The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, today issued the following statement:
"This year's International Day of Peace puts the focus on building a culture of peace, one where dialogue, shared understanding and cooperation are cultivated and practised. A spirit of inclusiveness and respect for diversity are essential, as is respect for the human rights of everyone, without distinction of any kind, including race, gender, religion, political or other opinion, national identity or social origin. These are the preconditions for peace, upon which the survival of our global community depends.
"Canada is committed to practising and promoting inclusion and respect for diversity as a proven path to peace. In an inclusive society, all people feel welcome and secure and can fully and meaningfully participate in social, economic, cultural and civic life. Diversity, seen as a strength and source of creativity, is respected and valued.
"Gender equality is a particular area in which Canada is cultivating a culture of peace. Foundations for Peace, Canada's third national action plan on women, peace and security, recognizes that the active participation of diverse women in peace and security processes and institutions is critical to building more inclusive, equal and peaceful societies. The action plan is a cornerstone of Canada's feminist foreign policy, and it reflects our resolve to be a global leader on women, peace and security matters.
"Globally, peacekeepers-including Canadian personnel-are creating environments conducive to peace. Peacekeepers are working with other members of the international community to implement the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers. Another example is the community outreach being done by Canadian and other international police officers serving with United Nations Police.
"Through their actions and engagement abroad, peacekeepers are helping to build cultures of peace. Canada is also working to promote a culture of peace through its membership in the UN Peacebuilding Commission and through financial support to the UN Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Fund, which helps countries undertaking sustainable recovery from conflict.
"A renewed effort to build a global culture of peace is needed in the face of increasingly complex challenges. On this 25th anniversary of the UN's adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, let us all recognize each other's humanity and commit to speaking and acting in ways that foster peace."
