by Hibah Samad

The community recognized the United Nations International Day of Peace last Thursday as the non-profit organization STAND 4 PEACE hosted a gathering in the Manhattan Beach Civic Plaza. 

 “I’m thrilled you are all here to see the many efforts made by our community to recognize this important day,” said former mayor Hildy Stern. 

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Karen Wooldridge and Donna Barney Nicholson, co-founders of STAND 4 PEACE, have organized Peace Day celebrations since 2019. 

Wooldridge thanked Manhattan Beach Unified leaders and the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation for their partnership in having “Teach Peace Week” assemblies and activities at all eight school campuses. 

“The Teach Peace Week activities support the efforts and program of No Place for Hate,” she said.

Last year, all Manhattan Beach Schools were designated as “No Place for Hate”  (NPFH) campuses by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Los Angeles. MBUSD is the only school district in the ADL Los Angeles coverage area to earn this title at all campuses. The NPFH national initiative provides schools with a student-led framework to combat bias, bullying, and hatred. 

MBUSD Superintendent John Bowes noted that the week aligns with MBUSD Board goals.
“Our first Board Goal in MBUSD is the fundamental focus on educational excellence. A big contributor to that is our second Board goal which focuses on providing a climate of care in the classroom and on every campus,” Bowes said. 

Bowes said the week-long peace activities was thanks to not only teachers, principals, parents, volunteers, community members, but was a true collaborative effort between everyone to make the week possible. 

As part of the week-long celebration across MBUSD, each school also received Peace Poles donated by the MBEF through its Educator grant program. “The Manhattan Beach Education Foundation believes in supporting all students in their academic journey, and that includes ensuring that each student is able to focus on learning in a safe and welcoming environment,” said Hilary Mahan, MBEF Executive Director. “The simple white pole will be not just a day but a year-round symbol for peace on school campuses.”

The poles are an internationally recognized symbol of unity and peace. Manhattan Beach Education Foundation Executive Director Hilary Mahan shared that there are an estimated 250,000 of these Peace Poles worldwide. 

This year’s UN International Day of Peace theme is “Actions for Peace.” Wooldridge said that International Day of Peace “provides a powerful opportunity to consider the concept of peace and how we can each build Peace in our everyday world with small and big actions.”

After her remarks, everyone observed a moment of quiet, for peace, on the International Day of Peace, creating a virtual, global wave of peace. 

Manhattan Beach Police Department Sergeant Andy Abreu emphasized MBPD’s unwavering commitment to keeping the peace and fostering stronger community engagement. 

“It is more important than ever that we, as a community, come together to build bridges of trust and understanding,” Abreu said. “Policing is the institution entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of our citizens and maintaining law and order.” 

 “MBPD is fully committed to keeping the peace and strengthening our bond with the community,” he said. “We pledge to serve with integrity, compassion, and dedication.”

One of the event’s highlights was the Mira Costa students who led “Teach Peace Week” on their campus and are part of the high school’s award-winning Model United Nations (MUN) program. Throughout the week, Mira Costa students Anthony Padnos and Hudson Sagadevan visited MBUSD schools to share about the MUN program. 

“Much like the open dialogue brought forward in Model UN, Peace Day emphasizes the individual’s role in building a harmonious global community,” Padros said. 

“Peace Day is not just a date on the calendar; it’s a mindset, a commitment,” Sagadevan said. “It reminds us that peace starts within, in the conversations we have and the choices we make every day. Let’s carry the spirit of Peace Day forward, making every day a step towards a harmonious world for all.” 

Other speakers at the event were MBUSD Trustee Tina Shivpuri, MCHS Principal Dr. Karina Gerger, community member Diana Skaar, who read a statement on behalf of City of Manhattan Beach Mayor Richard Montgomery, and Jon Hirshberg, a South Bay business owner, and the creator of the Tour de Pier event. 

The Mira Costa High Choir, led by Choirs Director Kate Crellin, joined the celebration. They performed “Lift Me Up” by Rihanna and there was also a breathtaking performance by Mira Costa student Samantha Probst, who sang “Imagine” by John Lennon. 

