Community Leaders Unite to Promote Peace in Seychelles
Victoria, Seychelles – Local government, religious groups, schools and civil society organizations united in a celebration of the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2026, in Victoria, spearheaded and coordinated by UPF-Seychelles. Through weekly meetings over two months, the participating groups coordinated responsibilities, logistics, communications and program activities, demonstrating the value of sustained cooperation between those working towards a shared vision of peace.
The day commenced with a mass at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, providing a time for prayer and reflection on the importance of peace. This was followed by a peace march from the cathedral to the city’s Peace Park, where the main program took place, centered on the UN theme for the day: “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
Mrs. Rosemary Elizabeth, secretary general of UPF-Seychelles, gave welcome remarks, followed by a welcome song and the reading of the Peace Message by Mr. Roger Alphonse, chairman of UPF-Seychelles. A performance by the Charity Choir provided an uplifting atmosphere.
The city mayor, Mrs. Josie Michaud-Payet, then joined Mr. Alphonse in planting a tree in the park in honor of the occasion. After speeches by several dignitaries, the youth representatives were invited to present a Peace Pledge. Mr. Alphonse then presented donated harmonicas to representatives of three schools that are spearheading the UPF character education program.
A youth representative gave the vote of thanks. Then, several doves were released into the park, representing everyone’s shared wish that peace will spread throughout the land. A final song of peace and a group photograph closed out the day’s activities.
The program drew considerable media interest. During the week of September 17, representatives of the organizing committee participated in radio interviews with SBC Radio and Paradise FM. The interviews provided an opportunity to explain the purpose of the International Day of Peace, promote the program and encourage public participation.
The event demonstrated the value of bringing diverse organizations together around a common purpose. Afterwards, several groups indicated an interest in expanding the activities from a single-day observance to a Peace Week, a broader program of peace-focused activities involving the community, youth and schools.
