ACTIONS: What actions have been
undertaken by your organization to promote a culture of peace and
nonviolence during the first half of the Decade?
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For Progress and Obstacles, see international report by Pathways to Peace which makes an annual report of Peace Day activities, from which the following is taken:
Brahma
Kumaris World Spiritual University sponsored events for IDP which
included students, employees, parents, the Naga College Foundation, and
Naga City. Events included a Peace March, Declaration of Peace by the
City Mayor, releasing of Doves and Peace Balloons, Peace Art Workshop
and mural painting, mediation, youth speak-out, cultural programs and
ceremonies, and a city-wide 5-minutes of silence every hour in offices
and classrooms.(2004)
United Religions Initiative (URI)/World
Peace Prayer Society (WPPS): 24 HOURS FOR PEACE was the theme of the
IDP celebrations in the Philippines which the Peacemakers' Circle in
association with the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the
Philippines (AMRSP) and Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation
Commission (JPICC) and their mission partners organized to commemorate
the IDP. For 24 hours they dared each person, home, place of worship,
community, workplace wherever anyone was, to make an effort to stop
every thought and act that was unkind, hostile, violent and evil. For
at least 24 hours they made themselves aware of the violent conflicts
that are already present in the world. For 24 hours,, they tried... saw
...and knew... that Peace is not only possible, peace is necessary! A
celebration program was also organized in the afternoon at the "
Liwasang Aurora" within the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.
Despite the intermittent rains, around 400 people from diverse faith
traditions and walks of life turned up to join the celebrations which
commenced at 2.30 pm with lilting music of the flute and traditional
instruments and an ethnic ritual to invoke peace in the four elements.
Prayers for peace from different faith traditions followed. All nations
were also blessed by the World Peace Prayer Society with a colorful
display of the flags of the various nations. The President of the
Quezon City Parks Development Foundation, Inc. welcomed all to the
Circle and complimented us on the undertaking. After introductory
remarks, the message of the UN Secretary General was read out. Colorful
and creative presentations from youths of different causeoriented
groups highlighted the plight of the poor, and challenges paused by
degradation of the environment, terrorism and violence. Also
remembering the martial law period in the Philippines whose declaration
in 1972 by President Marcos falls on this same day. A Statement of
Unity calling on all people and nations to forge lasting peace with
justice was read out by interfaith representatives and endorsed by
those present. Three doves were joyfully released in to the sky to
symbolize the call for peace. The highlight of the evening was the
lighting of candles for peace and a walk around the Circle. The
procession aroused the curiosity of the motorists and commuters, many
of whom cheered, waved, and showed their support. The leading TV
channels covered the event in their news bulletins. The event ended
with interfaith representatives leading all in the Peacemakers’ Circle
prayer and singing of "Let there be peace on earth" and a call to
everyone to continue to build peace in our families, communities,
countries and the world. It was a touching and memorable celebration of
solidarity that will continue motivating us in our efforts for peace
building. (2004)
Sulu Civil Society Assembly held a UNITY with
Peace Rally on the occasion of the 22nd Intl Day of Peace, in
coordination with Jolo Jaycees Inc and DXMM-Sulu tawi-Tawi Broadcasting
Foundation. It began with a peace motorcade then a peace rally under
the auspices of the Jolo Mayor, then a peace multisectoral rally,
followed by Peace Awards to Tausug citizens who are models of peace
advocacy. It culminated with a peace covenant among civic, NGOs,
government, military, business sector and private citizens. "To the
rest of the world, we invoke Taslim: assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wa
barakatuhu! Peace, Blessings And Mercy Be Upon Us All Humankind!"
(2004)
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