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International Day of Peace message, 2019 (video)

I am excited to be celebrating the International Day of Peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was a very special day and week - I produced my first song, Nous Sommes Ensemble, I acted in my first play with the spectacular Lumiere Du Monde drama troupe from Rwanda, and I enjoyed the poems, acting, and passion for peace shared by the youth at CBCA Virunga's peace day celebration.

The International Day of Peace is special because it brings together the lovers of peace from around the world on a common theme. This year's theme is the environment, and it is very important. Not just today, but every day, we must reduce our waste, our resource use, and use renewable resources to protect the earth, so that it can sustain us for years to come.

 

The key to peace is valuing people over profits. If we all take care of each other, we will all be protected. If we all look out for ourselves, we will all be vulnerable. 

 

During the last six months in the Congo, I have been reflecting on what makes peace so fragile here, and how we can build it. I think the key to peace is valuing people above profits. When we love human beings more than money, we will take care of each other. When one has a need, someone else will fulfill it, and when they are back on their feet, they will pay it forward. If we all take care of each other, we will all be protected. If we all look out for ourselves, we will all be vulnerable. Love inspires generosity and leads us down the path to peace. 

Especially on the International Day of Peace , I wish you peace.