The United Nation International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) is observed around the world annually on September 21th. “Peace Day” provides a globally shared date for all nations and people to commemorate and strengthen the ideas of peace. Peace has long been one of the standing focuses of PPSEAWA, as in our Mission Statement: To strengthen the bonds of peace by promoting better understanding and fostering friendship among all women of the Pacific and Southeast Asia. 2020 has been a challenging year for many nations, especially with the COVID19 pandemic. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “These are not normal times, and our responses cannot be routine. The pandemic is not just a health issue. It is having direct and troubling effects on development, peace, and security.” All nations and people are encouraged to stand together with the UN against attempts to use the virus to promote discrimination or hatred.
Peace Day Theme this year is “Shaping Peace Together”. To celebrate the day, the world is invited to: spread compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the COVID19 pandemic. “Let us use these dialogues, as well as the International Day of Peace, to exchange ideas on how to achieve a global cease fire, heal our planet and turn the Covid-19 crisis into an opportunity for peace. Let us build back better for more inclusive and peaceful societies.” as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated. To commemorate the UN 75th Anniversary and the International Day of Peace, PPSEAWA Taiwan initiated two events accordingly.
PPSEAWA Taiwan co-hosted a Youth Seminar with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on “Caring for the World through SDGs” in August. Students from various universities in Taiwan participated and discussed urgent issues of climate changes, renewable energy, food and water security, resilient and sustainable cities, eradiation of poverty, gender equality, and etc. There was a total of 10 speakers and more than 90 students attending the event. We hope that by introducing youth to these issues and SDGs, we can inspire them to work towards a more sustainable and peaceful society.
On Peace Day, 9/21/2020, PPSEAWA Taiwan members and executives visited the eight red Nanmu trees, that were planted during the 2019 International Conference peace activity at the Taipei Youth Park. Our Peace trees have grown up well, some reaching two meters in height. A flower dedication ceremony was also held. Members used colorful flowers to make a Peace sign. Each flower symbolized our hope and commitments to peace. Ideas of how to make a more inclusive and peaceful societies were exchanged and minute of silence was observed for peacebuilding.
PPSEAWA Taiwan is committed to supporting the peacebuilding work of the United Nations and PPSEAWA International. PPSEAWA Taiwan fully endorses the effort to achieve the SDGs by intergenerational and intersectional cooperation/partnership among governments, NGOs, private sectors businesses, and citizens. PPSEAWA Taiwan has carried out a wide range of programs aimed at promoting education for youth, empowerment for women and children, gender equality, and healthy society. PPSEAWA Taiwan’s peace building initiatives focus on promoting international understanding and cooperation to contribute to a more inclusive and peaceful society. PPSEAWA Taiwan will continue its tradition of supporting and celebrating the International Day of Peace, with PPSEAWA International and sister NMOs, and contributing to a peaceful world.