The ceremony ended with all attendees uniting to stand in the formation of a peace sign.

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May Peace Prevail On Earth International served as a co-convener of Peace Week in celebration of the International Day of Peace along with over 20 other partner organizations headed by Unity Earth, Sine Network and Purpose Earth among others.  We sponsored the May Peace Prevail On Earth Convergence Room where various programs were presented on zoom by friends and partners.

To open Peace Week a Peace Pole was dedicated at Hub Cast Studios in Canada who hosted the global online production for the week.  The Peace Pole was blessed by Hereditary Chief Phil Lane Jr followed by music and a dance performance by Sommer Ramer of the Sine Network. 

Some highlights in the May Peace Prevail On Earth Room during Peace Week included a program to celebrate the International Day of Peace featuring a reply of a video from a World Peace Flag Ceremony which took place in the United Nations General Assembly Hall some years ago to ignite the Spirit of the UN.

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The Peace Pole is proudly planted at 3051 Battleford Rd Mississauga Ontario,  CANADA.

The link below is to the YouTube from the event.  

Worship Service “Peace Garden” September 24, 2023″ Season of Creation A – Peace Garden Sunday, September 24, 2023 : 17th Sunday After Pentecost “Eden’s Peace Garden” On this the last Sunday of the Season of Cre…www.youtube.com

Janice Gillespie

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GLOBAL GATHERING OF PEACE AND UNITY
Ramapo Munsee Lunaape Indian Nations
World Peace Flag Ceremony

Peace Week was hosted by over 20 partners organizations who presented online events to celebrate the International Day of Peace.

To close Peace Week on September 23rd, A Global Gathering of Peace and Unity took place on the ancestral lands of the Ramapo Munsee Lunaape Indian Nations.  The indigenous and interfaith celebration welcomed representatives from various interfaith traditions to offer their prayers for unity and peace.   As an event highlight, a World Peace Flag Ceremony was presented to call in the souls of all nations for peace and healing of our global family.

The online broadcast was a finale conclusion to hundreds of Peace Week activities by sending the universal message of peace out to the world.  May Peace Prevail On Earth.

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Monroeville and neighboring communities united to participate in the International Day of Peace Celebration on Sept. 23.

The ceremony occurred at the Monroeville Rotary Club’s dedicated Peace Pole and Pavilion 4 in Community Park West.

In 2021, the club dedicated a Peace Pole with “May Peace Prevail On Earth” translated into 38 languages. A peace garden surrounds the Peace Pole in the park.

“Peace starts with each of us as individuals and then spreads out into the larger community,” Rotarian Susan Delaney said.

Rotary International has seven focus areas, promoting peace and conflict resolution as its top initiative. For this special program promoting worldwide and community peace, all the schools in Gateway School District and nearby areas were notified and encouraged to engage in activities advocating for world peace that begins at home in the local community.

Among the Day of Peace speakers were Monroeville Mayor Nick Gresock; state Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Monroeville; members of Gateway High School’s Black Student Union members; and local clergy.

“The municipality really appreciates what the Rotary does for the community. Peace is something we should always try to strive for,” Gresock said. “It all comes to being a good neighbor and promoting peace in that manner.

Gateway graduate Anthony Mitchell performed a traditional African song on his drum.

To close out the peace pole portion of the ceremony, the crowd sang “Let There Be Peace on Earth” as doves, symbols of peace dating back to the Book of Genesis, were released. The community then participated in a peace walk to Pavilion 4, where food trucks and activities were stationed.

Maria Sosso is a Tribune-Review contributing writer.

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On September 21^st, 2023, on the United Nations International Day of Peace, both in-person and global virtual audiences experienced the first ever 100% Solar-Powered concert in Times Square for Peace & Ecology by Battery Tour with Ringo Starr virtually requesting moment of peace at 12 noon.

A Peace Pole (stage right) bearing the universal peace message “May Peace Prevail On Earth” is present during the entire live broadcast, that took place from 12-5pm (EST).

