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.

Africa: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .
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A survey by CPNN

The following 59 actions in 26 African countries include those listed in Google during the weeks of September 16-28 this year under the key words “International day of peace” and “Journée internationale de la paix.” The events also include some listed on the facebook page for the International Cities of Peace and the website of Campaign Nonviolence.

About 52 events are listed on the maps of One Day One Choir and Montessori schools singing for peace, but with the exception of 14 listed below, there is no indication which took place this year and which took place only in previous years.

For events in North Africa see the page of actions in the Arab States .


Planting trees in Kenya

Here are excerpts from the articles.

AFRICAN UNION:
Statement from the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye: On the occasion of International Day of Peace, I join our Leaders in wishing all the world of peaceful coexistence in which differences are resolved through dialogue without resorting to violence; a world in which the strength of our differences is harnessed as a rich tapestry of resources; a world of sustainable resource management that inclusively serves the needs of the present generation and ensures a legacy for future generations; and for our African continent, a world of good governance that enables us to use our rich endowments for the benefit of our people. . . .

ANGOLA: The Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace, also known as the Biennial, returns to Luanda for the third time. The state of preparation for this edition, which aims to educate for a culture of peace, was presented today in Luanda, at a time when the international day of peace is celebrated. The third edition will highlight youth as promoters of peace. Young people will have the opportunity to speak directly with the Heads of State and government. Women’s participation will also be analyzed.

BURKINA FASO: This is a message from the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, responsible for relations with institutions, Keeper of the Seals, on the occasion of the joint commemoration of the International Days of Peace and Tolerance (JIPT) 2023 edition. . . . I am taking the opportunity of these days which is offered to me to launch a vibrant appeal to all Burkinabè, whatever their age, their profession, their religion, their rite and their political affiliation to become aware of the situation we are experiencing, taking a step back from the events we are experiencing, experiencing a moment of awakening together and realizing that our only salvation is peace. . . As is the spirit of these days, in Burkina Faso, the joint commemoration of the International Days of Peace and Tolerance will be marked by a series of activities for the benefit of populations in general and young people and women in particular in the Central-East region. These will include conferences in schools, exchange meetings with local communities, slam and poetry competitions, awareness sessions followed by a women’s cycling race, radio broadcasts, parenting days joke and the official commemoration ceremony followed by a panel.

BURUNDI EU TEAM: The European Union team in Burundi celebrated the International Day of Peace on Thursday September 21, 2023 in Bujumbura. These ceremonies saw the participation of different executives from Burundi from different ministries. In her speech for the occasion, Elisabetta Pietrobon, delegate of the European Union to Burundi, said that the latter and its member states are sparing no effort in the fight for peace.

BURUNDI PROJECT INSIDE-OUT: On the occasion of the International Day of Peace this September 21, Mr. Jérémie BLIN, Ambassador of France to Burundi, and Ms. Elisabetta PIETROBON, new ambassador of the European Union (EU) inaugurated the exhibition “United for peace “. Created by French photographer Jean René (JR) as part of the “Inside Out Project”, this work is made of portraits, affixed to the facades of the Old East building in Bujumbura. As the French Ambassador indicated: “These 289 portraits bring together refugees, returnees and people involved in welcoming these communities in the different neighborhoods of Bujumbura. Choosing to treat this subject through the prism of art demonstrates our desire to highlight our common desire to live in a peaceful world. This work makes it possible to democratize culture and make it accessible to all. »

CAMEROON, GAROUA: The Alliance Francaise of Garuoua proposes to children to celebrate the International Day of Peace in workshops to design a dove of peace and to construct a wall of peace

CAMEROON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION: The Cameroon Human Rights Commission (CHRC) appeals to separatist fighters in Ambazonia to lay down their weapons for 24 hours to commemorate the International Day of Peace, celebrated every September 21. On its official Facebook page, the CHRC asked the combatants to “respect twenty-four hours of non-violence and to refrain from any exaction” and to “make a significant gesture in favor of lasting peace, a vector of development”

CAMEROON, YAOUNDE: Festival International Ecran Slam, Friday Sept 15, a hybrid event online and live to promote peace on the International Day of Peace.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: The Minister of Humanitarian Action and National Reconciliation, Virginie Baikoua, and the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Mohamed Ag Ayoya, chaired the celebration of the International Day of Peace in Bouboui, 45 km from Bangui. It was an opportunity to discuss the benefits of peace resulting from the signing of good neighborly agreements and the consolidation of intercommunity cohesion, initiated with the support of local Peace and Reconciliation Committees as well as MINUSCA. . . . To close the ceremony, the participants and officials present were invited to plant trees to symbolize the peaceful resolution of conflicts (palaver tree) and sustainable development.

CHAD, MOUNDOU: It is through the theme “Action in favor of peace: our ambitions for the global goals”, that the Ministry of National Reconciliation and Social Cohesion and the United Nations system in Chad, celebrated the 2023 edition of the international day of peace. In his speech, the acting United Nations resident coordinator in Chad, Ouattara Yafflo , emphasizes that the path to peace requires patience, vigilance and Chad needs peace and this is the wish of the Chadian people. . . . For the Minister of National Reconciliation and Social Cohesion Abdramane Koulamallah , Chad engaged in the process of returning to constitutional order needs the effort of its children in favor of peace. The minister calls on administrative and political authorities, civil society and associations to increase collective peace actions in favor of Chadians.

CHAD, SALAMA PEACE INITIATIVE: The president of the Salama peace initiative association, Josiane Djikoloum Darwatoye launched, this Saturday, September 16, 2023, through a press briefing, the first edition of World Peace Week in Chad. As part of its activities, explains Josiane Djikoloum Darwatoye, Salama Peace Initiative is organizing World Peace Week for the first time in Chad, from September 16 to 23, 2023 under the theme “Actions for peace: our ambition for the objectives of sustainable development with a view to contributing to national, regional and international efforts aimed at strengthening lasting peace in Chad”. The general objective of this first edition of World Peace Week is to strengthen the commitment of young people and their role as leaders in the promotion of lasting peace, dialogue and social cohesion in their communities and in the world.

COMORES: The International Day of Peace was also celebrated in Moroni yesterday, September 21. On this occasion, a peaceful march was organized in the capital to warn of the dangers of conflicts and violence of all forms. Organizations such as Youth and Women Leaders for Peace, the non-governmental organization CAP and Respir-Comoros celebrated World Peace Day yesterday morning. . . . Akim Saïd Mchangama, coordinator of the NGO CAP, showed that the fight against violence against women and children is a fight that our organizations are committed to leading.

COTE D’IVOIRE: Côte d’Ivoire commemorated Thursday, September 21, 2023, in Abidjan the celebration of the International Day of Peace (IPD 2023), around the theme: “Youth, peace and sustainable development”. . . . The Minister of the Interior and Security, Vagondo Diomandé, who represented Prime Minister Patrick Achi at this ceremony, indicated that peace is a noble aspiration, in addition to being the guarantor of the march of States towards development. He noted that peace is not a given and that we must continue to build and consolidate it, through reconciliation and the strengthening of national cohesion.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, KINSHASA YOUTH: Like every year, the world celebrated the International Day of Peace on September 21. This day is particularly dedicated to a ceasefire in conflict zones. On this occasion, former scholarship holders from YALI/RDC, an active network of young African leaders, organized, in Kinshasa, for young people working in digital technology, an online seminar on the impact of speeches of hatred on national cohesion in the DRC.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, KINSHASA FORUM: Every year, the International Day of Peace is celebrated around the world on September 21. On this occasion, the National Forum of Positive Youth in the Democratic Republic of Congo, organized on September 21, 2023, the African Youth Dialogue for Peace #2023, in the third level master building of the Kinshasa Higher Institute of Commerce ( ISC-Kin), under the main theme “Youth, lasting peace and peaceful elections in Africa-DRC”.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, NORTH KIVU: The ASBL Young Patriots Consolidators of Peace (JPCP), which expressed itself in a declaration made public this Thursday, September 21, invites the various actors of peace, including the population and the authorities to live together . Its coordinator, Benjamin Asimoni, remains convinced that the peaceful resolution of conflicts is one of the avenues for the return of peace to Beni. Still on the sidelines of this day, Samuel-Don Katembo Sekanabo, president of the Youth Parliament in the town of Beni, who spoke, remains confident that unity and good collaboration between different peace actors will facilitate the return of peace. peace, which until then remains a utopia in the Beni region. . . . In Lubero territory, the active participation of women in the search for peace in the east of the DRC is very important. Message from Madame Mbambu Nzavake Mwamini, woman leader in Lubero territory on the occasion of World Peace Day this Thursday, September 21, 2023. For her, it is absurd to talk about the search for peace without involving the woman who is the first victim of insecurity.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, SOUTH KIVU: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) officially launched the Young Peace Ambassadors program in South Kivu this Thursday, September 21 to mark the celebration of the International Day of Peace. This program consists of making around 400 young people ambassadors of local peace committees installed in all the communes, neighborhoods and avenues of the city of Bukavu and the territories of South Kivu.

GABON: The whole world celebrated the International Day of Peace. Gabon was not left out of this celebration. The women leaders of this country came together to show their attachment to the values ​​of peace, sharing and above all Love. The event took place in the Lumière Chrétienne Church, in Libreville, on September 21, 2023. It was organized by CSOs: Women of FIRE; Gabon Group R. 1325; Cry of Women; Women’s Democracy Challenge. . . . In her presentation, the Peace Mediator, Caleopie Elloue, continued to recall the importance of peace and its necessity in a country like Gabon. While saluting the genius of the army which, without bloodshed, liberated the Gabonese as a whole, this women’s rights lawyer defined peace as “a relationship of well-being, of living well, of living together , living together based on respect for others, living in harmony, promoting peace. Promoting peace is being human.”

GUINEA BISSAU: Under the theme “Peace Begins with Me”, the Peace Observatory project – Nô Cudji Paz, in partnership with the National Popular Assembly and the Coordination of the United Nations System in Guinea-Bissau, celebrates the International Day of Peace – September 21st , with a special session alluding to the anniversary. This initiative aims to contribute to social cohesion and consolidation of peace, through debate and reflection on the role, by all national actors, in preventing radicalism and violent extremism in Guinea-Bissau. It is also intended to call on Guineans to the importance of recognizing the individual and collective responsibility of the Guinean people in promoting the values of national cohesion and peace. The event will bring together the worthy deputies, representatives of sovereign bodies, members of the Government, Defense and Security Forces, Diplomatic Corps, Traditional and Religious Leaders and civil society organizations.

KENYA: In a remarkable display of commitment to environmental sustainability and the celebration of peace, the Global Peace Foundation Kenya, in collaboration with the Chandaria Foundation, the Standard Group, and the Nairobi Primary, spearheaded a tree planting campaign to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Peace. Under the theme “Action for Peace; Ambitions for Global Goals,” the 2023 celebrations witnessed the planting of over 2000 trees at Alliance High School and Alliance Girls High School. The event also marked the official launch of Chandaria Tree Nurseries, each with a capacity of 100,000 seedlings, at both institutions. Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Ms. Beverly Moss, Secretary of Peace Building and Conflict Management in the Office of the President, commended the Global Peace Foundation and the Chandaria Foundation for their invaluable support in government-led efforts to mitigate climate change through tree planting. The creation of the tree nurseries aligns with the Million Tree Growing campaign, a joint effort between the Global Peace Foundation Kenya and the Chandaria Foundation. As part of this campaign, nine tree nurseries have been established in primary schools, secondary schools, and universities. With the aim of growing 15 billion trees by 2032, as called for by President William Ruto, this campaign serves to enhance Kenya’s forest cover and contribute to environmental sustainability

LAKE CHAD: Hello and welcome to your weekly radio show Kura Bari. We will exchange peace this week. Indeed, every year around the world we celebrate the International Day of Peace on September 21. . . . The culture of peace is a culture of dialogue and prevention and, in this context, the role of the United Nations has never been so crucial. . . . But what does this day mean for the countries of the lake basin which have jointly faced insecurity for more than a decade? In any case, this is the question that will be the subject of discussions today. We are talking about it with Nodjigoto CHARBONNEL, President of the youth association for peace and non-violence and Désiré Oubadjimdehba, Independent Consultant, program manager and coordinator of activities of the YOUTHCONNEKT-CHAD program.

MALAWI: Center for Enlightenment and Development. Action for Campaign Nonviolence. September 30, 2023 – October 04, 2023. We will hold workshops to empower female youth in decision-making in their lives and teach them ways to counter harassment. . . . These trainings will be geared towards female youth who are currently married. We will teach skills that they can demonstrate at family and community levels. The issues of property grabbing, date-rape, and various relationship dynamics will be addressed.

Question for this article

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



Comores

(Survey continued from left column)

MALI NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK: “Meeting the challenges of an inclusive and lasting peace” is the theme of the 2nd edition of the National Week of Reconciliation (Senare) launched last Friday by the Minister of Reconciliation, Peace and National Cohesion, in charge of the Agreement for Peace and National Reconciliation, Colonel-Major, Ismaël Wagué. It was during a press briefing held on the premises of his department. . . . The Senare began on Friday with the reading of the Koran at the Great Mosque of Bamako, followed by the purchase of oxen for the benefit of the needy. A conference on security was hosted last Saturday at the Alioune Blondin Bèye peacekeeping school by the authorities of the Ministry of Security and Civil Protection in collaboration with those of the Ministry in charge of Reconciliation. Sports activities at the sports palace followed Sunday’s masses. The rest of the program will be devoted to a women’s day of reflection, a youth conference, the delivery of various donations and a conference of economic operators.

MALI CONFERENCE DEBATE: On the occasion of this International Day of Peace, a conference debate was organized on the theme “Digital technology, disinformation and peace: the role of African youth”. According to the speakers, the aim was to understand and address the challenges posed by the interaction between digital technology, disinformation and peace. Abdoulaye Guindo, Coordinator of Benbere is one of the speakers.

MAURITIUS: Global Peace Chain Mauritius, an organization aiming to promote living together and social inclusion, organized an event this Thursday which highlighted Mauritius as an example of peace in the world. . . . . Precisely, during this ceremony, several personalities were present, including the Vice-President of the Republic, Eddy Boissézon. Click here for video.

NAMIBIA: This past week the Windhoek International School celebrated our Namibian Heritage Week alongside the International Day of Peace (IDP) on 21 September. . . . So on this International Day of Peace and during our Namibian Heritage Week, let’s all do our part – within our families, within our school, within our social/religious groups, and within our countries–to build peace.

NIGER: In Niger, particularly in Agadez, several actors in the social life of the region, inspired by the declaration of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the International Day of Peace, spoke out on the occasion of this day. . . . In his address, His Highness Oumarou Ibrahim Oumarou reiteated the commitment of the Sultanate and all the Ulemas of Air to continue the initiatives for peace. . . . the group of young ambassadors for peace from Agadez in collaboration with the Youth Action Movemet made a donation and a tree planting session. “The message that we wish to leave through these actions is that of promoting the values of peace and solidarity.”

NIGERIA, ABEOKUTA: A group, Aviary Association Worldwide, has called on parents to revive the norms and value system in the training of their children. The group said the incessant cult clashes were due to lack of peaceful orientation from home. This form part of the group’s communiqué, while marking the 2023 International Peace Day held at the NUJ secretariat, Iwe Iroyin, Abeokuta. The vice president of the group, Adebayo Oniyide, noted that once Nigerians internalise the virtue of patience, cultivating peace will be simple. . . . Meanwhile, the Ogun state president of Gateway AVIARY, Abiodun Abiodu, expressed concern over the negative reports on cultism clashes that led to the killing of scores in Sagamu area of the state.

NIGERIA, ABUJA: Rotary International District 9125 and Peace Corps of Nigeria have stressed the need for peaceful co-existence among people of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds in the country. They said this at a peace awareness walk, organised to commemorate the 2023 International Day of Peace on Thursday in Abuja. National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dr Dickson Akoh, called on Nigerians to live in peace with one another and shun social vices that might make the country ungovernable. “In Nigeria today, we have a couple of challenges, leading to needless loss of lives and property, but the fact that we still remain united as a nation deserves celebration. We want to use this day to call on some of the youth who have taken up arms against one other or the state to stop it in the interest of development.”

