Addis Ababa: The United Nations reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ethiopia in its pursuit of comprehensive and lasting peace and sustainable development.
The 2024 international day of peace celebrated in Addis Ababa under the theme “Cultivating a Culture of Peace.”
The event brought together key partners and stakeholders, including the Government of Ethiopia, civil society organizations, academia, religious institutions, youth and women networks and peace advocates to discuss the central role of engaging youth and women for achieving lasting peace in Ethiopia.
In his remarks to the commemoration on behalf of the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, Samuel Doe, UNDP Resident Representative, said peace is not merely the absence of conflict. It is a dynamic process that requires effort, commitment, and resilience.
‘Ethiopia, rich in history and diversity, is on a journey toward lasting and comprehensive peace; this journey is not just a goal, but an ongoing commitment to cultivate a cu
lture of peace, a culture that embodies justice, equality and hope,’ he stated.
Hence, Ethiopia has embarked on this path to guarantee its vision of unity and prosperity.
Moreover, he added that the UN family is supporting the efforts in advancing the woman, security and youth, peace and security agendas in Ethiopia.
He emphasized that empowering women and youth is crucial to the vision of peace, he said.
‘The youth of Ethiopia represent the hope and future of this nation. By integrating their voices and contributions into peace processes, we are ensuring that our efforts are inclusive and representative of all segments of society.’
Hence, he reaffirmed UN’s commitment to standing by Ethiopia in its search for comprehensive and durable peace and sustainable development.
Executive Director of Peace Building at the Ministry of Peace, Aweka Atnefu emphasized that peace is a fundamental principle that begins within each individual and cannot be valued at any price.
He stressed that all citizens have a role
to play in maintaining peace and stability, and they should engage with a sense of ownership in the ongoing peace-building process.
Atnefu added that United Nation agencies are collaborating closely with the ministry on various initiatives, including training programs for women and youth.
The Peace Day is observed around the world each year on the 21 of September.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.
In that declaration, the United Nations’ most inclusive body recognized that peace ‘not only is the absence of conflict, but also requires a positive, dynamic participatory process where dialogue is encouraged and conflicts are solved in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation.’
established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency