Peace Day celebration in Ankara

Mr. Shahid Najam (right) at the World Peace Bell ceremony

On 21 September, to mark the International Day of Peace, the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Ankara and Turkish Japanese Foundation jointly organized World Peace Bell ringing ceremony in Ankara.

At the ceremony, UN Resident Coordinator/UNIC Director Shahid Najam, Ambassador of Japan Nabuaki Tanaka and Turkish-Japanese Foundation Director General Leyla Özdemir addressed the attendees.

Mr. Najam said that this year Peace Day is dedicated to young people as the year 2010 is the International Year of Youth. “The theme of the year — dialogue and mutual understanding — captures the very essence of peace” he emphasized.

“By ringing the Peace Bell today, we appeal to people throughout the world to join in this effort, support the United Nations, and do their bit for peace and prosperity of humanity”, he concluded his speech.

Turkey is among the 25 countries that host the World Peace Bell.