Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), the Africa Youth Growth Foundation and other stakeholders have emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at an event to mark this year’s Peace Day, Joseph Peter Ochogwu, Director General of IPCR said the COVID 19 crisis as well as other global conflicts and the recent coups in West Africa has slowed down the quest to achieve the SDGs agenda for 2030.
Our correspondent reports that September 21 is set aside by the United Nations devoted strictly to strengthen the ideals of peace. This year’s celebration is themed “Action for Peace: Our Ambitions for the #GlobalGoals.”
Ochogwu said, “You know the centrality of peace. Without peace, we just cannot be here. Without peace, we cannot move. Without peace, human existence is questionable. And that is why we mark out a day to celebrate peace and harmonious coexistence between ourselves.”
He said there is an urgent need for stakeholders working in different sectors of SDGs to speed up their engagement by recommitting themselves to achieving global peace.
He said, “So this year again, it’s our recommitment, and dedication and the refocusing of ideals on peace, to ensure that we try to work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly 17 of them. And I think that as stakeholders who work in different sectors, of these Goals, we need to speed up, we need to re-energise ourselves, and re-engage the process of achieving these particular goals.”
In his address, Nelson Egbunu, Head of Programs, Africa Youth Growth Foundation, noted that the International Day for Peace is a day of reflection, unity, and a call to action for people all around the world.
He said, “The theme of this year, “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals,” couldn’t be more relevant. It underscores the importance of aligning our efforts for peace with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals provide a roadmap for addressing the most pressing challenges facing humanity, from poverty and inequality to climate change and injustice. By working towards the #GlobalGoals, we are, in essence, working towards a more peaceful world.
“To achieve these goals, we must prioritize conflict prevention, mediation, and resolution. We must champion human rights and foster social inclusion. We must invest in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all, leaving no one behind. These actions not only promote peace but also create the conditions for sustainable development and prosperity.”
According to him, the AYGF believes that peace is not a passive state but an active commitment that requires actions, dedication, and collaboration from all sectors of society.
“Today, we stand united in our ambition to advance the Global Goals, which include Goal 16: “Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.” This goal emphasizes the importance of building inclusive societies, promoting the rule of law, and ensuring equal access to justice for all,” he said.
