Monrovia – The Civil Peace Service Liberia (CPSL) recently marked the International Day of Peace with a vibrant and inspiring event in Monrovia. This year’s global theme, *“Cultivating the Culture of Peace,”* was locally adapted by CPSL under the subtheme, “Promoting a Society Free of Drugs and Substance Abuse through Effective Partnerships.”
By Claudius T. Greene, Jr., contributing writer
The celebration, held at the Peaceful United Lutheran Church in Paynesville, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, partners, students, and community members, all united by a commitment to fostering peace and addressing the critical issue of substance abuse—a growing threat to Liberia’s societal stability.
First established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1981, the International Day of Peace is a globally recognized occasion to promote the ideals of peace within and among nations. In 2001, the UNGA declared September 21 as the official *“International Day of Peace,”* calling for a global ceasefire and nonviolence. Since then, the day has been a time for reflection on the importance of peace worldwide.
CPS Liberia, a network of civil society organizations supported by its German-based donor, Bread for the World, has been promoting peace and sustainable development since 2008. The organization engages in advocacy, training, and collaborative initiatives at local, national, and international levels.
CPS Liberia’s network includes seven key partners: the Center for Justice and Peace Service (CJPS), the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), the Lutheran Development Service (LDS), the Lutheran Church in Liberia (LCL), LOIC, NARDA, and the YMCA. The strength of the network lies in these partnerships, which foster mutual exchange and play a pivotal role in advancing programs aimed at poverty reduction and creating transparent, accountable, and sustainable communities.
During the event, keynote speaker Christian Dormeyan stressed the significance of the day, aligning the global and local themes with Liberia’s ongoing challenges. He identified drug and substance abuse as a major factor undermining peace, contributing to violence, crime, and societal breakdown.
Dormeyan shared his personal story of addiction and recovery, highlighting how the Lutheran Church in Liberia’s Trauma Healing & Reconciliation Program transformed his life. He emphasized the importance of partnerships in providing the support needed for healing and rehabilitation and urged collective action to address the root causes of instability in Liberia.
A Call for Collective Action
As the celebration of the International Day of Peace continues to inspire, CPS Liberia calls on all sectors—government, civil society, religious institutions, and local communities—to unite in promoting a society free from drugs and substance abuse.
“Only through strong partnerships can we build the foundation for lasting peace, security, and prosperity for future generations,” Dormeyan added.
A representative from AGIAMONDO, in a special remark, extended appreciation on behalf of the organization to the participants for their attendance and engagement in this year’s International Day of Peace celebration. She commended their commitment to fostering peace and unity within their communities.
“I firmly believe that as human beings, we all have the power to take responsibility for ourselves,” she told the participants. “We can control our thoughts and emotions and work towards bettering ourselves and our communities.”
She further emphasized that everyone possesses deeply meaningful values and encouraged the participants to strive to live by those values. “Together, through individual responsibility and collective effort, we can build a more peaceful and harmonious society,” she concluded.
