Category Archives: East Asia

Asia and Pacific: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .

A survey by CPNN

We have found 64 events in 14 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). No doubt there were also events listed on the Internet in languages other than those for which we searched.


Banglasesh, NSU

Here are excerpts from the articles.

AUSTRALIA

BRISBANE: At this 13th annual UN International Day of Peace Brisbane lecture, we will hear from Louise Adler AM who is on the advisory committee of the Jewish Council of Australia and director of the Adelaide writers’ week. Louise will share with us why peace matters, the lessons of her own personal history and why speaking up against injustice is critical. Nasser Mashni is the President of the Australian Palestine Advocacy Network. Nasser will address the current crisis in Gaza, the West Bank and the region. He will share his views on what is needed to reach a peaceful and just life for people living in this war zone. The event is hosted by UNAAQ, St John’s Cathedral, Griffith University, University of Qld and Just Peace Qld Inc.

COWRA: Cowra’s Peace Day Program will be held this year on Thursday 19 September 2024 and includes:
– Cowra Community World Peace Bell Ceremony12pm, Cowra Civic Square, Darling Street
– Cowra Youth Peace Forum9.15am-2.45pm, Cowra Civic Centre 
– Rotary Club of Cowra World Peace Day Dinner6pm for a 6.30pm start at Club Cowra. 
– 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.

RIGPA: United Nations International Day Of Peace – Faith, Religion and Peace. Hosted by
Rigpa Australia, Institute for Economics and Peace and the Raising Peace Festival. Speakers from Christian, Islamic, Jewish and Buddhist communities will be joined by Patricia Garcia AO from the Institute for Economics and Peace to speak about the Institute’s research into religion and wars. There will be a panel discussion with the opportunity for questions from the audience.

SYDNEY: In honour of the International Day of Peace, we invite you to a special Rotary Sydney lunch dedicated to our ongoing commitment to building a more peaceful world. This event will highlight Rotary Sydney’s significant role in promoting peace through our support of Rotary Peace Scholarships and Rotary Peace Activators.

TASMANIA: Unveiling the Peace Pole in Howrah, Tasmania.

VICTORIA: The Faith Communities Council of Victoria, in collaboration with United Religions Initiative and Religions for Peace Australia (along with other participant organisations) will present an online event in observance of United Nations World Day of Peace. This event is being conducted as part of the Raising Peace Festival, 2024. The theme of this event is Faith leaders sharing their personal practices to maintain equilibrium / inner peace when working in a fractured world for peace.

BANGLADESH

DHAKA: World Peace Day has been observed in the North South University (NSU) in a befitting manner with renewed pledge to build a new Bangladesh. On the occasion a roundtable discussion, peace rally, tree plantation, release of pigeons and film screening programmes were arranged in the university campus.

BHUTAN

TRASHIGANG: Bartsham Central School, Trashigang Bhutan celebrated the International Day of Peace. Two speakers were selected to deliver a speech (in Dzongkha, National language; and English language) on the importance of marking the day, maintaining peace in society, and saying no to racism (Dzongkha and English language). Later, all the staff and students took a peace pledge of maintaining peace in society and say no to racism.

CHINA

BEIJING: On 20 September, the results of the 2024 Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads international photo contest will be revealed in Beijing, China, as part of the 11th Peace Garden Peace Festival, which coincides with the International Day of Peace. The theme for this year’s event, “Diversity and Dialogue, Indispensable Path toward Global Peace and Development,” is organized in collaboration with the China World Peace Foundation (CWPF) and the Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation (BJIPCF). The festival will gather ambassadors, UNESCO representatives, and notable guests from various sectors to celebrate cultural understanding and the promotion of peace. . . . The event will showcase the 60 best photos from this year’s competition, accompanied by video presentations from the winners and jury members, as well as speeches from contest representatives.

HONG KONG: Video of Infinity Montessori School celebration of International Day of Peace – Light a Candle for Peace

JINAN: Chinese Vice President Han Zheng addressed the opening ceremony of the 2024 International Day of Peace commemoration in Jinan, south China’s Shandong Province, on Thursday. . . He called on all parties to follow the right direction and historical trend, and work together to establish strong synergy towards building a community with a shared future for mankind. . . About 180 representatives from foreign political parties, peace and friendship organizations, security think tanks, as well as relevant Chinese departments attended the event.

NANJING: On September 21, International Peace Day, the “Sing Peace, Sow the Future” event was held at the Peace Square of the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. More than 130 Chinese and foreign young people from 11 countries gathered here to sing songs of peace, sow purple gold grass seeds, remember history and talk about peace! In the open space in front of the Statue of the Statue of Peace, children from the Nanjing Purple Gold Grass Choir sang the songs “Purple Gold Grass Growing Towards the Sun” and “Broad Bean Song”. . . Afterwards, all the staff came to the sowing field in the Purple Grass Garden of the Memorial Hall and sowed the Purple Grass seeds, which symbolize peace. Mu Yang, a graduate student from Pakistan at Southeast University, said: “It is very meaningful to sow these seeds with my own hands. I hope that when the Purple Grass flowers bloom in March next year, people can see these flowers and remember the history behind them.”

SHANDONG: On the morning of September 19, the 2024 International Peace Day commemoration event opened at Shandong Building, further promoting the international community to advocate the concept of peace, build consensus on peace, cultivate a culture of peace, and inject positive energy into world peace and development. The event was jointly organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Peace and Disarmament and the Shandong Provincial People’s Government, with the theme of “Adhere to a shared destiny and work together to build a world of peaceful coexistence.” Some national dignitaries, former dignitaries, representatives of political organizations, peace groups, security think tanks and people from all walks of life from various countries participated in the commemorative event.

WEIFANG: On September 21, a press conference on the 2024 International Peace Day commemoration was held at Qingzhou Museum, introducing the overall situation and main achievements of the commemoration. . . . The commemoration activities mainly included the opening ceremony, the closing ceremony, the “Shared Destiny and Protecting Peace” story gathering and theatrical performances. Guests were invited to visit Weichai Group, Goertek Group, Qianque Village, Weifang Economic Development Zone, Weifang Kite Museum, Weixian Western Overseas Chinese Concentration Camp Site Museum, Qingzhou Ancient City, Qingzhou Museum and other places, and held three dialogue activities on “Jointly Implementing the Global Development Initiative”, “Jointly Practicing the Global Security Initiative” and “Jointly Promoting the Global Civilization Initiative”. During the event, Chinese and foreign guests and representatives discussed the international situation, expressed security concerns, and called for peace.

INDIA

BANGALORE: The Peace and Reconciliation Unit of Indian Social Institute, Bengaluru, in collaboration with the Jesuit Conference of South Asia (JCSA) Peace and Reconciliation Network organised an hour long online celebration of the International Day of Peace on 21st September, at 4.00 pm. The programme began with a video on the “Culture of Peace” and a welcome address by Mr. Amith Pereira. . . About 64 participants actively participated in the program and interacted with some insightful questions on peace-building in different parts of the country.

BHIKHARIPUR: Amaria. International Peace Day was organized in Bhikharipur in collaboration with Caritas India under Suchetna Sanstha Ashadeep Amaria. First of all, people were made aware through a rally. After that programs were conducted by the children. 290 childrenparticipated in this program.

BIHAR STATE: On the occasion of International Peace Day, a Prabhatpheri was taken out in the city on on saturday from the sports ground at the local Plus-Two Lee Academy by the Forbesganj subdivision unit of Bihar State Bharat Scouts and Guides.

BODOLAND TERRITORIAL REGION: Video of International Day of Peace celebration.

