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Celebrating Peace: Highlights from the International Day of Peace 2024

Highlights from the International Day of Peace 2024

 

Highlights from the International Day of Peace 2024
Highlights from the International Day of Peace 2024

On September 20, 2024, communities worldwide came together to celebrate the International Day of Peace, a day dedicated to reinforcing the ideals of peace among nations and peoples. This year’s theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” resonated deeply within our community as we actively promoted peace through advocacy, education, and direct engagement.

To mark the occasion, we organized a Road Walk for Peace that began at Cathedral Junction and ended at Isikan Market. This walk aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of peace, especially amidst the socio-political challenges facing our nation. Our core message was clear: peace must be nurtured in every aspect of life, from households to the electoral process. This is because, peace is vital for societal growth.

Throughout the walk, our team engaged with community members, initiating one-on-one conversations about peace and its significance. People from diverse backgrounds shared their views on the current state of our nation. They also expressed concerns about electoral violence, insecurity, and the essential role of leadership in fostering peace. These dialogues not only empowered individuals to share their perspectives but also emphasized the collective responsibility of citizens in the peace-building process.

A standout moment of the day was a dramatic presentation by two youth volunteers. Their performance really illustrated the chaos and violence that can accompany elections. It showcased a scene where thugs fought over a ballot box. This showed the destructive consequences of electoral malpractice. It therefore brings to heart, the urgent need for a culture of peaceful political participation. The drama left a profound impact on both participants and onlookers, reinforcing the importance of peaceful elections.

The road walk served as a dynamic platform for public sensitization. As we moved from Cathedral Junction to Isikan Market, we distributed key messages on peace and conflict resolution. Participants carried banners, placards, and engaged in peaceful chants, all emphasizing our theme for the day. We encouraged community members to choose dialogue over violence and to appreciate the role of peaceful coexistence in national development. The growing number of participants along the route symbolized a united front in our quest for peace.

The International Day of Peace 2024 road walk was a tremendous success, showcasing active participation from both youth and elders in our community. Through this initiative, we highlighted the critical need for peace in all facets of life, particularly in our electoral processes. The event concluded at Isikan Market with a renewed sense of hope.  This gives room for a collective commitment to fostering peace in our daily lives.

In summary, the road walk carried the spirit of the International Day of Peace, leaving participants and onlookers with a deeper understanding of the importance of peace and the role each individual can play in cultivating it. Together, we can continue to nurture a culture of peace for a brighter future.

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