By: Juliette Touma and Bertram Chambers, UNDP Iraq
The countdown for a first of its kind event to promote peace and non-violence in Iraq has started.
To celebrate the International Day of Peace, UNDP Iraq, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture in Iraq, is organising a music concert on 21 September in Baghdad at the National Theatre. The concert will host the renowned Iraqi musician Nasseer Shamma.
In addition to performing around the world and winning a number of international music prizes, Shamma is widely known and respected as a man of compassion who has for years been a dedicated advocate to peace and putting an end to violence and turbulence in Iraq.
The Peace Day Concert aims to bring together various partners including the Government of Iraq, the United Nations, the Diplomatic family and the Iraqi youth and art scene to unanimously express a commitment for peace and non-violence in Iraq
The concert will feature speakers representing the event’s partners, a short film on the Peace One Day initiative (http://peaceoneday.org/) in addition to Nasseer Shamma’s performance.
International Day of Peace was first celebrated after the United Nations General Assembly declared 21 September as the United Nations International Day of Peace in 2001. By 2010, 192 member states and 28 international organizations had marked the day, carrying out activities in 31 countries worldwide. Peace Day has provided an opportunity to reach temporary ceasefires and humanitarian pauses in combat zones around the globe, permitting access for humanitarian aid and contributing to the reduction of violence including the killings of innocent civilians.
Through this event, the Iraqi people participating, will add their voices to the millions of people around the world who have already committed themselves to the values of peace and a better future for all.
For a video on the Peace Day Concert in Baghdad, please see:
http://www.iq.undp.org/VideoAlbums_ClipView.aspx?q=SUQ9MzAm-VisSt8doHho%3d
For more information please contact Juliette Touma, juliette.touma@undp.org