HATHRAS: A grand function was organized in the auditorium of Seksaria Sushila Devi Public School on the occasion of International Peace Day. . . In the program, various presentations like peace-themed drama, songs, and speeches were given by the students and teachers, which were inspiring towards a bright future while highlighting the importance of peace. . . A Shanti Paath was organized to pray for world peace at the Shanti Stambh located in the school premises. The message of peace was given by lighting candles, and white balloons were released into the sky as a symbol of peace.

HYDERABAD: Day 2 of Rising with Kindness youth summit coincides with International Peace Day. . . A group Heartfulness experiential meditation session was led by Daaji, Guide of Heartfulness & President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission . . During the summit, interactive breakout sessions for students were held with focus on relationships with parents, friends, and understanding difficult people, being a supportive professional, and being a Heartful leader.

JAMSHEDPUR: Narbheram Hansraj English School celebrated International Peace Day with a series of student activities. The highlight of the gathering was a touching poem recitation by a student. Additionally, the school band gave a wonderful rendition of John Lennon’s song “Imagine.” The program concluded with a thought-provoking “Thought for the Day.”

JHUNJHUNU: Under the aegis of Rajasthan State Bharat Scout Guide District Headquarters Jhunjhunu, International Peace Day was organized with great pomp in the Scout Guide office under the chief hospitality of Consumer Commission Chairman Manoj Meel. CO Scout Mahesh Kalawat said that before the event, a rally was organized by the Scout Guide under the development of the culture of peace for world peace.

KOKRAJHAR: Assam Bovernor Lawman Prasad Acharya today attended the grand celebration of International Peace Day 2024 held at Bodofa Cultural Complex in Kpkrajhar. The theme of the event was promoting the culture of peace in the Bodoland Terrirorial Region (BTR) and beyond.

KOHIMA, NAGALAND: The International Day of Peace was celebrated with a vibrant event at Rivenburge Chapel Hall, Baptist College, where Global Ambassador of MasterPeace COOLeaders, Imnainla Jamir inspired attendees through her speech and performance. Organized by the IQAC of Baptist College in collaboration with MasterPeace Nagaland, the celebration focused on “Cultivating a Culture of Peace.”

LADNUN: On the occasion of International Peace Day a program was organized by the Department of Nonviolence and Peace of Jain Vishwabharati Institute. In his address, the chief speaker of the program, deputy Superintendent of Police Vicky Nagpal said that progress is possible only when there is peace in the society. . . . On this ocassion, all the faculty members, researchers and students of the institute and more than 80 participants were present.

LUCKNOW: The ‘International Day of Peace – 21 September’, declared by the United Nations, was celebrated with great joy at the City Montessori School (CMS), Headquarters. On this occasion, leaders of various religions delivered insightful speeches, strongly proclaiming the importance of ‘religious unity, world unity and world peace.’ Prominent speakers included Rajyogni BK Radha Didi from Hinduism, Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahli and Maulana Yasub Abbas from Islam, Shri Harpal Singh Jaggi from Sikhism, Father Donald D’Souza and Pastor Firoz Masih from Christianity, Bhikkhu Gyanalok from Buddhism, Shri Shailendra Jain from Jainism and Dr. Mayuri Parikh from the Bahá’í Faith.

MEERUT: On the occasion of International Peace Day, the social organization The Growing People, in collaboration with the Municipal Corporation and Cantt, formed a human chain for world peace.

MUMBAI: The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Mumbai, the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Mumbai, and the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) successfully hosted a remarkable event titled “Promoting Peace Through Tourism with Thailand and IIPT” on World Peace Day at IFBE, Mumbai. The event, held in celebration of the United Nations International Day of Peace, highlighted the critical role tourism can play in fostering global peace and understanding. The event brought together a diverse group of guests, including the Consul General of various countries, distinguished dignitaries, travel agents, airline managers, influencers, hotel managers, and other key players from the tourism industry. Ajay Prakash who assumed the global Presidency of IIPT in September 2023 spoke eloquently on the power of Tourism to connect people across all boundaries of race, religion or nationality and urged the travel industry to join hands to realise this higher paradigm of Tourism by encouraging all travellers to travel with an open mind and a gentle heart, with respect for their hosts, embracing the diversity they encounter, and encouraged them to adopt and propagate the IIPT Credo of the Peaceful Traveller.

MUMBAI, WESTERN EXPRESS HIGHWAY: On September 21st, millions of Mumbaikars travelling through Bandra Kurla Complex (B.K.C) and the Western Express Highway (W.E.H) witnessed a visual tribute to the International Day of Peace, also known as “Peace Day,” with a glowing flame projected across the ProDigi Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) network. . . . The image was displayed across the ProDigi network in collaboration with the World Out of Home Organization (WOO) and the #EssaysForPeace initiative. At noon, for a duration of five minutes, the glowing flame appeared on 20 DOOH screens along a 4.7 km stretch of the Western Express Highway and the B.K.C Connector. The event ensured high visibility among daily commuters travelling between B.K.C, the Sea-Link, the airports, and major residential and commercial hubs.

MURLIGANJ: A seminar was organised on International Peace Day under the aegis of NSS National Service Scheme at KP College, Murliganj. Professor Mahendra Mandal stressed on the inevitability of peace in life and said that this day was celebrated for the first time in 1982 by many nations, political groups, military groups and people. In 2013, the United Nations Secretary General dedicated it to peace education. . . Dr Chandrashekhar Azad said that former Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru had given five fundamentals to establish peace in the world. These are also called the principles of Panchsheel.

RAMGARH: The Shantidhara Foundation organized a program on the occasion of International Peace Day in support of war-free world at Gandhi Chowk on Saturday. A wreath was plazced on Gandhi’s statue. Candles were lit and a two-minute silence was observed to express commitment to world peace and harmony.

SAHARANPUR: International Peace Day was celebrated by the education department of JV Jai College. Students highlighted the importance of Peace Day by presenting poems in their own words.

SURAJGARH: A meeting was held on world peace under the chairmanship of Dharampal Gandhi in the office of Adarsh Samaj Samiti India, a national literary, cultural and social institution. . . . Peace is possible in the world only when all of us move forward with the resolve to be good human beings and consider humanity as the biggest religion. We all have to adopt the thoughts of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and leave the path of hatred and walk on the path of love. In this nuclear age it is necessary for us to appeal to people for peace.

Question for this article

What has happened this year (2024) for the International Day of Peace?


Japan, Okinawa

(Survey continued from left column)

INDIA (continued)

UDUPI: International Peace Day was observed in Christ School, Manipal.  Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, and chairman of peace & justice, offered prayers and was welcomed to the quadrangle through the Indian tradition of aarathi and kalasha. . . Principal Eliza Vaz then delivered the welcome address and presented the report on the activities, progress, and development of the students.

INDONESIA

Jakarta: Video of children singing “Light a Candle for Peace,” in coordination with Montessori schools around the world. This heartwarming tradition unites children, teachers, and communities in a shared moment of harmony, as we gather to send our collective wishes for peace across the globe. At our school, we continue this tradition, fostering the values of compassion and global citizenship in our students as they become ambassadors for a more peaceful world.

JAPAN

FUKUYAMA CITY: On the 21st, the calligraphy club of Seishinkan High School (Kinosho-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture) dedicated a calligraphy piece filled with wishes for peace to Bingo Gokoku Shrine.

HAKOKATE CITY: On the 21st, the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, 15 members of the Hakodate Nishi High School calligraphy club and Takayuki Tenmaya (47), a teacher at the same school, wrote a calligraphy prayer for world peace at Hakodate Gokoku Shrine.

