Secretary General for the BVI National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, (UNESCO), Dr. Allison Flax-Archer has said the commission will focus on the protection of people, the planet and wildlife as it observes International Day of Peace.

Dr. Flax-Archer said, “Establishing a culture of peace and sustainable development are at the heart of UNESCO’s mandate and International Day of Peace should be celebrated because the power of global solidarity for building a peaceful and sustainable world is paramount.”

Dr. Flax-Archer said that as part of the day’s activities, a new publication titled "Planting Peace" for children ages 7-12 by local Author Anika Christopher will be donated to schools throughout the Territory.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley endorsed the celebration of the Day.

He said, “This year’s theme of ‘Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world’ is apt given that we are going through the worst pandemic in 100 years that affects every country and every person in the world. The Government of the Virgin Islands continues to fight for sustainable development and to ensure that the rights of all persons in these islands are respected.”

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21. The United Nations General Assembly declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and people. 

The BVI National Commission for UNESCO has a vision of sustainable development encompassing the observance of human rights, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty, all of which are at the heart of UNESCO’s aim. UNESCO works to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values.