Tag Archives: South Asia

Tens of thousands march in southern India to protest citizenship law

…. HUMAN RIGHTS ….

An article by Vinod Babu and Manoj Kumar from Reuters (reprinted by permission)

Over one hundred thousand protesters, many carrying the Indian tricolour flag, took part in a peaceful march in the southern city of Hyderabad on Saturday [January 4], chanting slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new citizenship law.


Demonstrators hold placards and flags as they attend a protest rally against a new citizenship law, in Hyderabad, India, January 4, 2020. REUTERS/Vinod Babu

The protest, dubbed the ‘Million March’, was organized by an umbrella group of Muslim and civil society organizations. More than 40 percent of Hyderabad’s estimated population of nearly 7 million are Muslims.

Demonstrators were still pouring into the protest site late on Saturday afternoon, according to a Reuters witness, despite police saying no march would be allowed and that permission had only been granted for a 1,000-person gathering.

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Questions related to this article:

How effective are mass protest marches?

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The Indian government has faced weeks of acrimonious and, at times, violent protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which was passed by Modi’s government in December.

The Hyderabad protesters held placards with slogans including “Withdraw CAA immediately,” and “India’s only religion in Secularism.”

The Reuters witness said the protest remained peaceful, and estimated that more than one hundred thousand people were in attendance.

The new law eases the path for non-Muslim minorities from the neighboring Muslim-majority nations of Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan to gain Indian citizenship. But, if combined with a proposed national register of citizens, critics of the CAA fear it will discriminate against minority Muslims in India and chip away at India’s secular constitution.

Modi’s government maintains the new law is necessary to help minorities facing persecution in Muslim-majority nations, and it has called the pan-India protests politically motivated.

At least 25 people have been killed in protest-related clashes with police since early December.

Elsewhere, protests against the CAA also went ahead in several other Indian cities on Saturday with hundreds turning out for protests in cities in the southern state of Karnataka.

Hundreds of men and women gathered at a rally in the tech hub of Bengaluru, with some accusing Modi’s government of trying to divide India along communal lines, to distract from a sharp domestic economic slowdown and job losses.

HUMAN RIGHTS, South Asia

Nagaland, India: Festival on ‘cultures of peace’ underway in Kohima

.. DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION ..

An article from the Nagaland Post

Peace activist, Niketu Iralu suggested that Northeast India must come together to create a wider common stability through a platform or meetings to achieve development in the region. 


Photo from culture of peace seminar

To this, he said change was needed to achieve for development and added that without stability, peace, mutual trust and cooperation, the neighbouring community cannot grow together. 

He was speaking at the two-day festival on “Cultures of peace” which began at Kohima on Monday organised by Zubaan, the Heinrich Boell Foundation in collaboration with Morung Express.

Iralu viewed that if one dealt with these issues, one could build mutual trust, while also apologising in times of need was important for the region. 

Iralu believes that Northeast region will be able to see wider common stability and to do that, the people needed to go to one another and express their concern to neighbouring states to build up the relationship.

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Questions for this article:

Can festivals help create peace at the community level?

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Stating that the region is a fragile community, he said if NE stays united, it can become very strong as the region was in sensitive, strategic meeting point. 

He opined that “if we cannot solve our common problem, we will be used by others or used other for immediate instant desire for vengeance for ourselves, such community will not survive.”

He was also of the view that northeast has to do away with the culture of bandh and that calling a bandh will not solve problems. 

Towards this end, Iralu maintained that the bandh is not at all sustainable, but that people have to think to serve for more sustainable doctrine revolution and society building.  

While mentioning that the aspirations of each state was sacred and varied according to the geography, Iralu said “we forget our responsibility to be worthy of our aspiration, we have to have our aspiration declared and have the world respect, we must live life in such a way, we will began to solve our problems, the problems that the quality of our  life’s will be solved.”

He said “our aspiration, our slogans are very young compared to the other around us, recently declared and defended, they have been ignored or treated with, sense of superiority by other people of India.”

Earlier, short introductions were given by publisher of Morung Express, Akum Longchari. Chock Tsering of Heinrich Boell Foundation India, said the culture of peace aimed to bridge the gap between Northeast and mainland India to bring them closer through such events. 

Highlight of day included panel discussion among chairman of Kohima Educational Society, P. Ngully, dean, School of Social Sciences and Humanities at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Guwahati, Xonzoi Barbora, senior journalist and writer,  Pradip Phanjoubam, moderated by advisor, Naga Mothers Association (NMA), prof. Dr. Rosemary Dzuvichu.

DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, South Asia

Nepal urges concrete plans to tackle climate emergency

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article by Lok Raj Joshi based on articles in The Himayan Times, The Kathmandu Post , the UN climate Summit and the United Nations Climate Change website.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Conference of Parties, COP-25) is in progress in Madrid, Spain. The event started on December 2 and will conclude on December 13. Heads of state/governments and environment ministers from 197 countries as well as representatives of various organizations working in the climate change sector are participating. The conference aims to negotiate plans to limit global warming in line with the Paris Agreement. Under the Paris Agreement, governments had agreed to update their climate plans by 2020.


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However, it has been reported that a little (not much) progress has been made till now in COP-25 on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement that calls for minimizing unfair carbon markets. It needs to be noted that carbon emission is the prime cause of global warming. It has also been reported that responsible parties are far from finding compromise positions on mobilizing finance and support for loss and damage. This has drawn huge attention from the victims of global warming, climate scientists, social justice protesters and people around the globe. An estimated 500,000 people, led by 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg marched through Madrid on Friday night. One million people marched in Santiago, Chile.

A government team from Nepal led by the Minister for Forests and Environment, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, is taking part in COP-25. He is scheduled to address the special session of COP-25 on Wednesday. Nepal is going to propose formulating a plan for coping with the adverse conditions resulting from global warming. Nepal is also lobbying for the Green Climate Fund. Highly affected countries like Nepal are entitled to receive it as compensation from the responsible countries that are releasing large quantity of carbon into the atmosphere.

Although Nepal has not been able to raise the issue of global warming strongly in the international forums, Nepal is serious about the disasters caused by it. Scientific evidence clearly shows that Nepal is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the planet and it is already facing the disasters of the man-made global warming. The latest landmark study in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, which covers 3,500 kilometres across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan, has projected an alarming future for economically and geographically challenged developing countries like Nepal. The study by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has concluded that the region would lose one-third of the region’s glaciers by the end of the century.

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Question for this article:

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

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Considering the geographical and economic characteristics of Nepal, climate change is an urgent matter for Nepalese people. First, its northern region is comprised of the snow-covered Himalaya mountains including the top of the earth Sagarmatha (internationally famous as The Mount Everest) and the south is the Terai (plain area). The middle hilly region is mostly dependent on water flowing from the Himalayas and the crops from the Terai. The Terai itself depends on water from the north and supplies food to the rest of the nation. This relationship makes the adverse effects of global warming even more complex, more intense and more widespread creating a vicious cycle of disasters in Nepal. Second, agriculture and tourism based on natural beauties including the Himalayas, rivers, glaciers, lakes, jungles and wild animals are the major sources of income for Nepal. Hydroelectricity is the most potential area that is expected to contribute to realization of the Nepalese dream of prosperity. Unfortunately, these all have been the first targets of global warming.

For us, the Nepalese people, it is unfortunate to see the reluctance of the responsible parties to accept the scientific conclusions regarding global warming and to internalize the gravity of the adversities caused by it. Its serious adverse effects which are unpredictable at the same time, have threatened the livelihood of the Nepalese people. In the most recent instance of extreme weather events in the country, incessant heavy rainfalls, floods and landslides claimed more than five dozen lives in various parts of the country. 


The Prime Minister of Nepal, KP Oli has said, “The country is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change although our contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is negligible. Rising temperature, retreating glaciers, erratic rainfall and extreme weather events are causing damages to our people and economy. The climate is becoming more vulnerable and unpredictable. We received a delayed monsoon. We also had first tornado in our recorded history. As a result of rapid industrialization, the adverse impact of climate change is also increasing. Some countries are well prepared to deal with them, but countries like Nepal are most vulnerable. I urge scientists to consider small mountainous and small-island nations while preparing the report.” This is what Prime Minister Oli said addressing the Second Lead Authors Meeting of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC Working Group (II) held in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, in July this year.

More than 260 climate scientists from more than 60 countries and bureau members IPCC had gathered to discuss the pressing issue. As an intergovernmental body of the United Nations, the IPCC provides scientific evidence of climate change; its impact on various sectors. It also informs about the natural, political and economic impacts of global warming along with possible solutions. “Meeting here in Kathmandu reminds us in a very direct way of the strong interdependence of human and natural systems, and how both are threatened by climate change. Key aspects of our report and reasons to act on climate change are very evident here,” said Working Group II Co-Chair Debra Roberts.

From the global viewpoint, no country in the world is going to benefit from global warming in the long run. Therefore, it is in the best interest of all people around the world to tackle this issue wisely and timely. No development can be called a real development when it does not care about the future of humanity and the home planet. Also, it is not only a pure environmental issue; it is a case of social injustice too. Innocent people are facing the dreadful consequences of irresponsible activities by others. It is high time that all environmental scientists, youths, civil societies, political leaders and all responsible citizens around the world raise their voice to make all the concerned parties realize the gravity of the issue and take appropriate actions without any delay.

South Asia, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Nepal: A senior supports grand seniors with walking sticks

TOLERANCE AND SOLIDARITY .

