ABUJA- The Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Nigeria, Mr Yanko Yordanov, says that peace is imperative because it is more than a vision for humanity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ambassador made this known at the celebration of the International Day of Peace held on Saturday in Abuja.
The event was organised by the Representative of the Francophonie Community for West Africa in Nigeria.
The event, held annually on Sept. 21, had as theme: “Let Us Develop a Culture of Peace.”
Yordanov said that the peace celebration was initiated by the United Nations and held annually.
“This year’s theme, “Let us Develop a Culture of peace,” is sharing a common date to reflect on how we can individually and collectively contribute to strengthen the ideals of peace.
“Within nations and peoples is the whole meaning of establishing this international day dedicated to peace.
`This year, all these activities coincide with the launch of the UN Summit for the Future, which aims to renew the efforts around the world to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
“Peace is more than a noble vision for humanity; it is first and foremost a call to concrete action. And we are proud to be Francophone because the search for peace was important.
“Peace-building and peace-consolidation are at the heart of the political project of the Francophonie, faced with the growing challenges to peace,” he said.
Yordanov said that the Francophone community had used tools known to be the most sustainable for centuries which included diplomacy, dialogue and collaboration to promote peace.
According to him, the Francophone community has always invested a lot to make French one of the world’s languages of today and tomorrow, carrying a vision of humanity.
“Aspirations and shared values, it is for this reason that La Francophonie represents a privileged forum for dialogue based on a language spoken on all five continents.
“The next Summit of La Francophonie will be held in France in 15 days’ time.
” The Motto, “Create, Innnovate and Undertake in French” is also extremely concrete and always closely linked.
” We want to prove that it is possible in today’s world to invent, exist and succeed in French while demonstrating that Francophone states trade more and collaborate better with countries that share their ideals, values and respect for democracy.
” So, it is obvious, Nigeria is undoubtedly one of our natural partners and the sharing of universal values unites us more and more effectively.
“To overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of peace today more than ever, we must first make peace with Mother Nature – to heal our planet and build a greener economy.
“Let us sow the seeds of hope and plant the trees of peace because peace is a light in the darkness which guides us on the only path that will lead us to a better future for humanity,’’ he said.
Also speaking, Dr Bamidele Babade, the Chief Executive Officer of Sentosa Park and Garden, said the park was a place of comfort and peace as well as most suitable place for the celebration.
He added that the vision in setting up the park was to support wellness in every aspect in order to have a wholesome man and provide the peace and tranquillity required to function adequately in times of challenges.
“The peace day celebration reminds us of the importance of peace and harmony in our world.
” We are reminded of the need for unity, understanding and cooperation among nations, communities, family units and individuals.
“We all have a responsibility to initiate and maintain peace in the world.
“A lot has been said today to promote and nurture peace.
” The United Nations plays a vital role in the promotion of peace through conflict resolutions and peace building.
“Also, our Holy Books talk about peace, but looking around the world today, we see conflicts, violence and sufferings,’ ‘he said.
Babade urged all stakeholders to be agents and advocates of peace by putting their differences aside. (NAN)
