International Day of Peace – Statement by the Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada

September 21, 2019

The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of Peace:

“Today, on the International Day of Peace, we celebrate global efforts to make peace a reality around the world. We honour the advocates who are on the frontlines of that work, and come together to build a more just, equal, and peaceful future.

This year’s theme, ‘Climate Action for Peace,’ reminds us that there’s no peace without justice – and no justice without climate justice. We’re all connected, and lasting, sustainable peace must include fighting the climate crisis and building more equal, resilient communities around the world.

Canada has a long and proud history as a voice for human rights around the globe, and a leader in international efforts to advance peace. Since 2015, Canada has made major strides to build on that leadership. Canadian peacekeepers have served in UN missions from Mali to Uganda to Haiti, helping communities around the globe build lasting peace and security. In 2017, Canada led the creation of the Vancouver Principles – now endorsed by nearly 100 countries – to end the recruitment and use of child soldiers and protect children around the globe.

When women participate meaningfully in peace processes, they help build more lasting peace. That’s why, together with our UN partners, we launched the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, to boost women’s participation in conflict prevention, stabilization, and peacebuilding efforts. And last year, together with our partners, we delivered a historic investment in women and girls’ education in crisis and conflict situations – the largest of its kind ever made.

There’s much more to be done, and all of us have a role to play to build a more just and equal world, and a more peaceful, prosperous future. Together, let’s choose forward, advance peace and justice, and make our world a better one – today, and for generations to come.”