International Day of Peace Statement by RC Ms. Seraphine Wakana

The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports – Hon. Bakary Badjie,

The National Coordinator WANEP - Ms Salama Njie,

Chairman of The Gambia Federation for the Disabled - Magistrate Muhammed Krubally,

Colleagues from the United Nations,

Representatives of the Media,

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,

All protocols respectfully observed,

Happy International Day of Peace!

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. A day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace.

When it comes to its commitment to peace, The Gambia has distinguished itself in the eyes of the world. 

The Gambia continues to demonstrate its uniqueness in West Africa by fully embracing its beautiful diversity, religious beliefs, ethnicity, and culture. This is evident through its unique transitional justice process which prioritized reconciliation over vengeance, choosing democracy over the undemocratic transfer of power and political leaders publicly committing to fight hate speech & the spread of fake news.

These strides didn’t go unnoticed, with The Gambia jumping 10 places in the 2022 Global Peace Index and is now considered the 45th most peaceful country in the world out of a total of 163 countries and the 3rd most peaceful country in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Since our presence in the country, The UN family continues to work closely with government, civil society, and local communities to strengthen peace & promote peaceful co-existence by continuously supporting peace led initiatives across the country.

But achieving true peace is an ongoing process. Actions for peace and security must extend to many fronts.

It requires the building of societies where everyone feels that that they can flourish.

The theme for this year’s International Day of Peace is “End racism. Build peace.”

As conflicts continue to erupt across the globe, causing people to flee, we have seen race-based discrimination at borders across the world. In The Gambia, we saw a different scenario where refugees fleeing into the country as a result of conflict were welcomed with open arms.

I invite you to join the efforts of the United Nations as we work towards a world free of racism and racial discrimination.

We must endeavor to build a world where compassion and empathy overcome suspicion and hatred, more peaceful, sustainable, and equitable world. A world we can truly be proud of.

Thank you.