The guest of honor, H.E. Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, at the center, and flanked by the UNDP Resident Representative in Tanzania at her right, and first is the GPF Country Director, Mr. Hussein Sengu. First on her left is the representative of the Dodoma Regional Commissioner.

On September 19, a significant gathering in Dodoma marked the International Day of Peace, with over 400 attendees coming together to reflect on promoting peace and unity. The guest of honor, H.E. Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace, and Security, was warmly welcomed, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in fostering a harmonious society. Every year, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Tanzania partners with the national committee for this commemoration, which is led by the United Nations in Tanzania.

A group photo with the Peace Day Committee, teachers, and students at Kijitonyama Secondary School in Dar es Salaam

This year’s events were co-chaired by GPF Tanzania, bringing together diverse partners, including United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women, the Jane Goodall Institute (Roots & Shoots), Dodoma Youth Development Organization (DOYODO), Scout Tanzania, and various private sector contributors such as TotalEnergies and Vivo Energy. The commemorative activities were centered around three key initiatives:

Educational Outreach Programs, Planting Seeds of Hope (Tree Planting), and the National Peace Day Event in Dodoma.

Educational Outreach Program

Students at Mtemi Mazengo Primary School in Dodoma during a session about Peace Day

Ahead of the Peace Day event, outreach programs successfully engaged over 1,900 students in schools across Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, and Dodoma. Schools such as Hazina Primary and Kijitonyama Secondary in Dar es Salaam, Morogoro Girls Secondary School and Bwakila Chini Secondary School in Morogoro, as well as Mtemi Mazengo, Itega Secondary, Lukindo Secondary Schools, and Bunge Girls’ High School in Dodoma, participated in sessions designed to educate students about the significance of International Peace Day, celebrated globally on September 21. 

A poem recitation during the Peace Day session at Hazina Primary school in Dar es Salaam.

Students learned that peace encompasses not only the absence of conflict but also principles of justice, equality, and inclusion. They were encouraged to understand the impact of small acts of kindness and cooperation in cultivating a peaceful society, with a strong emphasis on the role of youth in leading this transformative change. Artistic expressions through poetry and songs further enriched their learning experience. 

Mtemi Mazengo students singing a special song about Peace Day in Dodoma.

Planting Seeds of Hope

Students of Bunge High School, Itega, and Lukindo Secondary School are planting a tree as a symbol of peace in the community and environmental care.

Anita Bulindi, above, from TotalEnergies emphasized the importance of tree planting in combating climate change, sharing insights on practical ways to conserve energy and protect the environment.

As part of the initiatives, tree planting activities were conducted to symbolize a commitment to a sustainable and peaceful future. At Itega Secondary School in Dodoma, students and GPF staff collaborated on this effort, which was supported by Roots & Shoots clubs. This initiative also aimed to raise awareness about the vital connection between environmental care and peace. TotalEnergies generously donated trees distributed to schools throughout Dodoma, which is experiencing a pressing need for reforestation. The enthusiasm displayed by the students, who pledged to nurture the seedlings, showcases their dedication to environmental stewardship. 

Speaking during the activity, GPF’s Director of Programs reminded students: “We continue to urge you to safeguard the peace we share, to listen to your teachers and parents, and to uphold the good values and guidance they instill in you.”

Peace Day Commemorations Event

H.E. Ambassador Liberata Mulamula receiving a Peace Dove.

During the official Peace Day event, Ambassador Mulamula received a peace dove, a symbol of peace and hope. Interfaith prayers, led by representatives from both Christian and Muslim communities, highlighted the theme that peace and unity transcend cultural and religious boundaries. In his remarks, GPF Tanzania Country Director Hussein Sengu acknowledged the vital role of private sector partnerships, noting the contributions of organizations such as Vivo Energy and TotalEnergies in strengthening the commitment to peace. He reiterated the historical significance of Peace Day, which serves as a reminder for the global community to reflect and promote non-violence and unity. Furthermore, Sengu underscored the recent launch of Tanzania’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security as a pivotal step towards empowering women in sustainable peacebuilding efforts. The International Peace Day commemorations in Tanzania showcased the collaborative spirit and collective responsibility of all stakeholders in fostering peace and security, echoing the call to “Act Now for a Peaceful World.”

Mr Hussein Sengu, the GPF Country Director, speaking to the audience

UNDP Resident Representative, Shigeki Komatsubara, shared a strong message during his speech: “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is a proactive process of fostering understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among individuals and communities.” He added that peace must be built on shared values, social justice, and human dignity.

H.E. Ambassador Mulamula, presenting a keynote address at the commemoration of the International Day of Peace.Amb. Mulamula, in her keynote, emphasized community-level peacebuilding: “True peace is not built only in dialogues or policies, but in the everyday actions we take at the community level. Therefore, let us begin in our homes, schools, places of worship, and our villages. As we commemorate this day, we must ask ourselves how we can promote community-led peacebuilding that is inclusive.”

Panel Session: From Dialogue to Lasting Impact

The panel session, themed “Peace in Action: From Dialogue to Lasting Impact,” featured speakers from the Government – Ministry of Gender, Women and Special Groups, UNDP, Scout Tanzania, Vivo Energy, and faith leaders. Moderated by a representative from Global Peace Foundation Tanzania, the discussion focused on practical ways to transform dialogue into concrete and sustainable actions for peace.

Paul Makubi, representing Scouts Tanzania, stated: “Violence has been disrupting peace in our communities. Through the Scouts Tanzania, we have developed a policy to educate young people to recognize and understand the signs of violence so that they can take the lead in preventing and combating such acts.”

The event featured vibrant cultural performances, including traditional dances by Fountain Gate Schools and Mtemi Mazengo Primary School. These performances reflected the joy and energy of young people, reminding everyone that peace is rooted in culture, creativity, and community spirit. 

Dr. Aileen Meena, Head of Marketing Communications and Community Projects at Vivo Energy, reflected: “Culture is the DNA of peace, and art has the power to shape mindsets. There is a need for community engagement, promotion of inclusivity, and building partnerships to create peaceful societies.”

Recognizing the efforts of partners and school members during this year’s Peace Day commemorations, the committee awarded certificates for their work in building peaceful communities through their peacebuilding initiatives.

The global theme, “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” carried a powerful reminder that peace is built from the ground up through small, everyday actions that shape a just and harmonious society. At Global Peace Foundation Tanzania, this is not just a message but a core value we live by. We remain deeply committed and invested in nurturing peace at every level, from communities to the nation.