Sanaka Samarasinha Advocates for Global Unity on International Day of Living Together in Peace

Michigan, US, 14th June 2024, ZEX PR WIRE, On May 16, the world celebrated the International Day of Living Together in Peace, a day dedicated to promoting peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity. Established by the United Nations General Assembly through resolution 72/130, this day aims to mobilize the international community’s efforts to uphold the values of living and acting together in harmony despite differences and diversity.

During the event to commemorate this important day, Sanaka Samarasinha, a distinguished leader in international diplomacy and development, pointed to the day’s significance as a reminder of our collective responsibility to build a sustainable world of peace and solidarity. With over 25 years of experience in the United Nations, Samarasinha’s work has consistently emphasized the importance of reconciliation, compassion, and forgiveness as fundamental pillars for achieving lasting peace.

“Living together in peace means more than the absence of conflict; it requires a proactive and participatory approach to dialogue and mutual understanding,” said Samarasinha. “Our differences should be celebrated, and our shared humanity must guide us towards unity.”

The International Day of Living Together in Peace, Samarasinha said, serves as a call to action for countries to promote reconciliation and ensure sustainable development. He said this includes working with communities, faith leaders, and other relevant actors through reconciliatory measures and acts of service. Sanaka Samarasinha noted that by encouraging forgiveness and compassion among individuals, this day can help foster a culture of peace.

While reflecting on the history of the International Day of Living Together in Peace, Samarasinha said the United Nations was established to save post-World War 2 generations from the scourge of war. He said one of its purposes is to achieve international cooperation in solving global problems, including promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.

1997, he went on; while reflecting on the history, the General Assembly proclaimed 2000 as the “International Year for a Culture of Peace” through resolution 52/15. In 1998, it proclaimed 2001-2010 as the “International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for Children of the World.” The Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, adopted in 1999 by resolution 53/243, Samarasinha said, serves as the universal mandate for promoting peace and non-violence that benefits all humanity.

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed,” said Samarasinha, quoting the Constitution of UNESCO. “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a positive, dynamic participatory process in which dialogue is encouraged, and conflicts are resolved in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation.”

The Declaration, he said, also recognizes the need to eliminate all forms of discrimination and intolerance, including those based on race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinions, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth, or other status.

Sanaka Samarasinha’s extensive career in the United Nations, including his roles as UN Resident Coordinator in the Pacific and Belarus, showcases his unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable development, good governance, and human rights. His efforts on the International Day of Living Together in Peace highlight the crucial need for global unity and collective action to build a more peaceful and harmonious world.