Congo-Brazzaville—On September 21st of each year, the International Day of Peace is celebrated around the world. The UN General Assembly has declared that the day will be dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace among all nations and among all peoples.
In 2021, as we heal from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are invited to think creatively about how best to help everyone heal themselves better, become more resilient, and how to transform our world into a more egalitarian, more just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable and healthier world. Several years ago, the Mother of Peace, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, founder of the IAYSP, launched the slogan “Peace starts with me.” This is how “this world will be able to rise up and become a fair and sustainable world.” It is in this perspective that the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace, Congo Brazzaville chapter, joined together with the Universal Peace Federation and the Women’s Federation for World Peace in organizing an educational conference on Saturday, September 25, 2021 under the theme: “Establishing a more equitable and sustainable world.” At the headquarters of the Universal Peace Federation, nearly 70 people attended face-to-face and online, and the event was covered by a local television station.
The celebration started at 3:00 p.m. with an opening prayer of peace offered by Rev. Milolo Maixent, the chairman of UPF Pointe-Noire. Mr. Michel Bounda in his welcoming remarks said, “Let us recall the contributions of the young people who showed creativity and initiative in their commitment to preserving the environment. Peace and security guaranteeing economic and social development are crucial for the establishment of a more equitable and sustainable world without discrimination.” Secretary general Yannick Kasongo presented the vision, mission and objectives of the association: “To advance world peace by enabling young people and students to become citizens of the world through character education projects and peace initiatives supporting the sustainable development goals of the United Nations.” The leader, Merveille Okandze, then read the entire 2021 message of the UN Secretary General linked to the International Day of Peace. He emphasized: “We must make peace with nature. Despite travel restrictions and economic shutdowns, climate change is still very much present. What we need is a green and sustainable global economy that creates jobs, reduces emissions and builds resilience to climate impacts.”
The vice-president of Women’s Federation for World Peace, Mrs. Annie Kobi, stated: “The Women’s Federation launches a vibrant appeal to all the peacemakers, in particular to the youth who are the hope of the nation, to take in hand its responsibility in order to work for the construction of a world of peace.”
The secretary general of UFP Pointe-Noire, Mr. Zodji Augustin, developed the main theme of the conference: “To rise again, for a more equitable and sustainable world” and concluded by saying: “Peace is an active principle of balance and of harmony between the subject elements and object elements at all levels. For a perfect mastery of the realization of a world of peace, I invite all the youth to discover the Divine Principles revealed by the Rev. and Mrs. Moon.” This was followed by musical performances for peace by the young people of IAYSP.
The second part of the ceremony was devoted to the graduation of the 2021 Peace Designers under the leadership of the national president of IAYSP Congo, Mr. Yvan Loko, which honored 5 young people as Peace Designers:
Mr. Social Bangui, head of the Capricorne Movie 7th Art Cinematographic Group
Mr. Gycent Boumbouet, initiator of the Midi Chez Vous Show
Mr. Fabius Tampon, founding president of the African Initiatives Platform
Mr. Gilles Bouiti Viaudo, secretary general of the Humanitarian and Mission Association for Orphans
Mr. Ferdinand Elenga, founding president of the Peace One Day Collective
Rev. Ndielle Nobert, national representative of the Family Federation, closed the ceremony with a message asking young people to take responsibility to promote peace.
The celebration ended at 5:00 p.m. with a closing peace prayer offered by Rev. Milolo Maixent, Three cheers of victory was followed by a group photo and refreshments.