International day of Peace

UN Activities

At Headquarters:

New York

Secretary-General Kofi Annan rang the Japanese Peace Bell located in the West Court Garden on the front lawn of the Secretariat Building on Thursday 21 September and observed a minute of silence with UN Headquarters staff members. Messengers of Peace -- Vijay Amritraj, Anna Cataldi, Michael Douglas and Jane Goodall -- accompanied the Secretary-General. Renowned cellist Yo Yo Ma was appointed Messenger of Peace and performed a cello solo -- Turkish composer Ahmed Adnan Saygun's Partita for Solo Cello – during the ceremony.

Also, on 21 September, the Department of Public Information, in collaboration with non-governmental organizations Pathways to Peace, the World Peace Prayer Society and the United Religions Initiative, organized an event where Messengers of Peace interacted with young people at UN Headquarters and, through satellite, at UN missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia and Kosovo. Short films documenting the impact of conflict on the lives of people in these places were shown during the event.

The United Nations Postal Administration issued six commemorative stamps in denominations of 39¢, 84¢ , F.s. 0,85, F.s. 1,20, € 0,55 and €1,00 on the theme “My Dream for Peace One Day”. The designs feature children’s artworks, which were selected as finalists in a global peace poster contest sponsored by the Lions Clubs International.

On 21 September, UN Works in collaboration with the Discovery Channel held a world premiere event screening of Discovery Atlas in the Dag Hammarskjöld Library Auditorium. Discovery Atlas is a television series, which documents the lives of people around the world.

Also at UN Headquarters, on 21 September in Conference Room 3 a High-Level Conference on Interfaith Cooperation for Peace organized by the Tripartite Forum on Interfaith Cooperation for Peace was held. The Forum is an open-ended partnership between Governments, the United Nations and civil society. The theme of the conference was Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace: Contributing to Peacebuilding and Development and was designed to provide an Interactive Tripartite Dialogue that developed the theme. The Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Chair of the Tripartite Forum on Interfaith Cooperation for Peace, opened the conference., followed by remarks delivered on behalf the Secretary-General, President of the General Assembly, Director General of UNESCO and the President of the Committee of Religious NGOs at the UN. The keynote address was delivered by the President of Senegal, H.E. Mr. Abdoulaye Wade.

United Nations Field Offices

UNSCO

The UN Office of the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) held a commemorative ceremony at the Government House in Jerusalem. Aspects of the ceremony included the delivery of the Secretary-General’s message, as well as messages of peace from religious leaders.

>> Statement by the United Nations Agencies in the occupied Palestinian territory

Afghanistan

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) marked the day with a kite-flying event with children from the Asiana orphanage on Nader Khan hill overlooking Kabul. The kites were designed by UNAMA staff members and made especially for the Day by a local kite maker. The children also shared their hopes for their futures and that of their country.

Argentina

UNIC/Buenos Aires has produced a poster for the day [PDF, 313K]. UNIC was also joined by a national NGO, RED-ONU, to organize an outreach project geared towards reaching the educational community in the area.

Austria

UNIS/Vienna marked the Day with more than 300 young people from 70 countries who participated in a competition, Writing and Painting for Peace, organized by the Austrian NGO, Verein zur Voelkerverstaendigung (Association for Friendly Relations among Peoples). Following the awards ceremony, a peace bell was rung and the young people sang songs of peace. Also, the Vienna based NGO Committee on the Status of Women held a panel discussion on Security Council resolution 1325. UNIS also distributed the Secretary-General’s message as well as postcards and posters at a “Peace Mile” event where different organizations set up information tables on the subject of peace in the main square in Vienna’s city centre.

Bangladesh

UNIC/Dhaka held a rally at Dhaka University, as well as a photo exhibit and seminar at UNIC, and a special radio programme prepared a newspaper feature on the role of Bangladesh in global peacebuilding efforts. Additionally, the UN Association of Bangladesh, in association with UNIC Dhaka, held a discussion forum during which issues of peace were raised.