NIGERIA, ASABA: Delta State Government has said it would continue to strengthen the ideals of peace among the ethnic nationalities in the state by ensuring equity, fairness and justice for all Deltans. Special Adviser to the Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Edwin Uzor, stated this in Asaba, when be briefed newsmen on the commemoration of the 2023 International Peace Day, Uzor said government was conscious of the fact that only peace and security could engender growth and development in the communities and the state at large, pointing out that the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration was keen on resolving lingering intra and inter communal crisis in the state, including the one between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh.

NIGERIA, IBADAN: As part of its activities to mark the year 2023 World Peace Day, the Rotary Club of Ibadan engaged stakeholders across the geo-political zones of Oyo State on the need to sustain the peaceful coexistence enjoyed among all and sundry in the State. Stakeholders that gathered at the House of Chiefs Parliament Building, Agodi Secretariat Ibadan for the year 2023 World Peace Day organized by Rotary Club of Ibadan include the representative of the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebola Hamzat, the representative of Myyetti Allah Cattle Dealers and Breeders Association Oyo State chapter,, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter, a representative from the state Ministry of Judiciary, representative of Amotekun Corps, the religion leader, Transport Unions and workers, among others.

NIGERIA, KADUNA: Government agencies and non- governmental organizations involved in working for Peace and harmony in Kaduna state have commenced celebration of the International Day of Peace with dialogue ahead of the September 21st 2023, UN World Peace Day (WPD). Representatives of the various bodies which cut across different faith based organizations and religious leaders commenced the celebration with opening addresses and interactive session on ways to achieved peace in Kaduna state and Nigeria in general at the Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMF), Kaduna. Speaking, Kaduna State Peace Commission representative, Didam Bobby Swam, expanded that activities line up for the September 21st 2023 international day of Peace, includes IDPs education at Maraban rido concert, football March final, symposium, cultural dancer. . . . Stakeholders in attendants includes Action Aid, Kaduna Network for Peace, Doma Peace Devt. IMC- host, CIPP structures, religious leaders. Christian and Muslims among others.

NIGERIA, KANO: Kano state government is planning big for this year’s International Peace Day holding on September 21. The state Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Baba Halilu Dantiye has also reiterated Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s determination towards ensuring peace, order, and security of lives and property of residents in the state. Dantiye made this known when he received members of the Committee for International Peace Day and launch of Peace Magazine headed by the Managing Director of Radio Kano, Comrade Hisham Habib.

REUNION: Festival for Peace from September 22 to 24, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Verger de Mahavel at Ravine des Cabris. Every year, around the world, we celebrate the International Day of Peace on September 21. It is within the framework of this day that Zétinsèl is organizing its first edition in Reunion this year. It will be celebrated in the form of a Festival from September 22 to 24, 2023 at the Verger de Mahavel.

SEYCHELLES UNIVERSITY: The International Day of Peace Committee (Seychelles) has organized two events September 21 under the United Nations’ chosen theme: ‘Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals.”
1) “My Sustainable Tree” Planting Venue: Playing Field, Mont Fleuri
2) Peace Day Ceremony. Venue: Peace Park, Victoria

SEYCHELLES ISIS: The International School Seychelles (ISS) came alive with the spirit of unity and peace as students and staff enthusiastically celebrated International Peace Day. Primary activities: As the sun rose on this special day, primary pupils wrote a peace message on a heart-shaped template and lovingly affixed it to a vibrant peace banner, which adorned the school’s lobby. . . .Year 3 and Year 4 students showcased their musical talents by learning and performing ‘Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream’ by Simon and Garfunkel. . . . The grand culmination of the primary activities was when the entire school gathered in the main play area, each class assembled with a letter drawn to spell out ‘Peace Day’. Secondary activities: The secondary students at ISS engaged in creative activities that reflected their commitment to peace. They crafted beautiful peace doves, symbolising hope and unity. Additionally, they created intricate paper plate wreaths, showcasing their artistic talents while embodying the spirit of harmony.

SIERRA LEONE-ICPC: In commemorations of the World Peace Day, the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) in partnership with Talking Drum Studio, UNESCO and Agiamondo has on Thursday 21st September 2023 commemorated the World Peace Day, with the theme: “Action for Peace; Our Ambition for the Global Goals, Ensuring the Right”

SIERRA LEONE – CARITAS: In his message to mark the International Day of Peace, the Executive Director of Caritas Freetown commended Sierra Leoneans for recovering from the ravages of civil war, noting that the West African nation has a room for maneuver to ensure lasting cohesion. In a message sent to ACI Africa on Thursday, September 21, when the entire world observed Peace Day, Father Peter Konteh said the commemoration was particularly important for Sierra Leone, which experienced a 20-year civil war. 11 years which ended in 2002, leaving behind much destruction. He adds: “While progress has been made in healing, justice and reconciliation after the war, challenges remain. It is essential to tackle poverty, inequality and governance issues, to promote a inclusive development and encourage social cohesion to ensure lasting peace.” In his message, the clergyman from the Archdiocese of Freetown highlights the need for continued efforts “to build a future where peace and stability are firmly established, allowing Sierra Leone and its people to prosper.”

SOUTH SUDAN, JUBA: Stirring speeches and cultural performances were aplenty as South Sudan marked International Day of Peace at the Nyakuron Cultural Center in the capital city, Juba, in the presence of communities, government officials, and international partners. Click here for the video.

SOUTH SUDAN-UNMISS: In the bustling capital of South Sudan, a symphony of voices converged, setting the stage for this year’s commemoration of the International Day of Peace. . . . Organized by the Central Equatoria State’s Ministry of Peace Building in collaboration with the Community Outreach and Advocacy Unit of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, the forum was attended by state Minister of Peacebuilding, Francis Gerald, religious leaders, academia, civil society, state government officials, businessmen, students, the media, and senior representatives from the UN Peacekeeping mission. Speaking at the event, Professor Julia Duany, an educator from the University of Juba’s College of Education, called on South Sudanese citizens to embrace a shared national identity. . . Reverend Martin Ocaya, the Coordinator of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Diocese in Juba, added his voice to this chorus of hope, underscoring the pivotal role played by faith-based groups in South Sudan’s journey towards peace, advocating for a method rooted in inclusivity, consultation, and grassroots engagement.

TANZANIA: Zanzibar Peace,Truth & Transparency Association. INTERNATIONAL WORLD PEACE DAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2023. Our actions support the values of True Culture of Peace (Positive Peace), possible to achieve the level of trust, and cooperation, Empowerment and Poverty reduction in Zanzibar Community and Tanzania.

TOGO WILPF: Each year, September 21 is celebrated as the International Day of Peace. The Togolese section of WILPF commemorated September 21, this day by declaiming poems in favor of peace. It was in the conference room of the national commission to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Lomé. Several members of this association therefore read various poems in order to call on the world to safeguard this rare commodity that is peace.

TOGO, DAPAONG: The celebration of the International Day of Peace was marked by the animation of socio-cultural events in support of municipal and regional initiatives for social cohesion and peace. It is an awareness caravan and a football match coupled with the presentation of honorary prizes. . . . The participants in this celebration started this demonstration with a caravan in the arteries of the town of Dapaong. On motorcycles and cars, dressed in t-shirts, equipped with banners and accompanied by a brass band, they drew the attention of the populations to the merits of peace, living together and social cohesion without which there is no development. This caravan went to the municipal field of Dapaong, where a gala football match pitted the team – made up of members of the project team and CSOs – and that of the media from the Savanes region.

TOGO-UNIC: The whole world celebrated World Peace Day on September 21, 2023, with the theme: “Action in favor of peace: our ambitions for the Global Goals”. To mark this edition in Togo, the United Nations Information Center (UNIC-Togo) organized a public health activity in collaboration with the neighborhood development committees (CDQ) of the tokoin Tame, Wuiti and Aviation districts in the Gulf 2 commune.

UGANDA: Video September 21.·Kangulumira Kayunga district Uganda feast day, International Cities of Peace.

***** MONTESSORI *****

In addition to the events listed above, there were 14 new events in Africa to celebrate the International Day of Peace on the website of the Montessori Schools, i.e. events that were not listed last year:

Namibia : Walvis Bay
South Africa : Cape Town (2), Eastern Cape, Gonubie, Johannesburg, Northern Cape, Pretoria (2), Radioikop, Senekai, Western Cape (2)
Reunion: Saint-Andre

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Asia and Pacific: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .

A survey by CPNN

We have found 82 events in 16 Asian and Pacific countries. They were listed in Google during the weeks of September 17-28 this year under the key words “International day of peace”, “Peace Day”, 国际和平日 (Chinese) 国際平和デ (Japanese) and अंतर्राष्ट्रीय शांति दिवस (Hindi, new this year). No doubt there were also events listed on the Internet in languages other than those for which we searched.

In addition to these, there are about 140 events listed on the maps of One Day One Choir and Montessori schools singing for peace, but, with the exception of 14 Montessori schools listed here that sang for the first time this year, there is no indication which took place this year and which took place only in previous years.


Fukuyama City, Japan, dedicated calligraphy for peace

Here are excerpts from the articles.

AUSTRALIA

BRISBANE: On the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Association of Australia Queensland and St John’s Cathedral Brisbane are proud to present International Day of Peace 2023. . . This year’s event will be a celebration of local agents of peace, and will feature a lecture to be delivered by Craig Foster AM: Human Rights Activist, Agent for Peace, Former Socceroo, Broadcaster, Adjunct Professor, Author. Craig is a tireless campaigner for refugee and humanitarian rights, and uses his platform and the power of sport to advocate for the fair treatment of all.

COWRA: Cowra’s Peace Day Program will be held on Tuesday 19 September 2023 and includes: Cowra Community World Peace Bell Ceremony, Cowra Youth Peace Forum and Cowra Peace Day Dinner. Alongside this year’s exciting program of events, Cowra Council is collaborating with the Cowra Youth Council and World Peace Bell Association to hold a Peace Day Public Speaking Competition for school students. Local primary school students have also been invited to take part in the Postcards for Peace project, where their messages of peace will be sent to the United Nations Secretary General.

MELBOURNE: Join us for a special silent UN Peace Day online vigil and offer your peaceful thoughts, intentions, meditations and prayers.There will be three intentions around peace (7:30 – 7:40am), hope (7:40 – 7:50am), and compassion (7:50 – 8:00am), held around a beautiful visual of our world with gentle music. Whether you come for 3 minutes or for the full half an hour, it would be lovely to have your contribution to a wave of peace for the day rippling across our world.

MONASH: Join the Women’s Federation for World Peace for the UN International Day of Peace Conference at Mount Waverley Community Centre on Saturday 16 September, 10am to 4pm. The seminar is part of an interactive series developed by the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) and the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) based on the research of Dr John Bellavance’s 12 Pillars of Meaning and Connection Course Syllabus. The series fosters the values and abilities that underpin personal growth and positive relationships.

SYDNEY: Join us for a candle pouring workshop with CandleXchange to celebrate this International Day of Peace.
When: 8am Thursday 21 September 2023
Where: Tower 3 South Lobby, International Towers
To book a candle pouring session please click below to sign in to the Partner Portal, and click “Book now”.

BANGLADESH

DHAKA: The United Nations-declared ‘World Peace Day-2023’ was celebrated in the capital Dhaka with colorful arrangements. JMI Group, one of the leading companies in the pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturing sector of the country, celebrated the day with due dignity like every year, keeping the theme of “ACTIONS FOR PEACE – Our Ambition for the #Globalgoals” with the objective to establish united peace. On this occasion, the Founder and Managing Director of JMI Group Md. Abdur Razzaq announced the inauguration of the World Peace Day parade by flying balloons and white doves as a symbol of peace in front of the “Shantir Stomvo – Pillar of Peace” established at the Curzon Hall of Dhaka University on Thursday.

EASTWEST UNIVERSITY : Similar to past years, the Department of Information Studies, in collaboration with Dr. S. R. Lasker Library will commemorate “International Day of Peace 2023” on 21 September 2023. In honor of the occasion, we’ll disseminate a range of topics tied to this year’s theme via our social media channels, raising awareness within our university community about the vital role of peace in our existence.

NORTHSOUTH UNIVERSITY: The Centre for Peace Studies of the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance on Thursday collaborated with the office of external affairs at North South University to commemorate the International Day of Peace.

UN IN BANGLADESH: The United Nations in Bangladesh has teamed up with influencers and the Bangladesh Community Radio Association to mark the International Day of Peace, stated a press release. On 21 and 22 September, 19 community radio stations reaching 28 districts across Bangladesh will broadcast inspiring messages on the link about peace and sustainable development. The messages were recorded by the UN resident coordinator’s office and feature various voices from Bangladesh including educational platform 10 Minute School teacher Sakib Rashid, cricketer Jahanara Alam, ActionAid country director Farah Kabir, Bangladesh Adivasi Forum general secretary Sanjeeb Drong and development coordination officer at the UN RCO Halima Neyamat.

BHUTAN

THIMPHU:The resilient Rover scouts of the Faculty of Traditional Medicine gracefully celebrated the International Day of Peace on 21st September with an act performance fostering sensitization on the emerging issues of LGBT stigma and Drug abuse. Along with the act a short advocacy on climate action was presented. Coinciding with the day, scarf ceremony for the new Rover scout members were also conducted. May peace and prosperity prevail globally. Happy International Peace Day.

CAMBODIA

CAMBODIAN PRIME MINISTER: Prime Minister Hun Manet released a statement marking the International Day of Peace. “On behalf of the Cambodian government, I congratulate and join the international community in observing this occasion, and raising awareness of the precious value of peace. I reiterate the strong will of the Cambodian people to protect and join in building peace and stability in the country, regionally and globally, in a sustainable manner,” he said.

PHNOM PENH: Minister of Cults and Religions Chay Borin instructed all municipal and provincial departments to cooperate with the chief monks and religious leaders to organise a Buddha teaching event at pagodas, spreading compassion to all people on the 21st International Day of Peace. “The capital and provincial departments of cults and religions are instructed to collaborate with chief monks and religious leaders to celebrate the 21st International Day of Peace. They are to conduct Buddhist functions in pagodas, spreading Buddha’s teachings to promote compassion among humans and call for global peace,” announced the ministry in a September 15 statement. “All pagodas must raise national flags, religious flags, banners, slogans and coloured lights to celebrate this day,” the ministry said.

CHINA

BEIJING: On International Peace Day this year, Western Academy of Beijing is offering students across the whole school the opportunity to learn the many different ways we can make a difference and work towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of the highlights of the day will be the leading role student clubs will be taking in running workshops on the day for other students. Throughout the day, students from High School, Middle School, and Elementary School will participate in a variety of workshops and activities centered around the theme of “promoting peace in ourselves, the community, and the world”. Over 20 community partners will be welcomed on campus to deliver spark talks. During these short talks, they will discuss their organization’s missions, goals, background stories, and inspirations. The purpose is to share the amazing work they are doing to further SDG goals as well as motivate our students by sharing what inspired them to “make a difference”.

MACAO: The first “World Bay Area Chorus Bridge” program specially invited the top youth choirs from the two major bay areas in China and the United States – the Guangdong Experimental Middle School Choir from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the New York Youth Chorus from the New York Bay Area to sing through the “cloud” for the first time. Chorus” and jointly performed the original theme song “Wish to Walk on the Sea” .The song “Wish to Walk on the Sea” was composed by Chen Si’ang, a young Guangdong composer and associate professor of the Composition Department of Xinghai Conservatory of Music. The lyrics were written by young lyricist Chen Yang. It was performed with two major choirs and took half a year to create. The energetic lyrics and music are full of fairy tale colors and express the good wishes of world peace.

NANJING: September 21st is the International Day of Peace. Nearly 300 foreign students from 34 countries around the world gathered at the Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by the Japanese Invaders to get closer to history and pray for peace. Nearly 300 international students pray for peace. The international students come from 34 countries including Egypt, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Belarus, India, Jordan, and Vietnam. They are currently studying at universities in Nanjing such as Southeast University, Hohai University, and Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology. Some of them are international volunteers of the Memorial Hall Zijincao. .

