2016 International Day of Peace- 21 September

Since 1982, 21 September has been observed as- International Day of Peace. The Day was established in 1981 by resolution 36/67 of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. It coincides with the opening session the UN General Assembly held annually on the third Tuesday of September.

The theme of this year’s Day is: “The Sustainable Development Goals: Building for Peace.” People around the World will observe the Day in various ways in accordance with the theme.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals were unanimously adopted by the 193 Member States of the United Nation at an historic Summit of the world leaders in New York in September 2015.

The new ambitious 2030 Agenda calls on countries to begin efforts aimed at achieving these goals over the next 15 years. It aims to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all.

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is indeed a path to global peace and to development as the two are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. But are we all interested in genuine peace around the world?

Because of the selfish interests of a few, today Libya has become a hub where various militia groups including terrorists, in connivance with external forces, are at each other throat for the control of the resources particularly petrol. It seems that the more there is confusion in the world, the more the powerful few is benefiting.

It is therefore incumbent on the suffering majority to unite and engage in concerted efforts to reverse this sad situation. As far as Africa is concerned, the time has come, to break the shackle of dependence and strive for unity through speaking with one voice, putting their resources together and allowing the free movement of people and goods.

Africans have to find collectively lasting solutions to the numerous conflicts triggering immeasurable hardships on the people by stopping to give lip service to the establishment of an African high command. African leaders have to put in place a formidable African Army capable of curbing any internal conflict.

As we are marking the International Day of Peace, AASU urges all its member and friendly organizations to embark on activities aimed at creating awareness on the need for a peaceful world and sustainable development.

Long live International Day of Peace!
Awaah Fred
(Secretary General)
www.aasuonline.org ; [email protected]/[email protected] ; +233(0)243101626