Message from the RRAS Network Coordinator, on the occasion of the International Day of Peace (2024 edition)
Ladies and Gentlemen, dear partners, friends of peace,
Today, on this International Day of Peace, we come together to celebrate humanity and our shared commitment to a better future. Peace is not just the absence of war, but a state of mind, a way of life.
It is the foundation on which we can build prosperous and sustainable societies.
Africa, our continent, is rich in diversity, cultures and resources. However, it is also faced with many challenges, including armed conflicts, ethnic violence and humanitarian crises. These challenges do not only affect countries in conflict, but have repercussions throughout the region and even beyond.
It is imperative that we rethink our approach to security. We must go beyond military solutions and address the root causes of conflict. This includes poverty, social injustice, inequality and lack of opportunities for our youth. It is for this reason that the Rethinking Africa Security Network (RRAS) was created and I have the honour to lead it.
Today, I would like to highlight the crucial role of women and youth in promoting and multiplying peace. Women, as community leaders and agents of change, play a vital role in preventing conflict and building peace. Likewise, our youth, who represent the future of the continent, must be heard and involved in decision-making processes.
We all have a role to play. I call on you to act, to collaborate, to dialogue. Together, we can create an environment conducive to peace, where everyone feels safe and valued.
On this day, let us renew our commitment to peace. Let us work hand in hand to build societies where peace prevails, where the rights of each individual are respected, and where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding.
Thank you.
Done in Abidjan on September 21, 2024
Mrs. Marie Noelle Koyara
Former Minister of State for Agriculture, Promotion of Women, Public Works, Defense
Coordinator of the Rethinking Security in Africa Network (RRAS)