INDIA

ALMORA: International Peace Day was celebrated with enthusiasm at Maharishi Vidya Mandir, Paparshaili, Almora. The chief guest of this program was Advocate Bhavna Joshi Bar Association, Almora and Mahila Samiti, Almora (Vice President). The students of the school presented a song of world peace and presented a short drama explaining the importance of collective transcendental meditation. Peace Volunteers Vandana Tiwari and Aditya Negi talked about the Transcendental Meditation inspired by Maharishi Ji and their responsibilities and inspired all the people to do Transcendental Meditation and Siddhi program regularly, The program was concluded with distribution of Prasad.

ASANSOL: International Peace Day was celebrated on Thursday at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Do Mohani Railway Colony, Asansol. A large number of students including all the Bharat Scout Guide teachers and female teachers of the school participated in the program organized under this. At the beginning of the program, school in-charge Principal Sanjay Narayan shared his thoughts with everyone, after that school student Arpita Sharma gave a speech and class V student Rishita Das presented a very beautiful poem in front of everyone. All the students and teachers associated with the Scout Guide Movement took out a Prabhat Pheri from the school premises to create awareness among the people through slogans and tried to create awareness among the people to establish peace.

ASSAM: International Peace Day was celebrated at The Assam Royal Global University today, by the University Peace Club. Rev Father Clement Raj Kumar, Former Vice-Principal, St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, the Speaker for the day, joined Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr) S. P. Singh in disseminating the message of peace, non-violence, and ceasefire.

AZAMGARH: .International Peace Day was organized on Thursday at Mokima Biwi Hall of Shibli National College. . . . Dr BK Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, who organized the program, said that peace and brotherhood should prevail in the country and the world. Our country India has always wished for world peace since ancient times and has always maintained world brotherhood, . . . In the program, former Head of Hindi Department, Professor Altaf Ahmed, Shagufta Khanum, Shaheen Bano, Dr. Javed Ahmed, Dr. Anita Rai, Mohammad Adam, Rajlakshmi Jaiswal, Shivangini Gupta, Sumaiya Parveen, Nidhi Yadav, Aakriti Chauhan, Rashid Khan, Suraj Kumar Yadav, Sarvesh Maurya, Sujeet Kumar, Praveen Kumar Anand, Tooba, Hina Akmal Shaikh Anushka Singh Mohammad Atif Sneha Gupta Alishba and all the students and teachers were present.

GONDPUR BULLAN: Nehru Yuva Kendra Una organized a program under the Meri Mati Mera Desh Swachhta Hi Seva and Nutrition Awareness Campaign dedicated to International Peace Day in Gram Panchayat Gondpur Bullan. . . . On this occasion, District Program Manager of National Rural Livelihood Mission Jyoti Sharma, Akash Bhardwaj from Nehru Yuva Kendra and Master Trainer Surbhi Sharma, Principal Neha Dutta, Anita and others were present.

GURUGRAM: International Peace Day and World Gratitude Day were celebrated with the courtesy of Sweat and Manthan Club of Dronacharya Post Graduate College, Raith. The program was started by BBA Department Head Mukesh Sharma. He welcomed Executive Director Dr. Balbinder Singh Pathania as a resource person.

JAMSHEDPUR: A leading private school of the city, Narbheram Hansraj English School (NHES), observed the International Peace Day (IPD) here on Thursday in partnership with the Times of India. . . Keeping in line with this year’s theme of IPD ‘Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for Global Goal’, the NHES organised an intra-school festival named Serenity-Samanam — an array of events revolving around peace.

MEDININAGAR: Unemployed Sangharsh Morcha organized a symposium on International Peace Day. It was presided over by Morcha President Ram and conducted by Sanjay Kumar. Morcha President Uday Ram said that the United Nations had started celebrating International Peace Day in 1981.

PRESIDIUM SCHOOLS: With a mission to give rise to conscientious global citizens with granules of peace, harmony, empathy, and non-violence ingrained in them, Presidium organized a special assembly on the occasion of International Day of Peace. The students celebrated the Day with an informative narration of quotes on peace by well-known preachers of non-violence like Nelson Mandela and Dalai Lama and highlighted the theme of this year, “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world.” Presidians also shared their ideas of what peace means with powerful speeches. The assembly ended with the students taking on messengers’ roles of peace and pledging to spread love and harmony in the world.

PUNE: Ahead of 21st September which is globally recognized as International Peace Day, residents of Kalyani Nagar in Pune have called for a day of unity and ceasefire.

RAMGARH: On the occasion of International Peace Day, an oath ceremony was organized by the Lions Club Bhurkunda on Thursday in the premises of E’La Anglais School, Bhurkunda. In which students from first class to eighth class of the school were present. . . . On the occasion, Mala Sharma, President of Lions Club Bhurkunda said that in today’s era, we all should follow life with peace and should always help our nature and the helpless people around us. If we are useful to even one person in our life then it will definitely be a definite initiative in the betterment of humanity. Said that human welfare and progress can be possible only through peace in the world.

SAMASTIPUR: Samastipur Kendriya Vidyalaya program was organized on Thursday on the occasion of International Peace Day. On the occasion, students of the school’s Scouts and Guides participated in full costumes. The children gave the message of world peace by shouting slogans and holding pictures of great men who were messengers of peace. Sanskrit teacher Anil Kumar Gupta recited peace song and peace mantra by the students. On this occasion, school principal Shripati Ram told the children in detail about International Peace Day

SINDHAULI: On the occasion of International Peace Day, at MA Public School located at Mudiya Mod in the area, teachers expressed their views and congratulated International Peace Day. School Manager Mohammad Asif Ali Mansoori, while addressing the seminar, said that in order to maintain peace in the world, all the teachers, elite citizens and enlightened people should keep spreading inspirational words to the people around them. The elected members of the world should come together on the world stage and brainstorm extensively for the pursuit of peace. Keeping away from communal tensions based on religion-caste, high-ranking, untouchability, we should prepare a plan for the welfare of all mankind.

SURAJGARH: A meeting was organized under the chairmanship of Dharampal Gandhi to celebrate International Peace Day at Gandhi Agricultural Farm Surajgarh. . . India has always shown the world the path of peace. The principles of Mahatma Buddha and the path of truth, non-violence and justice of Mahatma Gandhi have taught human society how to achieve its objectives peacefully even in situations of conflict. This path has been paved. This peaceful conduct has always been visible in the behavior of Indian policy makers. The country’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru also gave the message of peace to the world through the Panchsheel principle. With everyone’s consent in the meeting, it was decided to give the message of peace to the world through yoga, music and prayer.

JAPAN

FUJI CITY: Ahead of the International Day of Peace, elementary school students in Fuji City rang the bell on the roof of City Hall in hopes of peace. . . . At the outset, Mayor Yoshimasa Konagai announced that Fuji City, as a “city that has declared peace and abolished nuclear weapons,” aims for a world free of nuclear weapons.Next, two children gave presentations about peace, and one of them, Akari Sunagawa, said, “I think peace will come if everyone is considerate, follows rules, and is kind to others.” Afterwards, three children’s representatives rang a bell together with the mayor at a special observatory to pray for peace.

FUKUYAMA CITY: The calligraphy club of Seinokan High School in Kinosho-cho, Fukuyama City dedicated calligraphy filled with thoughts of peace to Bingo Gokoku Shrine (Marunouchi, Fukuyama City). An initiative commemorating the United Nations’ International Day of Peace.

HAMADA CITY: Before the International Day of Peace (21st), six calligraphy clubs of Hamada High School and Gotsu High School wrote up and dedicated peace letters and four-character idioms at Hamada Gokoku Shrine in Tono-cho, Hamada City on September 16th.

HOKUTO: Today, September 21st, is a day designated by the United Nations as the Day of Nonviolence and World Ceasefire, which calls on countries and peoples around the world to cease hostilities. Our Hokuto UFC 4th year students and above participated in an event with a soccer match held at the Ikoinomori Community Park in Akeno-cho, Hokuto City. . . A bonfire event was also held, where participants wrote down their thoughts for peace. As the sun began to set, the atmosphere at the venue suddenly became magical as the members of the Hokuto High School guitar club performed wonderfully. And then there was the spectacular performance by the Hokuto High School calligraphy club

Question for this article

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



Samastipur, India

(Survey continued from left column)

HYODOSAN: The Mt. Hyodo Peace Bell will be rung at noon to coincide with the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, which calls for an end to conflicts around the world. Anyone can join.

KANAZAWA: At a shrine in Kanazawa, high school students and others dedicated books praying for world peace. This ceremony is held simultaneously at Gokoku Shrines and other locations across the country to coincide with the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. Calligrapher Toyohisa Abe created two calligraphies to accompany the flute performance. This year, the calligraphy club of Japan Airlines High School Ishikawa wrote calligraphy.

KOBOJI TEMPLE: On September 21st (Thursday), which is International Peace Day, we will hold a special International Peace Day Goma Prayer Puja and International Peace Day Mini Concert at Koboji Temple.

KUNAMOTO: Eleven members of our school’s calligraphy club participated in the 7th September 21st World Peace Prayer Dedicatory Calligraphy. In commemoration of September 21st, the International Day of Peace designated by the United Nations, these festivals are held mainly at Gokoku Shrines across the country. Although the preparation period was short, we were able to come up with the words, paper decorations, sound source, etc. and write them ourselves. Continuing from last year, we had the cooperation of the Kumamoto Prefecture Junior Chamber, and we were able to proceed with the meeting without any problems. Parents were also able to watch the event, and they were happy that it was a good opportunity.

KYOTO: Kyoto Bunkyo Jr. College Elementary School. Tomorrow is the International Day of Peace. We spent time wishing for peace and thinking about peace through talks by the Educational Volunteer Team and the principal. Through studying the SDGs, I would like to continue to look at the world and think about what we can do with a kind heart.

MATSUMOTO CITY: On the 19th, the calligraphy club of Matsumoto Misugaoka High School performed a dedicatory calligraphy at the Prefectural Gokoku Shrine in Misusu, Matsumoto City, in conjunction with the United Nations International Day of Peace (21st). Under the sunny autumn sky, five second-year club members said words such as “Japanese style Keiun” (Japanese-style Keiun), which refers to people with a gentle personality, and prayed for world peace.

MIE PREFECTURE: Bridge International Co., Ltd. will hold “World Peace Festival 2023” on September 23rd at Tsu Country Club in Mie Prefecture. This event is held in conjunction with September 21st, the International Day of Peace, and is an event where you can have fun and think about peace and happiness in the open atmosphere of a golf course.

MIHARA: September 21st is International Day of Peace. This day is designated as World Day of Armistice and Nonviolence. On this International Day of Peace, Radio FM Mihara will be presenting a special program titled “Hoko Nakaoka’s Atomic Bomb Survivor’s Experience.” This is the personal experience of Hoko Nakaoka, who arrived in Hiroshima as an apprentice nurse shortly after the atomic bomb was dropped on August 6, 1945. Hoko Nakaoka, now 94 years old, will talk about what she experienced and saw with her own eyes in Hiroshima immediately after the atomic bomb was dropped. These are the words of the person who experienced it. This is valuable historical testimony. I hope you will listen to it.

MORIOKA CITY: In conjunction with the International Day of Peace on the 21st, high school students in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, dedicated a calligraphy containing their wishes for peace to a shrine. This event was planned by “Wa Project TAISHI,” which engages in peace activities through calligraphy, and 50 high school calligraphy clubs across the country are participating. Eight members of Morioka 2’s calligraphy club participated from within the prefecture, and they wrote each letter powerfully, one stroke at a time, on a piece of paper measuring 1.6 meters in length and 3 meters in width. The words he wrote are “Taihei Tenka.” It contains the hope that the world will be in peace and that everyone will be able to smile.　The work will be displayed inside the main building of Iwate Gokoku Shrine.

NAGASAKI: Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum Circular Pavilion. Exhibition of works wishing for peace. The municipal nursery school and certified children’s garden will conduct peace learning and display the feelings for peace felt there as works.

NAGOYA: On the 17th, local high school students dedicated a calligraphic message praying for world peace at Gokoku Shrine in Nagoya. The event was planned by a Nagoya-based organization called “Wa Project TAISHI,” which dedicates calligraphy to 51 locations around the country, including Gokoku Shrine and Peace Parks in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, every year on International Day of Peace. 14 calligraphy club members from Aichi Commercial High School participated in the event in Nagoya. I used a brush to fill a sheet of paper approximately 3 meters square. The message written by the club members is “heart of love.” He appealed for world peace and harmony. “We performed this performance with the feeling that we wish for peace in the world with a heart of love, for peace now and peace in the future.” (Aichi Commercial High School Calligraphy Club Director Hise Kanamori)

NIGATA: On September 21st, the International Day of Peace designated by the United Nations, an event was held at Gokoku Shrine in Niigata City’s Chuo Ward to write messages of peace with calligraphy. Calligraphers and high school students from across the prefecture prayed for world peace by powerfully inscribing words such as “Eternal Peace” on large sheets of paper.

NUMATA: Eight second-year students from Numata High School’s calligraphy club performed calligraphy at Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine. Ahead of September 21st, the International Day of Peace designated by the United Nations, I wrote a message wishing for peace on a piece of paper measuring 2 meters high and 1 meter wide. This event is sponsored by an organization that spreads peace through calligraphy, and by September 28th, 50 high school calligraphy clubs across the country will deliver their works to shrines around the country.

OKINAWA: On the 21st, the International Day of Peace designated by the United Nations, six students from Oroku High School’s calligraphy club expressed their feelings for peace in calligraphy in Naha City. The words written on the paper, which is 4 meters long and 5 meters wide, include “Keep smiling forever” and “Lucky comes to the door that smiles.” He chose this because he believed that peace begins with a smile.

OMOTEMACHI: 9/21 (Thursday) International Day of Peace. The Peace Parade is celebrating its 50th anniversary✨The parade was started by Mr. Ohashi. . . Everyone will parade through Omotemachi while praying for peace for people living around the world. If you have time, please come to Ishiyama Park at 15:00 ✨There is no politics, religion, or ideology, just a gathering to simply love and pray for peace. Let’s spread prayers of peace from Okayama✨

OSAKA: Festival / MATSURI Festival in Osaka Expo Commemorative Park / Bell-ringing ceremony to protect the United Nations Peace Bell September 21st (Thursday) “International Day of Peace”.A new type of festival where you can listen to the peace bell and pray for peace through the sound together with many people.

TAKASAKI CITY: Ahead of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace on the 21st of this month, high school students dedicated calligraphy works to pray for world peace at Gokoku Shrine in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. At the venue, three students from Maebashi Nishi High School’s calligraphy club waved their brushes in prayer for world peace. The three people wrote the four words, “Taihei,” with each stroke they wrote, expressing their desire for peace. It was stored on a sheet of paper 5 meters wide. In addition, before the dedication by the three high school students, soprano singer Yumie Shinagawa from Takasaki City and chanson singer Shintaro Nakano from Kanra Town performed four songs wishing for peace.

TAKAYAMA: On the 21st, which is the International Day of Peace designated by the United Nations, Rakugan, a Japanese confectionery shop in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, handed out rakugan in the shape of the character “wa” to customers. This day was also “Takayama City Peace Day,” and they casually conveyed their wish for peace to tourists and local guests. . . . This year, we have about 200 heart-shaped rakugan and 3-piece sets. For three days until the 21st, we handed them out at stores along with pieces of paper announcing Peace Day. Her wife Tomiko (62) said, “I hope this day becomes a day where everyone becomes conscious of world peace once again.” Takayama City has also been handing out Japanese rakugan for free every year since 2013, when it designated Peace Day. On this day, in front of City Hall, Mayor Akira Tanaka and other city officials read out the Peace City Declaration and then struck the gong of the Bonds for Peace monument with a wooden mallet. 

