On 9 May 2017, UNAMID’s Communications and Public Information Section (CPIS), in partnership with the Centre for Peace and Development Studies, University of El Fasher, organized an annual debate around the topic, “Peace for development or development for peace; which comes first?”

The event, which took place at the University of El Fasher premises, was broadcast live via radio to all five Darfur states. It was attended by some 200 university students; women and youth leaders as well as representatives from UNAMID and the University of El Fasher.  Dr. Salih Elnour the Director of Centre for Peace and Development Studies, , Representative of El Fasher Commissioner and UNAMID staff. Additionally UNAMID CPIS organized a photo exhibition portraying the Mission activities a cross Darfur.

Representing the Mission, Carlos Araujo, Director, CPIS, stated that the debate is an important part of the ongoing dialogue around peace and development that is taking place both in Darfur and around the world. He reminded the participants of the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres’  emphasis on the links between sustainable development and peace amid global challenges as rising inequality, protracted conflicts and climate change.

On his part, Dr. Salih Elnour,  Director, Centre for Peace and Development Studies, stated that the University believes in serving the local community by reinforcing peace and development. He commended UNAMID for its continued support to the Centre’s activities and stressed that such debates will help mobilize young people to act in favor of establishing cohesive social peace across Darfur.

In his remarks, Mohammed Idris, Representative, El Fasher Locality Commissioner, noted that inclusive development is essential for sustainable peace. Furthermore, he urged participants to think of ways and means to convey the significance of peace, development and amity across Darfur at the grassroots level. 

The Centre for Peace and Development Studies conducts numerous symposiums, fora and workshops on capacity-building and awareness-raising, and was established to help provide realistic solutions to the Darfur conflict. UNAMID CPIS has conducted similar debates in Nyala, South Darfur, and Zalingei, Central Darfur.