Since the launch of the Make Peace Happen initiative in 2010, the African Union has consistently, rallied its partners, organizations, individuals and communities across the continent to mark the International Day of Peace, known also as Peace Day.

Today, the AU calls once again on all Africans and people of African descent, united in diversity; young and old, men and women and from all walks of life; to join in solidarity as we observe and celebrate this international day of non-violence and cease-fire.

The theme for this year’s of the International Peace Day commemoration is: "Partnerships for Peace - Dignity for All”; and the goal is to emphasize the importance of all sectors of society striving together to achieve sustainable peace.

One of the key aspirations in Agenda 2063 (the Africa we Want), Africa’s blueprint for a prosperous continent, is to silence the guns by 2020. This Peace Day provides an ideal opportunity to pause for a moment and reflect on our progress towards this noble pursuit.

Time is running out, and we seem to be a considerable distance away from this moral imperative. Across the continent, the guns seem to have resurged and grown louder. We must double our efforts towards silencing the guns.

I therefore, call on all African governments, civil society organisations, private sector actors, faith-based groups, and citizens, persistently undertake individual and collective actions focused on promoting dialogue, reconciliation, tolerance and managing diversity.

No amount of fighting can replace dialogue. When accepting the Gulen Peace Award recently, I stressed the importance of better managing our diversity and promoting dialogue, and recognised the added responsibility that such awards bring. And called on us to enhance our capacities to prevent, manage and resolve conflicts to ensure a peaceful and stable world.

So today ask yourself, “What am I doing to make peace happen?” and start engaging positively to impact on peace and development in your community.

The AU is proud to work with all our stakeholders; especially you, young Africans, for the enhancement of peace and development in our beloved continent.

Happy International Peace Day