Celebrating International Day of Peace with a Call for a United and Drug Free Future

The Civil Peace Service (CPS) Liberia Network joined the global community in celebrating the International Day of Peace (IDP). While the worldwide observance was held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, CPS Network Liberia’s celebration was held on Friday, September 19, 2025, for broader participation.

The International Day of Peace, established by the United Nations in 1981, is dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace through non-violence and reconciliation. Each year on September 21, people across the world unite in reflection, dialogue, and action for peace.

The global theme for the 2025 International Day of Peace is “Act Now for a Peaceful World.”

This theme highlights the urgency of taking immediate, practical steps at the community, national, and international levels to prevent conflict, build trust, and sustain peace in the face of global challenges.

In Liberia, the CPS-Network celebration carried a local theme: “Sustaining Peace in Liberia: United for Reconciliation and a Drug-Free Future.” The theme underscores Liberia’s struggle with the growing drug crisis and the urgent need for collective action to preserve peace. This also emphasizes the need for peace, fosters reconciliation among communities, and confronts the dangers of substance abuse that undermine social harmony and stability. It calls on Liberians, especially young people, to unite for a healthier, drug-free society where peace and development can thrive.

In Liberia, the CPS Network marked the occasion by bringing together participants from the CPS Liberia Network, partners, stakeholders, communities, and young people to engage in conversations and activities that foster unity, peace building, and sustainable development.

This year’s celebration highlighted Liberia’s ongoing journey to sustain peace while addressing urgent challenges such as drug abuse, youth empowerment, and national reconciliation.

A peace parade was held, followed by an indoor program in Monrovia. Activities included a panel discussion with three panelists: Reverend Phillip Nushann of the Lutheran Church in Liberia Trauma Healing & Reconciliation Program (LCL-THRP), Samuel Darpolor, a development worker & Do No Harm Expert, and Abdullai O. Bility of the Federation of Liberian Youth-FLY on the theme “Sustaining Peace in Liberia: United for Reconciliation and a Drug-Free Future.”

Reverend Phillip Nushann of the Lutheran Church in Liberia Trauma Healing and Reconciliation Program – LCL-THRP noted that according to the United Nations, peace is about the well-being of human beings.

“The question asked, is everyone in Liberia enjoying the well-being and dignity as Liberians”? “If the answer is yes, then Liberians have peace.” He said.  Reverend Nushann also noted that many people in Liberia continue to struggle due to the lack of basic social services. “There are people in Liberia who do not have the means to send their kids to school, who go to hospitals, but do not have the money to pay hospital bills. Where is the dignity? Is this peace”? He asked.

He also stated that positive peace will address all the issues, focusing on infrastructure, sustained development, and the social cohesion aspect of society.

On how LCL-THRP is helping with reconciliation and drug abuse, Reverend Nushann said LCL-THRP has been helping communities in Liberia to identify the challenges and engage stakeholders to help respond to the challenges of drugs and substance abuse. This includes reintegration and reconciliation.

“Concerning reconciliation and drugs, our work is critical. Some drug users undergoing rehabilitation at the facilities of the LCL-THRP were detached from their families for ten or more years. Through our intervention, they were rehabilitated and reintegrated with their families. This is peace.” He pointed out.

On the issue of drugs and substance abuse, Reverend Nushann said it is a national security threat and should not be overlooked. He called on every institution, including the government of Liberia, to get involved and ensure that it is dealt with, pointing out that the fight against drugs and substance abuse should not be cosmetic but intentional in its approach.

He wants the government to engage continuously, calling on the government and stakeholders to sit at a round table in dealing with the drug crisis. Furthermore, he called on those in the forefront leading the fight against drugs to be honest and involve the communities that are affected, noting that when community dwellers are treated with dignity, it helps promote positive peace.  

Through this celebration, CPS Liberia Network and partners reaffirm their commitment to strengthening peace, unity, and reconciliation in Liberia, while joining the world in honoring this global day of reflection and action.