International Day of Peace 2026: UN-PEPOLAC Calls for Stronger Commitment to Peacebuilding, Sustainable Development

By Praise Chinecherem

The Peace and Positive Living Awareness Centre (UN-PEPOLAC) has renewed its call for stronger commitment to peacebuilding, peaceful coexistence, positive living and sustainable development.

The organisation’s International President, Bishop Festus Ozoemena, made the call in Awka during a peace walk organised to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Peace.

The event, held under the theme, “Invest in Peace for Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday,” brought together peace ambassadors and other stakeholders to promote the importance of peace and collective responsibility.

‘Peace Must Be Protected in Our Homes and Communities’

Addressing participants, Ozoemena described the theme as a call to action for individuals, organisations and institutions to deliberately cultivate and sustain peace in their respective environments.

He urged governments, civil society organisations, religious and traditional institutions, schools, youths, women and communities to strengthen their commitment to peacebuilding and peaceful coexistence.

According to him, peace extends beyond the absence of war, representing a culture and way of life founded on dialogue, tolerance, justice, dignity and cooperation.

“Peace must be kept alive. It must be protected in our homes, strengthened in our communities, promoted by our institutions and advanced through responsible leadership,” Ozoemena said.

He further emphasised the importance of sustained investment in initiatives that address the root causes of conflict and promote inclusive development.

“Sustainable peace requires investment in education, youth and women participation, mediation, justice and sustainable development,” he stressed.

UN-PEPOLAC Highlights Role of Grassroots Peacebuilders

Ozoemena said UN-PEPOLAC continues to advance peace through advocacy, peace education, community engagement, mediation, capacity building and strategic partnerships.

He acknowledged the contributions of grassroots peacebuilders operating in communities, schools, religious institutions, markets and workplaces, noting their role in building trust and preventing conflicts.

The International President encouraged Nigerians to embrace cooperation and mutual understanding, urging them to become “builders of bridges rather than walls.”

He maintained that peace should not be treated as an occasional campaign but as a daily responsibility requiring the participation of all members of society.

Peace Ambassadors Participate in Commemorative Walk

The peace walk featured the participation of several peace ambassadors and stakeholders, including Prof. Echezona Ifejilika, Prof. Barr. Kenneth Nwuba, Prof. Chris Madu, High Chief Vincent Mgbike, Rev. Dr. Anthony Onuko and the State Coordinator, Pst. Anthony Uzor, among others.

The participants reaffirmed the importance of strengthening peace initiatives and encouraging collective action toward peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.

UN-PEPOLAC’s commemoration reinforced its commitment to promoting a culture of peace through public awareness, community participation and partnerships.

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