The 30th International Day of Peace was commemorated all over the world on the 21st of September, 2012. Celebrated in a brilliant and colorful manner in Juba, South Sudan, this day was dedicated to peace. The office of IGAD in Juba collaborated with the South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission, the government institution established for peace building, and others partners, to create the success of this day.
The theme for this year’s peace day was “Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future”. It called for the people within and among all nations of the world to be devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace. Highest officials led by the Vice- President H.E Dr Riak Machar, Members of the Government, the Chairperson of the Peace Commission, Hon. Chuol Rambang, Representatives of Diplomatic Corps and Organizations, the CSOs, Religious Leaders, Members of African Communities living in South Sudan, and many others participated in celebrating this special day.
During his speech, the Vice President reiterated the strong commitment of South Sudan to building on the crucial issue of Peace and Stability in the country in order to enable further development and to build a better future.
Meanwhile the Chairperson of the Peace Commission stated that this day serves as a reminder to all peace loving people, that despite our limitations as human beings, we should all make a permanent commitment to creating peace amongst ourselves.
The IGAD Juba Head of Office, Mohamed A. Abdoul highlighted the importance of this day to our IGAD family and Member States, and reflected on the several challenges of peace and security within our Region. He called for the collaboration of the IGAD office and the PSD with the Peace and Reconciliation Commission, in addressing the challenges facing South Sudan, in addition to creating sustained and lasting peace.
He mentioned that recently, on 11th July, 2012, during the 45th Ordinary Session of IGAD, the Council of Ministers adopted the IGAD peace and security strategy as a comprehensive framework that will guide IGAD’s initiatives in maintaining and promoting peace and security in the region.
This day started with a peace march where we saw the participation of youth, students, officials, civil society of South Sudan, some members of the African communities living in the country, and the staff of the IGAD Juba office, and concluded with sports activities.
