Irina Bokova Kicks Off the Campaign to “Make Peace Happen”

On 25 March, UNESCO Director-General, Irina Bokova, alongside Mr. Manuel Goncalves Muandumba, Angolan Minister of Youth and Sports and Mr. Erastus Mwencha, Vice-President of the African Union Commission, launched the "UNESCO- African Union Campaign to promote a culture of peace in Africa -- Make Peace Happen".

“I am very touched to be with you today. When I see all of us assembled together today, to launch this Campaign, I realize the power of peace, I realize what we can do together,” said the Director-General. “Peace is more than agreements between Governments […] Peace must be forged in solidarity and mutual understanding”.

This Angolan launch of the campaign brought together over 3000 participants, including young people, adults and women, around cultural events, theater and music. Thousands of white scarves were symbolically handed over by the crowd to members of the armed forces present at the event, as the young people highlighted the costs of war and the blessings of peace.