Burundi

UNIC/Bujumbura, in conjunction with the UN Operation in Burundi (ONUB) and the UN Country Team, commemorated the Day with the Confederation of East and Central Africa Football Associations under-20 championship. The Day will be observed at the final match at the Prince Louis Rwagasore stadium on Saturday 23 September where, in addition to other activities, the message of the Secretary-General will be delivered. The message was translated to Kirundi and widely disseminated to local journalists and to radio and TV stations in the area. ONUB also produced radio and TV spots in Kirundi. The Mission’s Human Rights Division also organized a range of activities throughout Burundi.

Cameroon

UNIC/Yaoundé organized educational outreach events and media programmes to commemorate the Day. Among those was a Peace Camp at UNIC premises, during which the work of the UN for peace was displayed. UNIC also produced live radio and television programmes on the ways the UN works for peace which were broadcast on Thursday 21 and Sunday 24 September respectively.

Cyprus

The UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) held special peace candle ceremony to mark the Day, where Special Representative of the Secretary-General Michael Moller addressed a gathering that included Cypriot war veterans from both communities. A minute of silence in remembrance of victims of war was observed.

>> Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of Mission Michael Moller’s speech at Ledra Palace Peace Candle Ceremony

Czech Republic

In cooperation with the CTBTO Preparatory Commission, UNIC/Prague held a seminar on nuclear non-proliferation on 21 September.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

The UN Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) organized its activities under the theme “Peaceful Elections for Peace in the DRC”. Among others, a national symposium was held with 500 university students discussing their contributions to peace efforts and the mission supported the launch of the “Association des Journalistes pour la Paix”. Also, two peace songs composed by MONUC were promoted and played on Radio Okapi and on national radio and TV stations. Also, Congolese youth joined their counterparts via satellite in the youth observance being held at New York Headquarters during which a short film produced by the Mission, “Two tribes: A meeting at the river”, was shown. Various events were also held in most of the 15 sectors where MONUC is deployed.

Republic of the Congo

UNIC/Brazzaville screened the UN produced documentary, A Workshop for Peace, and hosted an exhibition featuring posters designed to reflect peace themes.

Dominican Republic

The United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW) launched a guide, Securing Equality, Engendering Peace: a guide to policy and planning on women, peace and security, on 21 September. The guide was produced to support Security Council resolution 1325.

Egypt

UNIC/Cairo publicized the Day on Nile TV and was invited to participate in a commemorative event jointly organized by the Federation of Muslim Youth Associations and the US Federation for Peace in the Middle East under the patronage of the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States. Secretary-General’s Kofi Annan was delivered to participants who also expressed their commitments and reservations to pursuing peace and dialogue among their communities.

>> Peace Day in Cairo amid un-peaceful events, by Deena Douara

Eritrea

The UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) organized a half-marathon Peace Run on Sunday 24 September in collaboration with the National Eritrean Athletic Foundation and the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students. Activities were also organized in Adigrat, Assab and Barentu, among others, to mark the Day.

Ethiopia

UNMEE also organized a fund-raising Peace Run on Sunday 24 September in partnership with the Ethiopian Athletic Federation, the UN Country Team, African Union and the diplomatic community. Proceeds from the event will go to flood relief efforts currently underway in Ethiopia.

Additionally, the UN CyberSchoolBus co-sponsored an art contest with Peace Pals under the theme Living in Peace and Harmony. It is headquartered in Addis Ababa.

India

UNIC/New Delhi participated in a seminar Peace in the Neighborhood: Towards a Visionary Approach” being organized by the Academy of Fine Arts and Literature in New Delhi.

Also, in collaboration with a number of non-governmental organizations, UNIC New Delhi held a Peace March on 21 September in which about 500 high school students participated. It concluded with a cultural extravaganza at UNIC's headquarters.

Kenya

UNIC/Nairobi organized, on 21 September, a press launch of the KenGen Tegla Loroupe Peace Race. On 23 September, more than 2000 and well over 300 warriors from the Turkana, Polot, Marakwet, Samburu and Karamajong tribes of Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan participated in the 10 kilometer race. This was the largest such initiative in the North Rift region and both the organizers and the UN appealed to communities in the are to embrace dialogue and use the event as a platform for them to continue working together.

