People across the world are today September 21st observing the International Day of Peace, set aside by the United Nations in 1981 to be commemorated annually. The day is an annual day of non-violence and for a cease-fire.
Many countries and people do honour a cessation of hostilities during the day, and do commemorate the day through education and public awareness activities on issues related to peace.
The day is a reminder to all of us of the need to maintain world peace, and to remember the plight of all those people in conflict zones.
Thus, our commendation goes to all those institutions and individuals organizing activities making this International Day of Peace.
On this day, we pray that peace may prevail throughout the world.
Peace we believe is everybody?s business, and that there cannot be any sustainable development without peace.
Therefore, we use this opportunity to appeal, in the name of peace, to all countries and regions affected by conflict to resolve their problems through dialogue.
We further call on them to go back to the negotiating table, in keeping with the saying that jaw, jaw is better that war, war!
The theme chosen for this year is centered on young people: "Youth for Peace and Development". This is a challenge for the young people of the world to work towards promoting and building peace.
Indeed, as future leaders, youth must be engaged in peaceful activities, and do away with crime-related matters in order to foster global peace and mutual understanding.
Since youth are very much vulnerable during conflicts, it is important that this segment of our society continues to maintain peace and stability.
Peace, we know, is not only about the absence of war, but rather is also about a society or a relationship that is operating harmoniously and without violent conflict.
Peace is commonly understood as the absence of hostility or the existence of healthy or newly healed interpersonal or international relationships, safety in matters of social or economic welfare, the acknowledgment of equality and fairness in political relationships.
For instance, a family whose entire house collapsed as a result of flooding and loses all their belongs due to a natural disaster is not at peace.
On this International Day of Peace, we pray that people everywhere affected by floods and other natural disasters will receive relief assistance immediately to enable them survive, and eventually enjoy peace.
"A smile is the beginning of peace ."
Mother Teresa
