The ECOWAS Resident Representative Office in Liberia and ECOWAS Radio in partnership with the United Nations in Liberia celebrated the International Day of Peace on 21st September, 2022 with a commitment to continue working with Liberia for the promotion of peace and democracy.
During activities marking the day through a live Radio Broadcast, ECOWAS Radio hosted the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations Country Team in Liberia Neils Scott, the head of Liberia’s Law Reform Commission Cllr. Boakai Kanneh, Civil society Actors and Youth Leaders.
Commenting on the significance of the day, Resident Coordinator Scott said the United Nations is striving selflessly to maintain Peace and security globally by trying to prevent conflicts.
“The UN is committed to making peace through negotiations and mediation.” Scott said during an early morning appearance on ECOWAS Radio.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator used the celebration of International Peace Day to encourage Liberians to continue to work towards improving their economy as a way of helping to sustain the peace.
Cllr. Boakai Kanneh, Head of Liberia’s Law reform Commission reflected on what he calls Liberia’s long peace journey which started in August 2003.
Cllr. Kanneh said the 19 years of uninterrupted peace can be credited for the progressive efforts of law reforms in Liberia.
For his part, Harold Aidoo of Integrity Watch, a Liberian Civic Group, paid a glowing tribute to ECOWAS for the Regional Body’s stable and committed role in bringing peace to Liberia. “ECOWAS contributions to peacebuilding efforts in Liberia have been invaluable and monumental.” Aidoo noted.
Youth Peace Campaigner Gwendolyn Myers also praised ECOWAS Radio for always making available its platform to young people to speak on issues influencing their lives. “By affording the youth an opportunity to utilize the platform, you are also encouraging the youth to be a mainstay in the decision-making process and by extension agents of peace”, Myers observed.
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21st September. The UN General Assembly declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. This year’s International Day of Peace is celebrated under the theme: “End racism. Build peace.”
