The International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) is observed around the world each year on 21 September. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.
In Kenya the event was organized by PROCMURA (Programme for Christian – Muslim Relations in Africa) and was held at the All saint Cathedral Church Nairobi.
The Iranian Embassy was represented by the Cultural Counselor of the Embassy Mr. Mahmood Majlesain who gave a speech on Extremism and Radicalization and also he touched on the situation of the Religious Minorities in Iran.
This is his full speech
It is a great pleasure to be here in this forumto mark the International Day of Peace with the theme ‘‘Campaign against Radicalisation and terrorism’’.
Iwould like to thank the organizers of this forum for their good work in promotion of peace and coexistence.
The theme of this year International Day of Peace is Campaign against violent extremism and Radicalization.
I must say extremism and Radicalization has unfortunately been with us for many years. No country is Safe.
But the truth of the matter is that extremism was created and planned for long term by super imperialism, and prescribed for some especial nation and countries.
They confessed repeatedlythat more than 7 trillion dollars has been used to support extremism.
This virus of terror from the first day it was createdhas been aninfection anda satanic plan thatpolluted not only the targeted countries but also it has run out of controlto affect other nations including the African continent.
It is a major threat to international peace, security and development.
Today, unfortunately global peace and security has not been attained fully as we are still helpless to the horrible challenges presented by extremism.
The International Day of Peace provides animportant opportunity for us to analyse our progress in the school of peace, and to resolve to do more.
All of us must make efforts to promote peace both at home and at the global stage. We are well placed to raise the bar in our peace endeavours, and to come up with better ways to achieve deeper peace.
I am pleased to note that the Cultural Council of the Embassy of Iran in Kenya have worked togetherwith other institutions to provide opportunities for dialogue, and to promote the culture of peaceful coexistence and tolerance.
We have organized several seminars and conferences in this line.
In particular I remember the Radicalism and Extremism Conference which we held jointly with Kenyatta University in November last year.
In the conference, lecturers and students discussed the challenges of Radicalism and violent Extremism and the ways that we can counter them.
February this year we also had another seminar, jointly with Tangaza University.
Interfaith seminar where Muslims, Christians and Jews discussed the concept of saviour from the view of Abrahamic religions.
Currently we are also in full speed to work with Ummah University, Tangaza University and St. Paul University in line with promoting dialogue, and peaceful co-existence in Kenya.
My next point I would like to speak about the freedom of Religion in my country, the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is a country of over 80 Million People who are mainly Muslims with 2% of the population being minorities.
Iran is not only for Muslims, we also have Zoroastrians, Christians and Jews, who are free to practice their own religion.
Since ancient times, Iranians have appreciated cultural diversity, and they have peacefully coexisted with people of other faiths for thousands of years.
Iranian Muslims are proud of the fact that Zoroastrians, Christians, and Jews live in peace in the country, freely practice their religions, and have no fear of discrimination.
All the minorities in Iran are represented in the Iranian parliament, something which is not common in many countries.
There are 5 reserved seats in the Iranian Parliament for the religious minorities.
Last year Iranians Members of Parliament came to Kenya and they visited NCCK, the National Council of Churches of Kenya where they discussed many issues.
This year the NCCK top officials will travel to Iran to visit the many churches in Iran and also see their Christian brothers in Iran.
In Conclusion I like to announce to you that next year; the Cultural Council of the Embassy of Iran, here in Nairobi will organize an International interfaith seminar that will also involve Church leadership in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana and Iran and some several other Countries.
I hope you will be part of the program.
Let us all be ambassadors of peace, so that our homes and neighbourhoods and our countries can shine with peace.
I thank you all for inviting me for this noble program and I wish you all a happy and peaceful International Day of Peace!
It was a well attended forum that was really informative on matters Peace and togetherness
