The International Day of Peace was celebrated in Togo's Naki-Est region on September 23, under the theme "Investing in Peace for All, Everywhere, Every Day." This event was part of the "Integrated Crisis Response Action in the Savanes Region of Togo (Savanes Kpaadu)" project, implemented by Plan International Togo and its partners with funding from the European Union. The project aims to strengthen citizen mobilization and dialogue among communities, promoting peace, social cohesion, and living together.
The celebration included a community forum, exchanges with young people and civil society organizations, and socio-cultural activities. During the event, the objectives and actions of the "Savanes Kpaadu" project, as well as entrepreneurship opportunities, were presented to the communities. They were also sensitized on living together, peace, and social cohesion. The goal is to encourage community involvement in promoting peace and stability in the region.
The Prefect of Kpendjal-Ouest, Col. Bakaï Pidassa, emphasized that peace and living together are essential levers for sustainable development. He invited the population to work towards contributing to the rooting of peace in the locality. The Prefect's call to action highlights the importance of community engagement in achieving lasting peace and development.
The Mayor of Kpendjal-Ouest 1, Mme Didjengou Fékandine, expressed her wish that this initiative would foster a collective awareness of the importance of social cohesion, living together, and fraternity among communities. Her sentiments reflect the local government's commitment to promoting peace and unity in the region.
Mme Abalo Naka, Coordinator of Plan International Togo, Savanes and Kara office, explained that these events aim to transform symbolic occasions into genuine platforms for popular mobilization, capable of strengthening living together and countering discourses of division and hate. Her statement underscores the organization's efforts to create lasting impact through community engagement.
The International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21, serves as a reminder of the importance of peace and stability worldwide. In Togo, the celebration in Naki-Est demonstrates the country's commitment to promoting peace and social cohesion at the local level. The event brought together various stakeholders, including community members, local authorities, and civil society organizations.
The "Savanes Kpaadu" project and related initiatives have been instrumental in promoting peace and stability in the Savanes region. By engaging communities and fostering dialogue, these efforts aim to create a more peaceful and cohesive society. The celebration in Naki-Est is a testament to the progress made in this regard and the potential for future growth and development.
Key points
- The International Day of Peace was celebrated in Togo's Naki-Est region with a focus on community engagement and promoting peace and social cohesion.