First-ever International Day for Living Together in Peace commemorated

WINDHOEK, 16 MAY  – The United Nations (UN) System in Namibia on Wednesday commemorated the first-ever International Day for Living Together in Peace.

The UN General Assembly declared 16 May as the International Day of Living Together in Peace in December last year to mobilise the international community’s efforts to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity.

In a speech read on her behalf by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Christine //Hoebes, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah suggested that global countries apply the logic of the Namibian House in order for the people to have a sense of belonging.

This, she explained will enable developing and developed countries to co-exist in peace and harmony.
She expressed concern that nations are currently threatened by the growing scourge of terrorism and terrorist related activities, “which continue to devour the foundation of the existence of the human race”.

Terrorism and its related activities are too often linked to frustrations among those who feel they have exhausted all avenues for recognition in society, she said, adding that such tendencies are primarily motivated by a diversity of factors.

These include politics, economics, culture, religion and individual grievances, exclusion, joblessness and inequality, she noted.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also said that: “Here in Namibia, we recognised early on that, if we have to overcome the deep division brought about by apartheid, we have to embrace one another, irrespective of race or ethnicity.”

The government thus adopted the Policy of National Reconciliation, she said, which needs maturing through various policy implementation, adding that in Namibia, peace should be recognised to overcome the deep division brought about by apartheid.

Living together in peace and harmony, according to the minister, is all about accepting differences and having the ability to listen, recognise and appreciate others as well as living in a peaceful and united way.

On her part, Acting UN Resident Coordinator and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative, Dennia Gayle said that Namibia’s commitment to peace in the national and international development agenda is clear and continues to show best practices on the continent.
“We must promote societies where all people can live in a peaceful and united way as prerequisite for integration, sustainable development and social progression,” she added.
NAMPA