TOKYO FILM FESTIVAL: The UNITED FOR PEACE FILM FESTIVAL (UFPFF) is a short film festival for students with the themes of “peace” and “SDGs” held every year in conjunction with Peace Day, and this will be the 13th time . This year, for the first time , the event will be co-sponsored with PEACE DAY, a general incorporated foundation , and will be held from September 15th (Friday) to September 21st (Thursday) at Human Trust Cinema Shibuya in Tokyo, starting September 18th (Monday/holiday). It will be held as one of the main actions of “PEACE DAY WEEK”. Part 1, the PEACE DAY special program, will feature a historical dialogue between two Nobel Peace Prize winners, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, titled Mission Joy, which is scheduled to be released in theaters in January. The second part of the International Peace Film Festival (UFPFF) 2023 will feature screenings of this year’s 10 finalists, a judging panel, and an award ceremony.

TOKYO YOYOGI: 　PEACE DAY2023@Yoyogi Park, an outdoor festival held at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo on Peace Day (September 21st), will feature singers Yo Yoyogi and AI, as well as children with hearing and visual disabilities. The White Hand Chorus NIPPON choir will perform. The artistic director of this choir is Erica Colon, a soprano singer from Venezuela.　The choir consists of a “voice corps” made up of visually impaired children and a “sign corps” made up of deaf children who express their “songs” through body language and facial expressions. “I want to express a world of joy and freedom that connects divided things,” says Colon. While working to popularize El Sistema, a music education program that originated in Venezuela, in Japan, she came across the White Hand Chorus. El Sistema was started in 1975 to raise the self-esteem and sociability of children against the backdrop of poverty and drug crime.

UNIQLO COMPANY: September 21st is International Peace Day. Uniqlo’s charity T-shirt project “PEACE FOR ALL”, which prays for a peaceful future where all people can live in peace, has exceeded 690 million yen in donations.　To date, PEACE FOR ALL has received volunteer participation from collaborators with ties to UNIQLO, including architect Tadao Ando, ​​novelist Haruki Murakami, film director Wim Wenders, and artist KAWS. All profits (equivalent to 20% of the sales amount per shirt) will be donated to three organizations: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) , Save the Children, and Plan International) through their respective Japan contact points.

UTSUNOMIYA: Ahead of the 21st International Day of Peace designated by the United Nations, the Sakushin Gakuin High School Calligraphy Club performed a dedication calligraphy to pray for peace on the 18th at Gokoku Shrine in Yozai-cho, Utsunomiya City. 10 first and second year students participated. Wearing a hakama and wielding a large brush, they wrote messages such as “peace” and prayers for peace on a piece of paper 3.5 meters long and 4 meters wide. “The world is unstable, including the war in Ukraine. I prayed for peace for everyone,” said Kenta Kitsunezuka, 16.

YANAGAWA: September 21st every year is the International Day of Peace, commonly known as Peace Day, designated by the United Nations. In Yanagawa City, a Koppori concert and a Wish Tree workshop will be held at Shintomachi Ryokuchi Hiroba, a place associated with Yoko Ono.

MALAYSIA

TERENGGANU: Let’s join our International Day of Peace Run 2023 – Terengganu! 4Km or 8 Km. RACE PACK COLLECTION
Date: 8 September 2023 (Friday)
Time: 10am to 5pm
Venue: Kompleks Sukan Negeri Terengganu

NEPAL

NEPAL: Nepal has marked the International Day of Peace since 2002 by organizing several activities. On the occasion today, various organizations, including Human Rights and Peace Society (HURPES) and The Story Kitchen (TSK) are hosting programes to assert global peace.

KATHMANDU: The Human Rights and Peace Society (HURPES), Kathmandu has staged a sit-in in front of the Bouddhanath Stupa, a world heritage site, wishing for the prevail of sustainable peace. The protest has been launched to create an atmosphere to maintain peace in Nepal for world peace on the occasion of the International Day of Peace, said Bhagawan Pudasaini, the Society, Kathmandu President. The program was attended by over five dozen of activists working for human rights and peace. The participants called for maintaining peace in the country with placards in their hands. People from various walks of life including the Society’s former presidents Uttam Pudasaini and Homkanta Chaulagain, former chair of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-6 Dipendra Lama, former chair of Gokarnesheor Municipality-6 Ramesh Aryal and the municipality-8 chair Manoj Kumar Dhungana participated in the protest.

NEPAL ROTARY: The Rotaract Club of Pashupati-Kathmandu cordially invites you to our heartfelt event, the Peace Lantern Lighting Ceremony. Join us on September 21, 2023, at Dasharath Stadium, Kathmandu.

NEW ZEALAND

AOTEAROA: Peace Movement Aotearoa. Tomorrow on International #PeaceDay, join our lunchtime ‘Election 2023: Let’s get disarmament on the agenda!’ forum to discuss party positions on: • disarmament and arms control policy • space launches • military spending • use of explosive weapons in populated areas • women, peace and security agenda • climate change and military activity • autonomous weapon systems • AUKUS

PAKISTAN

HYDERABAD: The Department of Social Work, University of Sindh Jamshoro orchestrated an enlightening seminar on the occasion of International Peace Day, being observed every year globally. The event unfolded at the Local Hotel Hyderabad, with a primary objective of stimulating dialogues and awareness concerning the paramount importance of peace in contemporary society. . . . The event reached its zenith with the closing remarks delivered by the chief guest renowned social activist and senior civil citizen advocate Om Parkash who shared his invaluable insights on the imperative task of nurturing peace and unity within society.

PHILIPPINES

VISAYAS: International Day of Peace 2023 – Boy Scouts of the Philippines Western Visayas Region. I am Scouter Dulce Canata of Iloilo Confesor Council and this International Day of Peace, September 21, 2023, I am with the Boy Scouts of the Philippines Western Visayas Region as we proudly join the global movement as Messenger of Peace.

SOLOMON ISLANDS

SOLOMON ISLANDS: The Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs each year marked and celebrated International Peace Day (IPD) and this year 2023 Ministry is celebrating on the theme “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #Global Goals”. In a statement marking the IPD Minister Hon Samuel Manetoali thanked the Ministry and its peace-building stakeholders for the commitments and effort rendered forwards maintaining sustainable, peace and unity in the country. . . . Permanent Secretary Peter Mae also thanked and acknowledged Ministry staff for their continuous efforts and commitments in delivering peace-building programs and activities in the Country. . . . Due to financial constrain, the IPD was marked and celebrated at the Ministry head office with food and cutting of IPD cake.

SOUTH KOREA

KYUNG HEE: In celebration of the 42nd United Nations International Day of Peace, Kyung Hee University System is holding its annual Peace BAR Festival (PBF) on Sept. 21. To commemorate the UN’s seminal day, the annual PBF discussion sessions will take place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., deliberating how to create a new path for a transitional civilization.

THAILAND

BANGKOK UNPKFC: This is the 7th year celebrating the UN International Day of Peace by the United Peace Keepers Federal Council. At this free event, there will be a host of activities and reflections on the 2023 theme, Actions for Peace. After the delivery of the peace messages, there will be a gathering around the Peace Pole – a symbol of hope for Bay Area communities and peace on Earth for the global family.

BANGKOK INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: This year, the theme of the United Nations International Day of Peace is “Actions for Peace”. One of the themes of our International School Bangkok (ISB) Peace Day Assembly on September 20th will be the concept of sustainability as an action for peace. The elementary students will lead the singing of “The Three R’s” by Jack Johnson. They have been working on it in music class and would be happy to teach you the three movements for “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”. Feel free to play the song in your classroom!

***** MONTESSORI *****

In addition to the events listed above, there were 14 new events in Asia-Pacific to celebrate the International Day of Peace on the website of the Montessori Schools, i.e. events that were not listed last year:

Australia: Bentleigh, Kensington, Melbourne
Cambodia: Phnom Penh
China: Liaoning
Laos: Vientiane
Malaysia: Puchong
New Zealand: Beachlands, Palmerston
Philippines: Angeles City (2), Nabuq Camarines, Silano Cavite
Thailand: Kalasin Khonkaen

East Asia, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, South Asia,

Arab and Middle Eastern States: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .

A survey by CPNN

The following 15 actions in 8 Arab and Middle Eastern countries were listed in Google during the week of September 17-28 this year under the key words “International day of peace” “peace day”, “journee internationale de la paix” and اليوم الدولي للسلام .

About 20 events are listed on the maps of One Day One Choir and Montessori schools singing for peace, but, except for one new entry shown below in United Arab Emirates, there is no indication which took place this year and which took place only in previous years.


Kurdistan Women’s Union in the city of Qamishlo, Syria

Here are excerpts from the articles.

ARAB LEAGUE: In a statement on Wednesday to mark the International Day of Peace that coincides with Sept. 21 each year, Arab League said this year celebration comes under the theme of: ‘Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the GlobalGoals’ within the framework of the United Nations’ call for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2023. The,statement added that this day offers a joint occasion for world peoples to organize events and carry out works that glorify the importance of peace and democracy through beneficial and realistic methods.

ISESCO: On the occasion of the world’s celebration of the International Day of Peace on September 21 every year, The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) called for concerted called on everyone to assume their individual and collective responsibilities to consolidate the values ​​of coexistence and civilizational dialogue, and to invest in cultural diversity in promoting peace. It also called for optimism and work to spread a culture of peace among all segments of society, and to raise the level of psychological support as an important tool for achieving social cohesion and enhancing the ability to withstand challenges. The organization praised the hard work and innovative initiatives implemented by ISESCO’s Young Ambassadors for Peace, who graduated from the ISESCO Leadership Training Program for Peace and Security, and belong to 50 countries from the Islamic world and beyond, where they are playing their roles to contribute to building more peaceful societies.

EGYPT

ALEXANDRIA: The Alexandria National Museum announced today that, on the occasion of the celebration of the International Day of Peace, the Scientific Research Department of the Alexandria National Museum, in cooperation with the “Long Live Egypt” Student Union, will organize an event entitled “Mental Health” presented by Dahab Ahmed, a specialist in psychological disorders and addiction. The event will be held in the lecture hall of the Alexandria National Museum. Next Wednesday at two o’clock in the afternoon.

CAIRO: On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, The Institute of Arab Manuscripts will hold a live lecture on its YouTube channel under the title: Linguistic and Literary Manifestations of Peace in Our Arab Heritage, delivered by Professor Dr. Nadia Al-Azzawi, on Thursday (September 21, 2023 AD). You can follow the live broadcast on this link

EGYPTIAN MUSEUMS:
The Museums Sector of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities celebrated the International Day of Peace, which falls on September 21 every year, under the title: “Peace does not flourish without planting its fruits. The museum sector said: “Today, the world celebrates the International Day of Peace, with the aim of promoting the ideals of peace, as peaceful coexistence is the strong rope that connects human societies and countries. Egypt’s history is full of establishing the values ​​of truth, justice, and tolerance. Since the dawn of history, all messages of goodness and peace have spread from its land, as many treaties were concluded between Egypt and the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Hittites, who followed a policy of peace to gain satisfaction from the Egyptian side. The Egyptian Museums Sector pointed out the most prominent and important peace treaties that Egypt concluded throughout its history, the first of which was in 1258 BC, with the signing of the Treaty of Kadesh between Egypt and the Hittites. It is considered the oldest and most important peace agreement known to humanity, as King Ramesses II signed it with his Hittite counterpart, Khatushili III. .

ISMAILIA : Today, Wednesday, Major General Yassin Taher, Governor of Ismailia, and a number of local leaders in the region witnessed the celebration held by the branch of the National Council for Women in the city of Ismailia, under the title: Women, Peacemakers, Together Against Terrorism, within the framework of celebrating the International Day of Peace.

SHARM EL SHEIKH: THE LEBANESE STAR, NANCY AJRAM , recently arrived in Sharm El-Sheikh, in preparation for her concert scheduled to be held there on the occasion of the International Day of Peace. Nancy had participated in the International Day of Peace campaign and published a video clip that had been published by the United Nations page on YouTube, during which she appeared directing her speech to spread peace alongside international artist Michael Douglas. NANCY AJRAM re -published the video on her page on the social networking site Twitter, commenting on it: “Before Peace Day, I was honored to add my voice to inspiring artists, community members, and peacekeepers in calling for peace.”

Question for this article

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



Women’s Institute for Development and Peace, Kuwait

(Survey continued from left column)

IRAQ

BERGHOF FOUNDATION: To mark this year’s Peace Day, the Berghof Foundation asked colleagues working on Iraq and Somalia to share why it is important to promote climate awareness for peace. Here is the video from Peshtiwan AlDawoudi, their local consultant in Iraq.

KUWAIT

MISHREF: The Women’s Institute for Development and Peace announced that Kuwait will host the eighth edition of the International Peace Day celebration on the 25th of this month under the slogan (Working for Peace… Our ambition to achieve global goals) and the first meeting of the Arab Women’s Network for Peace. The head of the Institute, Kawthar Al-Jawaan, said in a press conference today. On Tuesday, the Institute annually celebrates the International Day of Peace, which falls on the 21st of this month, as a confirmation of the Institute’s path and a choice of the nation’s approach towards peace and “the national role carried out by our good, peaceful people” and an affirmation of the message Kuwait carries towards the entire world, which is the message of peace and humanity.

LEBANON

UNAFIL: Uniformed peacekeepers from 49 different countries expressed their commitment to peace and stability as they celebrated the International Day of Peace today in Naqoura, southern Lebanon. The ceremony, which was hosted by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) at its headquarters, was attended by Lebanese political figures, including Deputy Speaker of Parliament Elias Bou Saab, representatives of local authorities, clerics, the Lebanese Armed Forces and security forces, as well as United Nations officials, from Among them are the United Nations Special Coordinator in Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, and members of the international community.

SOMALIA

BERGHOF FOUDATION: To mark this year’s Peace Day, the Berghof Foundation asked colleagues working on Iraq and Somalia to share why it is important to promote climate awareness for peace. Here is the video from Janel B. Galvanek, the Head of their Regional Peace Support Department.

SYRIA

QAMISHLO : On Friday, September 22, 2023, the office of the Kurdistan Women’s Union – Syria in the city of Qamishlo held a dialogue session on the occasion of the International Day of Peace. Civil society organizations and independent figures participated in the symposium. Arya Jumaa spoke about this international day, which is dedicated to “promoting peace and understanding between nations and peoples.” The attendees stressed the need to support efforts to end the war, which has caused great suffering to the people from “all conflicting parties,” and to end manifestations of violence and armament in Syria. Calling for work to “find a comprehensive and just political solution that satisfies all parties in Syria.”

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

ABU DHABI: Global Montessori Nursery joined Montessori schools all over the world to sing for peace on the International Day of Peace to light a candle for peace, for love, for life! 

DUBAI: Kindergarteners of JSSPS celebrated International Peace day with great zeal and zest to spread words and thoughts about peace. The learners had a special assembly on Peace, wherein they were enlightened about the importance of Peace day and sang a beautiful song.They enjoyed doing various craft activities on this special day. The learners of KG2 wrote personalized handwritten messages about peace on paper doves ,which they later hanged on a tree in the school garden.They all pledged to preach and spread peace, love and harmony with one and all.

YEMEN

ADEN:
In conjunction with the International Day of Peace, which the world celebrates as a dedicated day to promote the ideals of peace, the Aden Again Cultural Foundation, within its Cultural Forum project and with funding from the Cultural Attaché of the American Embassy to Yemen, held a poetry event entitled (Dialogue and Poem). The event was hosted by both poets: the poet and the writer Amr. Aqeel Al-Eryani, the writer Duaa Al-Ahdal, and the poet-engineer Naji Attiya. During the event, several topics were discussed, including poetry and its essence. During the event, the poets recited their poems that express the aspirations and desires of achieving peace. The event included interventions from the distinguished audience, which included poets, writers, and those interested in literature.

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, Mideast

United States and Canada: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .

A survey by CPNN

Here are 257 actions for the International Day of Peace located in 43 of the 50 United States, as well as 19 events in Canada in 6 provinces. In order to save space, only one event is given in detail for each state of the USA while internet links are provided for the others.

