by: Joey Ou
“Peace is needed today more than ever,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. “War and conflict are unleashing devastation, poverty, and hunger, and driving tens of millions of people from their homes. Climate chaos is all around. And even peaceful countries are gripped by gaping inequalities and political polarization.”
In a world where differences often lead to conflict, there also is hope that unites Waterloo Region: Peace Week 2023. For the past nine years, the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement has facilitated a local Peace Week initiative during the week of September 21 to celebrate and promote the pursuit of peace and justice in the community and around the world.
Each year the United Nations announces a theme for Peace Week, and this year, the theme is “Action for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals.” While events during Waterloo Region’s Peace Week do not need to adhere to this theme, drawing connections to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) may help driving collective efforts towards peace and sustainability.
On September 21, the International Day of Peace, the Centre for Peace Advancement will kick off Peace Week, which will encompass peace-related activities up until the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. A diverse array of activities will showcase the remarkable contributions of local organizations and individuals dedicated to peace. Each year, the Centre hosts an online community calendar to promote the events of local organizations related to peace and justice. Past initiatives have included peace-themed public lectures, book launches, film screenings, fundraiser walks, and even yoga classes. Peace Week events not only inspire and educate but also empower attendees to take action for a more sustainable, peaceful world.
Two highly anticipated events hosted by The Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement include the Grebel Gallery opening for Mary Kavanagh’s Trinity Then and Now exhibit and the SDG’s Idea Factory: SDG Talk on SDG 16. Sustainable Development Goal 16 is to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.”
The SDGs provide a roadmap for tackling pressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. By promoting sustainable development and peace, Waterloo Region can create a more resilient and harmonious world for present and future generations.
Whether you are a seasoned advocate for sustainable development or new to peacebuilding, The Centre of Peace Advancement invites you to be a part of this transformative journey. Harness the power of diversity and collective ambition to create lasting change, advance the #GlobalGoals, and pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable future. Mark your calendar for Peace Week 2023, to celebrate diversity, empower action, and champion sustainable development to transforming the world one step at a time.