United Nations Insists Peace, Dialogue, Reconciliation Keys to Sustainable Growth

By: Michael Mike

United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohamed Fall, has reiterated the need for global commitment to peace, dialogue and reconciliation to bolster sustainable growth.

Fall said this in an address on Monday night in Abuja, during the commemoration of the International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21.

The event convened under the theme: “Actions for peace: Our ambition for the #GlobalGoals” at the Embassy of Germany in Abuja was established by the UN General Assembly in 1981.

Fall noted that the commemoration is to strengthen the ideals of peace among nations and peoples, and emphasise collective action, trust and solidarity in tackling global challenges.

He said “we are meeting not only as a day of a calendar of peace, this is for us a renewed promise of peace, dignity and the future.

“Where every woman, every man, every child, every person with disability can live far from fear. It is a message that speaks to Nigeria.

“It speaks to the nation of a great diversity and resilience, but also a nation still facing challenges that test its peace-building process.”

He added that: “Conflict which Nigeria faces and across its border, have also forced millions from their home, and they are called displaced people or refugees.

This is why today, we are celebrating more than a date. We are celebrating the journey that take us on to improve the well-being of the people we serve here in Nigeria, but also beyond the border of Nigeria.”

The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Gunther, lamented gaps in efforts to prevent conflict and sustain peace, stating that to this reason the Peacebuilding Commission, Peacebuilding Fund and the Peacebuilding Support Office were established.

According to her, such have become pillars of a more integrated, inclusive and forward-looking approach to peacebuilding, describing the anniversary as symbolic milestone.

She said: “It is an opportunity to renew our shared commitment to the principles that underpin sustainable peace–national partnership, inclusive governance, long-term partnerships, and a focus on prevention.”

For his part, the Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Joseph Ochogwu, said the day coincided with the 25th anniversary since the establishment of the IPCR.

He said: “We are working bilaterally and multilaterally with the respective institutions from ECOWAS, the African Union, the UN system and other respective multilateral institutions about pursuit of peace.”

A member, House Committee on Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion, Dr Joshua Gana, stressed the need to silence the guns, bridge divides and build societies rooted in justice, dignity and mutual respect.

He noted that: “Peace cannot be legislated alone, it must be cultivated in classrooms, in homes, in markets and the hearts of every citizen, which is why today’s collaboration with the United Nations is so vital.

“Together we must strengthen local peace infrastructures empower women and youth as agents of change and ensure that our policies are not only well intentioned, but well implemented.”

The event also featured keynote speeches by Mr Chris Ngwodo, Director-General, Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience, the Head, National Peace Committee and the First-Secretary, Embassy of Korea. Kwon Yonggyu.

Highpoint of the event was the release of dove as enduring symbol of peace, freedom and reconciliation, to reflect expression of Nigeria’s commitment to non-violence, dialogue and nation building.

United Nations Insists Peace, Dialogue, Reconciliation Keys to Sustainable Growth