Introduction
Today, 21st September, 2020, Biola Adimula & Co. joins the United Nations and the entire globe to celebrate International Day of Peace. Commemorating the Day through education and public awareness on strengthening the ideals of peace, through advocacy for non-violence and show of love to others.
Background
Globally the International Day of Peace is observed on every 21st September as declared in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly vide Resolution (A/RES/55/282). Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire. International days are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. By the celebration of international day of peace, the United Nations 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 and in strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
Uniqueness of 2020 Peace Day Celebrations
COVID-19 pandemic, a global health crisis unlike any other one is spreading human suffering, destabilizing the global economy and upending the lives of billions of people around the globe. Vulnerable populations in countries with weaker health systems are facing humanitarian crises and are at great risk. The virus has thrown our world into turmoil and forcibly reminded us that what happens in one part of the planet can impact people everywhere, making it clearer than ever that we are not each other’s enemies. Rather, our common enemy is a tireless virus that threatens our health, security and very way of life. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on all warring parties to lay down their weapons and focus on the battle against this unprecedented global pandemic. While the message is intended for armed parties, solidarity and cooperation across borders, sectors and generations are also needed to win this new fight against the worst public health crisis of our time.
For the first time in the history of mankind a virus has affected the whole earth, beyond what the world has experienced in biological and physical weapons attack in the past. All nations experienced “lockdown”, “stay home”, “stay safe”. To ensure peace for all, utmost commitment to hygiene in regular washing of hands with soap, application of hand sanitizer, wearing of face mask and social distancing became the global watch word. These were unprecedented!
Shaping Peace Together
This year, to mark its 75th anniversary, the UN has invited millions of people worldwide to join UN75, the largest and furthest-reaching global conversation on building the peaceful and prosperous future that we want. My Department in University of Ilorin Nigeria- Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies- hosted an all encompassing dialogue on global peace and security in the face of COVID-19 pandemic. As a Rapporteur of the dialogue, an intellectually responsive discussions and brilliant suggestions were summed up in the robust report submitted to the UN in April, 2020.
In furtherance of this, other ways to shape peace together include:
- Add your voice to the struggle to defeat COVID-19, your voice is more important than ever.
- In the face of difficult times of physical distancing, join online dialogue and contribute your ideas to shape global peace.
- Unite with the UN and share your thoughts on how to weather this storm, heal our planet and change it for the better.
- Be resolute that even though we may not be able to stand next to each other, we can still dream together.
- Celebrate the 2020 International Day of Peace by spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic.
- Stand together with the UN against attempts to use the virus to promote discrimination or hatred, so that we can shape peace together.
Last words
Global solidarity is not only a moral imperative, it is in everyone’s interests. The United Nations is committed to ensuring that all people have access to all the tools to defeat COVID-19 and to live in peace. Join your hands with the UN, Biola Adimula & Co., peace scholarship and practice to make your contribution no matter how small and be a part of shaping global peace.
By: Ruth Abiola Adimula, Ph.D