HASE: In conjunction with Peace Day (International Peace Day), a fashion show, talk event and market with the theme of peace, ethics and SDGs will be held on Monday, September 16th (national holiday). The venue is the old house Yuriika (2-15-14 Hase) near Shugenji Temple.

HIKONE CITY: In conjunction with the International Day of Peace on the 21st, a calligraphy offering was held at the Prefectural Gokoku Shrine (Osue-cho, Hikone City) on the 16th by students from the calligraphy club of Omi High School. Six members of the club took up their brushes and wrote their prayers for peace.

HIROSAKI CITY: To coincide with International Peace Day on September 21, high school students in Hirosaki City dedicated calligraphy works written in hopes of world peace to a shrine.

Six students from the calligraphy club at Hirosaki Commercial High School dedicated their works to Aomori Prefecture Gokoku Shrine in Hirosaki City. On a large piece of paper measuring 2 meters in length and 3.5 meters in width, they wrote a message of hope for world peace, saying, “There is no way to pray for peace, peace is the way.” The organization “Wa Project TAISHI,” which engages in peace activities through calligraphy and other means, planned the event, and calligraphy clubs and 27 calligraphers from 49 schools nationwide, as well as ambassadors from 14 countries, will dedicate messages of peace to Gokoku shrines around the country.

HIROSHIMA: In Hiroshima, the site of the atomic bombing, a commemorative rally has been held every year since 2012 at Peace Park by atomic bomb survivors and high school students, organized by Mayors for Peace, but those involved are seeking an initiative with a greater ripple effect. Starting this year, with the aim of “spreading the desire for peace to the world even more widely,” “messages calling for peace to the world” by atomic bomb survivors and young people who will create the future will be recorded and sent via social media and the Internet to reach mainly young people who will lead the next generation.

ISE CITY: On September 21st, International Day of Peace, singer-songwriter Akiko Nakajima will hold a concert praying for peace, “Suikagami – Love Imagine Peace,” at Hinjitsukan (Futami-cho, Ise City), a nationally designated important cultural property.”>ISE CITY: On September 21st, International Day of Peace, singer-songwriter Akiko Nakajima will hold a concert praying for peace, “Suikagami – Love Imagine Peace,” at Hinjitsukan (Futami-cho, Ise City), a nationally designated important cultural property. In addition to Nakajima, eight other artists will be participating on the day: Noh performer and taiko drummer Okura Shonosuke, Ainu singer Toyokawa Yoko from Hokkaido, shakuhachi player Takeuchi Yoji from Ise City, guitarist Pepe Ito from Fukuoka, African percussionist Latyr Sy from Senegal, charango player Luis Carlos Severich from Bolivia, and Korean string instrument haegeum player Kang Eun-il from South Korea. In addition to musical performances, there will be a talk show about peace, and at the end, all eight will perform “Imagine,” composed by John Lennon, in eight languages.

KANSAI: To coincide with International Day of Peace, Tamarot Peace Week will be held, a week-long event to think about the importance of peace and to make wishes for the future. During the event, there will be a photo exhibition of children facing the reality of war, an exhibition calling for action towards peace, and on the final day, there will be an experience session for making origami cranes, a symbol of peace, and a chance to try out the parasport “Boccia.”

NAGASAKI CITY: On the 16th, nine members of the calligraphy club at Nagasaki Nihon University Junior and Senior High School (Isahaya City) wrote and dedicated a message for the United Nations International Day of Peace (the 21st) at Prefectural Gokoku Shrine in Jyoeimachi, Nagasaki City. Works by the “Peace Prayer Kids Guernica” project, organized by the Nagasaki Friendship Doll Association (Kenko no Kai, Chairperson Yamashita Akiko), were also displayed in the temple grounds.

NAGOYA CITY: On the 21st, the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, a calligraphy offering for world peace was held at Aichi Prefectural Gokoku Shrine in Naka-ku, Nagoya. Ten members of the calligraphy club at Aichi Prefectural Commercial High School participated and wrote messages expressing their wishes for recovery from the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January and for world peace.

NAHA CITY: At a shrine in Naha City, seven students from the Oroku High School calligraphy club participated in writing messages of peace at Gokoku Shrine. The students wrote messages on large pieces of paper measuring 3 meters in length and 6 meters in width, expressing their wishes for world peace and for a speedy recovery of areas affected by disasters such as the Noto Peninsula earthquake.

NIIGATA CITY: At Gokoku Shrine in Chuo Ward, Niigata City, a dedication calligraphy ceremony was held to pray for world peace. 
The calligraphy club of Niigata Daiichi High School wrote “Harmony,” while calligraphers Saisui Shimoda and his sibling Kohan wrote “Love,” both using large brushes. This event is held every year to coincide with International Day of Peace on the 21st, at Gokoku Shrines across the country and at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

OKAYAMA CITY: On the 21st, which is the United Nations’ designated “International Day of Peace,” members of the calligraphy club at Okayama Minami High School (Okuda, Kita-ku, Okayama City) wrote and dedicated a calligraphy piece at Okayama Prefectural Gokoku Shrine in Okuichi, Naka-ku, Okayama City, praying for world peace. Eight first-year students wearing hakama wrote in powerful calligraphy on a piece of paper measuring three meters in length and four meters in width, “Why does war happen? Differences in values? Differences in ways of thinking?” and “Sports move people. Spread your wings and soar toward the realization of peace.” In honor of this summer’s Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Olympic mark is placed in the center.

SAITAMA: Let’s pray for world peace on “International Day of Peace” September 21st is “International Day of Peace”. Saitama Prefecture Gokoku Shrine will hold the “8th World Peace Prayer” on September 21st (Sat).

SHIBUYA: The International Peace Film Festival, which introduces short films created by young people from around the world on the theme of peace and SDGs, will be held on September 16th at Human Trust Cinema Shibuya (Shibuya 1, Shibuya-ku). The festival is organized by the General Incorporated Association International Peace Film Festival

TOKYO: On September 21, 2024, Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park will transform into a vibrant hub of hope and harmony as it hosts “PEACE DAY 2024.” Organized by the non-profit PEACE DAY, this annual event, now in its sixth year, coincides with the International Day of Peace. What started in 2018 as a modest gathering has blossomed into a powerful movement, drawing people from all walks of life to celebrate peace and unity. Candle JUNE, Japan’s renowned candle artist, will create a candle installation, captivating attendees with its beauty and symbolic power. As night falls, thousands of candles will bathe Yoyogi Park in a soft glow, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and reflection. There will be live performances by S.T.K. (Sensual Technology Cooks) and a collaboration between internationally acclaimed artist SUGIZO and sound designer Tetra Tanizaki. SUGIZO, known for his work with iconic bands LUNA SEA and X JAPAN, brings his unique blend of poetic electric violin and immersive soundscapes to the stage.The festival lineup also includes special guests May J. and YonYon. May J., whose powerful voice and positive messages resonate with audiences worldwide, will share her multicultural background and musical talent. YonYon, a Seoul-born, Tokyo-raised DJ and music producer, will being an eclectic DJ set.

NEPAL

UNITED MISSION TO NEPAL: In Nawalparasi, a plantation programme brought together religious leaders, local government officials, and key stakeholders to plant over 150 diverse species of plants together, symbolizing hope and harmony within the community. The Interfaith Youth Group took to the streets with a powerful drama, highlighting the negative influence of social media and how it can disrupt family life and community peace. To end the day, they lit candles together, spreading the message of hope and peace throughout the community. Similarly, in Kapilvastu, UMN facilitated a street drama with the Jana Kalyan Youth Club to promote interfaith cultural and social harmony.

