United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohamed Fall, has reiterated the need for global commitment to peace, dialogue and reconciliation to support sustainable growth.
Fall made the call in his address on Monday night in Abuja during the commemoration of the International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21.
The event, held at the Embassy of Germany in Abuja, was convened under the theme “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals.”
He recalled that the International Day of Peace was conceived and established by the UN General Assembly in 1981 to strengthen the ideals of peace among nations and peoples.
Fall stressed the importance of collective action, trust and solidarity in addressing global challenges.
“We are meeting not only for a date on the calendar of peace; this is a renewed promise of peace, dignity and a future where every woman, man, child and person with disability can live free from fear. It is a message that speaks to Nigeria,” he said.
“It speaks to a nation of great diversity and resilience, but also one still facing challenges that test its peace-building process. Conflicts in Nigeria have forced millions from their homes, and they are now displaced people or refugees.
“This is why today we are celebrating more than a date. We are celebrating the journey that takes us forward to improve the well-being of the people we serve here in Nigeria, and beyond its borders.”
Similarly, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, lamented gaps in efforts to prevent conflict and sustain peace. She said this had necessitated the creation of the Peacebuilding Commission, the Peacebuilding Fund and the Peacebuilding Support Office.
According to her, these bodies have become pillars of a more integrated, inclusive and forward-looking approach to peacebuilding. She described the anniversary as a symbolic milestone.
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“It is an opportunity to renew our shared commitment to the principles that underpin sustainable peace—national partnership, inclusive governance, long-term collaboration and a focus on prevention,” she said.
In the same vein, the Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Joseph Ochogwu, noted that the day coincided with the 25th anniversary of the institute’s establishment.
“We are working bilaterally and multilaterally with institutions from ECOWAS, the African Union, the UN system and other multilateral organisations in pursuit of peace,” Ochogwu said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Joshua Gana, representing the House Committee on Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion, underscored the need to silence the guns, bridge divides and build societies rooted in justice, dignity and mutual respect.
“Peace cannot be legislated alone; it must be cultivated in classrooms, homes, markets and the hearts of every citizen. That is why today’s collaboration with the United Nations is so vital.
“Together we must strengthen local peace infrastructures, empower women and youth as agents of change and ensure that our policies are not only well intentioned, but also well implemented,” Gana said.
The event featured keynote speeches by Mr. Chris Ngwodo, Director-General of the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience; the Head of the National Peace Committee; and Kwon Yonggyu, First Secretary at the Embassy of Korea.
The highlight of the occasion was the release of doves as a symbol of peace, freedom and reconciliation, reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to non-violence, dialogue and nation-building.
