnovsky Culture and Leisure Center: Master Class “Drawing the Planet” and Exhibition “Peace on the Palms”

KHERSON: September 21 is celebrated as International Day of Peace. For this Day, an information hour was held at the Blagoveshchensk Sports Complex. Participants of the event became familiar with the word PEACE and its symbols. . . .At the end of the information hour, the children drew thematic drawings and a poster “WE ARE FOR PEACE!!!” (with photos)

MELITOPOL: The Konstantinovsky House of Culture hosted a reading competition “Peace-YES!”, dedicated to the International Day of Peace. The children read poetry so sincerely and emotionally that it was breathtaking. All winners, as well as participants, will be awarded sweet prizes. Click here for video

NOVOAZOVSK: International Day of Peace is a holiday dedicated to world peace. This day calls on all people to join forces to counteract violence and aggression. After all, war will not help solve problems; it only complicates life even more, bringing with it death, misfortune and grief. On September 20, 2023, an educational event “The World We Need” was held at the Novoazov Cultural and Leisure Center for the preparatory group of the folk vocal group. Participants of the event got acquainted with the day, which is a symbol of the complete renunciation of violent manifestations and the complete cessation of any military operations, learned the history of the holiday, the main tradition and motto of this day. (with a photo)

SIMFEROPOL: On September 21, all countries celebrate the International Day of Peace, established by the UN General Assembly in 1981. On the eve of this day, employees of the Simferopol branch library No. 4, together with teacher Irina Tomilova, organized an hour of good communication “Peace on the planet – happy children” for the students of the capital’s gymnasium No. 9. During the event, which began with a video clip of the song “The World I Need”, young Crimeans were introduced to the history of the holiday, its traditions and symbols: the Peace Bell, the white dove and the olive tree. branches. After listening to the song “Stork on the Roof”, the schoolchildren learned that since ancient times our people have considered the white stork to be a symbol of peace, goodness and family, which is associated with spring and the beginning new life. (with many photos)

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