The importance of peace and the need to educate youths to resolve their conflicts in non-violent ways were highlighted at a programme to mark the UN International Day of Peace yesterday at the YWCA.
The theme for this year’s observance is ‘Youth for Peace and Development” therefore the programme centred on transmitting the message of peace to the youths in attendance. It was organised by the United Nations in collaboration with the YWCA.
Odessa Primo, a UN national volunteer and the coordinator of the day’s proceedings said “we do it best, when we do it together.” She said that the idea of the event was to celebrate and promote peace. “Peace begins with the individual and change can start with one person at a time so that we can transform into a more peaceful being,” said Primo while adding that change can come if it is promoted.
She said the theme was very important since work had to start with young people. “If you can change young people then maybe the next generation will be more peaceful.” She expressed hope that progress will come over time.
Further, she reinforced the responsibility of the media to portray positive stories and images and the need for deejays and promoters to play positive music. She added that the lyrics of some of the songs being played, have led to the belief that violence is acceptable. “Teach children to resolve problems in non-violent ways,” she advised teachers in dealing with school-children.
Meanwhile, Trevor Benn, an analyst at the United Nations delivered his remarks on behalf of UN Resident Representative Dr Liman Tinguiri who was unable to attend the event. Benn said the UN was supportive of activities to observe the day and that the organisation is involved in a number of projects aimed at improving social cohesion in Guyana.
He said the day was important since it was one dedicated to non-violence and one which should be nurtured and maintained. He noted that in 2003, the social cohesion programme was launched and was targeted at bringing the people of Guyana together thus eliminating the scourge of violence. However this project came to an end with the holding of election in 2006. Nevertheless he said that the UN continues to work in this area and noted the importance for governments to give to the youths, a world of peace.
Messages of peace from representatives from GTT, Digicel, Guyana Police Force, and the religious community were also given where they advocated the need for peace and for the media to change this portrayal of violence.
The morning’s programme also featured a skit titled ‘Let peace reign” by the cast of Merundoi which was based on domestic violence which they said resulted from the lack of peace in the household. There were several other entertainment pieces and the gathering was charged to go forward and have a peace-filled day.
