Peace bell rings in Tashkent

September 21, 2011

The Fund Forum, the Womens Council, Kelajak ovozi (Voice of the future) YIC, Special Olympics Uzbekistan, UNESCO, the UN Information Center, UN Women, Civil Initiatives Support Center (CISC), the National Association of NGOs of Uzbekistan, the Committee of Women and Uzbekistan Football Federation have launched a series of events commemorating the International Day of Peace marked worldwide on September 21. The Peace Bell was rung in Tashkent`s Bobur Park in what was a call for non-violence and cease-fire as well as a commitment to the ideals of friendship and concord.

The peace bell ceremony was attended by representatives of the UN agencies in Uzbekistan, members of the diplomatic corps and national culture centers as well as students. The event started with a concert featuring performances by children`s music and dance groups, with representatives of several international organizations and embassies making greeting speeches.

Michel Tailhades, WHO Representative in Uzbekistan:

“This day is very important for all of us. I`m happy to be here today and to see so many people coming together to support our goal. We welcome and express our thanks to all those who have organized this noble event in Uzbekistan. This is your day and we are with you!”

Jorge Espinal, head of the UNESCO Tashkent Office:

“The International Day of Peace is organized, first of all, in the name of our future and for the sake of our children. The youth and young minds are the main force that protects our peace. This noble event is important to all of us. We must always remain committed to universal values.”

Following the concert and greeting remarks, representatives of international organizations rang the Peace Bell, which signaled people`s readiness to devote themselves to building a safer and fairer world in the name of a better future for their country and for the entire world.

The Peace Day events in Tashkent will include a youth exhibition on September 22 at the Youth Creativity Palace and a friendly football match among teams of UN agencies in Uzbekistan, diplomatic missions, and public and governmental entities on September 24 at Pakhtakor Stadium.

Note: The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by resolution 36/67 of the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with its opening session, which was held annually on the third Tuesday of September. The first Peace Day was observed in September 1982. In 2001, the General Assembly by unanimous vote adopted resolution 55/282, which established 21 September as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire. The UN invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.

The Peace Bell at the UN headquarters was presented by the United Nations Association of Japan in 1954. The bell is cast from coins donated by children from around 60 countries and is referred to as “a reminder of the human cost of war”. Traditionally, the bell is rung twice a year. It is tolled on the first day of spring during the vernal equinox and on September 21, the International Day of Peace.

By creating the International Day of Peace, the UN devoted itself to worldwide peace and encouraged all of mankind to work in cooperation for this goal. In Uzbekistan this day has been celebrated since 2007. The annual events related to Peace Day in Uzbekistan have been overseen by the Fund Forum and the Women`s Council since 2008.