Reflections from the 2021 International Day of Peace
International Day of Peace, Sept. 21, 2021
On Sept. 21, 2021, the VCWA observed our first-ever International Day of Peace event. Established by a unanimous U.N. resolution in 1981, International Day of Peace is devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
We kicked off the day's programming at 9 AM with opening remarks from Governor Phil Scott, VCWA Executive Director Patricia Preston, and VCWA board chair and former Mayor of Burlington Peter Clavelle. Governor Scott highlighted his recent request that the Biden Administration put Vermont at the top of the list for relocating Afghan refugees, saying, "I strongly believe we have a moral obligation to do so. By welcoming more people from other countries and cultures, we strengthen the cultural fabric and economic strength of our communities."
Following the Governor's opening remarks, Executive Director Patricia Preston joined Iranian journalist and author Tara Kangarlou at 10 AM to discuss her first book, "The Heartbeat of Iran." In this book, Kangarlou captures some of the most nuanced and complex realities of life in today's Iran through intimate and personal stories of everyday Iranians. In response to ordinary Americans looking to connect with Iranians beyond the political fog separating the two countries, she said, "I encourage readers to look into Iran's history rather than its politics. Try to understand this 3,000-year-old civilization through its culture, and understand U.S. politics beyond the last 40 years."
At noon, we explored the Washington, DC Peace Trail guided by the U.S. Institute of Peace's Anne-Louise Colgan. The Trail includes the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the U.S. Institute of Peace, bringing together symbols of peace throughout U.S. history. According to Colgan, the USIP is a congressionally funded organization that is "part think tank with expertise on conflict, part partner in resolving violent conflict, and part training organization for those working for peace." Participants also explored discussion questions on the peace process and mutual understanding with Colgan's guidance.
Next, the VCWA was joined by Ambassador Ronald E. Neumann and Paula Nirschel for a virtual panel discussion moderated by Dr. Katherine Brown, the President, and CEO of Global Ties U.S. They shared messages of hope for diplomacy and education for women and girls in Afghanistan's future, affirming that any change in Afghanistan must be taken slowly and deliberately to succeed. Encompassing both the governmental and nongovernmental perspectives on the Afghan situation, these two speakers expressed their knowledge and lived experiences.
The evening reception commenced at 6 PM at Champlain College's Hauke Family Center. CNN Anchor and Chief National Security Correspondent Jim Sciutto shared his experiences working as a war correspondent in Afghanistan, saying that "being a war correspondent really makes you appreciate peace." Both in discussion with Executive Director Patricia Preston and in speaking about his own experience directly, Sciutto tied the process of peace directly to journalism: "We are not just conservationists of peace, we are conservationists of truth."
Finally, Vermont Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray and former Burlington mayor and VCWA Board Chair Peter Clavelle gave remarks. The Lieutenant Governor spoke about the importance of personal connection through her experience in international human rights law, saying, "While we can't determine what happens government to government, we can determine what happens community to community." Clavelle then introduced the VCWA's 2021 Person of the Year, Lida Nadery Hedayat. This award exemplifies someone who, in VCWA's view, embodies the qualities inherent in promoting international understanding and building ties between the U.S. and the world. This year we honored Lida Nadery Hedayat for her work in peace-building and women's empowerment in Afghanistan. In terms of how to continue our peaceful actions, Hedayat said, "We must turn our pain into action and support [Afghan women] for a better future. We must not let the world forget them or their courage."
We want to thank everyone who was a part of this event and hope it serves as a catalyst for our community to continue reflecting on peace and what that means for us both here in Vermont and worldwide. We also want to thank our generous sponsors and supporters without whom; this event would not be possible.
We look forward to welcoming you at future events, whether in person or remotely, very soon. Check out our upcoming events page for more information on VCWA events!
