UNFPA Representative for Ukraine Ms. Nuzhat Ehsan visited Kremenchuk city of Poltava region to observe International Day of Peace.
The celebration took place at the Peace Park, where the Gong of Peace was established in 2010 as a gift to Ukraine from the Government of Indonesia. The event was opened by Kremenchuk city Council Executive Secretary Vasyl Ivko. The audience consisted of the students of the local colleges and vocational schools, II World War veterans and Kremenchug city residents, who were addressed by UNFPA Representative as well as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Indonesia to Ukraine H.E. Ms. Ninik Kun Nar'yati, Avtozavodskyi District Council Head Mr. Volodymyr Kovalenko and Director of Kremenchuk Center for international relations and economic development “Kremenchuk Invest” Mr. Andriy Melnyk.
In her remarks, Ms. Ehsan acknowledged Ukraine’s input in the UN peace and security efforts honoring the fact that 37 000 Ukrainians participated in 20 UN international peacekeeping operations and missions during which 27 Ukrainian peacekeepers lost their lives. UNFPA Representative brought up this year’s theme of this International Day determined by UN Secretary General as “Education for Peace”.
“Education is vital for building peaceful societies. 57 million children globally are still denied an education. Millions more need better schooling. It is not enough to learn how to read, write and count. Education also helps to cultivate mutual respect for others and the world in which we live, and help people forge more just, inclusive and peaceful nations”, said UNFPA Representative.
The highlight of this year's event was the performance of Indonesian children in traditional costumes who came to Kremenchuk to take part in the celebration of the International Day of Peace.
During her visit to Kremenchuk, Ms. Ehsan also met with the city officials and addressed the opening of the Young Diplomats Assembly in one of the prominent schools of Kremenchuk city Lyceum #30.
Reference Information
The Peace Gong – is international pacifist project initiated in 2003 by the Government of Indonesia and supported by the International community. The Gong symbolizes peace, rejection of xenophobia and totalitarianism. The sound of Gong reflects ancient Indonesian tradition to mark the end of war and share hopes for good and peace.
The Gong is a 150 -kilogram metal plate, with the following symbols: two flowers - world balance, beauty and joy; flags of all countries of the world - a symbol of unity of world population; 10 symbols of the world's major religions: Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hindu, Tao, Sikh, Shinto. In the middle of the plate is a world globe. The Gongs of Peace are established in Bali, Indonesia; Geneva, Switzerland; Shandong, China; Gödöllő, Hungary; Vientiane, Laos, other countries.
The Gong of Peace was established in the Kremenchug city Park of Peace in 2010 as a gift to Ukraine from Indonesia. The city has established a tradition of annual celebration of the International Day of Peace.
