Fijians need to promote peace more: Pillay
Group marks International Day of Peace.
Kailash Pillay says as a country we need to promote peace more. The Fiji Scouts Association’s Coordinator for Messengers of Peace (MOP) made the comments in light of the International Day of Peace 2021 celebration.
The celebration, which was held virtually on Tuesday, was joined by 80 participants from India, Philippines and Cook Islands including students from around the country.
The gala celebration this year had the theme “recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world”.
He said it was the first virtual meet for FSA and the COVID-19 pandemic had provided a chance to celebrate together with the 27 districts within Fiji.
“The theme fits well as we are inspired to think creatively and collectively about how we can help everybody recover better, especially in the country,” Mr Pillay said.
“Now we are preparing our school students to return and this is one way to ensure peace and to build resilience and transform our world into a more just, equitable, sustainable and healthier place.
“We believe in messengers of peace because this is one initiative under the Fiji Scouts Association that can change, recover, inspire and motivate our young leaders of tomorrow.
“We must make peace with nature and what we need is a green and sustainable economy.”
He said the members of 27 districts also celebrated the occasion by planting a tree.
The FSA Chief Commissioner, Jone Naisau said the theme also portrayed what Fiji was experiencing.
“The borders have just opened, the schools are still closed and we know that we will recover,” he said.
“This is a time to reflect on peace which is a fundamental element of scouting.”
Speaking from India, the Director Organisational Development and MOP World Scout Bureau Asia-Pacific Support Centre, Shree Prassanna Shrivastava told participants that since 2012, the FSA had taken on enormous hard work and full concentration on engaging young people in peace actions.
“International Day of Peace is to let people focus on giving peace, it is important that we establish peace within ourselves and with nature,” he said.