EASF Observes International Day of Peace

The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) observed the International Day of Peace, today, 21 September 2022 at the African International University (AIU) in Nairobi with a Peace Symposium. The 2022 theme for the International Day of Peace is “End Racism; Build Peace.” The EASF Peace Symposium was attended by students and staff of AIU, the EASF staff as well as students of Hope International School in Nairobi.

The event was launched officially by the EASF Joint Chief of Staff (JCOS), Maj. Gen. (PSC) Dr. Osman Mohamed Abbas, who was also representing the EASF Director. In his opening address, the JCOS stressed the need for the global community to come together and work for the betterment of human life around the world by finding solutions to the root causes of the unacceptable situations imposed on people. The JCOS also presented a Peace Pledge to the African International University and EASF donation to the Hope International School.

The opening ceremony also included speeches by the Acting Vice Chancellor of African International University who welcomed the participants and highlighted that AIU endeavors to produce transformative leaders who are also peace builders in the community. Opening remarks were also delivered by the Director of the American Friends Service, Mr. Kennedy Akolo and the EASF Civilian Advisor, Mr. Peter Horne Zartsdahl, who spoke on behalf of the Friends of EASF.

The objective of the EASF Peace Symposium was threefold. Firstly, it aimed to observe the International Peace Day, which was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Secondly, the event was meant to serve as a platform for discussions on the relevance and contribution of EASF as a regional mechanism in matters of peace and security. Thirdly, the symposium intended to create understanding among different stakeholders and partners on cooperation and integration for peace and security in the region.

The Peace Symposium included presentations by scholars followed by moderated panel discussions.

Photo Gallery:EASF International Day of Peace