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2024 UN International Day of Peace: UN-POLAC President urges Nigerians, others to embrace peace
Ayo Ola
While the world marks the 2024 International Day of Peace, today Saturday, 21st Sept. 2024, as established by the United Nation (UN), with the theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” the Country President of the United Nation’s Positive Livelihood Award Centre, (UN-POLAC), Amb. Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies has called on everyone, “especially Nigerians to be calm and embrace Peace against the background of the nation’s security challenges and national protests in the Nation.”
Amb. Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies made this call for Peace, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, stating that, “It’s time for peace in Nigeria, Africa and on the entire planet earth, it’s time to embrace enduring peace.”
Each year, the International Day of Peace is marked globally as the UN General Assembly has proclaimed this day dedicated to fortifying the principles of peace. Adesanya-Davies says, “It’s time to maintain peace as individuals and groups, in our hearts, homes, communities and societies.’
Today epitomises our joint aspiration for a world devoid of discord and turmoil and this year, attention is particularly directed towards the crucial role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 2024 theme “Cultivating a Culture of Peace” draws inspiration from UNESCO’s foundational belief that, “Wars begin in the minds of men, so it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.”
More than just a single day of commemoration, the International Day of Peace represents a rallying cry for individuals, communities, and nations to grasp the significance. In the lead-up to the International Day of Peace 2024, is it’s pivotal to recognise how each SDG contributes to the aspiration of a harmonious world.
Also, a core understanding of the International Day of Peace is the connection between economic stability and conflict prevention; by eliminating poverty and hunger, we address some primary causes of wars.
Again, Good Health, Education & Gender Equality are of vital importance. Societies in good health are peaceful. Advocating for Well-being, Education, and Gender Balance, while Clean Water, Energy & Economic Growth are sustainable resources; that translate to reducing conflicts over limited supplies. Moreso, Institutions, Justice & Partnership are cornerstones of the International Day of Peace, advocating for robust institutions.
The International Day of Peace represents more than a date on the calendar; it’s a movement. By aligning efforts with the SDGs, we move towards not only prosperity but also lasting peace and 2024 marks another step towards that vision.
Therefore, let us use the International Day of Peace as a beacon of our collective mission. Together, if we are equipped with the right resources and steadfast dedication, we can move closer to a world where every day embodies peace. 2024 actually denotes a significant milestone in the execution of the Sustainable Development Goals. The 2024 observance of the International Day of Peace is synchronised with the SDG summit (18 – 19 September).
Country President Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies thus shares a poem titled:
“Cultivating a Culture of Peace!”
In gardens of humanity, we sow,
Seeds of love, compassion to grow.
A culture of peace, we strive to reap,
Where harmony blooms, and conflicts sleep.
With every word, a choice we make,
To heal or harm, to build or break.
Let kindness flourish, like a tree,
Shading hearts, setting souls free.
In fertile soil, empathy takes root,
Understanding blooms, and love fruits.
Respect’s gentle breeze whispers low,
Unity’s petals start to grow.
We nurture peace, in every place,
A gentle touch, a smiling face.
Through open hearts and willing hands,
We cultivate a peaceful land.
Bishop Prof Adesanya-Davies also prays that, “Our Dear Heavenly Father, would help us all cultivate a culture of peace; and may our words and actions bring healing and harmony, to guide us in sowing love and compassion, so our entire world would evolve more beautiful, Amen.”
To conclude, let us remember 2024 International Day of peace celebration is unique as it as well marks the 76th anniversaries of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide.
The 2024 International Day of Peace therefore urges us all as individuals and families, both male and female, young and old to be more peaceful, more proactive, more positive societal agents, joining the peace movement to achieve the SDGs and thereby building enduring peace in and all around our world by the special grace of God.
