INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE CELEBRATION

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE CELEBRATION

United Nations Economic and Social Council URI Africa every years organize IDP in partnership with the UN office for Africa. In the same spirit this year URI Africa joins hand with the United Nations family in commemorating the International Day of Peace at the United Nations offices at Nairobi (UNON). The event started with a brief reflection on the remembrance of the Westgate terrorist.  Three candles were lit by the Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya, the United Nations Office at Nairobi Director General and the ambassador of Zimbabwe to Kenya who attended this particular session. Then followed with the main feature of the event which was a panel discussion involving students from five universities in Nairobi.  The students from the five universities were also joined by other students from Kampala Uganda, Mogadishu Somalia and Juba South Sudan via google hangout.  UN staff and other partners from the civil society, in particular Jane Goodal Initiative Kenya and URI CCs members also participated in the discussion.

The theme of this year’s Peace Day "Right of Peoples to Peace" formed the basis of the discussion with University students who sought to address the real ideals of peace building. Hon. Justice, Dr. Willy Mutunga, The Chief Justice in his presentation highlighted equitable distribution of power and resources as one of the core factors that will kick-start the quest for peace. Dr.Mutunga said “People need to deal with their hurt, pain, anger, sadness, regret, and resentment in order to create spaces for peace.” In response youths urged the leadership to be pro-active in responding to their issues so that they don’t have resolve to use of force whenever they need to air their concerns. From the deliberations, it was clear that young men have a role to play in fostering peace. They therefore, need to take up an active role in amicably addressing issues facing them. Hitherto, religious and political tolerance needs to be exercised at all time

Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, UN Resident Coordinator in her closing remarks, reiterated that as much as there are conventions, constitutions and declarations, legal frameworks and supporting programs, it is only the determination and commitment of people, "you and me, that can nurture, safeguard and promote peace". URI organized an Interfaith Prayer at the Desmond Tutu Conference Centre, Nairobi- Kenya on September 20, 2014. The event opened with Interfaith prayers form different religions and faith communities representative. The message of the Sec Gen of UN and message from URI Africa read followed by the reciting of the Golden Rule from different religions and peace message by students. CCs members and other participants took part in the event.

                                                      Prof. John Kurakar