NEW ZEALANR

AOTEAROA: Join our 2024 International Day of Peace forum during the first Global Week of Action for Peace and Climate Justice, to discuss the links between militarisation and climate change and the urgent need for climate justice in the Pacific.On Thursday, 26 September 2024 at 1pm with presenters from Peace Movement Aotearoa, Aotearoa New Zealand Campaign on Military Spending (ANZCOMS), and Epeli Lesuma, Pacific Network on Globalisation

PAKISTAN

PRESIDENT AND PRIME MINISTER: Messages for International Day of Peace. In a statement, President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the ongoing violence in Palestine, describing Israel’s actions as genocidal. He highlighted the urgent need to address human rights violations occurring in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where the Hindutva-inspired Modi regime has been accused of persecuting Muslims and minorities. . . Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif echoed these sentiments, emphasising the need for dialogue to resolve longstanding regional disputes. He called for a fair and just settlement of the Kashmir issue through an impartial plebiscite, as per relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

ISLAMABAD: Coinciding with the 25th observance of World Peace Day, and the conjoint Postdoctoral Appreciation Week celebrations of National Postdoctoral Association (USA) and Asia-Oceania Postdoctoral Academia (AOPDA), a unanimous proclamation revealed the world’s first digital repository for peace studies will be established in Pakistan.

KARACHI: Dhacss Seaview Campus. Let’s celebrate Peace Day with our Montessori kids! Video of children making paper doves.

LAHORE: A peace rally was organised in the Cathedral Church in connection with World “Peace Day” under the aegis of Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue, here on Saturday. Candles of peace were lit by the inter-religious leaders.

RAWALPINDI: In a spirited celebration of International Peace Day, the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) on Saturday hosted a Peace Cycling Rally that not only promoted harmony but also fostered a sense of community across diverse groups. Themed “Cultivating Culture for Peace,” the event drew together cyclists of all ages, families, and differently-abled individuals, transforming the streets into a lively demonstration of solidarity and hope. NACTA’s Director General, Saleha Zakir Shah, addressed the crowd, underscoring the essential role of collective action in fostering a peaceful society. “Peace is the cornerstone of development,” she asserted, urging all citizens to actively contribute to a harmonious Pakistan.

PHILIPPIINES

PASSAY CITY: In St. Mary’s Academy Pasay, the International Day of Peace is celebrated with a spirit of unity, reflection, and action among the Ignacian Marian students, making them committed to manifesting the values of peace and love for each other. During the event, the student body sang the song ‘Let There Be Peace on Earth’ which has the verse “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.”

TUGUEGARAO CITY: St.Paul University Philippines commemorated the International Day of Peace through the KaPEACEtahan sa SPUP: Jam for Peace, which was spearheaded by The Paulinian Student Government in collaboration with the Center for External Relations, Alumni, and Advocacies, Internationalization, the Christian Formation Office, and the Community Development Center. The Jam for Peace commenced with a drum and lyre performance from the Basic Education Unit; after which, the opening liturgy was held, then Mr. Rucelj D. Pugeda (Head, Office of Student Affairs and Adviser) delivered the rationale. SPUP’s international students gave a cultural performance, then the Peacetang Paulino followed, with song and dance performances from the different college departments.

SOLOMON ISLANDS

MINISTRY OF TRADITIONAL GOVERNANCE, PEACE AND ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS: In a statement marking the celebration of the International Day of Peace, Minister Hon Jamie Lency Vokia thanked the Ministry and its peace-building stakeholders for the commitments and effort rendered forwards maintaining sustainable, peace and unity in our beloved Country, Solomon Islands. He highlighted, since 2008, the government and the people of Solomon Islands through the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace & Ecclesiastical Affairs, have joined the international community to commemorate this day through various peace activities, themes and messages. . . Permanent Secretary Dr Derek Futaiasi also thanked and acknowledged Ministry staff for their continuous efforts and commitments in delivering peace-building programs and activities in the Country.

SOUTH KOREA

SEOUL: Kyung Hee University System held its annual Peace BAR Festival on Friday to celebrate the U.N.-designated International Day of Peace, observed annually on Sept. 21.
BAR stands for Kyung Hee University’s three core values — spiritual beauty, material affluence and humanly rewarding. During the annual event, participants discussed the world’s various daunting challenges, such as climate change, nuclear threats, famine and social inequality.

THAILAND

BANGKOK: Bangkok Patana school was covered in a sea of blue as Primary and Secondary School came together for an early celebration of the International Day of Peace. . . When asked, ‘What does Peace mean to you?’, students across Primary and Secondary had quite profound answers. “Peace means quiet!”, exclaimed Harry B in FS2. “Peace means there is equality, everyone is treated equally and there is kindness in hearts”, said Nana P, 6J.“Peace is when there is calmness and no wars. Where everyone is working together and no one is left out”, said Hugo T, 6J “Calmness, no tension and no conflict. When there is harmony around, thats’s what peace entails”, echoed Ellie and Alana from Year 12. “When all countries work diplomatically and everyday life is secure, that’s what peace is to me”, said Oisin M, 13B. Reggie K, 13O portrayed peace as “Green, serene, lots of nature and quietness around”.

RAJAMANGALA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY LANNA: Ceremony for the International Day of Peace 2024. The event’s highlights included the reading of the United Nations Secretary-General’s message in both Thai and English, a message from the President of the Universal Peace Federation Foundation, and a one-minute silent prayer for peace.

Hiroshima Peace Declaration 2024

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

An article from the City of Hiroshima

Every year on August 6, the City of Hiroshima holds a Peace Memorial Ceremony to pray for the peaceful repose of the victims, and for the abolition of nuclear weapons and lasting world peace. During that ceremony, the Mayor issues a Peace Declaration directed toward the world at large. Hiroshima’s mayor will continue to issue these declarations calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons from the face of the earth to build a world of genuine and lasting world peace where no population will ever again experience the cruel devastation suffered by Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Peace Declaration

Citizens of the world, what do you think? Are more powerful nuclear forces necessary for national security? What about arms races, competing to maintain superiority over other nations? Russia’s protracted invasion of Ukraine and the worsening situation between Israel and Palestine are claiming the lives of countless innocent people, shattering normal life. It seems to me that these global tragedies are deepening distrust and fear among nations, reinforcing the public assumption that, to solve international problems, we have to rely on military force, which we should be rejecting. Given such circumstances, how can nations offer safety and security to their people? Is that not impossible?

Through the pillars under the Peace Memorial Museum, we can see the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims. Anyone praying at the Cenotaph can look straight through it to the Atomic Bomb Dome. Peace Memorial Park, with these structures on its north-south axis, was built in accordance with the Hiroshima Peace Memorial City Construction Law, enacted seventy-five years ago today. Built by the people of Hiroshima and many other seekers of peace, it has become a place to memorialize the victims and to think, talk, and make promises to each other about peace.

If, after the war, Japan had abandoned our Peace Constitution and focused on rebuilding our military, the city of peace Hiroshima is today would not exist. Standing here, we can all feel our predecessors’ determination to eliminate the scourge of war, trusting in the justice and faith of peace-loving people around the world.

Expressing that determination, one hibakusha continually communicated the spirit of Hiroshima. “Now is the time to turn the tide of history, to get beyond the hatreds of the past, uniting beyond differences of race and nationality to turn distrust into trust, hatred into reconciliation, and conflict into harmony.” This uplifting sentiment was written by a man who, as a 14-year-old boy, saw scenes from a living hell— a baby with skin peeled down to red flesh next to its mother burned from head to toe, and a corpse with its guts strewn out on the dirt.

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(Click here for a version in French.)

Question related to this article:
 
Can we abolish all nuclear weapons?