An article by Lok Raj Joshi based on a news article in Kantipur

Mr. Chandra Prasad Acharya has started a unique campaign to support the senior citizens. He himself is now 63 years old, retired from a middle income government job. At his own expense, he buys the raw materials and prepares walking wooden sticks for senior citizens. He then draws beautiful images of birds, fishes or flowers on the sticks. To deliver these gifts, he visits the elders on his own and for those who live far away, he posts them through their relatives.

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“For elders, stick is like a family member and a close friend as it is not possible for their sons and daughters to be with them 24 hours. That’s why I have started this campaign.”- Mr. Acharya explained.

Mr. Acharya initially planned to distribute the supports to 108 seniors above 80 years but later he came to realize that many of them will be left aside. Then he decided to make it 1008. These figures, 108 and 1008, carry special meaning in religious practice, he believes. In the last 8 months, his gifts have reached 550 senior citizens. He shared his joyful experience of delivering his gift to Mr. Nandalal Phunyal, 108 years old.

Mr. Acharya is currently targeting the seniors in his neighborhood in Khotang district in the eastern Nepal and thinking of reaching out to all above 100 years throughout the nation later. His friends are also happy to see his enthusiasm.

His campaign is a good example of culture of peace that expresses love and respect for senior citizens and supports them through efforts at an individual level. It shows that generosity is about great hearts rather than thick purses. His energy also indicates that being retired does not mean being tired.

South Asia, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Kashmiri students run out of essentials, money; Khalsa Aid, J&K Students Assn extend help

TOLERANCE AND SOLIDARITY .

An article from Indian Express

As Kashmiri students are running out of essential items and money, in the consequence of two months of lockdown in Kashmir, the Khalsa Aid and J&K Students Association provided 150 Kashmiri students with groceries, money and other necessary items on Tuesday.

The organisations provided a 25-kg kit of essential items including rice, flour, cooking oil and soaps, among other items to Kashmiri students in Banur.

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Question for this article

Is there a renewed movement of solidarity by the new generation?

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Spokesperson of the association, Nasir Khuehami said, “We are in touch with Kashmiri students and in collaboration with Khalsa Aid, we are providing them with every necessary assistance. Since students have run out of money and are not getting any help from their parents and families in the Valley, they are barely able to pay their college and university fees, and are struggling to meet the expenses of other basic needs. Today, we distributed packets containing around five kgs of rice and 10 kgs of flour, along with sugar, cooking oil, salt and some other basic spices to the students, besides some other essential commodities.’’

Khuehami said, while Khalsa Aid was providing groceries and essential commodities to the students, the association was giving them monetary help. ‘’In most cases, it is only around Rs 1,000 a student, but in cases where the student is ill, we give more. Everyone here is facing financial issues following the restrictions imposed in the Valley. Students are not able to pay their room rent and are running out of money for day-to-day commodities,” he said.

Expressing his gratitude to Khalsa Aid, for helping the Kashmiri students in distress, Khuehami said, “These bravehearts showed real humanity by providing groceries and other essentials to hundreds of students in Banur and other areas of Punjab. Humanity is beyond communal differences.’’

(Thank you to Shreya Jani who called this article to our attention.)

South Asia, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Ex-Soviet Countries: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

A survey by CPNN

The following 61 actions in 6 countries formerly part of the Soviet Union were listed in Google during the week of September 21-28 under the key words “Международный день мира” and “Міжнародний день миру”as well as “International day of peace”.

In addition to these, 15 actions are listed on the maps of One Day One Choir and Montessori schools singing for peace, but there is no indication which took place this year and which took place only in previous years.


Many cities and towns on both sides of the war in Ukraine continue to demonstrate for peace, like in this photo from Zhytomyr. The letters spell out “We are for peace”

Here are excerpts from articles about the actions as translated by CPNN:

AZERBAIJAN : On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, Azerbaijani musicians have given a concert titled “For Peace” in the Carriere-sous-Poissy commune in north-central France. Organized by the mayor’s office of the commune and Azerbaijani pianist Saida Zulfugarova, the concert featured works by famous classical composers of Azerbaijan as well as mughams.

BREST, BELARUS : This year, our most peace-loving traditional action in Brest in support of International Peace Day will be held again at the sports complex – the Brest Regional Center for Olympic rowing reserve. In addition to the traditional concert part with the participation of young performers of the ArtPipper creative center, Anna Musvydas Art Studios, MagaliFF vocal studios, the May Baby and BOOM educational centers, a dance marathon will be held as part of the most peaceful day in Brest, attention to the weighty list of participants, which by the time of the meeting will probably become even larger: . . . As before, the culmination of the event will be the lighting of lamps, brought by Brest residents to an impromptu “Alley of Peace”, accompanying this ritual in memory of all those who died in various modern military conflicts on the planet that arose in the past year as a “round dance of the world”. . . .

MINSK, BELARUS : A festive action took place on the eve of International Peace Day at the regional Palace of Children and Youth Creativity . . .By tradition, the organizers and guests of the festival performed a large peacekeeping concert and the laying of wreaths at the Eternal Flame took place. The most important words that sounded on this day were “peace”, “accord”, “friendship between nations”.  This year alone, the activists of the fund held about 70 marches, festivals, festivities, celebrations and other significant events that received a wide public outcry. It is significant that 60 – 70% of their participants are young people: schoolchildren and students, representatives of production teams. . . .Today in Minsk, in the White Hall of the All Saints Memorial Church, where the Belarusian Peace Fund celebrates, representatives of the UN and UNICEF will gather in Belarus, heads of many ministries and departments, heads of religious denominations and the public. Among them are young peacekeepers of the Gomel region – winners and prize-winners of the republican drawing contest among students “Happiness live in a peaceful country!”. These are Diana Moroz from the Mozyr Center for the Creation of Children and Youth, Yevgeny Bozhenkov from the Tikhinichi Children’s Art School of the Rogachev District and Stanislav Strelchenya from secondary school No. 9 in Mozyr. 

MOGLIEV, BELARUS : On September 17, 2019. a festive event dedicated to the International Day of Peace was held on 30th Victory Street, 34 in the Leninsky district of Mogilev. . . .Volunteers of the Lenin ROO “Belarusian Republican Youth Union” removed and decorated the yard and carried out the action “Day of Peace and Goodness”. . . The program “Peace Weeks” includes exhibitions of children’s art and contests of children’s drawings “Peace through the Eyes of Children”, thematic excursions, sports relay races, and conversations on the topic: “Peace is happiness for people!”

ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN : The School of “Society, Technologies and Ecology” in joint efforts with UN Information Office hosted a panel discussion devoted to the celebration of the International Peace Day. The event started with a minute for the memory of victims of all wars and conflicts. Right after the opening remarks by Dean Ewan Simpson, an adviser to Sustainable Kazakhstan Research Institute, Mr. Brendan Duprey opened the flow of discussions with comprehensive presentation about the SDGs, elaborated with data about climate change and its impact on world security. . . . It worth mentioning that earlier Narxoz students were invited to participate in the “Climate Action 4 Peace” essay contest to celebrate the Peace Day. In their essays they vocalized their take on all above matters. More than 20 applicants who tried their luck in the contest received valuable prizes today. Let us congratulate following students who did an outstanding job in this contest:
1st place – Vadim Melyakov
2nd place – Kyamran Mirzoyev, Katrin Wrulich
3d place – Arailym Zhetkerbayeva, Yerkebulan Turganbay and Zarina Laiykova

BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN : This year, International Peace Day is dedicated to combating climate change for peace.. In honor of this significant date, the action #GlobalClimateAction took place in the capital. The protesters took to the streets of the capital to remind everyone to stop climate change through the efforts of each of us, through conscious consumption, saving resources and eco-habits.

GYMNASIUM OF ARZAMAS, RUSSIA : Role-playing game “UNEP Model” on the theme “Climate Change. What to do?” is devoted to the 20th anniversary of the Declaration and Program of Action for a Culture of Peace.
Founder: International Movement of Young Peacemakers and Schools of Peace.
The presentation of the game is held in the format of a Skype conference on September 23, 2019 by the Gymnasium of Arzamas with the support and assistance of the Museum of Peacekeeping Operations (Solnechnogorsk), SPC “Mirotvorets” (Moscow), the Hamburg Club and other organizations.
Participants in the Skype conference: young peacemakers, schoolchildren and personalities of Russia, Belarus, Germany, Italy, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Belgium, Norway, France, Sweden.

CHELYABINSK, RUSSIA : September 21 we will celebrate International Peace Day. An important holiday will be held this year under the slogan “Fighting climate change for peace”. On the eve of International Peace Day, September 19, in the capital of the South Urals, a special “peaceful” master class will be held. “Pupils of the social and rehabilitation center of the Kurchatov and Leninsky districts, under the guidance of specialists, will paint eco-bags with patterns. The theme of the drawing will be dedicated to Peace Day , ”said Elena Morozova, coordinator of the Blago74 information center.

KAPOTNYA: RUSSIA : Kapotnya celebrates International Peace Day with a concert. The event will be held in the premises of the Central Commercial Center “Maryino”.