>> 12,000 Guns Given Up After Peace Races - Article published in the Daily Nation, 26 September 2006

Kosovo

The UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) organized a range of activities, including the Wall of Peace, which was coordinated by World Vision Kosovo with the support of UNMIK and the Kosovo Force (KFOR). About 200 elementary and middle school youth from various ethnic communities painted their visions of peace on large panels which were displayed throughout Kosovo. UNMIK Radio aired a talk show on Radio Television Kosovo (RTK) on 20 September featuring students from Pristina University, Mitrovica University and Pristina American University. Among other initiatives, UNMIK also produced a two-minute documentary featuring the lives of three families of Albanian, Roma and Serb ethnicities. Kosovar youth also joined by satellite their counterparts at the UNHQ youth observance on 21 September.

Lebanon

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) held a commemorative ceremony at it headquarters location in Naqoura.

Liberia

The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) hosted a symposium on conflict prevention and peacebuilding in which government and business representatives, NGOs and the media participated. Liberian youth also joined their counterparts through satellite at the youth observance held at UNHQ.

>> Brochure: Liberia Marks the International Day of Peace [PDF, 693K]

Morocco

UNIC/Rabat hosted a number of activities, including a presentation on the contribution of Morocco to peacekeeping by a Moroccan peacekeeping veteran and the release of a publication, The Counter-Terrorism Policy of Morocco. UNIC/Rabat will also mounted an exhibition of posters, photos and other information material demonstrating the Moroccan contribution to peacekeeping.

Nepal

UNESCO/Kathmandu, in collaboration with local NGO Bikpala Gyan Tatha Bikas Kendra, organized a mural painting as an expression of promoting the culture of peace through a creative medium of communication. About 500 children from the Kathmandu Valley painted the mural in the historical core zone of one of its world heritage site monument zones. UNESCO also distributed more than 3,000 IDP postcards translated to languages spoken in Nepal to the public.

>> Postcard created for the observance [PDF, 532K]

Nigeria

UNIC/Lagos collaborated with the UN Association of Nigeria and Human Rights Information Network organized a seminar Building a culture of peace and non-violence in Nigeria, in collaboration with the UN Association of Nigeria. Representatives of the media, non-governmental organizations, governments agencies and religious organizations, and primary and secondary school students participated.

Pakistan

UNIC/Islamabad and Fatima Jinnah Women’s University organized a forum to discuss individual contributions to peace. Presentations touched on peace and human development and Pakistan’s active participation in peacekeeping operations, among other issues.

Panama

UNIC/Panama held a month-long observance in partnership with the Lions Club. Among activities were athletic and soccer competitions, and exhibits and mural contests with 25 public and private schools.

Paraguay

UNIC/Asunción hosted a conference on UN peacekeeping operations where Paraguayan peacekeepers interacted with UN officials. A joint observance was also held by UNIC/Asunción in collaboration with the UNESCO Associate Schools Network.

Peru

UNIC/Lima supported art competitions on peace themes being organized in schools around the country.

Romania

UNIC/Bucharest together with national organization, ORICUM, collaborated with national and international organizations based in Romania to organize the first sports festival in the country. Dedicated to peace, it was held at the largest stadium, Lia Manoliu Sports Centre, in Romania and ran from 21 to 24 September. Other highlights of the Day included the observance of a moment of reflection at noon, a staged play based on themes of peace and avoiding situations of conflict, and the screening of a documentary produced especially for the Day.

Russian Federation

UNIC/Moscow, in collaboration with civil society partner, the Network of Schools for Peace, held a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument on Poklonnaya Gora in Moscow. During the ceremony, the Secretary-General’s message was delivered. Attending were senior Government officials and members of the diplomatic corps, as well as school principals, teachers and children. UNIC also translated to Russian and published the brochure, UN Peacekeeping: Meeting New Challenges.

