Rwanda Celebrates International Day of Peace: Uniting for Sustainable Progress
21 September 2023
Caption: UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Ozonnia Ojielo, Speaker of Chamber of Deputies Rt. Hon. Mukabalisa Donatille, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) Ms. Clarisse MUNEZERO and Youthrepresentatives watering the peace tree
On the auspicious occasion of International Day of Peace 2023, a gathering of development partners, senior government officials, and youth convened in Rwanda’s parliament to champion the cause of peace.
In his remarks, Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator highlighted the importance of this year’s theme "Strengthening unity and resilience for sustainable peace and development," deeply resonating with Rwanda's journey from conflict to progress. The nation’s commitment to healing, unity, and resilience mirrors the theme, showcasing Rwanda as a model for global peace and harmony.”
While addressing participants of the International Peace Day, Ozonnia commended Rwanda’s commitment to promote peace.
“In Rwanda unity has been the cornerstone of reconciliation, resilience has rebuilt shattered communities, and we can witness how sustainable peace has paved the way for the country’s unprecedented development. Rwanda has indeed become a beacon of hope not only to its citizens but to the citizens of many countries which benefit from Rwandan soldiers’ peacebuilding activities in different parts of our continent” he said.
Peace and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are intrinsically intertwined, forming the bedrock for a prosperous and harmonious world. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a state of societal well-being where justice, equity, and cooperation thrive. In this environment of tranquility, the pursuit of the SDGs is amplified, and their attainment becomes conceivable.
“The progress made in rebuilding the unity of Rwandans is amazing. We all have to recognize that our unity is the source of sustainable peace,” said Clarisse MUNEZERO, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE).
Hundreds of youths from different parts of Rwanda attended today’s celebrations of International Peace Day. They were engaged in a discussion aimed at raising awareness of the incomparable role they have in conflict resolution and peace-creating initiatives.
“It is vitally important that we teach the youth Rwandan values of our culture which is the source of our programme of sustainable development goals and the foundation of that development is peace and unity of Rwandans,” shared Rt. Honorable Donatille Mukabalisa, Speaker of the Rwandan Parliament.
The celebration was started by watering a Peace Tree planted in the parliament as a testament that sustainable peace is a journey that needs everyone’s, every day’s contribution for it to thrive. The collective commitment of individuals, governments, and international organizations stood as a testament to the aspiration for a world where peace is not merely a dream but an achievable reality.
Each year the International Day of Peace (IDP) is observed around the world as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, "Peace is needed today more than ever. War and conflict are unleashing devastation, poverty, and hunger, and driving tens of millions of people from their homes. Climate chaos is all around. And even peaceful countries are gripped by gaping inequalities and political polarization. This Peace Day, and every day, let us commit to build, drive & sustain peace for all.”
