(Photo from Peace Capital Facebook page)
On 21 September of every year, organisations around the world celebrate the International Day of Peace. The event was established by the United Nations in 1981 and in 1982, the first International Day of Peace was celebrated.
According to the official website, the objective was “to devote a specific time to concentrate the efforts of the United Nations and its Member States, as well as of the whole of mankind, to promoting the ideals of Peace and to giving positive evidence of their commitment to peace in all viable ways.”
This is the fourth consecutive year that Egypt will take part in the International Day of Peace on 21 September. Masterpeace, an international grassroots movement dedicated to promoting peace, through the Egyptian campaign Peace Capital, has been the organiser of the event every year. The campaign, which started in 2011, aims at showcasing Cairo as a city of peace and safety.
The event, which will take place this Friday, aims to promote peace through art, workshops and concerts. “There will be workshops on acceptance, diversity and renouncing racism. Participants will be taught different kinds of peace, including one’s own internal peace,” explained Ahmed Fathy Mohran, Peace Capital’s project coordinator.
In addition, there will be sessions on the history of the International Day of Peace and why it is celebrated. Children will be able to join in the festivities as well; there is a special kids’ corner with special arts and crafts events.
“The [25 January] revolution was considered a peaceful one. In comparison to other countries, even with the lack of security, Cairo is still a safe city. In other places, you wouldn’t be able to walk out of your house,” explained Mohran. That is why they are adamant to commemorate the day and promote Cairo as a safe city. The culmination of their efforts will be celebrated on the International Day of Peace in 2014, for which they have already started planning.
Anyone can be part of this day, as per the International Day of Peace official website: “It can be as simple as lighting a candle at noon, sitting in silent meditation, or doing a good deed for someone you do not know. Or it can involve getting your co-workers, organisation, community or government engaged in a large event. The impact if millions of people in all parts of the world, coming together for one day of peace, is immense, and does make a difference.”
The 2013 festival will take place on Nady El Seid Street, next Friday 21 September at 10am.
