Marking Peace Day, UNIFIL head highlights efforts with LAF in building peace

As peace along the Blue Line remains a shared aspiration, Lebanese officials and local leaders joined UNIFIL peacekeepers today in marking the International Day of Peace, which fell on Sunday, 21 September, at the UN mission’s headquarters in Naqoura.

This year’s UNIFIL observance was the first in two years, as last year’s intensified conflict prevented the gathering. This year’s ceremony was held at a time of continued tension, with the current stability remaining fragile.

In his address at today’s ceremony, UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Diodato Abagnara strongly emphasized the mission’s efforts with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in building and sustaining peace in south Lebanon.

Major General Abagnara also highlighted the challenges peacekeepers face in the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, which forms the basis of UNIFIL’s mandate.

“Security incidents test our vigilance,” he said. “UNIFIL must adapt as circumstances evolve, but our purpose remains unchanged: to serve peace, protect civilians, uphold the ideals of the United Nations.”

At today’s ceremony, the UNIFIL head, senior UN officials and the LAF representative, Brigadier General Nicolas Tabet, released doves to symbolize peace. On the occasion, 37 military staff officers were awarded with the UN Peacekeeping Medal in recognition of their participation in the mission’s work.

The International Day of Peace was established by the UN General Assembly in 1981. It is dedicated to ceasefire and non-violence and is an occasion during which all promote tolerance, justice, and human rights. In 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and ceasefire.

The global theme of this year’s observance is Act Now for a Peaceful World, calling everyone to take concrete action to mobilize for peace.