The United Nations’ Peace and Positive Living Awareness Center (UN-PEPOLAC), has celebrated the 2023 World Peace Day in Anambra State, to display a commitment to global peace and prosperity.
Unveiling the UN Peace Alive Initiative, Governor Chukwuma Soludo emphasized the pivotal role that peace plays in fostering development and prosperity in the Southeast region.
Governor Soludo restated his government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Governor Soludo was represented by Kingsley Udemezue, a member representing Idemili North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly.
On his part, the International Coordinator of UN-PEPOLAC, Bishop Dr. Ozioma Ozoemena spoke passionately about the significance of World Peace Day and the importance of collective action.
He noted that the achievement of SDGs also known as Global Goals begins with a commitment to peace.
He emphasized that every member of the global community should unite, across borders and boundaries, to address the world’s most pressing challenges, relating to sustainable peace.
Also, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr Innocent Akuvue said “peace can only be achieved if there is harmony in family and the community.”
He said that for absolute peace to reign in society, communities should elect leaders who are ready and committed to serving them.
The guest speaker, Professor Ifejirika Echezona stated that peace implies the absence of strife, restiveness, and conflicts which involves the existence of order, social tranquility, and harmony, among others.
He said that “the greatest value of peace in any human society is that it guarantees security, and human and economic development of a state in all ramifications as he noted that without peace, man’s life on earth will be horrifying.”
World Peace Day, commemorated globally on September 21st, fosters reflection on the essential role of peace in addressing global challenges.
The event had the theme as: “Action for Peace, Our Ambition for the Global Goals.”
It brought together government officials, civil society organisations, students, religious leaders, and community members to interact on the profound connection between peace and United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