KOROLYOV, RUSSIA : Tomorrow, September 21, will mark the International Day of Peace. And today, students of the Korolev Children’s Art School dedicated a concert to this topic.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA : White cranes and meetings with heroes: this is how schoolchildren celebrated International Peace Day in different parts of the capital. At a school in 1532 in the district of Teply Stan, the children staged a flash mob called World Peace. All students joined hands together. In a school in 2025 in the Ochakovo-Matveevskoye district, high school students by means of an open-mic discussed terrorism and security issues and collected signatures for the symbolic petition “I AM FOR PEACE.” And in the elementary grades, “Good Lessons” were held, where the children enjoyed making peace symbols – white doves of paper. In addition, a competition of drawings on the sidewalk: “Peace to the children of the world” was held. And at school 1280 in the Academic district, second-graders also made symbols of peace – white cranes. Pupils of school 41 in the Vnukovo region met with the honored pilot of the USSR Alexei Timofeev and opened an exhibition of thematic drawings. The School named after F.M. Dostoevsky in Lublin hosted an interactive holiday “Games of countries and peoples.”

NEKRASOVKA, RUSSIA : Nekrasovka will celebrate International Peace Day. The festive concert will take place in the Zarechye culture house, located on 1st Volskaya Street. Everyone is welcome on Friday, September 20. Beginning at 18.00. Free admission.

SARATOV : Schoolchildren of Zavodskoy district will celebrate International Peace Day on the stage of the City House of Culture of National Creativity at 13:00. Children and guests of the event will be told about the history of the holiday and its attributes. Footage on the scenes of war and peace will be shown on a large screen, as well as poetry and songs. At the end of the day, students will be invited to join hands with all the people of the planet at the ringing of a bell and make a wish for world peace.

SEVASTOPOL, RUSSIA : Thematic program dedicated to the International Day of Peace “We are for peace on earth!” 10:00, at the area of ​​the DKR,st. Korchagina, 1.

SHADRINSK, RUSSIA : Today, September 20, in the Shadrinsky city garden, a large-scale action “We are for world peace” took place. It was initiated by activists of educational and cultural institutions, volunteers and students with the support of the Youth Policy Committee of the City Administration. Everyone could become direct participants in the mass flash mob, lining up in the shape of a dove – a symbol of peace.

SOKOL, RUSSIA : International Peace Day will be celebrated in Sokol. A festive flash mob will take place at the Sokol Family Center. This was told by employees of the institution. “First, the children will play a little to warm up, and then they will learn movements and dance together with fun music,” said one of the organizers of the holiday. The event is scheduled for September 24, 14.00. A flash mob is scheduled for students in grades 5-7.

ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA: September 21 at 12.00 in the exhibition hall of the Union of Artists of St. Petersburg (Bolshaya Morskaya St., 38) will be a holiday “St. Petersburg – our peaceful home”, dedicated to the International Day of Peace. The program of the event is scheduled to show video materials on the International Day of Peace, a multimedia exhibition of educational projects on the interethnic and intercultural dialogue of St. Petersburg and the art exhibition “Dialogue of Cultures”. The event is organized by the Association for the Development of Science, Education and Culture “Continuing Education” with the support of the Committee on Interethnic Relations and the Implementation of Migration Policy in St. Petersburg.
Admission to the holiday is free.

ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA: In St. Petersburg on Saturday, September 21, an uncoordinated “Peace March” took place. Several dozens of participants went through the central quarters of the city – from Nevsky Prospect along the Griboedov Canal, and then through St. Isaac’s Square to the Admiralty The action in St. Petersburg is timed to coincide with International Peace Day. Its participants demand to stop the war in Ukraine, Syria, as well as limit the militarization of Russia. At the Admiralty building, where some protesters stopped with posters, police detained three people. According to the Mndiazona correspondent, a man and woman from the Democratic Petersburg movement were detained, as well as another activist who stood with a solitary picket in the garden.

TSKHINVAL, OSSETIA, RUSSIA : “War is not an option, any situations can and should be resolved peacefully,” said Sergey Skvortsov, head of the Rossotrudnichestvo representative office in South Ossetia during a festive rally dedicated to Peace Day. The event was organized on the Cathedral Square in front of the Church of the Holy Virgin in Tskhinval. A festive banner and an audio system were installed near the square. At the beginning of the action, after a welcoming speech by the hosts, boys and girls went out to the microphone to read poetry. Elina Gakoeva, a participant in the Livadia Forum, read out an appeal in which there were calls for peace to abandon the war and seek friendship. According to one of the traditions of the international holiday, at the end of the rally the bell in the church of the Holy Mother of God struck 11 times to commemorate 11 years of peace in South Ossetia. At the end of the event, white balloons and pigeons were released into the sky.

VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA : Bells will sound in Volgograd on Peace Day The annual international bell of peace will be held in Volgograd for the sixth time, organizers told the City of Heroes news agency. On September 21 at 12 o’clock the Komsomol Garden of the Central District will be filled with jingle bells. This tradition – to celebrate Peace Day – was invented at the Lyceum No. 5 named after Yuri Gagarin. The world’s first bells were sounded in Volgograd in 2013, and the next year the action became international. “If you ring the bell at one time in all corners of our planet, then this chime can become the voice of peace, memory and joy,” says Larisa Tropkina, director of Lyceum No. 5 . – We invite all inhabitants of the planet on September 21 at noon on International Peace Day in all schools to ring the bells. This will prove that we do not want war and we wish the whole world happiness.

YEKATERINBURG, RUSSIA: In Yekaterinburg, Ural Federal University students celebrated World Peace Day with an flash mob – they made up words in the form of a heart in the hostel No. 8 from lit windows at night

ZYRYANSK, RUSSIA : On Sept 20 the action will take place in two venues 1. A survey of the population of the village of Zyryansky, creating a poster “What is peace for you?” based on the responses of the survey participants. 2. Drawings on the pavement “My Peace” near the central playground with the involvement of children and their parents.

BEREGOVO, UKRAINE: The International Peace Day was dedicated this year to the All-Ukrainian action “Dove of Peace”, which was joined by students of the Berehove Professional Lyceum of Services. Within the framework of the action, the students produced paper doves as a symbol of peace. The doves were made of different colors, but most were white and the colors of our flag, which symbolize harmony, understanding and unity.

BEREZAN, UKRAINE : Every year on September 21, people in different corners of the globe celebrate the International Day of Peace, a holiday designed to make everyone think and do something for the sake of peace on Earth. Peace in native Ukraine is the most cherished desire of all Ukrainians, who express their voice as cohesively as never before. Every year our school joins the celebration. The elementary school students held an action and created the project “Children of Peace – for Peace!”, Each of which stated that life on Earth was the most important price. Conversations and hours of communication on the topics were conducted in the classes: “Peace begins with me”, “Peace on the planet – happiness to all children”. During the breaks, the students’ self-government leaders organized and held a “dance flash mob“ Children of Peace for Peace! ”For the students of the school.

BEREZAN, UKRAINE : Svetlana Kolga, Social Work Specialist of the Social Support Sector for Children and Family Services of the Berezan City Counci,l held an educational event at the Sadovska School of Law l – lll Art. for students in grades 3 and 4 on International Peace Day, which has been celebrated around the world at the initiative of the UN General Assembly since 1981 on 21 September. This day prompts reflection on the problems of peace, calls for a halt to hostilities and a renunciation of violence and fire . The educational event was attended by 38 children, who also drew drawings for the International Day of Peace.

BILA TSERKVA, UKRAINE : For the International Day of Peace, lyceum students of group 11 prepared a video “We vote for peace!”. Pupils of the 5th grades organized flash mob “Bell of Peace”. Traditional for our students was the action “Dove of Peace”, during which the students made doves by different techniques and write on them the wishes of peace, kindness, happiness for each other and all Ukraine. We sincerely wish every Ukrainian to truly feel that such a peaceful sky is over their heads!

BOROTINSK, UKRAINE: The Rovantsev School has joined the celebration of International Peace Day, which is traditionally celebrated in September. On the occasion of the holiday, the students, together with the teachers, organized a flash mob and organized a patriotic action “Dove of Peace” to once again express their desire to live in peace: “We want every Ukrainian family to feel the highest value of peace today, which is the key to a happy life” .

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Question related to this article:

Question for this article

What has happened this year (2019) for the International Day of Peace?

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CHERKASY, UKRAINE : On September 21, International Peace Day is traditionally celebrated around the world. Every year, high school families come together for various activities to achieve a common goal – to demonstrate their unity and a strong position on world peace. On the morning of September 20, all students and high school students had the opportunity to listen to radio announcements about traditions and the purpose of the holiday.  Classes 4-5 during the day participated in the chalk competition on the board “We wish Ukraine peace”, the winners were students of class 5A (class leader Omelyanenko OM) and honorary II place, with a difference of several points, took students class 4A (class leader Sitnik TV). High school students in grades 6-9 took an active part in the Peace Festival. The combined teams played a QR-quest, prepared by teacher-organizer Suhenko KO. and the gymnasium parliament, the winners were the class 7A high school students.

DNEPR, UKRAINE : On September 21, Dnepr schoolchildren celebrated World Peace Day with a flash mob. Pupils of school number 133 made a formation in the schoolyard in the shape of a dove of peace, holding a yellow-blue ribbon in its beak. In addition, a peace lesson was held in each class, where the students cut out doves from white paper and also made posters for peace.

GORODOK, UKRAINE : On September 21, International Peace Day is celebrated around the world  . On this occasion a march for peace was held by children, teachers, parents of Gorodotsky Lyceum # 1 and employees of the department of education of Gorodok city council. Marchers passed the column on Grushevsky Street to the central square of the city, walking to the building # 2 of the Lyceum and then to the building # 1 with the aim of demonstrating their involvement in peace-seeking for everyone family, every family, peace in the country and peace in the world.

