In the Name of Peace… and Smiles
These days entities in many countries across the world have joined forces to put together series of events commemorating the International Day of Peace. Probably, the most notable event countries have hosted to honor Peace Day is the Peace Bell ceremony, and Uzbekistan is no exception to this global tradition.
Held on September 21 at Tashkent’s Bobur Park, the Peace Bell ceremony drew hundreds of people, with representatives of the UN Office and UN agencies in attendance. “Every year on the International Day of Peace, people around the world commit to non-violence… and to harmony among all peoples and nations,” said WHO Representative in Uzbekistan, Michel Tailhades, at the ceremony, echoing the global address by the UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki moon. “This year, young people have been on the frontlines for freedom. We at the United Nations will work in common cause to realize our shared aspirations for dignity, security and opportunity for all. To all those seeking peace, this is your day, and we are with you.”
The ceremony kicked off with a concert featuring barnstorming performances by children’s music and dance groups. Following the concert, representatives of international organizations rang the Peace Bell that has the Japanese inscription which translates into “Long live absolute world peace”.
“The International Day of Peace is organized, first of all, in the name of our future and for the sake of our children. The youth and young minds are the main force that protects our peace,” said Jorge Espinal, head of the UNESCO Tashkent Office, delivering the message by Irina Bokova, the UNESCO Director General.
Observances of Peace Day throughout the world have included events such as a “Moment of Silence for Peace”, a “Flags of the World” ceremony, World Peace Prayers and various youth events.
An exhibition titled “The World in the Eyes of the Youth” was another in the series of ‘peacemaking’ functions organized in Tashkent. The ongoing exhibition is housed by the Youth Arts Palace and presents works by young artists who offer their own vision of a world without war and violence, a world of peace and comfort, a world filled with smiles. The artistic creations are images of children, elderly people, family feasts, scenery in Uzbekistan, candid moments from people’s lives captured on film, all imbued with serenity and goodwill.
“It’s amazing to see the youth in Uzbekistan speak out against violence,” said Marilyn Hoar, Chief of Education at the UNICEF office in Uzbekistan after viewing the photos on display.
World Peace Day events in Tashkent have been organized by the UN Office in Uzbekistan, the Fund Forum, the Women’s Council, Kelajak ovozi YIC and the Special Olympics Uzbekistan.
Note* The Preamble of the United Nations Charter states that the Organization was founded to prevent and resolve international conflicts and help build a culture of peace in the world. In 2001, the General Assembly by unanimous vote adopted resolution 55/282, which established 21 September as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire. The UN invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.
To inaugurate the day, the Peace Bell is rung at UN Headquarters. The bell is cast from coins donated by children from many countries. It is referred to as “a reminder of the human cost of war”.