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In 1989, a massive people’s movement for democracy brought down the Berlin Wall, the predominant symbol of the Cold War. President Gorbachev expressed humanity’s collective need for peace and his determination to stop the arms race, end nuclear terror, eradicate nuclear weapons, and relentlessly pursue political solutions to regional conflicts. He and President Reagan worked together through dialogue to bring the Cold War to an end, which led to the United States and the Soviet Union concluding the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. They demonstrated that policymakers can overcome even critical situations through resolute commitment to dialogue.

Let us not be resigned to pessimism about the chaotic world situation. Instead, let us be as determined as our forebears, and, united as one, with hope in our hearts, take collective action. Our unity will move leaders now relying on nuclear deterrence to shift their policies. We could make that happen.

To extinguish the suspicion and doubt that create conflicts, civil society must foster a circle of trust through exchange and dialogue with consideration for others. We must spread beyond national borders the sense of safety we feel in our daily lives. The crucial step here is to share and empathize with the experiences and values of others through music, art, sports, and other interactions. Through such exchange, let us create a world in which we all share the Culture of Peace. In particular, I call on our youth, who will lead future generations, to visit Hiroshima and, taking to heart what they experience here, create a circle of friendship with people of all ages. I hope they will ponder what they can do now, and act together to expand their circle of hope. The city of Hiroshima, working with Mayors for Peace, which now has more than 8,400 member cities in 166 countries and regions, will actively support community endeavors to raise peace consciousness.

Last fiscal year, approximately 1.98 million people from around the world visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. This record number is evidence of unprecedented interest in the atomic-bombed city and a rise in peace consciousness. My hope is that all world leaders will visit Hiroshima, experience the will of civil society, gain a deeper understanding of the atomic bombing, and hold in their hearts the hibakusha plea, “No one should ever suffer as we have.” Then, while they are here, I hope they will, with iron resolve, issue a compelling call for the abolition of nuclear weapons.

Twice in a row the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference has failed to adopt a final document. These failures have revealed a harsh reality, namely, the enormous differences among countries with respect to nuclear weapons. I hope the Japanese government, which has declared repeatedly that the NPT is the cornerstone of the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, will exercise strong leadership, calling all countries to transcend their positions and engage in constructive dialogue toward a relationship of trust. Furthermore, I request that Japan, as a practical effort toward a nuclear-weapon-free world, participate as an observer at the Third Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to be held in March next year. Subsequently and as soon as possible, Japan must become a party to the treaty. In addition, I demand that the Japanese government strengthen measures of support for the hibakusha, including those living outside Japan. Now that their average age has exceeded 85, the government must accept that they are still suffering the many adverse emotional and physical effects of radiation.

Today, at this Peace Memorial Ceremony marking 79 years since the bombing, we offer our deepest condolences to the souls of the atomic bomb victims. Together with Nagasaki and likeminded people around the world, remembering once again the hibakusha struggle, we pledge to make every effort to abolish nuclear weapons and light the way toward lasting world peace. Citizens of the world, let us all, with hope in our hearts, walk with Hiroshima toward tomorrow’s peace.

August 6, 2024

Matsui Kazumi
Mayor
The City of Hiroshima

Australian MPs react to Julian Assange’s release

. . HUMAN RIGHTS . .

An article of Yahoo News Australia

Julian Assange has walked free from prison after the WikiLeaks founder reached an agreement with the US Department of Justice, ending a years long legal saga that centred on the release of hundreds of thousands of classified State Department cables, a development that has been welcomed across the Australian parliament.


Kristinn Hrafnsson, editor-in-chief of WikiLeaks, addresses supporters Julian Assange outside Australia House on April 10, 2024 in London, England. (Photo: Leon Neal/Getty Images) Photo reproduced by Common Dreams

According to court documents filed on Monday, Mr Assange is expected to plead guilty to a single felony of conspiring to unlawfully obtain and disseminate classified information, a violation under the US Espionage Act.

The plea deal will spare him further time in prison in the UK where he was reportedly suffering health issues and living in solitary confinement.

Having left prison on Monday after he was granted bail by the UK High Court, Mr Assange then boarded a private jet at Stansted Airport joined by UK High Commissioner Stephen Smith and left the country en route to Bangkok.

The 52-year-old is expected to front a US Federal Court on Wednesday in Saipan, a self-governing US territory located in the western Pacific, about 2400km east of the Philippines.

After being sentenced to the 62 months he has already spent in prison, he is expected to return to Australia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has previously raised Mr Assange’s case in talks with US president Joe Biden. Mr Albanese told parliament in February he hoped that a resolution to the case could be found.

In a short statement released on Tuesday morning, an Australian government spokesman confirmed Mr Assange’s legal proceedings scheduled in the US.

“The Australian government continues to provide consular assistance to Mr Assange,” the spokesman said.

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Question related to this article:

Julian Assange, Is he a hero for the culture of peace?

Is Internet freedom a basic human right?

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“Prime Minister Albanese has been clear – Mr Assange’s case has dragged on for too long and there is nothing to be gained by his continued incarceration.”

Coalition frontbencher and Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce on Tuesday thanked those who had supported Mr Assange’s release, including members of a self-funded parliamentary delegation to lobby US Congress for his freedom.

“There were so many people who were part of this process, and what it showed was people from both sides of politics, for different reasons, arrived at the same place,” Mr Joyce said on Tuesday morning.

But Mr Joyce warned there were still further steps to be taken before Mr Assange’s freedom was assured.

“In a 1500m race, you don’t stop and start waving at the crowd with 2½ laps (to go). Wait to the end of the race and then the race is over,” he said.

Greens senator David Shoebridge also welcomed Mr Assange’s release and remarked that he was “looking forward to welcoming Julian back home”.

“Let’s be clear, Julian Assange should never have been charged with espionage in the first place or had to make this deal. (He) has spent years in jail for the crime of showing the world the horrors of the US war in Iraq and the complicity of governments like Australia and that is why he has been punished.”

With Mr Assange en route to Australia, a statement released by WikiLeaks thanked those who had lent their support to co-ordinated efforts to free him.

“This is the result of a global campaign that spanned grassroots organisers, press freedom campaigners, legislators and leaders from across the political spectrum, all the way to the United Nations,” a WikiLeaks statement read.

“This created the space for a long period of negotiations with the US Department of Justice, leading to a deal that has not yet been formally finalised.

“Julian’s freedom is our freedom”.

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Bringing the Palestinian Message to Australia and New Zealand

. HUMAN RIGHTS . .

Excerpts with pictures of the tour in four installments/posts on the facebook page of the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability

(Editor’s note: It is not in the headlines of the mass media, but there is a growing consciousness of people around the world that we need to stop the Israeli genocide, and work for a culture of peace. This may be seen in the reception of the people of Australia and New Zealand to the recent tour by Palestinians Mazin Qumsiyeh and his wife Jessie, as described in the following dispatches published on facebook.)

June 14. Prof. Mazin Qumsiyeh and his wife Jessie concluded a very important trip to Australia and New Zealand (Aotearoa). Their goals were to gain long-term support for a) Palestine, b) sustainable human and natural communities globally, and c) Bethlehem University and our Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (palestinenature.org). The tour involved 53 days in 17 cities (Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Wollongong, Brisbane, Melbourne, Geelong, Canberra, Hamilton, Napier, Palmerston North, Wanganui, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown, Auckland).

They held 212 events, including speaking at lectures, workshops, rallies, informal gatherings, radio interviews, and media appearances. They drew a wide circle and met with people of all backgrounds: students, scientists, Aboriginal and Maori people, churches, mosques, Rotary clubs, environmental groups, museums, members of parliament in both countries, and local and national officials. They also met with scientists and political, religious, and community leaders. They averaged four events a day. They reached a total of 22,000 individuals and collected more than 3,400 emails to add to our contacts. Furthermore, they initiated over 20 potential joint projects.

There was an urgency regarding the situation in Palestine, involving genocide and ecocide, leading to a regional war and potentially a global catastrophic war. There was also an urgency regarding the state of our planet (e.g., with climate change).

The events also highlighted the ten-year anniversary of our institute (see this video https://youtu.be/qt8OTGoS198 and this booklet https://www.palestinenature.org/annual…/10-Years-PIBS.pdf). Here is a recording of an event with Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa: https://youtu.be/SfeM10YV8kw.

June 14bis. Wrapping up our educational activities in collaboration with Caritas Jerusalem, where we conducted eight visits benefiting 500 children. The aim of this collaboration was to introduce students to the biodiversity of Palestine, particularly in the Al-Makhrour region, and emphasize its importance in the success of environmental agriculture practices. Today, we hosted children from the Latin Scout Beit-Sahour. More educational activities and programs ahead.

June 1. New Zealand’s lectures and talks continue. We have been honoured by the hospitality and care for Palestine everywhere we go: Auckland, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown, etc. We miss Palestine The talks in New Zealand are ongoing. We were honored by hospitality and interest in Palestine everywhere we went: Aukland, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown, but we miss Palestine.

May 23. Jessie and I have been simply overwhelmed with events (2 to 5 events daily plus travel around this southern hemisphere continent). This morning only we had time off (due to an unexpected cancellation) to catch up, enter emails, and write you this note thanks and brief reflection. In our one-month tour of Australia, over 15,000 people heard our message of environmental justice and human rights and our tour of Aotearoa (New Zealand) is just beginning and already had 10 events over the past two days.
 
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Question related to this article:

Presenting the Palestinian side of the Middle East, Is it important for a culture of peace?

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We and our old and new friends were inspired over the past month from these events:-Several university encampments where we are inspired by students and faculty who demand their universities disclose any ties to genocide and divest and call for boycotts like we did with South Africa under apartheid. For more on encampments, see https://www.palestineiseverywhere.com/ and https://www.aljazeera.com/…/mapping-pro-palestine…

-Several rallies like the one in Gadi (aka Sydney) with 10,000 people

-Dozens of lectures at public events like the two events booked solid (300 and 100 people) at the Australian National University (ANU) to many others around the two countries in this continent

-Consultative and welcoming gatherings of activists and aboriginal leadership planning meetings. Here in Aotearoa (aka New Zealand), the Maoris were equally welcoming and inspiring.

-Conferences and conventions like the one of Australia Palestine Action Network (https://apan.org.au/ ) and the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (https://www.psna.nz/ )

-Many churches and seminaries of various denominations. As a Palestinian Christian, the message resonated of the need for christian communities to take a stand in line with what we Christian communities in the Holy Land have called for which is taking a moral and ethica stand in line with tenets of the faith (see https://www.kairospalestine.ps/ and https://sabeel.org/ )

-Other religious and secular community gatherings sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. I was especially inspired with the dedication of muslim communities from various backgrounds and the Arab communities (Chrisristan, Muslim, others). Their hospitality and kindness helped me feel at home and mitigated my feelings of “homesickness”

-Meeting with parliamentarians. Even during my brief visits over two days, I noted Zionist lobbyists who were not happy to see a Palestinian with a Kufiya in the parliament building. Outside activists organized a rally in front of the parliament building in commemoration of the ongoing Nakba. One MP from the labor party broke rank with her ruling party to say the truth (that it is a genocide and needs to stop). Other MPs show promise,

-Talks at high schools (the kids are amazing)

-Meeting with Rotarian Clubs (I am president of Rotary Club Bethlehem) to tell them of our humanitarian work and look for joint efforts.

-Meetings and talks at Botanic Gardens, seed banks, museums and other institutions doing similar work to ours (see palestinenature.org)

-Media appearances (social, TV, radio, newspapers, websites). Example:
St Mary’s Church/Anglican Cathedral Parnell
Green Left Television Show-1
Green Left Television Show-2
Podbean Climate Action Show

We had positive vibes in every one of these engagements and also grew ourselves with knowledge, new friends (thousands), and energy (spiritual and mental and physical- good food for heart, spirit and even stomach) and we thank all hosts and organizers for exceptional arrangements. We really feel the world changing but we must work hardeer to stop the genocide and decolonize globally. For me and Jessie, onward to more cities and then back to our beloved Palestine which we miss so much and then resume our volunteer and humanitarian work there. To support our collective work in Palestine (which has global reach),

PLEASE

See and act on our call for partnership: https://www.palestinenature.org/donations/PIBS-call.pdf

2) Volunteer (remotely or on site: https://www.palestinenature.org/volunteer

3) Donate https://www.palestinenature.org/donations

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New Caledonia – Kanaky: Mouvement de la Paix Calls for the Return and Continuation of the Decolonization Process

. . HUMAN RIGHTS . .

A statement by the Mouvement de la Paix (translation by CPNN)

Thirty years ago after the tragic outcome of the Caledonian crisis of the 1980s, a process was started, based on consultation and mutual respect between the parties.

The current situation, which recalls the worst moments of 1988, brutally calls into question this process which has ensured 30 years of peace in New Caledonia – Kanaky. It is due to the obstinacy of the President of the Republic in imposing a constitutional law that would transform the electorate of the island.


Photo by Nicolas Job/SIPA, published by Les Echoes

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

Question for this article:

What’s new in the struggle against colonialism?

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On May 13, the Congress of New Caledonia requested the withdrawal of the proposed law that would reform the Constitution. The Congress had previously denounced the maintenance of a referendum in the middle of a pandemic. The adoption of the reform of the electoral body would mean the end of the decolonization process and would break with the commitments of the French Republic.

The Peace Movement demands the immediate postponement of the convocation of the Congress intended to modify the Constitution and the withdrawal of the proposed law.

In a spirit of culture of peace, the Peace Movement calls for restoring the framework of a process based on the impartiality of the State and on dialogue, as respected by all the Presidents of the Republic since 25 years. The return of the colonialist spirit, whether to control mineral wealth like nickel or to strengthen a military presence in the service of a geopolitical strategy, can only lead to violence. It is the responsibility of President Macron and the government to re-establish the channels of dialogue, without ultimatum or forceful action, and with mutual respect for the different parties and in compliance with the Nouméa Accords.

Only a negotiated and consensual political solution can resolve the crisis and bring the decolonization process to its conclusion.

The National Council of Mouvement de la Paix
Malakoff, May 18, 2024

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World Youth Orchestra debuts in Vietnam with “Sound of Brotherhood” project

… EDUCATION FOR PEACE …

An article from Nhân Dân

The World Youth Orchestra (WYO) will perform alongside the Vietnam National Academy of Music Youth Symphony Orchestra (VNAMYO) in the musical project titled “Sounds of brotherhood”, which will take place in Hanoi .

Conductor Damiano Guiranna and 45 members of WYO, as well as 25 members of VNAMYO, will rehearse and perform together from March 30 to April 10, as part of the musical project entitled “Sounds of brotherhood”.


Founded in 2001 by Italian conductor Damiano Giuranna, the WYO has welcomed around 3,500 talents from all continents and participated in numerous musical tours around the world. Photo: WYO.

Among the highlights of the event will be concerts on the theme “The night of ascending dragon”, on the evening of April 6 at the large concert hall of the National Academy of Music, and “Gala Opera Puccini” on April 10 at the Hanoi Opera House.