IVANICHI VILLAGE, UKRAINE : On the occasion of the International Day of Peace and in order to form national-patriotic feelings among schoolchildren, a number of activities were carried out with the students of the school-gymnasium aimed at focusing on the problem of peace in the world and effective means of achieving it.
Peace on earth is peace and quiet
It’s childish laughter and soul flying!
When the poet writes magic poems
About an unusual, wonderful world.

KHARKOV, UKRAINE : As in previous years the students and teachers of our school are involved in events on International Peace Day! For the fourth year in a row, our school has been awarded the Peace School Certificate and is actively involved in peacekeeping actions. This year the classroom leaders held thematic lessons and activities and pupils from the 4-11 classes together created a bright thematic poster, where they expressed their desire for peace in the Ukraine!

KHARKOV, UKRAINE : Every year, September 21, the International Peace Day is proclaimed worldwide, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence. The most important for Ukrainian society today is the topic of war and peace in connection with the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The thematic exhibition “May peace be on earth” at the socio-cultural center presents literature on the military conflict in the Donbass. Visitors may be interested in the following editions: OO Kalinovskaya «The Unannounced War. Unknown facts and chronicles of the anti-terrorist operation “, Yu. B. Skobalo” The war did not put us on our knees “, V.Yu.Markitantov” Russian hybrid war: from doctrine to tactics “, VI Golovchenko” Hybrid war of Russia against Ukraine: historically – political research “, VP Gorbulin” World Hybrid War: Ukrainian Front “, etc. Exposure period: from September 17 to October 26.

KIEV, UKRAINE : Starting from 2002, every September 21st is the International Peace Day. Its program on this important holiday for Ukraine will be in Kiev, and the events will begin in the early morning.
Representatives of the UN will also take part in the celebrations. This was reported by the Informant with reference to the official website of the Kyiv City State Administration.
Participation in the action, which this year will be called “Peace and Unity for Ukraine,” in addition to a variety of officials, will also be attended by public organizations, veterans, people with disabilities, women, soldiers in the ATO (anti-terrorist operation), as well as youth. The full program of events for this day is as follows:
09:00 (Lavrskaya street, 27) – gathering participants, laying flowers at the Memorial (monument) to Ukrainian soldiers who died in Afghanistan;
09:30 – the solemn procession of the participants of the action from the Memorial to the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II;
10:00 – an action of peace in the square near the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II.

KIEV, UKRAINE : An event to celebrate International Peace Day will be held in the Art Hall (Room 63) of the Institute of Philology on September 23, 2019 from 12:50 to 14:30. Participants and guests: representatives of the Kyiv City Center of the Kyiv City Center for Assistance to the Anti-Terrorist Operation Participants, NGO “Council of Veterans of ATO of the Dniprovsky District of Kyiv”.

KOVEL, UKRAINE : On September 21, International Peace Day is traditionally celebrated around the world. For some, the world is an everyday reality. The streets are quiet, the kids go to school, and the homes are not threatened by enemy shells. However, for many people in the modern world, peace is only a dream. These people are constantly living in fear and an atmosphere of instability, for them every day may be the last. It is for such people that this holiday exists. The lyceum students know and respect the important dates and in honor and memory joined a flashmob called “We for Peace”, thematically finishing the doors of their classrooms, thus showing respect for the people who struggle and work for peace in all over the world.

KREMENCHUK, UKRAINE : September 21 is International Peace Day. Representatives of city authorities and foreign delegations planted symbolic “trees of peace”

KUPYANSK, UKRAINE : On September 21, 2019, an information minute for students of grades 1-11 was held at Kupyansk NSC # 2, on the eve of International Peace Day. Throughout the day, students and teachers took part in the “Blue Dove” flashmob – each one, as a sign of commitment to the holiday, pinned on his breast a white dove made by himself. During the breaks, students and teachers joined in creating a collage “Peace is ..” where everyone was able to write what the word “peace” meant to him. Pupils of 1-4 classes took part in drawing on the sidewalk. They finished the day on the square in front of the institution, where they released doves into the sky as a symbol of peace and harmony in our beloved Ukraine.

KVASILOVSKY, UKRAINE : On the occasion of International Day of Peace (September 21), a festive physical and musical composition “I want peace!” was played as educators expressed their irreversible and fervent desire for peace in Ukraine (instructor in physical education Momotok TR , music directors : Denisyuk OM, Rever OE ) All those present had tears in their eyes as they watched the childrens’ movements and sincere intentions to reach out to us adults: “I want peace! I don’t want to hear the word “war”! “..

LIPCHA, UKRAINE : Grade 3 students held a Flashmob “We are for Peace.”

LISICHANSK, UKRAINE : International Peace Day is celebrated around the world on September 21st. Our school also hosted events dedicated to this holiday. Pupils and teachers gathered for a school-wide lesson “May peace be in our native Ukraine”, which has become traditional. In the lesson, all students read poems about peace and friendship, became acquainted with the history of the International Peace Day, with important world problems that need to be resolved to preserve peace on Earth. After the lesson, all the students took to the festive line “Peace to All”, for symbols of peace were specially prepared. Elementary school students walked the festive walk around the school, urging adults to a peaceful life. On the ground floor there was an exhibition of paper doves “Under the peaceful sky”.

LVOV REGION, UKRAINE : The students of our school joined the My Peace Ukraine campaign. They made and attached a dove as the symbol of peace. May the childrens’ sincere desires of peace come true !

LYUBESHIV REGION, UKRAINE : Lyubeshiv Technical College held an action dedicated to International Peace Day. Teachers, students and students of the college have woven a wreath of peace from the autumn flowers, to honor the memory of the fallen soldiers, fighters for peace and freedom.

NIZHYN, UKRAINE : Today, as part of International Peace Day, the college’s student team has joined the All-Ukrainian Dove of Peace Campaign.

ODESSA, UKRAINE : Today, on September 20, on the eve of International Peace Day, Sergei Grinevetsky, as an honorary member of the Presidium of the Odessa Regional Peace Council, participated in the opening ceremony of the Peace Square.

SHEPETIVKA, UKRAINE : In celebration of the International Day of Peace, September 20, 2019 in the Secondary School I-III. #3, a Global Climate Action was held, “Fighting Climate Change for Peace”. The children made the symbols of peace – paper doves, and put them on the walls. “Ukrainian children are for peace in the world !!!” and decorated their classrooms and school grounds, gave the doves to passers-by, with wishes of peace, kindness and understanding. Senior students honored the memory of the heroes by laying flowers near the memorial “Fighters for Freedom and Independence of Ukraine”.

SLAVYANSK, UKRAINE : International Day of Peace at School N23 for children with visual impairment in Slavyansk was marked with a flash mob.

SUMY, UKRAINE : Sumy Regional Center of Blood Service organizes the action “International Day of Peace”. In the holiday program: Free Hugs; Gifts; Holiday concert; Drawing contest; Plus, delicious candy and a great atmosphere! Come with your family and take your friends! Location: Shevchenko Square. Start: 11:30. For a video click here.

TERNOVSKY DISTRICT, UKRAINE : An information hour entitled Right to Peace was held today, the International Day of Peace, in the municipal institution “Territorial Center for Social Services (Provision of Social) in the Ternovsky District” of Kryvyi Rih City Council for day care units with the participation of specialists of the library-branch # 29.

VASYLKIV, UKRAINE : For the International Day of Peace, students of Vasylkiv NSC “Gymnasium of Secondary School I-III degrees №8”, who are running for the post of Chairman of the Student Council, presented their interesting and creative projects on the theme “My Peace Program”! During their election campaign, candidates from each class showed their enthusiasm, creativity, sociability and a desire to help others. It was on International Peace Day that their election campaign ended. Social videos were also made by the students in support of their candidate. Their active positions attracted not only the student and pedagogical team, but also the parents who support their kids and help with their exciting projects. “Only those with peace in themselves can make peace in the world!  So let us sow peace together good and eternal!”

VINNYTSA, UKRAINE : Social action for Peace Day was held on September 20 at the European Square in Vinnitsa. The event was organized by the NGO “Vinnytsia Regional Council of Women of Ukraine”. It was attended by the Deputy Chairman of the Regional Council Mykhailo Kremenyuk, volunteers, displaced persons, soldiers in the ATO / OOS (anti-terrorist operation), students and students.
– Unfortunately, it happened that without the shots, we would not have felt the real thirst for peace. We have a war, the best sons of Ukraine are killed every day, ”Mykhailo Volodymyrovych said in his speech. – But I am optimistic and confident that some time will pass and the long-awaited peace in Ukraine will come. Peace is through negotiation, not capitulation. Sincere words of gratitude to the people who are defending the border today – our servicemen, volunteers who selflessly give their time and health to helping our heroes. I wish our youth growth in a prosperous, peaceful and rich state. During the action, with a moment of silence, all present honored the memory of the fallen heroes. The active participants of the event were children who presented amateur performance numbers dedicated to patriotic topics. The symbol of peace was the hundreds of yellow and blue balloons they released into the sky. During the event flowers were laid on the memorial sign of Heavenly Hundred and the fallen heroes of the ATO / OOS.

ZHYTOMYR, UKRAINE : At the Zhytomyr College of Trade and Economics, today, September 20, on the eve of International Peace Day, a college action “WE ARE FOR PEACE” took place in the college, which was attended by students and teachers. The initiative to hold a challenge among students and the administration of the college belongs to student self-government. The beginning of the action was a photo of representatives of the Student Council, at which they called for peace. Subsequently, students from all college groups made their call to peace and passed the baton to the next group.