The Pause the World for Peace event included a special segment entitled “Peace in Action” with renowned representatives sharing the latest in major global issues, including domestic violence, school safety, human rights, human security, animal rights, climate action, and ending violence in health, politics, and religion, regardless of gender, race, or disability, promoting practical paths to a thriving life for all. 

May Peace Prevail On Earth.

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On September 21st, the annual Peace Day celebration took place in Times Square in the heart of New York City.  A Peace Pole was placed in front of the stage to connect all of us to the universal message of peace.

The day long event featured speeches, song and dance by local and international artists with Ringo Star who called for a Moment of Peace at noon to focus our global hearts on peace to prevail on earth.  

May Peace Prevail On Earth International joined a group of peace sisters on video following Ringo Star to send May Peace Prevail On Earth from Times Square out to the world.

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The International Day of Peace was celebrated by the World Peace Bell and Peace Pole in Warsaw, Poland. The occasion was blessed with the attendance of local peace advocates including:  Mayor of Warsaw, Mr. Rafal Miastowski, Counsellor, Deputy Chief of Mission Japanese Embassy Mr. Tajima Akira, United Nations Information Center in Warsaw, Mrs. Karina Rathman, United Nations Association in Poland, President Mr.Adam Dziedzic.

The event opened with a purification ceremony by Kyudo (Japanese bow) and sword followed by a Japanese Tea Ceremony for Peace offered by members of the Urasenke Society.

The day’s program continued with the ringing of the World Peace Bell, photography exhibitions and the planting of a cherry tree by Ambassador of Japan H. E. Miyajima Akio and Mayor Mr. Rafal Miastowski.

www.avast.com

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Zoetermeer, a town in Southern Netherlands had planted a Peace Pole twenty-eight years ago.  It urgently needed to be replaced and so the town decided to use the International Day of Peace, September 21, 2023, as a planting date for the new Peace Pole that included 8-language translations, in addition to a brass Braille plate.

Mayor Luigi van Leeuwen, who attended the Peace Pole planting back in 1995, inaugurated the new Peace Pole in Zoetermeer’s Central Park.  Despite the rain 40 people attended, amongst them refugees from the Ukraine who were so grateful that peace on earth was celebrated in the country which offered them a new home.

Dagmar Berkenberg, European office

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2023 UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE CELEBRATION IN NIGERIA BY MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH INTERNATIONAL AT AGURA HOTEL CONFERENCE HALL, OPPOSITE DEFENSE (ARMY) HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY OF NIGERIA ON THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2023, WITH THE THEME “ACTIONS FOR PEACE: OUR AMBITION FOR THE GLOBAL GOALS” 

The 2023 International Day of Peace in Nigeria was remarkable as it commomerate the 20th Anniversary of my volunteer in organizing the International Day of Peace also known as “World Peace Day” through May Peace Prevail on Earth International since 2003, to date.

The event has in attendance Religious leaders, Traditional leaders, Royal Father’s/ the Acadamia, Military Officers/Leaders of NGO, Legislators/Political class, Judicial/ Media organizations, Captain of industry, Justice of Peace, Ambassadors of Peace, and Peace Enthusiasts.

The ceremony began with the universal prayer for peace ” May Peace Prevail on Earth” following prayers for peace by the two major religious set present at the event the Christian payers led by Dr Imoh Atakpa while Alhaji Abubakar Bello led the Muslim prayer.

The Nigeria national anthem was sung, and a word of exhortation was delivered by Evang. Oladapo Obakemi. The UN Resolution on IDP was read to declare the ceremony open by Barrister Suleiman Alkali while Bishop Prof. Ahaziah Umanah read the UN Secretary General message Mr Antonio Guterres. Other message was read by the following: Mrs Patience Ita read the Executive Director of May Peace Prevail on Earth International Fumi Johns Stewart, also Mrs Atim Etim read the Vice President of May Peace Prevail on Earth International message Rika Saionji and Deborah Moldow former UN Representative, MPPOEI message was equally read by Mr Ini Jimmy.

IDP LECTURE SESSION: 

Rev Dr Yakubu Pam the Executive Secretary NCPC delivered a lecture on the topic” PEACE AS A CATALYST FOR ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT”, the session was impactful.