During the two concerts, audiences will have the opportunity to experience classical musical instruments and works written by famous composers such as Tchaikovsky, Rossini and Puccini, as well as works by Vietnamese composers such as Dang Huu Phuc and Trân Manh Hung.

The combination of young artists from 20 countries and territories around the world will spread positive energy to music lovers in Hanoi.

Promote cultural diplomacy and peace efforts

“Sound of Brotherhood” is a music project launched by WYO in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, for a period of three years.

This project originates from the initiative of the artistic director and founder of the WYO, Damiano Giuranna, who wants to demonstrate that music should not be limited to being a cultural necessity of the upper class, but that it can represent a powerful tool communication of ideas and values, or even an instrument of cultural diplomacy. It benefits from the assistance of the CDP and LCA Studio Legale foundations, the Italian Embassy in Hanoi, the Italian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and a number of Vietnamese and international partners.

The project reflects WYO’s commitment to promoting dialogue and a culture of peace between people around the world through art and music. It also makes it possible to strengthen cultural and artistic cooperation between Italy and Vietnam, to develop artistic, musical and theatrical expression among younger generations, as well as to support the training of young Vietnamese artists.

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(Click here for the French original of this article)

 

Question related to this article:

What place does music have in the peace movement?

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In addition to musical concerts, the project includes a theater workshop entitled “Dialogues in Music”, led by professional Italian actors, in collaboration with the University of Theater and Cinema of Hanoi, and a call for multidisciplinary projects for Vietnamese artists, with the help of the National Institute of Culture and Arts of Vietnam (VICAS).

The music and arts program called WYO4Children is an important part of the project. Officially launched on January 27, in Ho Chi Minh City, by the WYO foundation, in collaboration with the Missionary Sisters of Charity of Binh Duong province, the program brings together 80 Vietnamese orphans and abandoned children, aged 5 at 17, to support their individual, emotional, social, human and spiritual growth through music and art.

The program includes weekly lessons, during which children have the opportunity to receive basic musical training and play classical and traditional Vietnamese instruments.

The Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Marco Della Seta welcomed the launch of the “Sound of Brotherhood” project in Vietnam, as a significant contribution to popular exchanges between Vietnam and Italy.

Enrico Padula, Consul General of Italy in Ho Chi Minh City, for his part, described music as “a universal language that brings cultures together and transmits emotions and sensations that transcend individual realities.” He stressed that this project represents between Vietnam and Italy “a fundamental bridge for dialogue and mutual understanding, in order to overcome geographical distances”.

The WYO, based in Italy, was founded on September 15, 2001 by Italian conductor Damiano Giuranna, to support cultural diplomacy and contribute to peace efforts.

The WYO has welcomed around 3,500 talents from all continents and participated in numerous musical tours around the world.

In January 2014, the organization created the WYO Foundation, whose mission is to manage the activities of the WYO and all the music groups that come from it. Placed under the management of the non-governmental organization Musica Europa, the WYO foundation aims to develop young musical talents and to launch artistic and musical projects intended to raise public awareness on major social issues such as peace, fraternity, multicultural dialogue, or even cultural diplomacy.

Adolfo Vannucci, president of the WYO Foundation, said his organization “searches for and encourages local tradition, developing artistic experiences that connect tradition and modernity, that provide educational enrichment and that nourish social life and personal growth with new blood. After successful initiatives in countries such as Iran, Israel, Palestine, Morocco, Lebanon, the United States, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Bulgaria, the WYO wishes to arrive in Southeast Asia, a “land of ancient civilizations.”

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ASEAN Tourism in the 2025 International Year of Peace and Trust

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article by Imtiaz Muqbil from eTurboNews (with links added by CPNN)

With brutal wars raging every day, it’s an interesting move for the UN to declare 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust. ASEAN Tourism sees a window of opportunities.

2025 will mark the 80th anniversary since the end of World War II and the approval of the UN Charter, a good time to reflect on the state of the world since then.

The UN General Assembly has proclaimed 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust (IYPT), and called for a fullscale mobilization of efforts to build sustainable peace, solidarity and harmony via political dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation amongst nations and peoples.

ASEAN 2025

Within ASEAN, 2025 will mark the 50th anniversary since the April 1975 end of the Vietnam War and the last year of the “ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together” master blueprint. That gives the ASEAN tourism, the Industry of Peace, a golden opportunity to take the lead in putting Peace at the heart of the future development agenda, assert the “centrality” of ASEAN, counter efforts to sow socio-cultural divisions and raise the definition of “sustainability” to a whole new level.

Approved on 21 March 2024, the UNGA resolution encourages all UN Member States, UN and other international, regional and subregional organisations, as well as civil society, the private sector, academia and individuals, to “disseminate the advantages of peace and trust, including through educational and public awareness-raising activities.” It invites the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the UN’s Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs to facilitate the implementation of the International Year.

Turkmenistan has proposed hosts an International Forum of Peace and Trust in December 2025, as a culminating event for the Year.

The resolution was sponsored by Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China, Djibouti, Germany, India, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Lesotho, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Morocco, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Singapore, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu and Venezuela.
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Question related to this article:

How can tourism promote a culture of peace?

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UN Sustainable Development Goals

The move is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals agenda as well as the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.

The first UN Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace was adopted by the UNGA in October 1999, exactly 25 years ago next year. In September 2019, the UNGA declared 2021 the first International Year of Peace and Trust. Another resolution in July 2022 declared that IYPT would be held every five years.

Reaffirming the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, especially the determination to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, the resolution notes that sustainable development, human rights, peace and security are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. It:

The Six pillows of Peace and Trust

1) Acknowledges that peace and trust entail accepting differences and having the ability to listen to, recognize, respect and appreciate others, as well as living in a peaceful and united way,

2) Recognises that peace not only is the absence of conflict, but also requires a positive, dynamic participatory process where dialogue is encouraged and conflicts are solved in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation,

3) Recognises the urgent need to promote and strengthen preventive diplomacy and peaceful prevention of conflicts through multilateralism and political dialogue.

4) Emphasises the role of women and youth, children and older persons, especially the active participation of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in activities promoting a culture of peace, including in post-conflict situations.

5) Recognises the importance of advancing equality, tolerance, human development, and promoting human rights, as well as investment in education to promote respect, reconciliation, and a culture of peace and non-violence,

6) Encourages the involvement of civil society organizations worldwide.

Windows of Opportunities for ASEAN Tourism

With escalating geopolitical conflicts and socio-cultural-ethnic polarisation posing a clear and present danger to the safety, security, and stability of Travel & Tourism globally, the IYTP opens a clear window of opportunity for the industry to rethink, refocus and reprioritize its future agenda.

(Editor’s note: The rest of this article is available only by subscription. It begins with the phrase “ASEAN tourism is well placed to take the lead for several reasons:”)

International Women’s Day: Asia/Pacific

. WOMEN’S EQUALITY . .

A press survey by CPNN

In order to gather photos from the celebration of International Women’s Day, we put the following phrases into the google search engine:
° women’s day photos 2024
° Photos “Journée internationale de la femme” 2024
° Fotos”Día Internacional de la Mujer” 2024
° Fotos “Dia Internacional da Mulher” 2024

Here are the results from Asia/Pacific.

AFGHANISTAN


A collective group of Afghan women hid their faces and chanted “No to gender apartheid” and “Afghanistan is hell for women.” (frame from AP News video)

DARWIN, AUSTRALIA


A purple wave swept through Darwin city as more than 1000 Territorians turned out to march for women’s rights – with some attendees making a special trip for the occasion (from NT News).

