The time is now: Re-commit to Peace
September 21 is International Day of Peace. Established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly, this day is devoted to "strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples" (UN General Assembly, 77th Plenary Meeting, November 1981).
For the past five years, the Quaker United Nations Office has facilitated the development and distribution of a statement amongst peacebuilding organizations to mark the day.
The Society of the Sacred Heart, through our UN-NGO Office, joins 170 other peacebuilding organizations in signing this shared statement, "The time is now: Re-commit to Peace," that underlines the commitment to peace, particularly in this time of Covid-19.
Click here to read the statement.
You will find "Casa Generalizia della Societa del Sacro Cuore" on page 2, last line.
The statement, which is available only in English, includes the following points:
- Peace is under threat.
- Focus on peace, justice and inclusion, both during crises and longer-term.
- A call on the international community to take these steps:
- Mainstream peace in the response to COVID-19.
- Prioritize inclusion in analysis and action.
- Make space for building peace.
- Reaffirm multilateralism and international norms as a safeguard for the most vulnerable.