International Day of Peace Address from SLC President Dezirae Darrell
On Friday, September 19, Student Leadership Council President, Dezirae Darrell delivered a moving address at Somersfield Academy’s International Day of Peace ceremony. Speaking with conviction, she reminded the community of the urgent call to action behind this year’s theme—“Act Now for a Peaceful World”—and the shared responsibility each of us holds in building a more compassionate and united society. Read her full speech below:
Good morning everyone, My name is Dezirae Darrell and I am incredibly excited and grateful to have the opportunity to be this year’s student leadership council president. It is both an honour and a responsibility to stand before you today as we gather to commemorate the International Day of Peace, a day that unites people of all nations, cultures, and different walks of life.
The International Day of Peace occurs every year on the 21st of September. The International Day of Peace is incredibly important, and it represents an annual call for humanity to not only understand but commit to non-violence, global ceasefire, and fostering a culture of peace and understanding. It truly highlights the interconnectedness of peace on a global level with a number of global goals including poverty reduction, human rights, and environmental sustainability, all of which help to remind individuals and communities of our shared responsibility to work together to address the root causes of conflict, resolve differences peacefully, foster understanding and make collective efforts toward a more equal world.
This year’s theme of “Act Now for a Peaceful World” reminds us that peace is not something that is distant, hard to achieve or abstract. It shows us that from peacekeepers on the front lines of conflict, to community members, to us and other students in classrooms around the world, we all have a role to play. We have an important responsibility to stand firmly against violence, hate, discrimination, and inequality. Equally, we have the responsibility to uphold respect and embrace the rich diversity that defines our world. This serves as a reminder that peace is about coming together and facing conflicts, injustice and inequality head on to create compassion and equality for all.
In our world today, we are witnessing immense challenges: conflicts that displace millions, inequalities that divide societies, and environmental crises that threaten our shared future. All of which make peace seem impossible, however, we have seen in history and through our own humanity that peace is always possible when we choose communication over hatred, cooperation over conflict and kindness over our own indifferences.
Let us take this day to remember that peace is built through the smallest of actions, whether that be a word of encouragement, offering a hand of friendship or even a willingness to listen to someone regardless of your own opinion. All of these simple actions can help to foster stronger and more united communities.
Today, and everyday can we commit ourselves to being ambassadors of peace. Speak up against an injustice, extend a helping hand to someone in need, and help to create an environment where everyone feels safe and welcome.
As Maria Montessori once said “preventing conflict is the work of politics; establishing peace is the work of education” So lets take this day to understand one another, help to break barriers and work together toward a future where peace is not just a mere hope but a reality for all.