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

A protester marches during an International Women’s Day rally in Melourne. Photograph: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty. (from The Guardian)

BANGLADESH

Activists and garment workers shout slogans as they take part in a protest marking International Women’s Day in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photograph: MD Mehedi Hasan/Zuma Press Wire/Rex/Shutterstock. (from The Guardian)

CAMBODIA

A participant plays with a child as they attend a celebration to mark the International Women’s Day at Freedom Park in Phnom Penh Cambodia, Friday, March 8, 2024. The headband reads “Dignified life.” AP Photo/Heng Sinith (from AP News)

CHINA

Women in ethnic costumes dance at Lijiang ancient town in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, March 8, 2024. (Photo by Zhao Qingzu/Xinhua). (from the Peoples Daily Online)

HYDERABAD, INDIA


Hyderabad, India Fogto: Nadeem Khawar/EPA (from Renascença)

KOLKATA, INDIA

Maitree Network, a conglomerate of over 40 feminist organisations, display cultural street performances at Rabi Thakurer More (Ruby crossing) on International Women’s Day on Friday. (from Telegraph India)

INDONESIA


People carrying placards take part in a rally in Jakarta in support of women’s rights, calling for gender equality and the impeachment of Indonesia’s president, Joko Widodo. Photograph: Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana/Reuters. (from The Guardian)

JAPAN


Dozens of persons participate in the demonstration for International Women’s Day in Tokyo, Japan. FRANCK ROBICHON (EFE) (from El País)

Question related to this article:
 
Prospects for progress in women’s equality, what are the short and long term prospects?

KAZAKHSTAN


In Kazakhstan, protesters denounced a nationwide epidemic of gender-based violence. (Frame from France 24 video).

KYRGYZSTAN


Women march on International Women’s Day in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Vladimir Voronin/AP (from NPR)

MALAYSIA


People shout slogans and carry placards during a women’s march in honour of International Women’s Day on March 9, 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (from Getty Images)

NORTH KOREA


Women in Pyongyang, North Korea, celebrate International Women’s Day. Won Jin/AFP (from Folha de S. Paulo)

KARACHI, PAKISTAN


Jamaat-e-Islami party activists demonstrate to mark International Women’s Day in Karachi, Pakistan. Photograph: Asif Hassan/AFP/Getty. (from The Guardian)


LAHORE, PAKISTAN


Female supporters of the religious Jamaat-e-Islami party take part in a rally to mark International Women’s Day in Lahore, Pakistan.nPhotograph: KM Chaudary/AP. (from The Guardian)

PHILIPPINES

In the Philiippines women demanded an end to sexual harassment and wage discrimination.(from France 34)

SOUTH KOREA


Members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions march at a rally in Seoul marking International Women’s Day. Photograph: Ahn Young-joon/AP (from The Guardian)

THAILAND


Bangkok, Thailand. Women dressed in pregnancy costumes march to Government House to highlight the meagre maternity leave for women in Thailand, set at eight days. Women’s groups are calling on the government to extend maternity leave to 120 days. Photograph: Lauren DeCicca/Getty (from The Guardian)

VIETNAM


From 7:00 a.m., thousands of people, pupils, students, officials, and city leaders were present on Nguyen Hue walking street to participate in ao dai performances to celebrate the International Women’s Day March 8 and the 10th anniversary of the Festival. Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai. (from VN Express)

The 2023 Nanjing Peace Forum “Peace, Security, and Development: Youth in Action” was successfully held in Jiangsu Expo Garden

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

An article from UNESCO

The Nanjing Peace Forum is an annual forum initiated jointly by UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia, National Commission of the People’s Republic of China for UNESCO, the Information Office of Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government, and Nanjing Municipal People’s Government since 2020. The past forums have gathered young participants from many countries, for dialogue, exchange and creating platform for building of a community with a shared future for humankind.


Main Forum of 2023 Nanjing Peace Forum © UNESCO

On September 19-20 2023, the third Nanjing Peace Forum with the theme “Peace, Security, and Development: Youth in Action” was successfully held in Jiangsu Expo Garden. The 2023 Nanjing Peace Forum, was focused on “Peace and Sustainable Development”, inviting participants and representatives from international organizations, national and provincial government institutions, private sector bodies, young talents, aimed at promoting dialogue, and building a community with a shared future and achieving lasting peace and sustainable development.

In the opening ceremony on 19th September at the Cliff Theatre of Jiangsu Expo Garden, Ms. Gabriela Ramos, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences Sector gave her welcome speech by video. She highlighted the significant role of youth action on the peace and development. She expressed her appreciation to the partner institutions for their support and stressed on the theme of Nanjing Peace Forum 2023, emphasized that “We need women and young people to take ownership of peace processes – it is the only way they can be sustainable.”

Prof. Shahbaz Khan, the Director of UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia, delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony on the topic of “Together for Global Development, Together for a Sustainable Future”. In his speech he described the progress of global development through peace, the importance of fostering inclusive dialogue, and the role of youth as key pillar for a sustainable future. “It is through youths’ collective actions that we prepare our youth to face unforeseeable future challenges and opportunities” he emphasized.

Question related to this article:

Will UNESCO once again play a role in the culture of peace?

During the main forum on September 20th 2023, experts, youth and scholars from different fields delivered keynote speeches under the theme and presented on various topics on environmental challenges and China’s Strategies, the Voices of Young People in Sustainable Development, Youth Action and Leadership in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals, etc. The sub-forums and discussions were aligned with the Chinese Government’s policy agenda such as shared prosperity, ecological civilization, modernization aligned with digital economy, green economy and transformation of education systems. Youth is strategic priority in UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for China (2021-25). There were also parallel sub-forums held at the same time, at the 2023 Nanjing Peace Forum under various themes such as promoting Regional Peace Building through Green Development, Disaster Risk Reduction, Cultural and intangible heritage, Peace Building and Sustainable Development, Curriculum Guide on Peace Education, Advocating a Culture of Peace and Advancing Youth participation in Peace Education Collaboration.

The sub-forum Advocating a Culture of Peace and Advancing Youth Peace Education Cooperation discussed the draft curriculum guide on peace education for Northeast Asia. Over 50 participants, teachers and experts from China discussed the draft curriculum guide to promote peace in the region. This peace guide serves as a framework supporting peace education in diverse communities across Northeast Asia. The experts from Universities from China, Japan, Republic of Korea and UNESCO discussed the final draft of the common curriculum guide for Northeast Asia. Mr. Robert Parua, the Programme Specialist of Education sector of UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia, joined the exchanges and dialogue with experts and scholars at the Sub-forum to finalize the common curriculum guide for peace education.

As an important component of the Nanjing Peace Forum, the parallel sub-forum with the theme of the Power of Peace in Culture was held on September 18th at Tsinghua University, and another parallel sub-forum on Global Security and Development will be held on November 13th at Emlyon Business School Paris Campus.

At the closing ceremony of the Nanjing Peace Forum 2023, the Forum’s Report “Youth Security Perspectives on the Belt and Road Initiative” was released highlighted the key points as the major outcome of the forum. In his remarks at the closing Ceremony of the 2023 Nanjing Peace Forum, Mr. Robert Parua, Education Specialist from UNESCO Multi-Sectoral Regional Office for East Asia thanked all the Institutional Partners who have collaborated closely to ensure the successful hosting of the Forum. He reassured all the participants on UNESCO’s solid commitment to promote peace through education, sciences and Culture and the UNESCO’s global culture of peace programme. In his concluding remarks he stressed on Peace as a fundamental pillar for sustainable development and prosperity.

Since 2020, UNESCO has been closely partnered with its Nanjing partners to jointly organize the Nanjing Peace Forum, injecting new vitality into achieving global peace and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals at the global, regional and country level.

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