PPSEAWA chapters around the world strive and take ACTION for PEACE on the International Day of Peace.
As PPSEAWA’s Peace Ambassador, I suggest reaching out to one of the most important elements that will help us through our journey - BUSINESS - as a place to implement the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development. In the face of multiple, systematic, and interconnected crises, the solutions requires ALL OF US to play our part.
Our Global Goals simply cannot be achieved without businesses. Through their core operations, financial commitments, employee networks, consumer-facing platforms and high-level influence, companies have a crucial role to play in accelerating progress towards the Goals.
Every business and every employee can make a vital contribution to creating a more peaceful, equitable and prosperous future.
For example, in my workplace at Vulcan Steel, we embrace the action for peace by working and sponsoring the Halberg Youth Council (just to name HYC as one of many), a group of 10 young leaders from around New Zealand representing the voices of physically disabled young people. These Youth Council members are selected by the Halberg Foundation and are typically part of the programme for two to three years. They are mentored around a wide variety of valuable life and business skills. Vulcan has supported the HYC since 2017, helping in both a practical and financial manner to assist in facilitating change and encouraging other young people with physical disabilities to have more positive and inclusive experiences. Biannual meetings and presentations are organised for HYC members for discussions with business leaders and public servants from around the country.
As an employee of Vulcan, I have much respect for and endorse our Company Code of Conduct, Ethos and Principles, which covers the elements of PEACE and Diversity amongst all cultures and nationalities.
In 2023, Vulcan awarded the inaugural scholarship to Guy Harrison, who is hoping to represent New Zealand in swimming and golf in future Paralympic Games. His goal is to become the first New Zealander to travel around on the European Disabled Golf Association Circuit, with the aim to play big events alongside the European Tour. We wish him well and much success.
Today our drivers in Auckland are encouraged to drive with a “PEACE IN ACTION” attitude.
Let us all show love through our ACTIONS FOR PEACE.
Peace to the World,
Melanie Swami
PPSEAWA International Peace Ambassador