by Abdulhafeez Oyewole
Throughout history, most societies have lived in peace most of the time. Today, we are much less likely to die in war than our parents or grandparents. Since the establishment of the United Nations and the creation of the Charter of the United Nations, governments are obligated not to use force against others unless they are acting in self-defense or have been authorized by the UN Security Council to proceed.
The International Day of Peace, sometimes officially known as World Peace Day, is a United Nations-sanctioned holiday observed annually on the 21st of September. It is dedicated to world peace, and specifically the absence of war and violence, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone for humanitarian aid access. The day was first celebrated in 1981, and is kept by many nations, political groups, military groups, and people.
Two decades after establishing this day of observance, which hitherto used to be celebrated on the third Tuesday of September, the Assembly moved the date to be observed annually on September 21st. Hence, beginning in 2002, September 21st marks not only a time to discuss how to promote and maintain peace among all nations and people, but also a 24-hour period of global ceasefire and non-violence for groups in active combat. In 2013, the day was dedicated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to peace education, the key preventive means to reduce war sustainably.
In line with the UN 2021 Global Peace Day theme, “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world”, all and sundry are tasked to join the efforts of the United Nations family to stay focused on recovering better for a more equitable and peaceful world. Let’s celebrate peace by standing up against acts of hate online and offline, and by spreading compassion, kindness, and hope in the face of the novel corona global pandemic.
At a time when war and violence often monopolize our news cycles, the International Day of Peace is an inspiring reminder of what we can create together. It is also a reminder that peace is possible in countries like Tunisia, South Africa, Guinea, Mali, Libya, and Afghanistan which are being faced with social and civil unrest. This is because life is better in a world where peace exists. As a form of recovery, we must also be reminded that we are not each other’s or one another’s enemies. Thus, to be able to recover from the devastation of the pandemic, we must make peace with one another.
Since 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, let everyone of us strive today to look up to those who have been peacemakers and peacekeepers to learn what we can each do individually to make the world, Africa, and particularly our dear nation Nigeria a more peaceful place. Happy International Day of Peace!