The events were listed in Google during the weeks of September 17-28 this year under the key words “International Day of Peace,” “peaceday” or “Journée Internationale de la Paix” or were listed on the following websites:
– Campaign Nonviolence
– International Cities of Peace Facebook

In addition to the above events, there were several hundred singing events listed on the websites of One Day One Choir and Montessori schools singing for peace, but it was not possible to distinguish events of 2023 from events in previous years, except for those Montessori schools that were new this year, as listed below.


PEACE DAY PHILLY

Here are excerpts from the articles.

* * * CANADA * * *

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER

“To be lasting, peace requires effort, ambition and dedication on the part of those who wish to leave a better future for future generations. Today, on the International Day of Peace , we highlight the importance of promoting a more peaceful and inclusive world and we renew our commitment to working with a range of partners around the world to build it. . . . In the face of significant global challenges, such as Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and its far-reaching repercussions, we continue to stand up for peace, democracy, human rights and of the rule of law. . . In accordance with our Feminist International Assistance Policy , we also continue to promote the full participation of women in peace and security operations, for example through the Elsie Initiative , led by Canada . On this International Day of Peace, I encourage Canadians and our friends around the world to reflect on our shared values ​​of tolerance, compassion and cooperation. Only by working together now can we deliver a peaceful future to the world tomorrow.”

MANITOBA

WESTMAN: The annual event will showcase an amazing line-up of activities, one of which is Kites for Peace. . . . “This year it’s really highlighted by a few things including Kites for Peace. It’s an initiative that goes world-wide. We were at the Boissevain Streetfest this past weekend and we were helping kids build their kites that they can fly at the Garden on Saturday afternoon from 1:00-4:00 pm. For those who haven’t made their kites yet, decorating starts at 11:00 am here at the Peace Garden.”

ONTARIO

LONDON: On International Day of Peace, Fanshawe students are invited to guided yoga sessions with discussion of the importance of slowing down/meditation. There will also be free snacks.

MIDLAND: We invite you to join us to celebrate the International Day of Peace, bringing your thoughts and ideas to share. Let’s be part of the solution. Actions for Peace, presented by Ed Milewski, Thursday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m., Midland Public Library, 320 King St., Midland.

ST. CATHERINES: The lives of those who resisted Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany will take centre stage at an upcoming public lecture hosted by Brock University. It will feature esteemed scholar Kristin Semmens, Associate Professor of History at the University of Victoria and author of Under the Swastika in Nazi Germany.
The event coincides with the United Nations International Day of Peace.

THUNDER BAY: VIDEO: International Day of Peace Ceremony takes place at Waverly Park

TIMMINS: Peace Day Reception, Thursday, Sept. 21, noon, Schumacher International Peace Park. Celebrate the United Nations International Day of Peace in the park located near the McIntyre Community Centre. This year’s theme is actions for peace. Lunch will be served and all are welcome.

WATERLOO: We invite you to be in community with us during #PeaceWeek2023, which runs from the international Day of Peace on September 21st to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th. Be sure to check back regularly to see which events you might want to attend and help promote:
The Urgency of Social Justice Event
Transformative Mediation Training
Speak Your Peace
Grebel Gallery Exhibit: Trinity Atomic Bomb Test

QUEBEC

MONTREAL:JOURNEES DE LA PAIX:
NDG stories
Peaceful and fun booklet
Comic book on Peace and Harmonious Relationships
Everyday Non-Violence: Participatory Theater
Pensees et Splendeurs de la Colombie Autochone
Queer Futurism
L’Egalite et la Paix
Le Dialogue Interconfessionnel

Montreal Centre de Services de Justice Reparatrice: The CSJR will organize two activities:
A workshop After violence, is it possible to find peace? offered by Geneviève Chenard.
A workshop for Truth-Reconciliation Day Miro Pimatisiwin – Wishing each other a good life with Atikamekw artist Marie-Claude Nequado and in collaboration with the McCord Steward Museum

Consulate of Colombia in Montreal: Sign up for the painting workshop to commemorate the International Day of PEACE. The Consulate of Colombia in Montreal invites, within the framework of the International Day of PEACE to be celebrated next Thursday, September 21, to register for the act of dignity, called: “Canvas of Resilience” to experience the healing power of painting as victims of the armed conflict and builders of peace. The activity will be led by the Colombian artist Camilo Arias.

* * * UNITED STATES * * *

ALABAMA

TROY: TROY students will gather at Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor on the Troy Campus at 6:30 p.m. and, beginning at 7 p.m., will march, bearing international flags, to the Peace Dove statue, created by the artist Nall, on the Daniel Foundation of Alabama Plaza, located behind the International Arts Center. The march will be followed by a program, featuring student speakers and music.

AUBURN
FLORENCE
OPELIKA

ARIZONA

MESA: In recognition of International Peace Day and in celebration of the first anniversary of the City of Mesa becoming an International City of Peace, a Peace Pole Rededication Ceremony is being held in the Mesa Community College Rose Garden. Sponsors include Mesa Community College, the City of Mesa, Rotary International, City of Mesa Police Department, The Children’s Benefit Foundation Inc. and St. Matthew United Methodist Church. . . . The finale will be “May peace prevail on Earth” communicated in Sign Language by Karen Palmieri, Chinese by Dr. Ruth Tan Lim, Hebrew by Dr. Mittman, Spanish by Zarco Guerrero, Greek by Christos Chronis, German and Luganda by Dame Precious Namazzi, and Arabic by Aeda Alkindi. All will join in the statement in English to close the ceremony.

PRESCOTT
PRESCOTT, YAVAPAI COLLEGE
TUCSON

ARKANSAS

LITTLE ROCK: On Sept 18th, 375 students at Washington Magnet Elementary School assembled in the schoolyard. Holding aloft peace art they created, they marched for peace through the neighborhood as part of Arkansas Peace Week. Ms. Aleta Posey, school principal, led the students in a chant: P-E-A-C-E, Wildcats Walk for Peace! Community groups like Pax Christi Little Rock joined in solidarity.

HOT SPRINGS

CALIFORNIA

TIBURON: United Nations Association, Marin Chapter invites you to join us in celebrating the UN International Day of Peace. “An Evening with Peace Leaders.” Community Congregational Church of Tiburon
Be inspired, hear from everyday peacebuilders. Learn how we can model, support, and expand peacebuilding.
Honored Speakers
Tezikiah Gabriel, Executive Director, Pathways To Peace, Entrepreneur, Ordained Minister
RJ Jennings, Social Justice Advocate, Peace Alliance Board member, Executive Coach
Matthew Albrecht, Former Executive Director, The Peace Alliance, Author
Kimberly Weichel, Peacebuilder, Educator, Author, Non-profit leader/advisor (Moderator)

ARCATA
CASTRO VALLEY
DESERT HOT SPRINGS
FILLMORE
LAGUNA WOODS
LOS ANGELES
MANHATTAN BEACH
MANTECA
MARYSVILLE
MIDLAND
MONTEREY
MORGAN HILL
MORRO BAY
NAPA
PALO ALTO
SAN ANSELMO
SAN DIEGO PAX CHRISTI
SAN DIEGO PEACE RESOURCE CENTER
SEASIDE
YUBA CITY

COLORADO

TOWAOC: The 15th annual Week of Unity and Peace will be held from Sept. 16 – 24 with a kickoff Community Drum Circle event on Saturday, Sept. 16. Culture Fest happens on Saturday, Sept. 23, sponsored by the Hispanic Project and the Ute Indian Museum on the museum grounds. A Peace Gathering at the Peace Pole in Ute Indian Park will be held at noon during Culture Fest with a Flags of All Nations ceremony to pray for peace around the world. . . The Western Colorado Friends of the Himalayas are sponsoring the Annual Peace Dinner again this year. The buffet dinner will be held at Guru’s Restaurant, 438 Main St., with the 2023 peace awards given out, followed by a program. Saturday, Sept. 23, Culture Fest begins at 10 a.m. celebrating our cultural diversity, with booths, food, music, dance, and displays until 4 p.m. This event is at the Ute Indian Museum.

GRAND JUNCTION
WHEAT RIDGE:

CONNECTICUT

NEW HAVEN: A new symbol of peace is taking root at the Sound School. To celebrate International Day of Peace on Thursday, the school held a ceremony next to a newly planted tree and peace plaque, featuring remarks by an “atomic veteran” who grew up in New Haven. . . . To commemorate the day, the City of New Haven Peace Commission plants a peace tree in a different neighborhood every year. . . . The event comes as the city has experienced several high-profile instances of violent crime. Goode said the commission is not naive about what planting a tree will do, but he thinks it’s a step toward creating a culture of peace.

CORNWALL
NEWTOWN

DELAWARE

Peace Week Delaware 2023 will run from October 7–15. This will be our eighth year of organizing this statewide series of events. Event organizers can create their own web listings and attendees may register for individual events and receive reminders as the week unfolds.

DOVER:

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

ARMS BAZAAR PROTEST: Art Laffin of Dorothy Day Catholic Worker in Washington, DC reports: Tuesday September 12 from Noon-1:00 PM, members of the DDCW, Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, and other peacemakers, held a prayer service and nonviolent witness outside the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, MD which once again is hosting the annual Air Force Association (AFA) “Air-Space-Cyber Conference and Technology Exposition,” what we call an “Arms Bazaar.” There are some 180 exhibitor booths at this year’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference, which began on September 11th and ended on September 13th. This witness was organized by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker.

FRANCISCAN ACTION NETWORK
US INSTITUTE OF PEACE

FLORIDA

SARASOTA: The United Nations designated September 21 as International Day of Peace. In Nuestra Musica, we are celebrating it with Latinx Singers and Songwriters who dedicated their artistry to the causes of Peace and Social Justice. The songs presented are not necessarily protest songs, even though, some are. But the singers and songwriters are artist who struggled and fought with poetry, music and actions against totalitarian regimes, and some pay the high price of been censored, exiled and death. We are presenting songs from Argentina, Urugay, Chile, Spain, Brazil, Puerto Rico, US, Nicaragua and Cuba. Horacio Guarany, Pedro y Pablo, Leon Gieco, Joan Manuel Serrat, Rolando Alarcon, Jairo, Juan Carlos Baglietto, Chico Buarque, Patxi Andion, Paco Ibanez, Daniel Biglietti, Mercedes Sosa, Roy Brown, Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Piero, Cuarteto Zupay, Jose Alfonso, Duo Guardabarranco and Pablo Milanes.

CORAL SPRINGS
FT MYERS Peace Day Block Party (announcement since removed)
MIAMI BEACH
WELLINGTON
WINTER PARK

GEORGIA

SANDY SPRINGS PAX CHRISTI: On September 24 at the main family mass at St. Jude the Apostle Church in Atlanta, we will start a monthly prayer vigil. We will pray for an end to gun violence and lift up the souls of those killed in mass shootings in the month as well as lifting up the names of the shooters. After all, like Cain they are our brothers and Jesus told us to forgive our brothers and especially these who are disordered or misguided.

HAWAII

HONOKA: Peace Day Parade & Festival with six days of peace-themed events. These include the Peace Day Parade and Festival (back after a three year pandemic pause), Honoka’a Business Association’s Peace Out Saturday street fair, and Katsu Goto Legacy Week in honor of the 19th Century “Hāmakuā Hero” and martyred Labor leader. The Parade will step off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, with an eclectic and colorful fusion of bands and dancers, street performers, floats and more. . . . Following the Parade, the Festival kicks off in the park’s football “oval,” with more music on stage, vendor booths, and peace displays. Proclamation, certificates and other activities begin at 12:30 p.m. Meanwhile, back on Mamane Street, “Peace Out Saturday” is happening, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. as people come to town dressed in their best tie dye and love beads. Throughout the day, peaceniks will find food trucks, pop-up vendors, music and groovy things to do for the keiki, like origami and giant bubbles.

HONGXANIJ
HONOLULU
KAILUA
MAKAWAO

ILLINOIS

CHICAGO Hundreds gathered at Daley Plaza on Monday for an afternoon of music and dancing as part of the 45th annual Peace Day Chicago celebration. . . . “As we continue to witness war and strife in places like Ukraine, and so many other nations, we need to be reminded that we play a part in our global communities,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said at Monday’s celebration. The free event included live music and performances along with a call-and-response for peace in every country of the world.

BATAVIA Second Annual Peace Day Celebration (announcement since removed)
CARBONDALE
CHICAGO SCHOOLS
JOLIET
LAKE ZURICH Ela Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony (announcement since removed)
ROCKFORD
WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

INDIANA

NOTRE DAME: Join the Kroc Institute for lunch and various responses to the United Nations’ new agenda for peace. This event will take place in person, with a recording to be posted following the event to the Kroc Institute’s YouTube page.

MUNCIE

IOWA

DUBUQUE: Loras College Alumni Campus Center. “Making Peace in Our Polarized Society” presented by International Day of Peace Speaker, Dr. Peter Coleman. This year’s Peace Festival invites us to explore constructive conflict resolution and sustainable peace. We will learn how families, companies, communities and nations have found resolution beyond their once polarized viewpoints. Sponsored by the Dubuque International Day of Peace Committee

DES MOINES

KENTUCKY

WIND HILLS: International Day of Peace, Thursday, Sept 21, Tibetan Buddhist prayer and readings from peacemakers to set us on a solid path.
Morning Practice for Nonviolence, Daily from 7:30-8am – Set a ground for awareness of nonharm with these morning meditations led by local peacemakers.
Peacemaker Conversation – Join us for a conversation with nationally known author, catalyst, and activist, Rivera Sun.
Monday, Sept 25, Noon, via Zoom and Facebook LIVE. Join us for a conversation with author Roxy Manning to explore a lived application of the Beloved Community.

OWENSBORO

LOUISIANA

LAFAYETTE: Lafayette Compassion Center.
September 21: International Peace Day Event
Sept. 23: We will have a labyrinth walk for International Peace Days of Action.

MAINE

MADAWASKA: Skylandia Organic Farm in Northern Maine will engage in mutual aid with seniors, community members, and the Little Free Pantry at our local library

MARYLAND

FREDERICK Peace Through Action USA will discuss how its capstone Calvert Peace Project works to build and nourish a culture of peace through an emphasis on social and civic engagements

ACCOKEEK
FREDERICK FRIENDS MEETING
WINDSOR

MASSACHUSETTS

BOSTON: This year’s event features a unique program of Music, Song, Arts & Peace Education led by emcee Dawn Duncan, including brief presentations by peacemakers such a Nichol Brewer-Lowry, Rev. Cindy Davidson, Isabella Fuentes, Dr. Ira Helmand, Dr. Jonathan King, David Shane Lowry, and Rev. Vernon Walker about their work. There will be art activities for children as well as musical performances by Miranda Henne, Toussaint Liberator, Alastair Moock, and Split Feather Singers. The day will conclude with the reading of a list of recent local victims of violence. We will walk to the nearby Garden of Peace to pray for peace among stones engraved with the names of these victims.

SHELBOURNE FALLS
SPRINGFIELD
WESTON Council on Aging and Weston Public Library (announcement since removed)
WORCESTER

Question for this article

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



Students from Brooklyn visit the United Nations

(Survey continued from left column)

MICHIGAN

SOUTHFIELD: The city of Southfield, in collaboration with May Peace Prevail on Earth International™ Foundation, will host an International Day of Peace on Thursday, September 21 from 5–6 p.m. at the City’s Peace Poles located in front of City Hall.The event will begin with a presentation of colors by the Southfield Police and Fire Honor Guard followed by opening remarks from Councilman Lloyd Crews and a reading of the City’s International Day of Peace Joint Resolution by Mayor Siver. The event will also include presentation of the United Nation’s 2023 Theme for the International Day of Peace “Act Now!” by President of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force Faira Glenn followed by a rendition of “Let there be Peace on Earth” by MLK Task Force International Relations Committee Co-Chair Barbara Seldon. The event will conclude with a Call for Peace in All Nations led by Hope United Methodist Church Youth Representative Remington DeVaull.

BOARDMAN
DETROIT SCHOOLS
GRAND RAPIDS
LANSING
TRAVERSE CITY
WHITE CLOUD

MINNESOTA

SUPERIOR: Superior recognized the United Nations International Day of Peace on Thursday. Community members gathered at Superior’s Sister City Park where Superior Mayor Jim Paine issued a proclamation in observance of Peace Day. The event also served to honor and remember Jan Provost of Superior. She was a local peace activist and founded Northland Grandmothers for Peace in 1983. Provost served as president of Northland Grandmothers for Peace until her passing in April 2020. The mission of Grandmothers for Peace is to work for peace and social justice and strive to eliminate the nuclear threat.

MINNEAPOLIS
NORTHFIELD
TWIN CITIES

MISSOURI

KANSAS CITY: September 23 – 24. PeaceWorks will be holding its annual Art Fair for artists local to Kansas City. Beginning artists and diverse artists are encouraged to apply. We also are inviting many local peace and Justice organizations to have booths. We will have a tent for these organizations to give a short presentation about the issues they address and also for poets, musicians, singers and street theater pieces. Location: Theis Park.

NEBRASKA

GRAND ISLAND: Nebraskans For Peace Focus on DEI & Sustainability: Holding their event at the Hub Cafe, Nebraskans For Peace had great turnout for their Community Conversation on Food and Sustainability, featuring guest speakers who are farmers, cafe owners, and sustainability coordinators. Nebraskans For Peace also held their first in-person board meeting since before the pandemic, using some of the time together to work through a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training with Dr. Stephanie Bondi. On Sept 24, NFP board member Tom Genung was among those honored for their work over 15 years in a sustained nonviolent resistance to stop the Keystone XL pipeline. The ceremony was part of the 10th annual harvest of the Ponca Sacred Corn and took place on Ponca Nation land.

NEVADA

RENO: Life, Peace & Justice Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Reno, September 23 – We will hold our 3rd annual Day of Reflection. This year the title is Day of Reflection: “Why so Many Immigrants?” Moving from Sympathy to Empathy.

NEW JERSEY

PRINCETON: Celebrate Peace Day with the West Windsor Human Relations Council. Theme: Actions for Peace – Peace starts with ME. It is a call to action that recognizes our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace

MENDHAM-CHESTER

NEW MEXICO

SANTA FE: StopForeverWIPP (our website)
1.Nuclear Disarmament Now! Join Us For Our Weekly Picket Fridays @ Noon To 1pm (Corners Of Guadalupe & Alameda St.)
2.New Mexico Environment Department
In-Person And Virtual Listening Session On Wipp’s Permit. September 22 2023 @ 5:00 PM-7:00 PM. Larrazolo Auditorium. Harold Runnels Bldg.

NEW YORK

BROOKLYN PROSPECT PARK: In celebration of International Day of Peace, join Prospect Park Alliance and The Peace Studio for a book reading and signing of The First Day of Peace, a new children’s picture book by two of The Peace Studio’s co-founders, Maya Soetoro-Ng and Todd Shuster with illustration by Tatiana Gardel. The book offers a moving and modern take on the wondrous power of kindness and sharing.The event will include a reading of the book by Maya and Todd, alongside discussion and a fun peace-focused craft activity for kids and adults as well as a kids illustration workshop led by Tatiana. A light reception and the opportunity for book purchasing and signing will follow the reading.

ALLEGHANY
AMITYVILLE
BROOKLYN, JOHN DEWEY HIGH SCHOOL
COPENHAGEN
GENESEO
KINGSTON
LATHAM
MAINE
NEW YORK CITY ETHICAL SOCIETY
NEW YORK CITY PAX CHRISTI
NEW YORK CITY CODEPINK MOBILIZATION
NEW YORK CITY JAPAN INSTITUTE
NEW YORK CITY CONCERT BY BUSH
SAYVILLE

NEW YORK-UNITED NATIONS

MESSAGE OF SECRETARY-GENERAL GUTTERES: As we mark this International Day of Peace, people and our planet are in crisis.
Conflicts driving record numbers of people from their homes.
Deadly fires, raging floods and soaring temperatures.
Poverty, inequalities and injustices.
Mistrust, division and prejudice.
This year’s theme reminds us that peace is not automatic.
Peace is the result of action.
Action to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure that no one is left behind.
Action to end the war on our planet and its natural gifts.
Action to uphold and protect the human rights and dignity of every person — especially as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Action to use the timeless tools of diplomacy, dialogue and collaboration to defuse tensions and end conflict.
And action for those millions of people living through the horrors of war.
Peace is not only a noble vision for humanity.
Peace is a call to action.
Let us commit to build, drive and sustain peace for all.

YOUTH PROGRAM: Video of Youth Event Programme, 14 September 2023, UN Headquarters

RINGING OF PEACE BELL

NORTH CAROLINA

RALEIGH:
William Peace University (WPU) will celebrate its shared name and values with a series of on-campus events to mark the International Day of Peace. The day will start out with a gathering on the main lawn of the university at 3:20, featuring student art and an open-mic event. At 4 p.m. in Kenan Hall, a guest panel will participate in a live podcast discussing peacebuilding both internationally and locally. The panelists are worship leader, writer, and justice activist Angie Hong; development professional and peace activist Mustafa Rezaie; and cultural heritage and museum professional Alex Rose.

ASHEVILLE

OHIO

AKRON: Join the North Hill Community Development Corporation to celebrate the third annual International Day of Peace. Walk for Little Amal. Little Amal is a 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl who has traveled across 13 countries meeting more than a million people. This fall, between 7 September and 5 November 2023, she will journey 6,000 miles across the United States in one of the largest free public festivals ever created. Amal Walks Across America comes to Akron on September 23rd, starting at Waters Park and proceeding to People’s Park on North Main Street.

CANTON
CINCINNATI
COLUMBUS
GRANVILLE
HARTVILLE
LAKEWOOD
NORTH BENTON
PUT-IN-BAY
TIFFIN
ZOAR

OKLAHOMA

TULSA: The Mother Earth String Band and Choir will perform Thursday, September 21 (International Day of Peace) at Park Grove Creative Community, 4241 S. 37th West Avenue, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. After performing at Earth Day observances on Guthrie Green last year, McCulloch got the idea of forming the band with some of the many talented women she’s worked with, or wanted to work with, over the years. Music, she says, is the tool that can help unite us in these divisive times, and reduce the stress and anger which divide us. “When you sing with people, and you remind them of how it feels to sing together – and the songs they heard when they were younger that they know – some of that falls away,” she said. “We’re trying to just sort of soothe the waters with music, because music heals. Music unites.”

OKLAHOMA CITY ANNUAL CITY CELEBRATION
OKLAHOMA CITY DOVE SCHOOLS

OREGON

PORTLAND: Join CODEPINK and other anti-war, anti-imperialist and peace organizations in marking International Peace Day in Portland! Hear from anti-war speakers and performers, talk with like-minded peace-wagers and build connections for future organizin

ASHLAND
BEAVERTONCORVALIS
NEWBERG
PORTLAND PEACE TEAM
PORTLAND GROTTO
SALEM
SEASIDE LIBRARY
WALLOWA

PENNSYLVANIA

PHILADELPHIA PEACE DAY: Now in its 13th year, Peace Day Philly is helping to organize more than a dozen activities, some of which, including a meditation session and a workshop on grief, were held this past weekend. Hundreds of students are expected to participate in “Footballs Not Firearms,” a march and rally taking place Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Fairhill Square. PDP is collaborating with the Philadelphia Police Department on the event, and the Eagles are donating 150 footballs to give away to young people. Food, music and an art activity are also included. On Thursday, the day itself, PDP is organizing speakers and bringing drummers to the north side of City Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. At noon, attendees will participate in a worldwide minute of silence. Among the other activities planned for the week are an immigrant and refugee job fair from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday at 801 Market St.; a communication workshop at the Peace Center in Langhorne; and a virtual panel discussion about water access beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday. For more information, visit peacedayphilly.org.

BETHLEHEM
MCCANDLESS
MERION
PHILADELPHIA – TEMPLE UNIVERSITY
PHILADELPHIA – SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH
PITTSBURGH
ZELIENOPLE

RHODE ISLAND

SOUTH KINGSTOWN; Sunday, Sept 24, 2023 – We welcome you to our 2nd Annual Intention Fest celebrating peace and wellness with over 50 peace makers and healing practitioners, meditation tent, drum circles, yoga, reflexology, massage sanctuary, peace rocks and peace flags. FREE EVENT

WESTERLEY

SOUTH DAKOTA

ABERDEEN: Each year the International Day of Peace (IDP) is observed around the world on September 21. The International Presentation Association works collaboratively with other groups to realize our priority Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Achieving the SDGs will create a culture of peace for all. Please join the Presentation Sisters and others around the world at Noon local time to observe a minute of silence and then to pray for peace.

TENNESSEE

MEMPHIS: Campaign Nonviolence Memphis. Join us on Thursday, September 21, 8 PM Eastern, for our quarterly PAX Mass, celebrated on the International Day of Peace and the first day of the Catholic Nonviolence Days of Action.

TEXAS

AUSTIN: The Second Annual Austin Peace Fest will take place Sunday, Oct. 1, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 2505 Princeton Dr., Austin, TX 78741.
Please invite your friends to bring a lawn chair, their refreshment of choice, and an eclectic musical taste.Donations support Nonviolent Austin. Other community partners include Texas Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry, Texas Poor People’s Campaign, and Indivisible Austin.

CORSICANA
EL PASO
LAREDO
MCALLEN

UTAH

SALT LAKE CITY: Utah Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. September 27, 6pm, Walk (as part of Defuse Nuclear War) from the Federal Building, 100 South and State Street, to Washington Square, 400 South and State Street, and then back to the Federal Building. We will carry our banner, “Nuclear Weapons are Illegal” and pass out flyers.

VERMONT

LINCOLN: Sunray Meditation Society. September 21, 2023: UN International Day of Peace Celebration -October 1 & 14, 2023: Join us for two online workshops nurturing Mother Earth this fall. On October 1st, Dr. Orest Pelechaty will offer teachings on bio-Dynamics. Then October 14th, Jose Rodriguez and Yulia Klimento bring their permaculture wisdom to the Sunray Peace Village.

VIRGINIA

CHARLOTTESVILLE: World Beyond War & Just World Educational. Time for a Ceasefire in Ukraine? – A public discussion featuring Medea Benjamin, Helena Cobban, Ray McGovern, and David Swanson.

WASHINGTON

LOPEZ ISLAND: Join us for the Lopez Library 2nd annual International Day of Peace sing-in. Each year, around the world in a consecutive time zone, thousands of children gather to “Sing for Peace” in their respective groups and share a peaceful story. Imagine, children singing a unified song for a 24 hour period! It’s simple AND Powerful!

WISCONSIN

MILWAUKEE: September 21, 2023. Peace Action Wisconsin Teach-In. We’ll discuss how to achieve peace in the time of heightened global conflict and tension. ​We’re part of the Global ​Week of ​Action to ​End the ​War in Ukraine Sept. 30-October 8, 2023. September 30 — Stand for Peace at Noon At 12:30 PM we will gather on the grassy spot kitty-corner from Collectivo for a rally

APPLETON:
GREEN BAY
OMRO

***** MONTESSORI *****

In addition to the events listed above, there were 107 new events in North America to celebrate the International Day of Peace on the website of the Montessori Schools, i.e. events that were not listed last year:

Alberta: High River
Arizona: Flagstaff, Litchfield Park, Phoenix (4), Sedona
British Columbia: Courtney, Lantzville,
California: Antioch, Carmel Huntington Beach, Oceanside, Valencia
Colorado: Aurora (2), Littleton
Connecticut: Avon, West Hartford
District of Columbia, Acton Academy
Florida: Fernandina Beach (2), Gainsville, Jupliter, Kissimmee, Miami, Middleburg, Naples, Palm Bay, Plantation, Rockledge, Stuart, Wellington
Georgia: Atlanta, Marietta
Hawaii: Kihei
Illinois: Chicago (2), Elburn, Elmhurst, Kildeer, Wheaton
Kansas: Lawrence
Maine: Auburn, Kingfield
Massachusetts: Newton, Quincy, Shrewbury
Michigan: Detroit
Minnesota: Lakeville, Prior Lake
Missouri: Jefferson City
New Hampshire: Manchester
New Jersey: Cherry Hill, Cliffside Park, Edgewater, Moorestown
New York: Cold Spring, Copenhagen, East Aurora, Glen Spey, Southampton
North Carolina: Charlotte, Henderson, Holly Springs, Old Fort, Pinehurst, Washington, Winterville
Ontario: Aurora, Caledon, Cambridge, Innisfil, Milton
Oregon: Newport, Portland
Pennsylvania: Bethlehem, Merion Station, State College, West Chester
South Carolina: Elgin, Fort Mill
Tennessee: Cordova, Knoxville (2)
Texas: Houston, Plano, Prosper, Round Rock, San Antonio, Sugar Land
Utah: Mantua, Riverton, Salt Lake City, Santa Clara, South Jordan
Virginia: Alexandria, Lexington, Lynchburg, Sterling, Virginia Beach, Woodbridge
Washington: Issaquah, Mountlake Terrace, Northbend, Spokane Valley, Seattle
Wisconsin: Racine

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, North America

‘End Fossil Fuels’ Protests Kick Off Worldwide Ahead of UN Climate Ambition Summit

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article by Jessica Corbett from Common Dreams (licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)

Hundreds of demonstrations around the world demanding “rapid, just, and equitable phaseout from fossil fuels in favor of sustainable renewables” began Friday ahead of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’ Climate Ambition Summit in New York City next week.


The Fridays for Future movement and other activists march in Berlin, Germany on September 15, 2023. (Photo: Odd Andersen/AFP via Getty Images)

“From Pacific nations, heavily affected by sea-level rise and storms, through Mumbai to Manila, London to Nairobi, over 650 actions are planned in 60 countries, culminating in a march in New York City on September 17,” according to protest organizers.

The Global Fight to End Fossil Fuels “opposes the fossil fuel industry, which has made obscene profits at the expense of the world’s people, biodiversity, and a safe and livable climate,” added organizers, who expect millions to join the protests over the coming days. “It calls on governments and companies to immediately end fossil fuel expansion and subsidies.”

Demonstrators, journalists, and supporters shared footage from Friday’s actions on social media with the hashtag #EndFossilFuels.


Protest in Pakistan


Protest in Philippines

The actions come amid the hottest  summer on record and as experts continue to sound the alarm over unwavering environmental destruction, especially by the fossil fuel industry and its political and financial backers.

International scientists revealed  this week that six of nine barriers that ensure Earth is a “safe operating space for humanity” have been breached, which followed recent findings  that greenhouse gas concentrations, global sea level, and ocean heat content hit record highs last year.

Climate chaos—fueled by oil and gas giants that have spent decades lying about their planet-heating pollution along with rich governments and institutions that continue to break their promises and pump billions of dollars into the fossil fuel industry—is already killing people. The death toll from flooding in Libya this week has climbed to 11,300.

Protest in Uganda

Protest in Berlin

(article continued in right column)

Question for this article:

Despite the vested interests of companies and governments, Can we make progress toward sustainable development?

Are we seeing the dawn of a global youth movement?

(Article continued from the left column)

“The world is at a tipping point,” said Tyrone Scott of the War on Want and the Climate Justice Coalition in the United Kingdom ahead of protests this weekend. “Climate catastrophe is already devastating the lives and livelihoods of people across the world and primarily those in the Global South, who are least responsible for causing it.”

“We must uproot the systems of exploitation and oppression which keep the majority of the world’s population in poverty while lining the pockets of corporates and rich shareholders. This is a watershed moment. How we respond will determine how the world is shaped for generations,” Scott stressed. “We demand an end to fossil fuels. We demand a fast and fair transition. We demand climate justice.”

