LocationsUNDP Supports International Day of Peace Celebrations in Juba
September 25, 2024
The First Vice President, The SRSG, UNDP Resident Representative and other Heads of UN agencies, National Ministers, Diplomatic Community, and other national peace actors posing together for a photo at the Peace Day celebration
Juba, South Sudan - The International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21, brought together the South Sudan Ministry of Peacebuilding, UNDP, and various peace partners to celebrate the importance of harmony and collective responsibility towards nurturing a culture of peace in the country. The event underscored the UN General Assembly's commitment to promoting ideals of peace.
The theme for this year's observance, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” resonates deeply within the context of South Sudan, where ongoing efforts are vital to overcoming the legacy of conflict and building a unified society.
Since the conflict erupted in 2013, South Sudan has faced significant challenges, including tensions between communities and ethnic-based discrimination. These conflicts have often left communities feeling victimized based on their ethnic identities. Although efforts to foster social cohesion are in progress, more collaborative work is required at both local and national levels. Stakeholders, including community members, government entities, and international partners, are crucial to dismantling the structures that divide communities and perpetuate cycles of violence, such as revenge killings and cattle raiding.
UNDP Resident Representative delivering remarks at the Peace Day celebrations
The International Day of Peace served as an opportunity to celebrate achievements in peacebuilding while raising awareness about pressing challenges and the way forward for the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Additionally, ongoing peace talks in Nairobi and preparations for the country’s first national elections were highlighted during the event.
To align with the global theme, South Sudan adopted a local theme: “Nurturing a Culture of Positive Peace in South Sudan: Our Shared Vision and Responsibility.” This theme underscores the importance of inclusivity and collaboration, particularly during the country’s transitional period, in ensuring lasting peace and stability.
Traditional dancers and performers providing entertainment at the Peace Day celebrations
Celebrations featured displays of South Sudan’s rich cultural diversity, alongside a unified desire for a peaceful and democratic future. During the event, South Sudanese performer Everlyne Batista shared her personal reflections on peace, stating, “With peace, I can go to school; I can live without the stress I had before, including losing my relatives. That is the good news of the peace that I am enjoying now, even though not everything is well. I want peace in South Sudan.”
The International Day of Peace serves as a reminder of the collective effort needed from all stakeholders to nurture a culture of peace and facilitate a brighter future for the people of South Sudan. Through continued awareness, dialogue, and collaboration, a more peaceful and inclusive society can be achieved, laying the groundwork for sustainable development and unity in this young nation.