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On Wednesday, 21 September, UNIC Moscow has successfully accomplished its major activity for the International Day of Peace – a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument to the Soldiers of Anti-Fascist Coalition in World War II, Poklonnaya Hill Park, Moscow.
A group of special guests came to the event, including the Guest of Honour, Mr. Alexandre Pankin, Director, Department of International Organizations in the Russian Foreign Ministry; rotational chair of UNCT/Russia and UNAIDS representative Mr. Vinay Saldanha; a number of major Russian NGOs, including UNA/Russia (First Deputy Chairman Mr. Alexei Borisov), Moscow branch of the Universal Peace Federation Eurasia (an NGO in special consultative status with ECOSOC), and veteran UN military observers.
The ceremony was formally opened by UNIC Director, Mr. Kuznetsov, then the floor was given to Mr. Pankin, Mr. Saldanha, Ms. Borisov and Mr. Lavrov, former UN military observer. As a follow-up to the formal part of the event, Mr. Pankin and Mr. Kuznetsov laid a wreath to the Monument.
The event was a success, not in the least because it was in line with the well-established tradition, which Moscovites have grown increasingly aware of. Also, Moscow was not the only city where the International Day of Peace was observed in the country – several schools observed the IDP by meetings, drawing contests and Young Peacemaker activities in some cities of Central and Southern Russia.
The second activity to mark the IDP, in which this UNIC was directly involved, was the Day's observance at Moscow secondary school 1231 with the advanced study of English. The point is the school has just joined the "UNESCO associated schools" international project (ASPnet), and this important chapter in the school's history was specifically timed to coincide with the International Day of Peace.
As we are aware, educational institutions that are part of the ASPnet project are committed to promoting UNESCO's ideals and are united by common goals in the field of study of the world cultural and natural heritage, development of intercultural communication and the advancement of peace.
In the welcoming remarks of Mr. Kuznetsov, he congratulated the school's leadership, teachers and schoolchildren, stressing in particular that their new UNESCO-related status was not only a privilege but also a responsibility. He also read out the SG`s message on the International Day of Peace and highlighted the importance of the Agenda 2030.
Former UN military observers Mr. Lavrov and Mr. Komlyakov, for their part, briefed the school students on their service with the UN peace missions. Students and teachers were visibly impressed and encouraged by their story. They expressed interest in deepening their knowledge of the global Organization's commitment to maintaining international peace and security. The students also came up with a magnificent dance show, which did not leave anyone unimpressed.
In conclusion, the children pointed out that the International Day of Peace was a very meaningful event for everyone, whereas the significance of IDP was demonstrated by the fact that Day was officially proclaimed and observed by the United Nations. Best regards, Vladimir