Protest in Manchester, UK

Protest in Stockholm

Tens of thousands of activists from across the United States are expected to join the March to End Fossil Fuels in New York City on Sunday. Marchers—backed by hundreds of organizations and scientists—have four key demands for President Joe Biden:

° Stop federal approval for new fossil fuel projects and repeal permits for climate bombs like the Willow project  and the Mountain Valley Pipeline;

° Phase out fossil drilling on our public lands and waters;

° Declare a climate emergency to halt fossil fuel exports and investments abroad, and turbocharge the buildout of more just, resilient distributed energy (like rooftop and community solar); and

° Provide a just transition to a renewable energy future that generates millions of jobs while supporting workers’ and community rights, job security, and employment equity.

“Despite his numerous and explicit pledges to the contrary, President Biden has turned out to be a strong supporter of fossil fuels,” Food & Water Watch  Northeast region director Alex Beauchamp, an organizer of the NYC march, said in a statement Friday.

“With each passing day, Biden’s failure to lead on clean energy drives the planet deeper into the abyss of irrevocable climate chaos,” he added. “We’re marching to send a message that true climate leadership means halting new oil and gas drilling and fracking, and rejecting new fossil fuel infrastructure like pipelines and export terminals—beginning now.”

Betamia Coronel, senior national organizer for climate justice at the Center for Popular Democracy, highlighted  in a Friday opinion piece for Common Dreams that “BIPOC communities have always lived at the intersection of wealth disparity and the climate crisis,” and “it is Black, Indigenous, immigrant, working-class people of color who have been leading the efforts in the lead up to this historic march in NYC.”

Dozens of actors, activists, and climate leaders—including Bill McKibben, Blair Imani, Cornel West, Jameela Jamil, Jane Fonda, Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Naomi Klein, Rosario Dawson, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Rebecca Solnit, and Vanessa Nakate—joined more than 700 groups on Friday in sending a pre-march letter to the U.S. president.

“The U.S. is the top global oil and gas producer and the largest historic greenhouse gas emitter. It is imperative that the U.S. change course and become a true global climate leader by ending the extraction and use of fossil fuels,” they wrote, urging Biden to commit to phasing out fossil fuels at the U.N. summit on September 20. “The world is watching.”

Biden has also faced mounting pressure to declare a climate emergency this year, as the United States has endured a record-setting number of billion-dollar disasters, from a deadly fire in Hawaii to Hurricane Idalia. Since last week, eight campaigners have been arrested outside the White House for a series of protests demanding a climate emergency declaration and other executive action to end the era of fossil fuels.

Protest in Standing Rock, USA

Organizers planned to continue the nonviolent civil disobedience campaign in Washington, D.C. on Friday, and warned that “each day Biden delays in taking this step is precious time lost to save lives and secure a livable future for humankind and countless other species.”

global, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Africa Climate Summit Issues Nairobi Declaration

. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article by Abayomi Azikiwe (editor of Pan-African News Wire) published by the Transcend Media Service

Despite statements of intent, western industrialized countries have not yet provided the resources needed for the transition to renewable energy production which benefits the majority of people on the continent

Nairobi, Kenya, the commercial center for the East Africa region, hosted the Africa Climate Summit which attracted thousands of delegates, investors and observers to discuss the worsening plight of the continent as it relates to environmental degradation.


Head of states and delegates pose for a group photo, during the official opening of the Africa Climate Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023.(AP Photo/Khalil Senosi)

The meeting was scheduled from September 4-8 at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) where registered delegates from governments and non-governmental organizations articulated their views on what is needed in the present period to avert an even larger climate disaster for Africa’s 1.3 billion people.

This summit was held under the theme, “Africa Climate Summit 2023: Driving Green Growth & Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World.” The governmental leaders met for three days while the entire week was dedicated to the current situation and potential solutions.

Outside the ACS, there were thousands more representing coalitions, traditional communities and mass groupings, many of which were critical of the gathering and the way in which western governments, multi-national corporations and international financial institutions are seeking to dominate the dialogue on Africa climate issues and economic development. A host of delegates were present from the United States and the European Union (EU) making pledges to assist the AU member-states in halting the impact of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.

In the language for the summit overview, it states that:

“The inaugural Africa Climate Summit, championed by HE President [William] Ruto, aims to address the increasing exposure to climate change and its associated costs, both globally and particularly in Africa. With the expectation of escalating climate crises in terms of frequency and intensity, urgent action is required to mitigate these challenges. The Summit will serve as a platform to inform, frame, and influence commitments, pledges, and outcomes, ultimately leading to the development of the Nairobi Declaration.”

However, the previous commitments made by western states and multinational corporations have not yet been honored. The purpose of the ACS 2023 was to reach a consensus among African governments on a program to be taken to the United Nations Climate Summit (COP28) which will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in December.

The adoption of the Nairobi Declaration was designed to position the AU member-states in their negotiations within the broader international community. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen how the AU can either convince or force the industrialized capitalist states to provide the necessary reforms that will turn the tide towards green and sustainable energy.

During the ACS it was acknowledged by the AU member-states and some corporations that Africa is one of the least responsible regions for the rise in global warming. Consequently, the continent requires assistance in preventing further extreme weather events, droughts and the subsequent food deficits which are plaguing various regions of East Africa.

(article continued in right column)

Question for this article:

Can the African Union help bring a culture of peace to Africa?

(article continued from left column)

An article published  in the French newspaper Le Monde on the ACS noted:

“The declaration called for ‘concrete action’ on reforms that lead to ‘a new financing architecture that is responsive to Africa’s needs’, including debt restructuring and relief.

Ruto said it was time to overhaul global financial systems that ‘perpetually place African nations on the backfoot. We demand a fair playing ground for our countries to access the investment needed to unlock the potential and translate it into opportunities,’ he said. Leaders also pressed the world’s wealthy polluters to honor their pledges, including to provide $100 billion a year for clean energy and to help them brace for climate disasters.”

Defeating Climate Change Requires a Struggle Against the Current World Order

As long as the multinational corporations and banks can earn enormous profits under the existing economic system, the realization of change will require organized pressure from the AU member-states and their constituencies. This ACS gathering was not the first time that these demands have been put forward to the leading imperialist states.

When Republic of South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa paid a state visit to the U.S. nearly one year ago, he emphasized that his country along with others on the continent would need billions of dollars to address the goals set by the annual United Nations Climate Summit. Every year, the U.S., U.K. and the EU are able to veto significant resolutions at the COP meetings which would place definite responsibilities on the imperialist states.

During 2022, when the COP27 Summit was held in Egypt, a host of promises were made by the imperialist states which have yet to be fulfilled. Yet one year later, these same economic and political interests continue to pretend that they will make amends for their industrial and agricultural policies which are the main contributors to the rise in pollutants.

The New York Times wrote a report  on the ACS pointing out that there are serious questions being raised by people in Kenya about the effectiveness of the Nairobi Declaration:

“Outside the halls of the convention center, Kenyans were asking tougher questions about whom the conference and its lofty goals really served. ‘The energy discussion masks our economic crisis,’ said Mordecai Ogada, an author and a leading Kenyan voice on environmental issues. ‘Yes, we get most of our electricity from renewables. But we pay foreign companies to generate that power exorbitantly in foreign currency,’ he said. ‘Manufacturing has become expensive, which drives inflation. As far as the lives of Kenyans are concerned, the source of energy is completely immaterial.’”

In Kenya over recent months, the government of President Ruto has lifted fuel subsidies and raised taxes on essential goods. The hardships caused by these measures sparked demonstrations which were organized by the political opposition in the country. In real terms, the Kenyan national currency has lost one-third of its value over the last two years.

The overall global crisis prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences are largely to blame for the sharp rise in prices. Therefore, to insulate the people of Africa from external shocks, there must be a radical shift in the international division of labor and economic power which has reinforced the dependency inherited from the colonial system.

Africa News quoted a participant  in the demonstrations involving thousands outside the ACS 2023 meeting. This activist called Babawale from the Friends of the Earth Africa said:

“We are here to demand that Africa’s energy system must be de-colonized, it must be brought out from the hands of the culprits, it is time for the African people to stand together and make a demand, that what we need now is systems change, not climate change, what we need now is that Africa’s energy systemic must be de-colonized. It should be put in the hands of people, this is not the time that we should promote carbon markets it is not going to put to an end the different climate crisis that Africa is facing.”

During the demonstrations by civil society and mass organizations surrounding the Kenyatta International Convention Center, people carried banners which read: “Stop the neo-colonial scramble for oil and gas in Africa.” In Kenya alone, the government would need approximately $US62 billion to address the necessity of reducing emissions which contribute to climate change.

AU member-states overall would require an estimated $US290 billion to $US440 billion to achieve the same objectives. These resources will not be given by the imperialist states absent of a protracted campaign for climate justice and a sweeping redistribution of wealth on a global scale.

Africa, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

2023 United Nations High-Level Forum on The Culture of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

by CPNN

Every year CPNN carries articles about the United Nations High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace that has been convened annually by the President of the UN General Assembly since 2012. This year it took place at UN headquarters on August 31.


Scene at beginning of Forum, taken from UN video. (Note that in previous years, the room was filled with representatives of civil society and Member States)

A concept note with background about the culture of peace was published this year prior to the forum by the President of the General assembly saying that it would be dedicated to the theme “Promoting Culture of Peace in the Digital Era.”

As was the case in 2022, the United Nations did not publish a general article about the forum. The order of the programme was published in the UN Journal along with links to statements from 22 Member States, but a summary of the event was not published in the UN websites for meetings or press releases.

A three-hour video of the forum is available from the UN media center and a separate video of the presentation by Sri Lanka is available on YouTube.

In this article we have sought excerpts from other articles, including speeches delivered at the forum.

The following description of the event was published in Bangladesh

“Convened by President of the General Assembly Csaba Korosi, the forum’s inaugural session featured addresses from distinguished speakers, including the Under-Secretary General for Policy, Director of UNESCO’s New York Office, and the Head of UN Affairs of ITU.

“Later a panel discussion was held under the theme, “Promoting Culture of Peace in the Digital Era,” which was chaired by Ambassador Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar, and participated by member states, observers and the civil society.

“Apart from Member States, expert speakers including the Secretary General’s Tech Envoy, Rector of the University for Peace and representative of Google presented remarks in the panel discussion.

“Applauding Bangladesh’s leadership in promoting culture of peace, the President of the General Assembly highlighted that sustaining a culture of peace in the digital age entails nurturing an inclusive online space that encourages respect and tolerance.

(continued in right column)

Question(s) related to this article:

What is the United Nations doing for a culture of peace?

(continued from left column)

“This involves countering online hate speech and discrimination and addressing the risks of misusing new technologies without depriving those who require them,” he said stressing the importance of collective involvement, he underscored that success hinges on robust multilateral cooperation.”

Since there was not other news coverage of the event, one needs to listen to the UN video to learn more.

The Director of UNESCO’s New York Office spoke from minutes 25-30. He did not mention UNESCO’s history with the culture of peace, such as its responsibility for the UN International Year for the Culture of Peace (2000) and the succeeding Culture of Peace Decade, nor the fact that it prepared and submitted the Draft Declaration and Programme of Action for a Culture of Peace eventually adopted by the General Assembly in 1999.

A prominent place was given to Google. The representative of Google, Zoe Darme, was one of the five presenters in the panel discussion, her presentation taking place from minutes 80 to 87 in the video. She also took an active role in the general discussion that followed, being the final speaker of the day. Curiously, a search by the Google Search Engine reveals photos of her at the forum, but no mention of the content of her remarks.

There was much less participation of the civil society this year. Unlike in previous years, the civil society organizations affiliated with the UN Department of Public Information were not allowed to participate. And Ambassador Chowdhury, who had mobilized civil society participation in previous years was not included in the planning. Back in 1999, when he was Ambassdor from Bangladesh, Chowdhury resisted opposition by the EU and United States and chaired the nine-month negotiations that led to the adoption of the above-mentioned Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.

According to a recent article written by Chowdhury, the “cold-shoulder” given to the culture of peace for this forum this year is part of a more general rejection of the culture of peace by the current United Nations administration. Neither of the two general agendas for action – “Our Common Agenda” (OCA), and “New Agenda for Peace” (NAP) – mention “culture of peace” at all.

– – – –

Here are texts of some of the speeches submitted to this year’s Forum that are available on the Internet:

President of the General Assembly

Representative of the Vatican

Representative of the European Union

Representative of the United States

Representative of Bangladesh

Representative of the University for Peace

Submitted speeches from 17 other countries, as well as the International Telecommunication Union, are available online from the UN Journal.

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, global, United Nations, , ,

UN-AUSC Youth Forum: The Role of Young People in the 13Th African Games

.. DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION ..

Excerpts from an announcement from the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations

DRAFT CONCEPT NOTE

BACKGROUND

. . . The United Nations acknowledges the value of the youth in peacebuilding through the development of United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 2250 (2015), 2419 (2018), and 2535 (2020) on Youth, Peace, and Security that called upon the United Nations (UN) entities and Member States to improve capacity-building by integrating the Youth, Peace, and Security agenda into their technical assistance plans. Also, the African Youth Charter recognizes that “youth are partners, assets and prerequisite for sustainable peace and prosperity of Africa with a unique contribution to make to the present and future development.”

Through unique engagement, such as sports, the youth have led and sustained peacebuilding and development conversations across societies. Sports have historically played a significant role in disseminating positive values worldwide and across civilizations and cultures, thus making it a powerful vector for developing efforts to promote peace and prevent and counter violent extremism. . . .

PROPOSAL

The Global Sports Programme will organize a Youth Forum on the role of young people in the upcoming 13th Edition of the African Games (Accra, Ghana, set to commence in March 2024) in partnership with the AUSC, which oversees the coordination and organization of the African Games—building on the power of sport to promote increased youth participation in the organization of major sporting events. Other partners are the 13th African Games Local Organising Committee (LOC) which comprises key Ghanaian stakeholders, the Ghana National Peace Council which is responsible for implementing the National PVE Strategy, and the UN Country Team.

OBJECTIVES

Raise awareness of integrating youth in major sporting events, particularly from an African perspective.

Establish a dialogue between youth and decision-makers about the power of sports and major sporting events to prevent violent extremism, showcasing unique youth approaches, including those targeting the vulnerable youth population.

(continued in right column)

Questions for this article:

How can sports promote peace?

(continued from left column)

● Encourage more investment and support towards youth-led sport-based PVE initiatives and increased youth participation in major sporting events.

● Concrete guidelines on the greater inclusion of young people in PVE-based activities within the context of a major sporting event.

TIME AND PLACE

• 21-22 November 2023 (2 days) in Accra, Ghana

FORMAT

● We count on the participation of approx. 15 African civil society leaders between 18 and 35 years old and involved in major sporting events, decision-making, and/or sport for PVE. ● This Forum will feature ‘safe and brave spaces,’ working groups, presentations, etc.

● The young people will have the opportunity to go into dialogue with the organizers of the upcoming 13th African Games, including the AUSC and the LOC, as well as other PVE-through-sport/sport for peace stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the UN.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

● Raised awareness of the role and significance of sport in PVE. ● Inclusion of strategies for PVE interventions while organizing major sporting events and its integration into NAPs.

● Compiled recommendations on integrating young people in organizing major sporting events and related sport-for-PVE initiatives.

SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS

● Due to limited slots, participants will be subjected to a selection process that will consider the relevance of their application, their experience, the motivation and interest demonstrated, as well as their potential contribution to the discussions. To the extent possible, the selection committee will balance age, gender, and diversity of backgrounds (cultural, educational, professional) among selected participants.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

● Age: 18-35 years of age

● Region: African Union Member States

● Interest in themes: the applicant demonstrates some experience and knowledge (or a great interest in getting involved) in issues related to PVE (through sport), the organization of major sporting events, sport for development and peace, and/or meaningful youth engagement.

● Future impact and follow-up: the applicant expresses a strong commitment to further engage on the topics and has the ability to consult with and reach a wider group of young people, audiences, or networks, including leading initiatives at the grassroots and community levels.

● Experience and potential: experience in the development of policies and guidelines and advocacy in PVE.

Africa, DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, United Nations,

English bulletin September 1, 2023

. . MORE PEACEMAKERS . . .

