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News Archive |
LAST UPDATE
November 7, 2007
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| October 5, 2007 |
GPPAC Northeast Asia celebrates the International Day of Peace |
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In 2001, United Nations Resolution 55/282 set aside 21 September as a global ceasefire and day of peace and non-violence. This day is dedicated to highlighting non-violent solutions to conflicts, and is a rallying point for peace and conflict prevention organizations around the world to raise awareness of efforts around the world to foster a culture of peace. Through the efforts of civil society organisations, the day is being regularly commemorated by people in almost all of the 192 United Nations member states.
The Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC) is leading the initiative to celebrate this day globally. GPPAC, an international network of civil society organizations working for conflict prevention and peacebuilding worldwide (www.gppac.org), believes this to be a great opportunity to create extra awareness and interest not just in the Day of Peace, but also in issues of conflict prevention and peacebuilding. |
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As GPPAC regional initiator for Northeast Asia, Peace Boat joined together with over 1,000 member organizations worldwide to coordinate a series of events over the month of September with a variety of both themes and activities. Throughout the region, civil society organisations working on conflict prevention and peace in Asia gathered to share hopes and plans for regional cooperation to build good relations and a sustainable peace for Northeast Asia. Examples of these events, held in Tokyo, Ulaanbaatar and Vladivostok, include photographic exhibitions, public town meetings and academic forums.
Tokyo Focal Point (Japan)
In Tokyo, the International Day of Peace was this year linked to the wider efforts of the Peace Day Tokyo 2007, held on 15 September. Emphasising that war is the most devastating form of environmental destruction and violation of human rights, citizens gathered at Shiba Park at the foot of the Tokyo Tower to spread messages of peace and nonviolence. |
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In the past year, Japan saw the creation of the Defence Ministry, the amendment of the Fundamental Law of Education amended, and enaction of bills including the procedural law for the changing of the constitution and extension of the Self Defence Force troops' deployment in Iraq. The efforts of civil society in Japan are thus crucial, and the day was an expression of the strength of Tokyo's peace movement and their dedication to creating peace through nonviolent means.
A major part of this event was the Tokyo Tower Photo Project, entitled “Tokyo Tower, Peace and Me.” With the Tokyo Tower as a backdrop, individuals ranging from NGO and civil society leaders, young children, and Diet members such as Kawada Ryuhei expressed their messages of commitment to peace. As well as dissemination through the internet and media, these photographs will be taken directly to Iraq and exhibited as an expression of solidarity. |
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Ulaanbaatar Focal Point (Mongolia)
Many events were held to commemorate the International Day of Peace in Mongolia this year, organized by the United Nations, the Mongolian Organization for Peace and Friendship, and by School of Foreign Service, NUM with GPPAC member NGO Blue Banner.
The School of Foreign Service at the National University of Mongolia joined with Blue Banner to successfully organize a seminar for lecturers, university staff and young students on the topic “the role of youths in contribution to the world peace”. The main goal of this seminar was to explain for newly enrolled students and also for young volunteers ideas about what is peace, how we can understand peace, the reason of celebrating this day and how the younger generation can contribute to making peace all over the world. |
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Presenters at the seminar were:
Mr. Bayasgalan. S, “The history path of mankind of creating world peace”
Lecturer P. Munkhselenge, “The role of law in creating world peace”
Student Munkhbayar. M, “The history of the Nobel Prize”
Student Batzul. G, “The unsatisfied activities of the UN in making world peace”.
An open discussion among students and presenters followed these presentations. Finally, professor Altantsetseg. N addressed her speech to young students emphasizing the great role of young people in creating peace for the world, particularly, for students majoring in International Relations with a focus on diplomatic resolution of disputes.
Finally, all participants sang a song about peace together, with candles in their hands.
The concluding remarks were made by the heads of the student union and the diplomatic club of the School of Foreign Service. |
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Vladivostok Focal Point (Russia)
Two major events were organized by the regional focal point of Vladivostok devoted to the International Day of Peace.
1. Tsushima Island visit
Although the Russo-Japanese war ended more than a century ago, its tragic memories are still alive for many Russians and Japanese. The lessons of that war, as well as of other wars, urge new generations to protect a 'fragile' peace and to make efforts for sustainable development and progress.
On the eve of September, 21, the International Peace Day, the Russian sailboat "Otrada" made a visit to Tsushima island, well known for the fact that the greatest naval battle of the 1904 - 1905 War took place in its adjacent waters. The boat was commanded by Mr. Leonid Lysenko.
This Peace Visit was encouraged by the Vladivostok GPPAC Focal Point and was successful through a collaborative effort with Peace Boat.
The crew of the "Otrada" conducted a wreath laying ceremony at the memorial devoted to the memory of all Russians and Japanese who had been killed in the naval battle.
This ceremony, in honour of UN International Peace Day, is a symbolic event that serves to remind us all about the atrocities of war, and that they must never again be repeated. |
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2. Rally in Primorsky
On 21 September at the Primorsky regional offices of the 'Russian Peace Foundation,' a rally was held to celebreate the International Day of Peace. The event was organized by the Russian Peace Fund, the Center for International Studies at the Maritime State University, the Vladivostok Office of the International Association of the Women of ATR (Russia PPSEAWA) and with the support of the city of Vladivostok |
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The meeting was attended by representatives of the city peacebuilding organizations, the Vladivostok GPPAC focal point, members of social organizations of former prisoners of fascism, 'Living in besieged Leningrad', 'The Vladivostok Communication Club' and 'Memorial' (victims of political repression). |
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.Participants in the meeting expressed their solidarity with organizations and people from more than 175 countries around the world expressing support for the philosophy of International Day of Peace. International projects "Friendship for Peace" and "Peace Without Borders" were also promoted, including the exchange of drawings by children from different countries, to develop a sense of humanism overcoming ethnic, religious and other barriers. Following an exhibition, pictures by children from countries including Japan, the USA, Canada, Poland and South Africa were given to the children. Artistic groups of the Children's Club were also active participants, with various performances and activities for all to enjoy.
More information on GPPAC’s involvement in the International Day of Peace can be seen at www.peoplebuildingpeace.org.
Contact: Meri Joyce
03-3363-8047 / meri[a]peaceboat.gr.jp |
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