I call on all warring parties to lay down their weapons and observe a global ceasefire. To them, I say: stop the killings and the destruction and create space for lasting peace
Emmanuel Thomas, Lagos
The United Nations (UN) has called on warring parties all over the world to observe global ceasefire by putting a halt to destruction of lives and properties to create space for lasting peace.
Secretary General of the UN, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon made the plea while speaking at an occasion to mark, International Day for Peace in Lagos.
According to him, although, it may seem hopelessly distant, the dream of peace pulses in the lives of people everywhere.
Speaking through, a UN representative, Mr. Ronald Kajanga, the UN scribe said there is no group more poised to help realise the dream of peace today than today’s young people.
“They are part of the largest generation of youth in history, more aware and connected than any before. I urge all governments to make greater investments in realizing the potentially massive contributions of the world’s young peacebuilders”, he said.
The UN scribe emphasized the need to mobilise all partners who share the goal of peace. “Non-governmental organisations, faith-based groups and corporations all have a role to play in fostering social progress, protecting the environment and creating a more just, stable and peaceful world”, he said.
The UN scribe who said that the theme for the year is “Partnership for peace – dignity for all”, acknowledged that we live at a moment of peril but that it is also the era of compromise.
“In a matter of days, leaders from across the globe will gather at the United Nations to adopt the 2030 agenda, our 15-year plan to achieve sustainable development. This is fundament to ushering in a life of dignity for all, where poverty is history ad peace is paramount.
“On the International Day of Peace, as we mark the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, let us seize the opportunity to achieve the organisation’s founding purpose to save succeeding generation from the scourge of war”, he said.
