International Day of Peace ceremony |22 September 2023
Seychelles youth embrace peace and unity
The International Day of Peace Committee organised a special ceremony yesterday afternoon at the Peace Park in Victoria to commemorate Peace Day and celebrate the committee’s fifth anniversary.
During the event, a variety of songs were played, such as the first one by the Seychelles National Youth Council, titled ‘Excess love’. This was followed by a moment of reflection from members of the Seychelles Interfaith Council (Sifco) and a Peace March by the Young Citizen students. The MC, Chantal Ellen, also read a poem about peace to start off the event.
In her closing remarks, the chairperson of the International Day of Peace Committee, Diana Benoit, took the platform to state that the day marking the fifth anniversary of the committee is something special and a milestone in itself.
She briefly went over the history of the committee, explaining that it was formed in 2018 with a vision of a society where peace is paramount, and where conflict is resolved through dialogue and understanding and where members of the community live with love.
“We recognise the remarkable progress all the individuals that worked together with the members to promote peace and take the necessary collective action with the rest of the world to make a better future,” she stated.
She noted that the world is constantly facing the spectre of war, climate change and unequal opportunities. “During these times, peace is primordial. It is the responsibility of everyone to become the example of how we can work together in harmony.”
In his message to commemorate the day, the chief executive of the Citizens Engagement Platform, Seychelles (Ceps), Alvin Laurence, stated that it is essential to recognise that the youth are the citizens who should be standing and helping with the development of the country.
Furthermore, he went on to explain that International Peace Day is an event meant for reflection on the individual and collective responsibilities to reinforce peace.
He mentioned that the theme ‘Actions for Peace our ambitions for the #GlobalGoals’ is an active concept and one that demands participation from everyone, especially the youth.
“Our young citizens have the ability to construct a better future for our country and a positive society. Our youth is the driving force behind innovation, progress and societal transformations.”
He carried on by noting that as a country, it is engaged in giving the Seychellois youth the opportunities and support they need in order to make a significant difference.
Mr Laurence assured that they will continue to invest in programmes to promote education, develop a perspective and interest.
“We also encourage the engagement of the youth in sport and cultural activities as a way to promote unity, tolerance and understanding among different communities on a local and international level.”
Moreover, he noted that it is essential to continuously engage the youth with conversations about peace, conflict resolution and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
“Today, I remind the youth that you are now taking the more active roles to promote peace, love and harmony. Your energy, your passion and dedication are important things for a country,” he concluded.
Adorned in white, the colour of peace, the Plaisance primary school Brothers Choir sang three songs, namely ‘Just like a flower’, ‘Heal the world’ and ‘Popouri Lape’.
Sunny Esparon
Photos by Joena Meme
