On 21 September 2015, UNAMID, in collaboration with the Centre for Peace and Development studies and Human Rights, University of El Fasher, North Darfur, organized a day-long peace forum to commemorate the International Day of Peace, annually celebrated across the world on this date. The event was organised under the theme “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All,” and took place at the El Fasher University. 

The peace forum was attended by more than 100 people including representatives from the native administration, religious leaders, women and youth leaders and was aimed at disseminating the message of peace through constructive dialogue. 

Addressing the gathering, Head of Office, Sector North, Mohamed El-Amine Souef, read out the United Nations Secretary General’s message on the day where he urged all governments to make greater investments in realizing the potentially massive contributions of the world’s young peace builders. “There is no group more poised to help realise this dream than today’s young people,” said Mr. Ban Ki-moon.

On his part, the Deputy Wali (Governor) of North Darfur, Adam Mohamed Hamid, commended UNAMID for its efforts toward establishing sustainable peace across Darfur. Mr. Hamid also praised the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) as a suitable guide for achieving lasting peace and peaceful coexistence in Darfur and Sudan, as a whole. Additionally the Deputy Wali called upon all non-signatory movements to join ongoing peace efforts.

In his remarks on the occasion, Professor Osman Abdeljabar Osman, Vice Chancellor, El Fasher University, expressed his appreciation for UNAMID’s continued efforts to achieve peace in Darfur.

On the same day, UNAMID’s Community Outreach Unit organised a musical concert and cultural performance at the Abu Shouk camp for the displaced, near El Fasher, North Darfur.  The event brought together more than 3,000 people from different backgrounds including the camp’s residents, community leaders, women and youth groups.

Similar events were organized by the Mission, in collaboration with state governments, civil society groups and local communities in Nyala, South Darfur, Zalingei, Central Darfur and El Geneina, West Darfur.