In my address as the Nigeria Peace Representative, I buttress on forgiveness, equality, respect to all life on earth, showing kindness to the less privileged, protecting our environment, and that everyone must take action for a peaceful society.

The Co-Chair 2023 IDP in Nigeria Prof Auwal Ibrahim Magashi in his remark, stressed the need for love as a tool for action in the achievement of the global goals. Also, the Chairman of Function Rt.Hon Unyime Idem who was represented by Barr Ufok Ibekwe speak on youth inclusiveness and gender equality as actions plan to achieve the sustainable development.

PRAYER SESSION:

 Prayers for peace in Nigeria, African continent and the world at large was offered by the religious leaders in attendance thereafter, I led the Peace Song titled “O GOD OF PEACE” and everyone sing May Peace Prevail on Earth in song.

PEACE POLE AWARD:

The following Thirty-Two (32) Peace Enthusiasts drawn across Nigeria receive Peace Poles, Peace Medal, Peace Buttons, Peace Stickers, and Certificates as Ambassadors of Peace as encouragement for their peaceful deposition in their community and to further the cause of Peace in Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large.

1. Bishop Prof. Ahaziah Umanah
2. Rt  Hon Unyime Idem 
3. Prof. Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa
4. Prof. Bichi Armaya’u Hamisu
5. Dr. Samuel Bala Sanfo
6. Alhaji Yaro Garba
7. Rt.Hon Aniekan Akpan
8. Engr Gabriel Bankole Benson
9. Barr Ememobong Nicholas Udoh
10. Barr Abdul-Hamid Ali Ibrahim
11. Dr Ebenezer Udofia Nathaniel
12. Oluwaseun Folorunso Odidi
13. Rev.Fr. Charles Ekeng
14. Engr. Saunders David Ukot 
15. Hon Sampson Bernard Idiong
16. Alhaji Usman Adamu Ahmed
17. Barr. Suleiman Alkali
18.  Alhaji Idris D. Isah
19. Engr. Sabo Alhassan Kawu
20. His Royal Highness NTOL JULIUS IGBAJI MOBRE
21.  Dr. Mrs Charlotte Bose Iro-Idoro
22. Alhaji Bello, Abubakar Muhammad
23. Dr. Imoh Enang Atakpa
24. Mrs Atim Etim Okon
25. Amb. Austin Peacemaker Inaede
26. Mrs Patience Okon Ita
27. Mr. Muhydeen Ayinla Ayoola
28. His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Abdullahi Mohammed Askirama
29.  Hon. Atauyo Abraham Akpaneyen
30. Evang Oladapo Moses Obakemi
31. Chief Saturday Monday Etokeyen
32. Chief Mbang Friday Mbang

Our IDP had a wide media coverage including the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) International. Other regions in Nigeria request for a peace ceremony and Peace Pole planting in their region, we hope to do so when resources available. Also, to facilitate peace ceremonies in other regions of Nigeria with the population of over 200,000,000 we look forward to regional coordinators who will volunteer with the Nigeria Representative to further the cause of Peace in Nigeria.

Thank you, the Executive Director of May Peace Prevail on Earth International Fumi Johns Stewart, the Vice President MPPOEI Rika Saionji and all the MPPOEI team for your support and goodwill messages. 

We are grateful to the UN Secretary General Mr Antonio Guterres, the UN Public Information Department, UN Peace Day, and IDP-NGO at the United Nations for your selfless services to humanity.

Thank you, the government of Nigeria, for the enabling environment to host the 2023 IDP at Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.

Thank you the Nigeria 2023 IDP Steering Committee Chair, Mallam Yakubu Bello Tyav, and your team Mr Ini Jimmy, Joseph Boaz, Aniebiet Abraham, High Chief Kefas Mker, JP, Paul Sampson, Kendi Jumbo and Hon Ekaette Mojima. You all did excellently well. 

God bless everyone who made this event successful.

May Peace Prevail on Earth.
Mojima Etokudo, PAd
Nigeria Peace Representative
May Peace Prevail on Earth International

NIGERIA, WEST AFRICA:
Report by: Mojima Etokudo, Nigeria Peace Representative

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