International Day of Peace, Dodoma, Tanzania

HE Ambassador Liberta Mulamula, Africa Union Special Envoy on Women Peace and Security

Happy Hiza, Representative of the Regional Commissioner of Dodoma

Representatives and leaders from government offices

Mr. Mohamed Bougriba, Managing Director of Vivo Energy

Ms. Anita Bulindi, Representative of Total Energies

Mr. Hussein Sengu, Director of Global Peace Foundation

National and Regional Representatives from Roots and Shoots

Mr. Rajabu Seleiman, Director of Dodoma Touth Development Organization (DOYODO)

Religious Leaders,

Peace Stakeholders,

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good Morning,

Asalaam Aleikhum.

Amani Oyee!

I am deeply honored to join you today for the International Day of Peace and would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the organizers for their remarkable efforts in preparing today’s commemorations and the activities leading up to this important occasion.

I would also like to congratulate everyone who has participated in these activities, especially those who planted trees yesterday and took part in the educational outreach program, which brought together more than 1,500 young people. Hongereni sana!

It is inspiring to see a diverse range of stakeholders, coming together from various sectors, all playing an active role in promoting and sustaining peace in Dodoma and across the nation. Recent global developments remind us that peace, unity and stability are becoming increasing precious commodity, and cannot be taken for granted.

This message is especially urgent in today’s world, where we are where we are faced with a series of other global challenges. From conflicts to the adverse effects of climate change, supply driven inflations, to economic uncertainties and geopolitical events,  the world is facing increasing instability and unpredictability. We have already witnessed how these challenges can derail our socio-economic development in different regions.

This brings us to the heart of today's theme: Act Now For A Peace World. Peace is not merely the absence of violence and conflict. It is a proactive process of fostering understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among individuals and communities. A culture of peace must be built on the foundation of shared values, social justice, and respect for human dignity. A culture of peace is about creating conditions that allow peace to flourish, not just in moments of crisis, but in everyday life.

In Tanzania, we have long understood that peace, unity and stability are essential to sustainable development. Without peace, children cannot attend school, healthcare systems can not continue to deliver services, markets are disrupted, people do not invest, and growth slows. With peace, stability and national unity, as we witness in Tanzania, development becomes possible. We are able to set our national priorities, collaborate with global partners, and set ambitious goals for our development, now enshrined in the Vision 2050, which in turn contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and the African Union’s  Development Vision 2063.

As we know, the United Nations and the Government of Tanzania have launched the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022-2027, which serves as a roadmap for contributing to Tanzania’s development. This framework, developed in close collaboration with the Government, rests on four pillars:

1. PEOPLE, which focuses on improving the well-being of all Tanzanians.

2. PROSPERITY, aimed at increasing productivity, incomes, and economic growth.

3. PLANET, which seeks to ensure sustainable management of Tanzania’s resources and improve access to clean energy.

4. ENABLING ENVIRONMENT, recognizing that peace, justice, gender equality, human rights, and inclusive governance are fundamental to achieving the first three pillars.

The ENABLING ENVIRONMENT pillar is especially relevant today, as we reflect on how cultivating a culture of peace is central to sustainable development. Peace allows us to address other pressing challenges, such as climate change, gender inequality, and poverty, with greater focus and determination.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend the people and the government of Tanzania for its unwavering commitment to peace, stability and prosperity, not only within its borders but as the leader in East Africa, Africa and beyond. Over the years, Tanzania has demonstrated that peace is the cornerstone of socio-economic and human development. Despite the global challenges of the past few years, Tanzania’s economic growth has remained strong, in large part due to peace, unity and stability it has nurtured. Now, we are at the doorstep to the true socio-economic transformation, where economy will double the seize in 10 years, where Tanzania will move increasingly into the middle income economy, and where Tanzania will rank amongst the most populous countries in the world with 100 million people in a decade or so. Peace makes all development efforts possible, and it is our shared responsibility to maintain it.

Against these backdrops, would like to share with you the Secretary-General’s statement for this year’s International Day of Peace. I quote:

"Eighty years ago, the United Nations emerged from the ashes of war to pursue the cause of peace. That mission is the beating heart of our Organization. But today, peace is under siege. Conflicts are multiplying. Civilians are suffering. Human rights and international law are being trampled – leaving scenes that disgrace our common humanity.

This year’s theme for Peace Day is “Act Now for a Peaceful World”. Because we know that peace doesn’t happen by accident. It is forged through courage, compromise, and above all, action. We must act to silence the guns and amplify diplomacy. We must act to protect civilians and uphold the UN Charter. We must act to tackle the root causes of conflict – from inequality and exclusion, to hate speech, and climate chaos. We must act to invest in prevention, dialogue and trust. And we must act to support the peacebuilders especially women and young people who are on the frontlines of hope.

Excellencies, dear friends,

Peace is the most powerful force for a better future. And it is within our grasp if we choose it. That is the message of Peace Day. And it is the message of this very Peace Bell, which was cast from coins and medals donated by people across the world. The Peace Bell was donated by a Japanese citizen from Hiroshima, with the deepest wish the this world would not suffer from the scourge of war and Atomic Bombs.

Delegates, children, citizens. 

All united in their yearning for peace. This Peace Bell reminds us that even the smallest contributions can forge something enduring. Even in a fractured world, we can come together to let peace ring. Let’s answer that call."

In conclusion, I urge each of you not to take the peace we enjoy in Tanzania for granted. Often, we realize the importance of peace only when we lose it, and it takes huge energy and time to rebuild and regain it. Let us all work together to nurture and protect a culture of peace by promoting values of tolerance, respect, justice, fairness, and compassion in our daily lives. Through these actions, we ensure that peace remains a lasting legacy for future generations.

Asanteni sana!