MTGPEA celebrates World International Peace Day
The Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs (MTGPEA) each year marks and celebrates International Peace Day (IPD) and this year 2024 Ministry is celebrating on the theme “Cultivating a culture of Peace”.
International Day of Peace (IDP) or World Peace Day is observed each year around the world on 21st September.
The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace more so to promote peace.
In a statement marking the celebration of IPD, Minister Hon Jamie Lency Vokia thanked the Ministry and its peace-building stakeholders for the commitments and effort rendered forwards maintaining sustainable peace and unity in our beloved Country, Solomon Islands.
He highlighted, since 2008, the government and the people of Solomon Islands through the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace & Ecclesiastical Affairs, have joined the international community to commemorate this day through various peace activities, themes and messages.
Minister highlighted the theme for this year’s call for action that recognizes our individual and collective responsibility to foster and cultivate peace in our own works of life, communities and Country as a whole.
Since 2016 the Global Goals or 17 SDG were strategically implemented by succeeding Solomon Islands Government and it aligned to the Solomon Islands Government’s National Development Strategy 2016 to 2035.
He said since the inception of the national development strategy, government ministries and agencies continue to deliver its programs and activities on the national priorities.
“My ministry, Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs has contributed to implement Goal 16 and that is the Promotion of Peaceful and inclusive Societies for Sustainable development, provide access to Justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions for all at all levels”.
He added, MTGPEA has worked closely with its partners, donors, organization and communities; to promote peace as an enabling environment for development through peace and reconciliation programs, awareness on advocating for institutional reforms for peace and inclusivity in the reform programs of the government.
And some of these reforms are materialized through the Strategic Partnership framework with Churches, development of policy on Conflict Prevention and Victims’ Rights, Policy on Reintegration of those Involved in Past Conflicts, review of Solomon Islands National Peace-building Policy.
Development of the Traditional Governance Policy towards Traditional Governance Customs Facilitation Bill, implementation of TRC recommendations as well through other peace-building programs and initiatives implemented by the Ministry.
He said given these efforts by the government, what then should be our individual and collective responsibilities and actions to foster peace, he added, it’s time for us as individuals to cultivate the culture of Peace in our communities and neighborhoods.
Finally, the Minister thanked and acknowledged the effort and support made by Government, Donor Partners, NGOs, Peacebuilding Partners, Churches, Chiefs, Traditional Leader and everyone for continued work and promoting peace and wished everyone a happy and meaningful International peace Day 2024.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary Dr Derek Futaiasi also thanked and acknowledged Ministry staff for their continuous efforts and commitments in delivering peace-building programs and activities in the Country.
“IPD is a time for reflection, a time to reflect back on programs and activities implemented, challenges faced as well as envisioning to enhance peace-building initiatives in the future”.
He urged and encouraged staff to continue maintaining the good work of peace-building in the Country.
Due to financial constraints, the IPD was marked and celebrated at the Ministry head office with food.
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MTGPEA