Tuesday 21th September 2010
Message on International Day of Peace
The International Day of Peace, observed each year on September 21, is a global call for ceasefire and non-violence. This year, the theme is Youth for Peace and Development.
This year’s observance focuses on youth and development, thus challenging youth to also do their part towards the advancement of global peace. To this end, I also challenge media practitioners, especially young people in the media, to embrace the culture of peace. This International Day comes with a challenge for young people everywhere: to work hard to build peace.
I believe the media has the capacity to play a leading role in conceptualizing the ideology of world free of wars. There is no doubt that peace is the only way to economic, social and cultural progress and the development of human character.
Once more, I admonish all and sundry, particularly those in the media, to promote international peace and security, and to take effective collective measures for prevention and removal of threats to peace. May I use this unique day to encourage all journalists in the sub-region to build interest in “peace journalism” in which reporters draw on their insights of conflict assessment and resolution to try to better explain the interests of each side and the conflict dynamics.
Media being the watchdog of the society should be avowedly alive to the need of sensitizing the members of the society to the cherished human values of service and sacrifice for betterment of the society.
The efforts of organizations and individuals in encouraging deliberations on the role for values in bringing about peace and development in the world is worthy of appreciation.
We need you - those in the media - to play a part in helping to attain a continent free of conflict. On 21st September 2010, Peace Day, all Africans should unite for a day of non-violence, to show that peace is possible. In so doing, I challenge the African media to play a leading role.
Peace is a state of harmony, freedom from war or violence depicted by respect, justice, goodwill and friendship. Peace enables development, which is critical in providing opportunities for young people, particularly those in countries emerging from conflict.
I therefore urge all media practitioners and groups in West Africa and the world at large to use the Day of Peace to engage in activities that contribute to ceasefires, end conflict, bridge cultural divides and create tolerance.
The ability to make informed decisions strengthens societies and fosters economic growth, democratic structures and the positive outlook on the future. For this very reason, the United Nations Millennium Declaration stresses the need “to ensure the freedom of the media to perform their essential role and the right of the public to have access to information”.
One should not forget that journalism can play a role in escalating conflicts, which also demonstrates the potential for positive purposes. The media have the power to defuse tensions before they even reach a critical point and keep a critical eye on government, opposition and society. By supplying credible information and reaching a large audience, the media help in managing conflicts and promote democratic principles.
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by resolution 36/67 of the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with its opening session, which was held annually on the third Tuesday of September. The first Peace Day was observed in September 1982. In 2001, the General Assembly by unanimous vote adopted resolution 55/282, which established 21 September as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire. The UN invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.
WANJOP is therefore pleased to be associated with this day.
Finally, since it is generally accepted that there cannot be any sustainable development without peace, I therefore challenge you all to give peace a chance!
I wish you all a happy celebration.
Mr.Nfamara Jawneh
Regional President
West African Network of Journalists for Peacebuilding (WANJOP)
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