Senegal

UNIC/Dakar hosted an event in collaboration with the Government and non-governmental organizations. UNIC also displayed photographs depicting the UN’s collective efforts for peace.

Sierra Leone

The UN Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) held an official observance at its headquarters, which Government Ministers and senior officials and UN country team staff members attended. Statements were delivered on behalf of the Secretary-General and President of Sierra Leone. Also, as part of efforts to raise awareness of the importance of sport in peacebuilding, UNIOSIL, in collaboration with the Minsitry of Education, Science and Technology held a soccer tournament in which children from 20 schools played non-competitive matches. The Office also sponsored essay and poetry competitions and hosted radio discussions focussing on peacemakers in Sierra Leonean communities. Commemorative events were also held in provincial towns, such as Kenema, Makeni and Bo, among others.

>> The United Nations and Sierra Leoneans celebrate 2006 International Day of Peace in rain and shine [PDF, 133K]
>> Fair and friendly matches during Youth Soccer Gala on the International Day of Peace in Freetown, Sierra Leone [PDF, 164K]

Somalia

The UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) planned a number of outreach initiatives and produced a media kit highlighting the peace efforts of the UN in Somali and English. Also, Communities in major population centres throughout celebrated the Day with special activities ranging from peace marches and sporting events, to music and dance.

In his message to the Somali people, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Francois Lonseny Fall appealed to "those who lead competing visions for Somalia, to pause and consider the consequences of an escalating cycle of violence on the nation’s fragile social fabric."

>> Statement by Ambassador François Lonseny Fall, UN Special Representative for Somalia

Sudan

The UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) organized major events in Khartoum and Juba with participation by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in both locations. Among other activities, a forum was held where Sudanese staff members discussed with members of the public issues related to peace. Following the forum, UNMIS conducted guided tours of information booths at its headquarters set up by various departments and UN agencies to demonstrate their collective work and achievements to attain peace in Sudan. Events were also held by offices in Wau, Kadugli, Abyei and Malakal regions.

Tajikistan

The UN Tajikistan Office of Peace-Building (UNTOP) held a scientific conference on conflict prevention and resolution with participants drawn from Tajik universities and research centres.

Tanzania

UNIC/Dar es Salaam, in collaboration with UNICEF, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and national youth organizations, held an event at Karimjee Grounds focussing on youth and their roles in peacebuilding efforts. Prior to the event, there was a peace march through the city centre. An exhibition depicting work dedicated to peace of all participating organizations was also held at the site.

Thailand

UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)/UNIS/Bangkok organized activities in collaboration with the Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace --Thailand. Those included a forum with the theme, The relationship between religion and world peace, in which a number of religious representatives participated. Also, in collaboration with the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), UNESCAP/UNIS organized a seminar, International Culture of Peace: Voices of Youth. Among other activities, participants in a Women Peace Conference being organized by Soka Gakkai Thailand will attend a briefing programme at UNIS headquarters on 22 September.

Timor-Leste

The UN Office in Timor-Leste (UNOTIL) commemorated the Day with a peace concert and display of posters and flyers in Tetum to highlight messages of peace through photographs, graphics and views from Timorese.

Trinidad and Tobago

UNIC/Port-of-Spain in conjunction with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs commemorated the Day with a viewing of the United Nations documentary Armed to the Teeth. Invitees, including Government officials, the diplomatic corps, media representatives, and the general public also observed a minute of silence during the event. The documentary was also screened at the University of the West Indies St. Augustine campus. Additionally, UNIC distributed a CD with printable materials on the Day, UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities and facts, and links to UN resources on peace and security.

Western Sahara

The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) commemorated the Day with a town hall meeting in Laayoune followed by sporting events.

Zimbabwe

On Tuesday 19 September, UNIC/Harare commenced its commemorative activities with a media seminar on the role of the media in promoting peace. UNIC also publicized the Day on national television and, in collaboration with the Committee on Peace and Dialogue, held a peace prayer ceremony during which the Secretary-General’s message was delivered.

 

Prepared by the UN Web Services Section, DPI, United Nations © 2006