ZOLOCHIV, UKRAINE : In the Zolochev GZSO I-III classes. students together with teachers Ulyana Stadnik and Mariana Yasinovskaya held a flash mob on the occasion of Peace Day.  The director of the school Pylypchuk Oksana Nikolaevna congratulated everyone on the holiday. See the video for more details.

(Note: the following cities are claimed by the Ukraine, but have declared their independence as the Donetsk People’s Republic or the Lugansk People’s Republic.)

ANTHRACITE : On September 20, educational institutions of Anthracite and Anthracitovsky region joined the international campaign “United Hour of Spirituality“ The Dove of Peace ”, which is aimed at consolidating the efforts of all concerned people to strengthen friendship and cooperation between states, preserving the memory of the heroes who gave their lives for peace.

AVDEEVKA: In Avdeevka, which has repeatedly come under fire, where they still hear gunshots and heal wounds (there are still a lot of houses destroyed and damaged by shelling), there is a special relationship to World Peace Day. It was expressed yesterday by students of school No. 7. The students made paper doves (a symbol of peace), wrote on special sheets (along with parents and teachers) what they were ready to do for peace, and also arranged a dance flash mob on the street.

DONETSK : On the eve of the International Day of Peace, which is celebrated annually on September 21, in the Donetsk House of Culture. Kuybyshev hosted a special event for the cancellation of postal stamp No. 33, International Peace Day. According to the correspondent of the official website of the Donetsk People’s Republic . . . The postal stamp includes two art postage stamps No. 162, “Peace be at home!” And No. 163, “Donetsk is the city of roses, Donetsk is the city of dreams!” Both were created on the basis of children’s drawings. . .Thanks to the International project “Children paint peace”, thousands of people in different countries saw the drawings of Donetsk children.

GORLOVKA : On September 21, International Peace Day, the Gorlovka Park of Culture and Rest named after Gorky will host festive events beginning at 10:00.

KRASNODON : For the 17th year in a row, September 21 is the International Day of Peace. As part of its celebration today, September 20, the people of Krasnodon took part in the dove of peace republican action: events were held in the main squares of Krasnodon, Sukhodolsk and Molodogvardeisk, as well as in all educational institutions. About a thousand people took part.

KROPYVNYTSKYI : At the regional center, students of Donetsk National Medical University celebrated International Peace Day today, September 20. . . In particular, the event was joined by the Department of Linguistic and Humanities, students of the Faculty of Medicine # 2 and the International Faculty of Medicine. Anatoliy Sustretov, a history teacher of Ukraine, conducted a training game on this subject with students. Also, as part of the event, five IMF students from Nigeria, India, Côte d’Ivoire, Jamaica and Azerbaijan attended a Peace Day English lesson at School # 14. Classes were devoted to environmental topics. Students spoke about the specifics of environmental protection in their countries.

LUGANSK : Pupils of Lugansk in the framework of the rally dedicated to the International Day of Peace, released balloons into the sky with paper doves attached to them in memory of the fallen defenders of the Fatherland. This was reported by the correspondent of the Federal News Agency. The event, held in the center of Lugansk, was attended by schoolchildren and students of educational institutions, deputies of the People’s Council of the republic and representatives of the city administration The deputy chairman of the People’s Council of the LPR, Oleg Koval, said that “Lugansk has always been a land of good and peaceful people. We never oppressed anyone, didn’t capture and didn’t prove anything to anyone. We always respected a different point of view. We have always tried to understand the traditions, culture and customs of other nations. We never separated people on any grounds and understood that we should not be afraid of people with a different point of view. We always understood that other people are those who can enrich us, teach us something and with whom we can always find a common language.”

ROVENKA : In the Shevchenko Palace of Culture, Almazny hosted the event under the motto: “Children of Donbass for Peace!” The children learned about the history of the monument “Peace Bell”, about the Japanese girl Sadako Sasaki.  Poems and songs about the world were sounded. To the sound of the “Bells of Peace” the children stood in a circle and joined hands. Listening to the bell, everyone thought something good and kind. Together, they made a wish that the war would end in the Donbass.

Europe, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, South Asia,

Asia and Pacific: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

A survey by CPNN

We have found 50 actions in 16 Asian and Pacific countries. They were listed in Google during the week of September 21-28 under the key words “International day of peace” and 国际和平日 (Chinese) as well as on the website of the event map for the International Day of Peace, the facebook page of the Global Feast and the facebook page of International Cities of Peace. No doubt there were many events listed on the Internet in languages other than those for which we searched.

In addition to these, there are about 125 actions listed on the maps of One Day One Choir and Montessori schools singing for peace, but there is no indication which took place this year and which took place only in previous years.


China continues each year to commemorate the massacre of Nanjing, saying “no more” to war.

Here are excerpts from articles about the actions:

AFGHANISTAN :

Afghanistan’s Civic Party plans to celebrate this day on the World Peace Day, which is one of the most urgent needs of dear Afghans with a martial arts competition with the participation of the National Martial Arts Federation and the participation of Pakistani and Iranian opponents under the name “Fighting to launch peace.”

ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALIA :

On this International Day of Peace, hear from four leading international women’s organisations working for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment.

ASHBURY NSW, AUSTRALIA :

Celebrate peace in community in Peace Park, Ashbury on Saturday, September 21, the International Day of Peace on its 20th anniversary. At 12pm we will observe the international mid-day minute of silence together, and then enjoy a Feast for Peace, which are taking place across the world. Please bring nourishing food & drink to share.

FREMANTLE WA, AUSTRALIA :

Enjoy the stands and activities at our Partners for Peace Fair. View finalists’ artworks in the 2019 Yolande Frank Art Awards and cast your vote for the ‘We The Peoples…’ (People’s Choice) Award. Learn about creative community service by our youngsters in the Global Goals Challenge.

JESMOND NSW, AUSTRALIA :

A social-creative gathering led by Iraqi-Australian Artist Niz Jabour with newly arrived refugees and local community in Newcastle Australia

MALENY QLD AUSTRALIA :

Cygnet Centre for Peacebuilding and Transformation invites the community to come together on Saturday 21 September to honour International Peace Day. ‘Growing Peace,’ a two part arts based celebration will include an afternoon event with a Welcome to Country, a Corroboree by Gifted Murris Unit, collaborative arts activities, a talking circle focused around peace, inclusion, and reconciliation, and a closing ceremony featuring the creation of a ‘Peace Tree.’ The afternoon event will be followed by an evening concert of music from the heart of many faiths, The duo Kim Cunio and Heather Lee perform some of the oldest and most beautiful sacred music written, from Hildegard of Bingen to the Dead Sea Scrolls, early Christian chant to the fire of Sephardic song.

NELSON BAY, AUSTRALIA :

A vigil for peace will be held to mark our solidarity with the world-wide peace movement. We will discuss the development of actions in support of peace in Australia and Worldwide. Time 12.00 noon till 4.00 pm, Saturday 21 September 2019 at Apex Park, Nelson Bay.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA :

International Day of Peace Celebration hosted by United Nations Association of Australia WA Inc Sunday 22nd Sept 2019 at 2 PM – 4 PM Fremantle Town Hall, King’s Square, Fremantle, Western Australia 6160 Free Event. Perth Rotary Member Jurgen Baumhoff will be flying the Perth Rotary and the Rotary Path to Peace Project flags. Also our Perth Rotary Four Way speaking contest winner Emilia Gilmore has kindly agreed to join the UNAAWA Peace Day celebration and join the Youth Panel Building a Culture of Peace and she will do her presentation as done at our Club.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALIA :

Roots & Shoots member schools in South Australia are offered free native seeds – courtesy of Blackwood Seeds – to make native seed balls in celebration of the UN International Day of Peace. The seeds will grow into trees which reduce global warning by removing carbon dioxide from the air, storing it in their trunks and soil, and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.

SOUTHBANK VIC, AUSTRALIA :

Regardless of your belief, religion, race, background, political opinion, socioeconomic status, or … you are invited to attend this Hands for Peace event. The initial aim of the event is for the city of Melbourne to witness a diverse range of approaches in expressing the concept of Peace. In addition, to observe if and how the performances can engage people in holding hands to form a circle at 3:00 PM for a few moments. On this day, let us find together what we collectively think Peace feels like and taste a symbolic glimpse of it.

BANGLADESH :

Celebrating the International Day of Peace, GaanBangla television will organise a special concert tomorrow, at a hotel in the capital. Kailash Kher, Aditi Singh Sharma, and Kaushik Hossain Taposh, with renowned instrumentalists Sivamani, Sanjay Das and Arshad Khan, among others, will be performing at the concert. Sheena Chohan will host the event.
“With the theme, Music for Peace, GaanBangla TV has been taking initiatives under its banner, Wind of Change. This concert is an attempt to bring peace and overcome hatred through music,” said Taposh.

DHAKA, BANGLADESH :

The Department of Information Studies and Library management in association with East West University Library celebrated International Day of Peace 2019 with a series of program including “Community Feast” on 22 September 2019 at EWU faculty lounge. Students of East West Bidyaniketon were invited to join community feast. These allies believe that sharing food together fosters connection, cooperation as well as bring peace. Therefore, these allies arranged Community Feast with the theme of “Sharing Food, Bringing Peace” where participants bring a dish and share it with colleagues as well as students.

