President Sirleaf Declares Wednesday, September 21, 2016 As International Day of Peace

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has by Proclamation declared Wednesday, September 21, as International Day of the Peace to be observed as a “Working Holiday” throughout Liberia.   

According to a Foreign Ministry release, this year’s commemoration will be held under the theme:  “Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace,” which highlights the responsibility to provide the opportunity for prosperity, peace and partnership through the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.

The observance of the day will also include the call for global ceasefire in situations of conflict and violence in order to enhance the culture of peace and stability around the world.

The Proclamation urges all citizens, government ministries and autonomous agencies, civil society organizations and private businesses, schools and colleges, places of worship to cease movement and observe a minute of silence at the precise hour of 12:00 p.m. on that day. 

It further states that Liberia, which is a signatory to the chapter establishing the United Nations on October 24th 1945 with the mandate to save future generations from the scourge of war and promote peace, has benefited from a peacekeeping mission of the world body which has the necessary conditions for sustainable development and economic prosperity.

The 57th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations unanimously adopted Resolution 55/282, declaring the 21st day of September of each year as the International Day of Peace to commemorate and strengthen the ideas of peace both within and among all nations and people of the world to enhance the culture of peace and stability.