Ed Minister joins Marian Academy for International Day of Peace 2025 observances

On Friday, Minister Parag joined Peace Day celebrations at Marian Academy, Carifesta Avenue, in observance of the International Day of Peace, which is celebrated annually on September 21.
Speaking in her feature address, she reminded students that true peace begins within each of us, not in grand conferences or external displays, but in the choices we make every day.
In a world that often seems filled with aggression and malice, the Minister encouraged the young people to always embrace the path of peace, affirming that this path brings no loss or pain but instead leads to a brighter, better future.
The students shared heart-warming messages, poems and beautiful renditions calling on leaders and communities alike to act now for a more peaceful world.
According to the Ministry of Education (MOE) in its social media post, the event was a moving reminder that peace is not only possible but necessary, and that we must carry this message to every corner of our country.
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and ceasefire.
This year’s theme, designated by the UN, is “Act Now for a Peaceful World”.
In his speech to mark the occasion this year, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, noted that the “warring world is crying out for peace, and this year’s International Day of Peace urges each of us to give voice to that call”.
He highlighted that worldwide, lives are being ripped apart, childhoods extinguished, and basic human dignity discarded amid the cruelty and degradations of war.
“We are seeing an explosion of conflict. International law flouted. And record numbers of people fleeing their homes. All they want is peace. Peace is everyone’s business. The impacts of war ripple around the world. We must silence the guns. End the suffering. Build bridges. And create stability and prosperity. Sustainable development supports peace – nine of the 10 countries struggling most with development are suffering conflict.”
He also emphasised that racism, dehumanisation and misinformation that throw fuel on the fires of conflict should be stopped, and the world should instead speak the language of respect and tolerance.
He added that the world must “use our influence to push for peace. Where we have peace, we have hope. Families unite, communities rebuild, and children learn and play. Peace cannot wait – our work starts now”.