BATTAMBANG, CAMBODIA :

On this day students will join together to celebrate a Culture of Peace. We will start the day by planting a Peace Tree with religious leaders. At the campus of Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University of Battambang youth will participate in different art workshops to express their vision for Peace. We will hold a minute of silence at 12.00 pm. Apart from art workshops students will have the opportunity to attend different workshops and watch movies. By the the end of the event we will gather to meditate all together

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA :

At ISPP the whole school from kindergarten to grade 12 together will write the lyrics of a song expressing our vision about peace. The school will be divided in 6 groups and each group will have 40 minutes to write about peace and humanity.

CHENGDU, CHINA :

9 Yue 21 is the International Day of Peace. On this cay the Chengdu Hi-tech Zone West Park Street 2 Hao Yuan carried out, “I have a contract with peace.” International Peace Day volunteers promoted activities in the community plaza with participation of more than 50 people. The event calls on the residents to love peace, protect peace, speak in a civilzed way, abide by the rules, create a peaceful and harmonious society, and eliminate actions that are not in conformity with peace.”  Volunteers introduced the “ Peace and Love ” exhibition.

HAINAN, CHINA :

High School students and teachers of Maple Leaf International School – Hainan explore International Peace Day and complete a written reflection. They are introduced to the story of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, and learn how to make origami paper cranes. The celebration of learning will be done in the form of a school display.

HONGKONG, CHINA :

“The right to Peace, Peace to the Earth”
The Catholic Mission School has been strongly promoting the International Day of Peace for many years.
Prayer Meeting about world peace
Go to the Hong Kong Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for a prayer about world peace.
Peace ambassador students will promote the message of peace to the kindergartens through storytelling and arts and crafts.
All students of our school will join various programs to acknowledge the importance of this day.
with heart-felt messages about peace.
Please pay attention to our facebook page about the International Day of Peace

HONGQIAO, SHANGHAI CHINA:

On September 20th, the Hongqiao Town Center Kindergarten launched the “Doll Painting Peace Blueprint” as their International Peace Day activity. They listened to a veteran and made drawings about peace. Activities such as this allow children to grow the seeds of peace from a young age, feel the hard-won happy life, and express good wishes for world peace.

NANJING, CHINA:

On September 21st, the “Zi Jincao” choir performed peace songs in the memorial hall of the victims of the Nanjing Massacre that occurred during the invasion of China.

AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT, INDIA :

YOUNG AND CURIOUS KIDS’ CLUB. An event celebrating International Day of Peace by urging children between 7 to 12 years of age to think about the various ways in which they may contribute to the global peace movement. They will also be engaged in creative writing.

BHUBANESWAR, ODISHA, INDIA :

Volunteers of National Oral Cancer Prevention Initiative in association with Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences will meet and interact with public gathering and will sensitized them about the importance of their oral & systemic health and also their responsibilities in creation of peace in world.

BIJNI, ASSAM, INDIA :

Peace Rally, Oath taking by student, Tree plantation with Senior citizen, teachers, students and NCC cadets.

BHUBANESWAR, ODISHA, INDIA :

On the occasion of International Day of Peace, Society for Nature, Education and Health (SNEH) organized an event on September 21, at IDCOL Auditorium, Bhubaneswar. Sj. Jagannath Saraka, Honorable Minister, SC & ST Development, Sj. Haraprasad Das, eminent writer and columnist and Prof. Radhamohan, renowned environmentalist and former State Information Commissioner graced the occasion and spoke at length on the relevance of peace in modern human life as well as the environment. All the dignitaries gave emphasis on protection of the environment and the importance to meet the challenges of climate change for sustainable peace on earth. Unless we take action to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change, life on our planet would not be possible, agreed all the speakers.

(Survey continued in right column)

Question for this article

What has happened this year (2019) for the International Day of Peace?

(Survey continued from left column)

BHUJ, KUTCH, GUJARAT, INDIA :

On 21st September 2018 , Global Human Help & Harmony collaborated with Vrukshmitra Mandal and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidhyalaya to celebrate 1st International Peace Day in Bhuj , Kutch , Gujarat , India. A Peace March and Candle March were conducted along with Cultural Programs and a Musical Event. Religioius Leaders of different religions came onto the same stage to spread the message of peace

CHANDIGARH, INDIA :

As a member of International Cities of Peace, Chandigarh joined the Global Feast to celebrate the International Day of Peace.

CHHATTISGARH, INDIA :

Peace promotion and awareness through education and art.

GUWAHATI, ASSAM, INDIA :

We are planning the peace event with this agenda
Introduction of the event by Tinat Atifa Masood
1. One minute of silence at 12 noon
2. Short speech on Srimanta Sankardev by Krishna Kinkar Kaki
3. Meditation
4. Song on Peace by Chiranjita

HAILAKANDI DISTRICT, ASSAM, INDIA :

Schools and madrassas celebrated the International Day of Peace in Hailakandi district on Saturday. The celebration was held at Panchgram Town High School, Katlicherra Girls’ High School, GCRBM High School, Indramani Public High School, Rangauti Girls’ High School, 887 No.Ratakandi Algatilla LP SCT, JCHS School, GVM HS School and 745 No.Sashimohan LP School. Students recited poetry, sung peace songs as well as performed dances and skits. Special assembly, seminar, peace talk, oath taking, screen show and rallies were held.  Students presented their views on the importance of maintaining peace and harmony in the society and laid stress on how each and everyone can play an important role in achieving it.

SAHIBZADA AJIT SINGH NAGAR, INDIA :

As a member of International Cities of Peace, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar joined the Global Feast to celebrate the International Day of Peace.

BOGOR, WEST JAVA, INDONESIA :

As a part to celebrate and commemorate The International Peace Day 2019, we will hold a talkshow and music performance in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. The talkshow, called “Peace-Talk”, will focus on how the youth generation can participate in building peace among their community and share peace messages across their social media in order to counter violent extremism, such as false news and online hate speech

TELUK TERIMA, NORTH BALI. INDONESIA :

Dance For Peace Festival is an electronic dance music festival dedicated to raising the awareness for peace, celebrating love, life, sharing and healing. Bringing people together to co-create a trans-formative experience through music, art and dance.

VIENTIANE, LAOS :

We celebrate the International Day with Peace. The children sing “Light a candle for Peace”. We also march and carry the flags of different countries, candles and white flowers. We wear white as we celebrate Peace day.

MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE MALAYSIA :

We are folding 1000 cranes for peace across the whole college community (one crane per student, teacher or administrator) – which will be displayed as an art installation.

NEPAL :

MasterPeace Nepal celebrated Peace Day 2019 with a program of children’s dance. Click on link for video.

KATHMANDU METROPOLITAN CITY, NEPAL :

In this event, children from different schools in Kathmandu will come together to take action and raise awareness on the theme of this year’s Day of Peace. Children will spread awareness on the need to take climate action: in their schools and in their communities.

POKHARA, NEPAL :

NVC Practise Group Nepal celebrated the Campaign Nonviolence with empathy tents, nvc seminars and peace rallies

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND :

The Everyday Peace Initiative took part in the Campaign Nonviolence with
workshops, trainings and research.

FROEBEL’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SOAN CAMPUS, GT ROAD, RAWALPINDI, PAKISTAN :

The International Day of Peace will start with the special morning assembly including prayers and meditation, then a march and art activity/ competition among student for the given theme of Climate Action for Peace. Later there will be debates and speeches . . . and a role play on cultural diversity and cultures…

HARAPPA SAHIWAL PUNJAB PAKISTAN :

Ravi Cultural Forum, Harappa, Sahiwal Pakistan is organizing Ravi Rung Peace Festival as a part of International Drum-Up for Peace, Project on September 21st, 2019 (United Nations International Day of Peace).

JHANGA, PAKISTAN :

Jhanga, Pakistan took part in the Campaign Nonviolence September 14-22, 2019

QUETTA, PAKISTAN :

The Youth Association for Development took part in the Campaign Nonviolence September 14-22, 2019

BASILAN, PHILIPPINES :

SMILE for PEACE Mission, in conjunction with UN International Day of Peace, is a tree planting activity and feeding program for the children of Hadji Maulana Primary School located in Upper Caro, Kapayawan, Isabela City, Basilan.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES :

The Peace-IPPNW Commission of the UP Medical Students for Social Responsibility presents Himig: an open mic event, with the theme of “Peace and Human Rights”. Through this open mic, participants are given the opportunity to exercise their right to freedom of opinion and expression. Through poetry, prose and music, we aim to foster a sense of unity and to strengthen and instill in our participants a yearning for peace in all its levels

MANILA, PHILIPPINES :

Miriam College Center for Peace Education held events from Sept 16- 23, including a presentation on the climate crisis and nuclear weapons

MANILA, PHILIPPINES :

“May peace prevail on earth!” On the occasion of the UN International Day of Peace and to celebrate the 13th International Lasallian Days for Peace, peace advocates from different faiths and organizations, students and educators gathered to hold a Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony at the De La Salle University Medical Health Sciences Institute, in Dasmarinas Cavite, Philippines.  The Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony started with interfaith peace prayers, heralded by Hon. Emerita Garon, WCCI International Trustee, ringing a Tibetan bell to usher in the ceremony. Reverend Fr. Dominic Lee read a Christian prayer in Mandarin while Venerable Miao Jing Shih of the Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple intoned the Buddhist Mantra for Peace. The Prayer for Sincere Effort and Commitment to Interreligious dialogue was led by Sr. Maria Malau, NDS of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Interreligious Dialogue in Bahasa Indonesia, while Ma. Ofelia Cantor of the Bishops Ecumenical Forum/Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform prayed for the resumption and success of peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in the Ibanag dialect.. 

