Delegates of the Central African Civil Society meet in Lubumbashi
septembre 27, 2017Shopping in Rwanda
septembre 27, 2017Youth for Peace and Development
Young people, most often involved in conflicts, are particularly concerned this year in the process of building peace.
Youth for Peace and Development
The International Day of Peace, observed every year on 21 September, is an international call for ceasefire and non-violence. This year, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is calling on young people around the world to take a stand for peace, under the theme « Youth for Peace and Development ». The United Nations wishes to collect stories from young people from around the world working for peace. The slogan of the campaign for this year is: « Peace = Future is mathematical ».
This year, the International Day of Peace comes at the same time as a major summit on the Millennium Development Goals, with the world’s largest anti-poverty campaign. This event brings together world leaders at the United Nations in New York from 20-22 September. In addition, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2010 as the International Year of Youth: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding.
A campaign to be launched by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) on 12 August will promote the ideals of respect for human rights and solidarity among generations, cultures, religions and civilizations. These are key elements that strengthen the foundations of lasting peace. Youth, peace and development are closely linked: peace allows development, which is essential to provide opportunities for young people, especially in countries emerging from conflict. Healthy and educated young people are crucial to sustainable development and peace.
Peace, stability and security are essential to achieving the Millennium Development Goals, which aim to significantly reduce poverty, hunger, disease, maternal death and child mortality by 2015. The Secretary- the United Nations has recognized the incredible potential of youth, which must be harnessed in such a way that these goals are achieved during their lifetime. Every year, the Secretary-General, his Messengers of Peace, the United Nations system as a whole and many people, groups and organizations around the world take advantage of Peace Day to engage in ceasefire fire, end conflicts, reconcile and participate in the creation of an environment of tolerance.
On 13 June 2010, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched the 100-day countdown to the International Day of Peace, calling on young people from all over the world to share their stories via social networks , and to say what they do for peace. The International Day of Peace was decided in 1981 by resolution 36/67 of the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with its opening session, which is held annually on the third Tuesday of September. The first Day of Peace was observed in September 1982.
In 2001, the General Assembly unanimously adopted resolution 55/282, establishing 21 September as the annual day of non-violence and cease-fire. The United Nations calls on all countries and peoples to respect the cessation of hostilities during this Day and to commemorate it with educational and public awareness measures on peace issues.
