Each year, the International Day of Peace, also known as World Peace Day, is observed around the world around Sept. 21. River Parishes residents are invited to help celebrate World Peace Day, by joining in the following local observance, free and open to the public:

“Interfaith Prayers for Peace” will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Greenwood Park in LaPlace and is open to all faiths and beliefs.

Local Baha’i PI Rep Charles Kennedy said, “The United Nations General Assembly has declared the International Day of Peace as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.  The theme for 2019 is “Climate Action for Peace.”

The theme draws attention to the importance of combating climate change as a way to protect and promote peace throughout the world. For more information on this theme, please visit https://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/

According to the U.N. Peace Day website, “Climate change causes clear threats to international peace and security. Natural disasters displace three times as many people as conflicts, forcing millions to leave their homes and seek safety elsewhere. The salinization of water and crops is endangering food security, and the impact on public health is escalating. The growing tensions over resources and mass movements of people are affecting every country on every continent.”

“Peace can only be achieved if concrete action is taken to combat climate change”, according to U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres. He added, “Nature does not negotiate.”

In the lead up to the International Day of Peace on September 21, the United Nations calls upon all to take action to tackle climate change. Every human is part of the solution – from turning off the lights to taking public transport, to organizing an awareness raising campaign in your community. You can share your ideas and activities through #PeaceDay and #ClimateAction.

 

This column was submitted by Charles Kennedy Jr. on behalf of the Baha’i Community of St John the Baptist Parish.  For more information, they can be contacted at stjohnbahais@yahoo.com or 985-651-6513.