ZAMBASULTA, PHILIPPINES :

The Office of the Youth Commissioner in partnership and collaboration with @Riwaya @Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates -Pahra Wesmin Basulta and Jihad Al Akbar Foundation will provide an online platform via social media for Muslim young Filipinos to showcase literary and arts that they have created as entry to the IYD 2019 to fight climate change and to promote peace.

SINGAPORE :

The Labour of Love Community Music Event will feature songs accompanied by live music, prose and poetry readings and videos that speak to our common humanity and the theme of peace/peace and climate action . There will also be an open-mic music session.

GWANGJU, SOUTH KOREA :

The 2019 Global Common Society International (GCS) International Convention took place on September 21, 2019 at Chosun University in Gwangju, Korea, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the founding of the GCS International and the 38th U.N. International Day of Peace. Approximately 1,500 people from about 20 countries attended. GCS International President Choue made a keynote speech, followed by presentations by Prof. Luc Reychler of Leuven University in Belgium. After that, there was a ceremony to inaugurate the GCS Global Peace Corps, followed by a 15-minute joint taekwondo demonstration by about 1,000 members of the GCS Global Taekwondo Peace Corps Korea. In the afternoon, the 2019 GCS Peace Concert took place at the Haeoreum Center.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA :

Kunihiko Terasawa, Wartburg College associate professor of religion, recently presented at the United Nations International Day of Peace in Goyang, South Korea. His presentation, “Interreligious Dialogue for Peace,” was one of several made by the peace keepers in attendance. The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the General Assembly of the United Nations. The event was hosted by the Korean Organizing Committee for UN International Day of Peace (KOCUNIDP), which promotes peace campaigns in Korea.
“I presented because the political relationship between Japan and Korea is at its worst now, and nationalistic populism has dominated in Japan, South Korea, North Korea and China.” Terasawa said. “In order to overcome resentment of nationalist populism, it is important that universal religions, such as Buddhism and Christianity, work together. . . . Religion often divides us, but it can also unite us if we go beyond selfish denominational egotism,” . . . “That is why interreligious dialogue and cooperation is critically important, especially with our youth and our students in the Pacific Rim, including the U.S.”

KYUNG HEE UNIVERSITY, SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA :

On September 19th, Co-Chair Ban Ki-moon gave a keynote speech at International Day of Peace Commemorative Roundtable. This event was held as a part of the annual Peace BAR Festival a forum on the topic ‘The Future Unhinged: Climate Justice for All,’ and was hosted by Kyung Hee University from September 16th to 19th.“In order for individuals and communities to escape the existential threats of climate change, we must act now.” – Ban Ki-moon At the Roundtable, BKMC Board member Irina Bokova who is also former Director-General of UNESCO and an Honorary Rector of Humanities College at Kyung Hee University featured as a moderator. Club of Rome member Ian Dunlop, Professor Peter Wadhams of Cambridge University and Chancellor of Kyung Hee University System Inwon Choue attended as panelists to address global climate change crisis.

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA :

On the International Day of Peace, +Peace, Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies, and Impact:Peace launched the Peace in Our Cities Campaign, with 11 mayors and local officials representing over 15.8 million people from Colombo, Sri Lanka; Nairobi Municipality, Kenya; Cali, Colombia; Guadalajara, Mexico; Tripoli, Lebanon; Bangui, Central African Republic; Durban, South Africa; Escobedo, Mexico; Kumanovo, Macedonia; Kibera County, Nairobi, Kenya; and Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago, pledging to work towards halving violence in their cities by 2030. The campaign calls on mayors, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, and other partners to sign the pledge and join the growing movement to transform global violence.

East Asia, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, South Asia,

Kazakh capital to host 2019 UNWTO Urban Tourism Global Summit on SDGs

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article from The Astana Times

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the Nur-Sultan Akimat (city administration) will organise the eighth UNWTO Global Summit on Urban Tourism under the Smart Cities, Smart Destinations theme in the Kazakh capital Oct. 9-12. The summit will contribute to the UN New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The summit will bring together representatives from national tourism administrations, city authorities and related stakeholders to exchange expertise and set a shared vision to advance urban tourism. Participants will discuss sustainability, accessibility, innovations and inclusion of tourism in the urban agenda contributing to the progress of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. The gathering will focus specifically on Goal 11, which is to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

“According to the UN, in 2015, 54 percent of the world’s population lived in urban areas and, by 2030, this share is expected to reach 60 percent. Along with other key pillars, tourism constitutes a central component in the economy, social life and the geography of many cities in the world and is, thus, a key element in urban development policies… Tourism is intrinsically linked to how a city develops itself and provides more and better living conditions to its residents and visitors,” reported the summit’s website emphasising the importance of the chosen topic.

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Question related to this article:

How can tourism promote a culture of peace?

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The summit will focus on how developing smart cities can address urban challenges. The participants will discuss sustainability, accessibility, urban management, innovation and technology, stressing the importance of including tourism in the wider city agenda as a contributor to inclusive, resilient and sustainable urban development.

During the summit’s first day, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) will give a masterclass on trends in the convention industry, focusing on topics such as how to be a successful destination for meetings and organise sustainable meetings.

The second day will start with an opening ceremony including Nur-Sultan Akim (Mayor) Altai Kulginov, Kazakh Prime Minister Askar Mamin, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and other higher officials. The participants will adopt the Smart Cities, Smart Destinations Declaration. This will be followed by the mayors’ meeting, where “mayors from around the world will share insights on how to translate a smart city into a smart destination,” and other panel sessions and on the topic.

The summit’s last day will be dedicated to innovative and technological solutions in tourism, the role of public and private partnerships in technologies to develop the sphere and urban destinations’ accessibility through “increased awareness of the opportunities it brings and the emergence of new innovative solutions.”

The decision to have the event in Nur-Sultan was made at the seventh UNWTO Global Summit in Seoul last year. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and the then Nur-Sultan Akim (Mayor) Bakhyt Sultanov signed April 5 an agreement at the UNWTO Mayors Forum for Sustainable Urban Tourism in Lisbon, where the akim presented information about Nur-Sultan’s infrastructure.

The UNWTO is responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism around the world. It promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to advance knowledge and tourism policies worldwide. The organisation has 158 member countries, six associate members and more than 500 affiliate members.

The UNWTO Global Summit is designed to encourage new approaches to tourism and its impact on urban destinations. Previously, the event took place in Seoul (2018), Kuala Lumpur (2017), Luxor (2016), Marrakesh (2015), Barcelona (2014), Moscow (2013) and Istanbul (2012).

global, South Asia, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, United Nations, ,

Voices of Afghan women ‘must be heard at the table in the peace process and beyond’ UN deputy chief tells Security Council

. . WOMEN’S EQUALITY . .

An article from the United Nations

Afghan women have “paid a high price” during their country’s nearly four decades of conflict, the United Nations deputy chief said on Friday, addressing the Security Council a day after Kabul had been hit with a fresh round of “horrific” bomb attacks.

As she opened her briefing, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed offered her “deepest condolences to the Government and people of Afghanistan”, saying that “indiscriminate attacks that kill women and children are an affront to our humanity and a crime under international humanitarian law”.

Before updating Council members on her recent visit to the country, she affirmed that the UN “stands with Afghans as they work for lasting peace and security”.


Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed briefs the Security Council on the situation in Afghanistan and her recent visit to the country. (26 July 2019), by UN Photo/Loey Felipe

Afghan women on the rise  

Under the Taliban government, “women and girls were denied access to education, health services and protection from extreme violence, and could not participate in political or public life”, said Ms. Mohammed.

Her briefing comes just days after returning from her third visit to the country to explore UN support for the ‘ women, peace and security’ agenda. She was joined by UN Political and Peacebuilding Affairs chief, Rosemary DiCarlo, the Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), Natalia Kanem, and the head of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

While there, Ms. Mohammed held talks with President Ashraf Ghani, the Chief Executive, the First Lady, as well as senior leaders and religious scholars; and made a field visit to Bamiyan Province and spoke to women leaders, decision-makers and health care workers.

“In the past 18 years, there has been significant progress”, the UN deputy chief reported, pointing out that women encumber senior roles in the Defence, Foreign Affairs and Interior Ministries; 27 per cent of the civil service is female; and women are serving as mayors and provincial governors.

Moreover, elections are scheduled for 28 September and both the Independent Electoral Commission and Electoral Complaints Commission heads are women.

Since the fall of the Taliban, nine out of 11 million Afghan children are now enrolled in school; investments in reducing maternal mortality are saving thousands of lives; and improved infrastructure and power supplies are connecting remote areas to national economic opportunities.

Afghanistan has “done more to invest in women’s leadership” than many countries with greater means and women are “rising to reclaim their rightful place in all areas of society”, Ms. Mohammed spotlighted.

“The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development  holds great promise for the lives of Afghans across the country,” she said highlighting that 24 UN agencies are partnering with the government on issues ranging from food security to clean water and the rule of law, “often risking their lives”.

Global Goals

On the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), she conveyed that SDG 5, on gender equality, is “essential to ensure that women have access to education, health care and decent work, and that women are represented in all areas of society and in all political and economic decision-making processes, including in government and in peace negotiations”.

“SDG16 on peace, justice and strong institutions will also be essential to hold free, fair and credible elections, to build trust in state institutions, and to facilitate reconciliation and the reintegration of former combatants after the signing of any peace agreement”, added the UN deputy chief.