As leaders around the world warn that the Ukraine War risks to escalate into a nuclear world war, there are new peacemakers joining with China and the Vatican that we quoted in this bulletin two months ago.

Leaders from throughout Africa who went to Russia last month proposed their peace plan for the Ukraine War. Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa and Macky Sall of Senegal were joined by three other African presidents and 49 delegations representing most African countries and regional organizations including the African Union. Al Jazeera quotes the Reuters news agency that the African proposal floats a series of possible steps to defuse the conflict, including a Russian troop pullback, removal of Russian tactical nuclear weapons from Belarus, suspension of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Putin and sanctions relief, and they quote President Putin that it could be the basis for peace in Ukraine.

And national security officers from over 40 countries, including all of the BRICS countries except Russia, converged in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for consultations and exchange of opinions for peace in Ukraine. Western media gave priority to the proposal presented to the conference by the Ukrainian delegation, a 10-point peace formula, which calls for the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. But according to the DPA News Agency quoted by Russian , Macedonian and and Iranian media, informs that the Saudi’s presented their own peace proposal, which would envisage the preservation of Ukraine’s integrity, a ceasefire along the entire frontline, the beginning of UN-brokered talks, and the exchange of prisoners.

The African peace proposal, as well as the earlier peace proposal of the Chinese, was supported by the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) at their summit in Johannesburg.

Repeated remarks by Russian officials that nuclear weapons could be used if Russia’s integrity is threatened, and repeated remarks by American and NATO officials that the Ukraine War should lead to the defeat of Russia have led many leaders to demand peace in Ukraine in order to avoid a nuclear war.

UN Secretary-General Guterres warned that warned that “the drums of nuclear war are beating once again” in a message to mark the 78th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, “The nuclear shadow that loomed over the Cold War has re-emerged. And some countries are recklessly rattling the nuclear sabre once again, threatening to use these tools of annihilation.”

In his annual peace declaration, the mayor of Hiroshima, said that “leaders around the world must confront the reality that nuclear threats now being voiced by certain policymakers reveal the folly of nuclear deterrence theory.”

And 100 top medical journals published this month an unprecedented joint call for the elimination of nuclear weapons, citing mounting nuclear tensions amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The editorial concludes that “The nuclear-armed states must eliminate their nuclear arsenals before they eliminate us.”

Can the Ukraine War be stopped? While the countries engaged in the war show no sign of being ready for a peace settlement, there are mounting contradictions in these countries that could lead them to the negotiating table, as described here. When they are finally ready to negotiate, there are many peacemakers ready to help. Let us hope that this does not come too late.

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY



Russia-Africa Summit Held Amid Worsening Global Security Situation

TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY



World’s Children Launch Appeal for Peace from Rabat

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT



Bill McKibben: Extraordinary Quantities of Human Tragedy Are in Motion

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION



Declaration from the BRICS Summit meeting in South Africa
  

WOMEN’S EQUALITY



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Indigenous trade unionists from around the world call for more inclusion and solidarity

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Indigenous trade unionists from around the world call for more inclusion and solidarity: “We are not just there to sing the songs and do the opening prayer”

… . HUMAN RIGHTS … .

An article from Equal Times (published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International licence)

More than 476 million people worldwide (6.2 per cent of humanity) belong to Indigenous peoples, most of whom live alongside the societies that colonised their ancient lands hundreds of years ago. In the 21st century, after a long journey during which they were not always able to survive colonial oppression without losing their identity, language or part of their culture, Indigenous peoples have won significant gains in various regions of the world but they continue to face challenges such as discrimination and limited opportunities, making it very difficult for them to enjoy fair labour market integration. Four out of five Indigenous workers earn a living from informal employment, and the remainder most often work in highly precarious sectors, without any form of social protection, where they are exposed to all kinds of rights abuses.

To mark the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, established by the United Nations in 1982, and to coincide with the call made by the ITUC for governments around the world to sign up to the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention (C169) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) – which, despite being launched in 1989, has only been ratified by 24 countries – Equal Times interviewed three Indigenous trade union leaders from three continents.

 Māori, Sami and Mapuche trade union leaders talk to Equal Times. From left to right: Laures Park (New Zealand), David Acuña (Chile) and Sissel Skoghaug (Norway). (Equal Times/Composition by Fátima Donaire)

David Acuña Millahueique, the president of CUT Chile, the main trade union organisation in his country, speaks to us from the Americas. Acuña, who became the first leader of Mapuche origin to head the union a year ago, is currently involved in the historic process of developing a new constitution for Chile and the CUT is working to ensure that it enshrines freedom of association and decent work as fundamental rights in a country where the current constitution, in force since the military dictatorship (1973-1990), still does not provide for labour rights. Sissel Skoghaug, vice president of Norway’s LO union confederation for the past decade and a representative of the Sami people, the ancient nomadic ethnic group of the Arctic and the only Indigenous people left on the continent, joins us from Europe. And from Oceania, we speak to Laures Park, who holds the position of Matua Takawaenga (Māori for “chief mediator”) with the New Zealand teachers’ union NZEI Te Riu Roa, where she is not only the main focal point for all matters relating to the Indigenous people of the island nation, but is also the acting union leader when the national secretary is absent, which is also seen as a symbolic gain for the Māori.

What is the current situation of the First Nation peoples in your country, in terms of social and labour integration or discrimination?

LAURES PARK (L.P.): In New Zealand there is still discrimination. There are lots of concerns, but there’s lots of integration as well. It depends on socioeconomic and geographical conditions. The Māori, who are about 12 per cent of the national population, tend to fill the lower paid labour-intensive jobs. They tend to be cleaners, rubbish collectors and landscape gardeners – those kinds of jobs. And yes, there are also a lot of Māori that move to the city and get jobs in the public service, but you have to move to get that kind of work. Poverty-wise, that’s probably very high for Indigenous people in New Zealand, and that’s because of poor access to education where they live, as well as lack of employment.

SISSEL SKOGHAUG (S.S.): So much injustice has been done to the Sami people. The authorities almost managed to rob an entire people of their identity and their language. As the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recently concluded, this also applies to the Kven people and the Forest Finns. [But] especially in Norway and parts of Sweden, the Sami culture has been experiencing a very strong renaissance over the last four decades. Young people, and also quite a few in my generation, are taking back the heritage that was lost two or three generations back.

DAVID ACUÑA MILLAHUEIQUE (D.A.M.): The labour situation of people of Indigenous origin comes from the forced integration of the Indigenous society into the dominant society of the colonisers. Before reaching the situation we have now, there have even been periods of slavery, which initially involved working for a very basic income as day labourers, apprentice carpenters, bricklayers or bakers, for example. Many of those who migrated from rural to urban areas worked in these trades, while the majority of the Indigenous women worked as domestic and care workers. Today, a large percentage of the new generations have achieved access to various levels of formal education, so we have moved on from the worker who formerly did not know how to read or write to the literate workers of today, enabling a minimal level of social mobility in some cases.

What about the acknowledgment and respect for First Nation cultures, languages and rights, and their integration in the work environment?

S.S.: Nowadays, in Norway we have the Sami Parliament (Samediggi), established in 1989. That is the representative body of the Sami people in the country, and it promotes political initiatives and has authority on a number of issues. At the same time, the main Sami language is also an official language in Norway. Much more has been achieved since assimilation and discrimination was the official order of the day.

L.P.: In New Zealand it goes from one extreme to the other. There is a whole sector of the population that doesn’t even know about it or doesn’t care, because Māori don’t have anything to do with their lives. But there is also another part of the population that is learning the language and participating in the customs, and is very much part of all the things that happen in the education system [where there are a number of selected schools where the Māori language is taught to everyone since early childhood].

There is a whole generation of Māori who only speak Māori, and their families only speak Māori when they are out and about, and this can cause a bit of stress with other people, mainly white people. But on the other side, when we’re downtown, other people are delighted to hear Māori being spoken out in the community. So it varies. You get some people that see it as: “Oh, God, you’re trying to hide something from us,” and other people who think that’s just lovely to hear it. And we have a Māori television channel, and the number of non-Māori who watch it is just incredible. So, as I say, [the situation] varies.

D.A.M.: In Chile, the process of Indigenous integration has been strongly marked by social discrimination and also, in many cases, employment and racial discrimination, which have led to irreparable cultural losses, such as the use of our own mother tongue, especially as of the third generation [of Mapuche people who settled in the cities in the mid-twentieth century]. We were migrants in our own land, because we had to go to the more developed cities, and we lost everything from our language to our customs with these migration and integration processes.

The first generations of Indigenous migrants had to adjust to a new way of life, and of course, they had to behave like Chileans, and ended up “half-Chileanised”, often trying to hide or disguise their Mapuche ancestry, and little by little this began to take hold, to the extent that people even avoided using their own language and customs, all in an attempt to adopt the traits of a society that was not our own and steadily adapt to it. It has only been as of the fourth generation, to which I belong, that we began to see a gradual process of self-identification with our origins. Over the last five or six years, there has also been a reclaiming of the Mapuche flag itself, which became visible in 2019 with the social uprising, during which one of the most popular and most visible symbols in the protests was the Mapuche flag. There was almost a commercial boom, the Mapuche flag was suddenly selling so well. That showed that we were recognising an identity that we had lost until then.

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(Click here for the French version of this article, or here for the Spanish version .)

Question(s) related to this article:
 
The right to form and join trade unions, Is it being respected?

Indigenous peoples, Are they the true guardians of nature?

(Article continued from left column)

Has your country ratified the ILO’s Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention (C169), from 1989? How does that affect the current First Nation peoples’ life in the country? How important is C169 for your people?

S.S.: In 1990, Norway was the first country to ratify the ILO’s Convention 169. I am proud of LO Norway’s role in making ILO 169 happen, and making it happen first in our own country. Alongside the Constitution and the Sami Act, ILO’s Convention 169 is one of the central pillars of the Norwegian Sami policy. ILO 169 is a monument to the collective spirit of cooperation that characterised Norway at the start of the 1990s. This collective spirit also carried the majority population through a rough period of unemployment and financial and political turmoil.

L.P.: In New Zealand the government has not ratified it, and their explanation is that our new laws need to comply with a lot of other previous laws before they ratify it. That doesn’t change things for us. If we want to make a point, we will still use the C169 and it still holds weight. In some ways, [the fact that New Zealand hasn’t ratified C169] probably supports our argument.

D.A.M.: Yes, Chile ratified it in 2008. By doing so, the state of Chile committed to a state policy of recognition for Indigenous peoples and pledged to establish policies of recognition and respect for this section of society. When national policies are developed that may affect the social, cultural, political and environmental conditions in which Indigenous communities live, we always end up with a consultation. That’s as far as we have got for now, but it is an important achievement, because it is a tool that gives Indigenous communities a voice in what directly impacts on them, and that’s something we didn’t have before.

Why did you join a union, what difficulties did you find in your working environment and in the unions themselves, just for being Indigenous?

L.P.: I joined when I was a teacher. Many years ago, we were talking about how to encourage Māori people to become interested in trade unions. That’s when it became a lot more relevant for me. And since then, that’s been the push – to make sure that unions work for Māori.

We have a saying, that was said by a very old tipuna [ancestor]: “There is but one eye of the needle through which all threads must pass: the white, the red, the black.” For our union, that actually is exactly the sentiment that we think people should embrace, because only by joining together and going in the same direction can we make things work. Otherwise, we’re pulling against each other.

D.A.M.: I’ve been working since I was 17; I had to support my family from a very young age and I’ve always been closely linked to work. When I was getting to know the trade union world, one day a union came to look for representatives at the supermarket where I was working, and there were two colleagues who put themselves forward as union reps. Three could be elected, and these guys had no class consciousness, let’s say, they were not very pro-worker, they were more pro-management, they were very close to the company. So, I said, “No, if we want to fight for labour rights, we need to have agreements with the company, but also disagreements and to fight for the rights we believe in.” It was time, a decision, to say: “Either I keep watching everything stay the same, or I make some kind of change,” and I chose to make a change, with all the sacrifices this also entails.

Given the leadership position that you have reached in your organisation, what does that symbolise for you and the continued struggle for Indigenous rights?

D.A.M.: It is a source of pride for me and my family. My first May Day as president was a personal milestone for me. That day, I acknowledged my identity, I said: “I am a retail worker, I am Mapuche and I come from an Indigenous community in Lleulleu, in the Los Ríos region.” More than a trade union leader, I see myself as a worker and, today, I also strongly recognise my historical legacy: that my mother was a migrant from the south of Chile to the capital, and that we lost our language, we lost part of our culture, but we did not lose our attachment to the territory. Recognising this is very important to me, because I feel proud to be representing, in this role, a people as combative as the Mapuche people were and are today in their territorial claim, which is still pending.

S.S: I have in later years discovered that my own family lost most of our Sami and Kven identity, including the language, as a result of the many decades of Norwegianisation policy. But we are taking back our heritage, with my daughter and son leading the way with language studies and much more. In my public appearances, I am very proud to be wearing the gakti (Sami traditional dress), which I recently had made. I feel that this process in itself is a victory over the injustice that was done.

How can the trade unions better help the Indigenous and First Nation peoples reach real integration in the working world?

D.A.M.: With solidarity and respect. Respect for identity, for beliefs, but also solidarity, inclusion within the world of work.

S.S.: We will look into what we in LO Norway can do to help combat racism, like we have done in the workplace. So far, in the working world, LO Norway has been a strong advocate for the legislation against discrimination now in place in Norway. Thanks to that, nowadays employees and job applicants enjoy equal opportunities, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, sex or responsibilities as caretakers. All Norwegian employers are obliged to work actively, in a targeted way and systematically, to promote equality and prevent discrimination in the workplace, according to the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act. This employer activity duty is a preventative work that employers are expected to do before incidents of discrimination occur.

L.P.: Trade unions could change themselves internally and employ more Indigenous people in their organisations. And they shouldn’t be afraid to promote these things amongst the affiliates; at the moment it is seen a little bit as window dressing. But we all belong to this country, so we all should be doing the same thing across the board, not just letting people maybe be inclusive or maybe just say, and this is me being rude: “Go over there and play with your marbles while we get on with the real work over here”. Trade unions need to be more inclusive and more promotional about First Nations, so that we are not just there to sing the songs and do the opening prayer.

How can First Nation peoples contribute, with their particular sensibilities, culture and experiences, to the current global debates about just transition, social justice, labour and human rights and the democratic health of our societies?

D.A.M.: In Chile, the Indigenous peoples come from a culture of struggle that calls for many rights that were taken from them: the right to land is one of their main demands, but there are also the ancestral cultures, especially ancestral medicine, which now forms part of the entry of Mapuche culture into society in a way that was inconceivable before, because there has been, over the last 15 or 20 years, a cultural shift that has allowed the culture of the Indigenous peoples to re-emerge. Today almost every district has a Mapuche ruca, a ceremonial centre for gastronomy, culture and traditional medicine, such that, beyond a flag and a combative tradition, what is also emerging is an ancestral culture that speaks of solidarity, inclusion and participation, respect for elders and for one’s own body.

S.S.: I think we need to go back to that spirit of cooperation that characterised Norway at the start of the 1990s. We live again in a time of crisis and a lot is at risk. The polarisation we see both in the world and in our part of it gives room for forces that do not wish neither minorities, nor majorities or democracies well. Rights that have been won will not automatically be there forever. The fight is never over. We know all about this in the labour movement.

L.P.: When I think about just transition, and particularly climate change as well, I think Indigenous people or First Nations people have a lot to offer. But the powers that be don’t ask. For example, when you think about areas that are now suffering from drought and lack of water and so on, Indigenous people in Australia have lived like that for years. So, how come people don’t talk to them? About how you survive in those situations? And what is it that you bring to the table about those conversations? There are ways of doing things wisely, sustainably, that Indigenous people have always done, that they will continue to do. There’s a whole lot of that knowledge that First Nations hold and probably just use it like the everyday life common sense that it is for them. If anybody bothered to investigate or talk about it, I think First Nations have a lot to offer, but one: do they have a voice? And two: do people listen to what they have to say?

global, HUMAN RIGHTS, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT