Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples, AVA Diplomatic reports.

The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All” which aims to highlight the importance of all segments of society to work together to strive for peace.

The work of the United Nations would not be possible without the initial partnerships that were active in its creation and the thousands of partnerships each year between governments, civil society, the private sector, faith-based groups and other non-governmental organizations that are needed to support the Organization in achieving its future goals.

This year, the day was commemorated in Tehran on 16 September.

This very special day was celebrated alongside veterans and the survivors of the chemical weapons attacks, the Tehran Peace Museum team, members of the diplomatic community, Ambassadors, number of artists and Vice President for legal affairs, Dr. Elham Aminzadeh and the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Gary Lewis.

Mr. Lewis shared the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon’s message which stated: “This year’s International Day of Peace comes at a time of deadly violence and destabilizing conflicts around the world. Rather than succumbing to despair, we have a collective responsibility to demand an end to the brutality and impunity that prevail. I call on all warring parties to lay down their weapons and observe a global ceasefire.”

Mr. Lewis continued with his own remarks and said: “While there is a right, there is also an obligation for us to act in a certain way. And I don’t mean only governments. I mean communities and people like you and me”.

Mr. Gary Lewis continued by emphasizing that peacemaking can be taught to our children from an early age and said: “And finally something that each and every single one of us can do across the kitchen table with our children. Creating a culture of peace, educating our children to tolerate and listen to others to see the world from their perspective.”

Dr. Elham Aminzadeh, Vice-President for legal affairs also shared her remarks on peace at the Tehran Peace Museum. She started by thanking all the victims of chemical war for having a positive attitude instead of generating hate.

 “Peace is a right for all people, such as the right to live, the right to liberty, right to have freedom of speech. If we do not have peace, we do not have any of these things. The land of Islam is the land of peace” said Dr. Aminzadeh.

Dr. Salehi, member of Tehran Peace Museum also spoke at the event and stated: “The whole point of us gathering here today, is to take a step forward for promoting peace and friendship. Everyone who is here today has already helped this process and is helping the movement of peace go forward.”

The event was closed with a beautiful music performance by Lian Music Band from Boushehr. The lead singer of the band reminded us all of how music can also promote peace.