She brought to light that in the short-term, 6.3 million Afghans need humanitarian aid across the country, adding that “the Humanitarian Response Plan is just 27 per cent funded”.

“We must increase that level urgently, to provide immediate support and protection to displaced people and those in greatest need”, explained Ms. Mohammed. 

Peace needed ‘urgently’

“As we witnessed again yesterday, conflict continues in Afghanistan”, Ms. Mohammed said, noting that in the first five months of this year, conflict displaced more than 100,000 people, which “increases the risk of gender-based violence”.

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Question related to this article:

Do women have a special role to play in the peace movement?

Is peace possible in Afghanistan?

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And in areas where the Taliban has reclaimed control, “there are reports of honor killings, stoning and other attacks on women’s rights”, she lamented, adding that “peace, security and economic stability are urgently needed”.

All the women she spoke to “wanted an inclusive peace centred on women, as well as victims and survivors”, she told the Council.

“Afghan women, like women everywhere, must play a part in decisions that will affect their future”, she spelled out. “Inclusivity is not only the right thing to do for women and girls, it is the only way to make durable peace”.

Sustainable peace will take time and must address violations and divisions of the past for the country to achieve closure.

“Inclusion and consensus are also essential to creating the greatest possible peace dividend, benefitting all parts of the economy and all sections of society…to address stigma and discrimination based on gender, ethnicity or regional differences”, she elaborated.

With women playing “a central role” in creating peaceful, inclusive communities with opportunities for all, she said, “Afghanistan is at an important crossroads” and needs the support of the entire UN system and international community “to invest in building on the gains, while sustaining peace”.

“I urge this Council to do all in its power to support all Afghans in realizing their hopes and aspirations for lasting peace, stability and prosperity”, concluded the Deputy Secretary-General.

Gearing up to vote

Taking the podium after Ms. Mohammed, UN political chief Rosemary DiCarlo recalled that Afghanistan is marking the centennial of its independence, saying that it is at “a pivotal juncture with an unprecedented opportunity for peace”.

She underscored the need that the upcoming presidential elections are “credible and held on time”, adding that the UN is providing technical assistance and that the Independent Electoral Commission has “made steady progress” in its preparations – with two non-voting UN members embedded in each Commission.

A $149 million election budget has been finalized, with the Government covering $90 million and the international community the rest.

“Over half a million more Afghans have registered, of which some 36 per cent are women”, she updated the Council. “This is the first time that citizens were given an opportunity to review and make corrections to the 2018 voters list”.

Despite this progress, challenges remain, including the recruitment and training of thousands of polling staff.

“With only nine weeks remaining to the polling and the Commissions working against the clock”, she underscored that there is no room for technical or political delays, adding also that “a level playing field amongst all candidates is key for credible elections”.

Credible elections are “vital” to give the newly-elected president “the authority needed to bring the country together in the peace process”, she maintained.

Finding a political solution

Meanwhile, direct talks between the United States and the Taliban continue.

And while this is “an important step forward” towards formal negotiations between the Government and the Taliban to reach a sustainable peace agreement, Ms. DiCarlo affirmed that additional intra-Afghan conferences are planned.

“A political solution to the conflict in Afghanistan remains more relevant than ever, as civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict” she stressed, calling on all conflict parties “to respect international humanitarian law, to ensure access for humanitarian agencies to provide life-saving assistance and to distinguish between combatants and civilian targets to protect civilians from hostilities”.

In closing, Ms. DiCarlo underscored that “Afghans deserve peace and the right to choose their representatives”.

We urge this Council to do the same”, she concluded.

A view from the ground

Addressing the Council via videoconference from Kabul, Jamila Afghani of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom-Afghanistan, underscored the impact of the conflict on ordinary Afghans, who live in constant insecurity yet find themselves on the side lines of peace talks. 

Since September 2018, the US and other countries had facilitated efforts towards a negotiated peace, but she stressed that there has been a clear absence of meaningful participation by women and other actors, notably the direct victims of war. 

“Afghan women must be able to meaningfully participate in decisions that affect them,” she said, and urged the Council to ensure clear procedures for engaging Afghan women from diverse backgrounds in peace negotiations and conflict resolution efforts, especially as negotiators and religious leaders who can bridge political gaps on the path to peace. 

She added that the Council should ensure that this year’s elections include enhanced security for women voters and candidates, and for networks involving the Government, civil society and other stakeholders to promote women’s participation. 

Mideast, South Asia, WOMEN'S EQUALITY,

Women Are Critical to Building a Lasting Peace in Afghanistan

. . WOMEN’S EQUALITY . .

An article by Ian J. Lynch in The Diplomat

Women are critical to the everyday peacebuilding activities necessary to put any peace agreement into effective practice.


Independent Afghan artists draw a graffiti on a barrier wall of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs to mark International Women’s Day in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, March 8, 2019.
Image Credit: AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation, is back in Qatar  for what could be the final round of U.S.-Taliban negotiations. He tweeted  on July 31, “if the Taliban do their part, we will do ours, and conclude the agreement we have been working on.” While he also  that talks “between the Taliban and an inclusive and effective national negotiating team,” would follow, the Taliban maintain that they will not negotiate directly  with the Afghan government. Even if “inclusive” intra-Afghan talks do materialize it remains likely the role of women will be marginal. 

Afghan women and their advocates  are concerned that their exclusion at the negotiating table will severely undermine the gains they have made over the past 17 years. Moreover, women are critical to the everyday peacebuilding activities that will be necessary to put any peace agreement into effective practice.

At the heart of the exclusion of women from the peace process in Afghanistan are two pervasive, often unstated, but widely held, notions: 1) Afghan women are not well suited to negotiating an effective peace agreement with the Taliban and 2) women do not need to be present at negotiations so long as negotiators commit to protecting women’s rights. These ideas actually weaken the prospects for a long-term, inclusive peace.

A peace agreement that ends outright hostility and provides a means for reconciliation is essential, but the peace process will not end with an agreement. The everyday actions necessary for peacebuilding will require the participation of civil society, municipal leaders, traditional institutions, and, crucially, women. The participation of women and civil society groups in negotiations greatly increases the likelihood that peace agreements last.

The development of a new culture of peace will be an arduous process, but vital if Afghanistan is to avoid a relapse of civil conflict. The 15,000 women who participated in recent grassroots Afghan Women for Peace  forums in all 34 provinces demonstrate both the capacity and the desire to be effective peacebuilders.

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Question related to this article:

Do women have a special role to play in the peace movement?

Is peace possible in Afghanistan?

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Women across the countryside already perform the kind of everyday negotiations with Taliban leaders  necessary for a  new culture of peace to take root beyond an agreement on paper. In the hotly contested Kunduz province, 510 women stated  in March they “have a continuous and active role to play in the maintenance of social peace, and the peace process.” They “have been able to stop youth, and people who are easily influenced by the insurgent groups, from fighting against their own villages and homes.” The same month in Nimroz, 500 women said  they speak to their neighbors “about the importance of peace, especially with families who are suspected to be members of the insurgent groups.”

In April, Khalilzad met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, former President Hamid Karzai and others to discuss the progress of the talks and “the necessity of an inclusive #Afghan  negotiating team.” Women were not present in this meeting about the “necessity” of an inclusive process and yet Gulbuddin Hekmatyar – who until recently led armed opposition to the government – and other former warlords were at the table.

Prior to the U.S.-Taliban talks in June, Khalilzad met with  female Afghan politicians and tweeted, “US policy is that women should be at the table in intra-Afghan dialogue & negotiations.” Members of the Afghan Women’s Network were also present  when Khalilzad briefed President Ghani during the same trip to Kabul. This was an improvement compared with earlier diplomacy by the U.S. envoy, but women need to be given more than a consultative role.

For their part, the Taliban know they need to improve  their image on women’s rights to secure a peace agreement. Insurgents and warlords involved in the peace process may even agree to long-term institutional compromises to reach a final peace agreement that ends the war, offers some impunity for their actions, and affords them participation in governance similar to the rehabilitation of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar’s Hezb-i-Islami party. 

However, a willingness to agree to laws and institutions on paper should not be interpreted as a willingness to respect and uphold a functioning legal system. Insurgents, warlords, and other entrepreneurs of violence rarely expect future legal structures to affect them, because the law has never applied to them before. In practice, Taliban commanders continue to deliver brutal public punishments  to women who stray from their strict interpretation of Sharia law. 

Power sharing earned via violence produces a fragile peace. As Mary Kaldor argues in Global Security Cultures, such a peace may be better than continued warfare, but the entrenchment and legitimization of violent actors’ power perpetuates crime, human rights abuses, and fails to resolve grievances that can reignite conflict later. 

To avoid a compromised peace, the Afghan process must subordinate violent actors and uplift the moderate, majoritarian sources of political legitimacy that are too often left out of peace talks. Afghan women have consistently practiced the local-level peacebuilding that will be needed to reinforce a national-level political settlement and build a culture of peace over time. The Taliban will resist including women and it will make the process more difficult, but involving a broad set of Afghan actors committed to the everyday reproduction of peace is the only way to build an enduring peace. 

Ian J. Lynch recently graduated with a Masters in Middle East, Caucasus, and Central Asian Security Studies from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. He is the former Director of Curriculum and Instruction at the School of Leadership Afghanistan, the country’s first and only boarding school for girls. He tweets at @Ian_J_Lynch.

South Asia, WOMEN'S EQUALITY,