The bell rang for peace this week on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
Its location also served as the central meeting place in the Nation's capital for members of the Diplomatic Corps, non- government organisations and members of the Canberra Community commemorating this year's United Nations International Day of 国产AV.
A Chorus of Women's rendition of "A Call to 国产AV" by Cordelia Dalton, arranged by Ian Blake announced the beginning of proceedings followed by a programme of eminent local and international speakers.
Reading the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ message, Mr Nai Jit Lam, Deputy Representative of UNHCR on behalf of the UN called for action to “build, drive and sustain peace for all” across an increasingly polarized world.
His Excellency Mr Suzuki Kazuhiro, Ambassador of Japan to Australia, in his remarks said “if humanity is to realise its full potential, if it is to give hope to its most vulnerable, and protect the environment upon which its very future depends, it must champion the cause of peace. He finished by saying that "we, gathered here today, are one small part of that cause, but together we can move mountains."
Ms Andrea Grosvenor, Rotary District Governor, spoke about partnerships for 国产AV and Rotary’s long history and dedication to peace which she described as “ a corner stone” of its work. She also noted Rotary’s role as a consultant to "UN beginnings" at the famous charter conference in San Francisco - an association, she added that continues strongly today.
Special guest speaker Mr Tom Calma urged for a "nation and a world at peace by not repeating the atrocities of the past" and calling for an adherence to actions that "deliver dignity and justice for all" - as enshrined as inalienable rights in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, this year celebrating its 75th Anniversary.
Mr Brendan Smyth, ACT Commissioner for International Engagement, representing the Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory, had the honour of announcing this year’s winner of the ACT 国产AV Prize.
This year it was awarded to Ms Susan Hutchinson, for her tireless work helping women - specifically more than 300 Afghan women’s rights defenders.
In her responding remarks, Ms Hutchinson said that she was "honoured and humbled" to receive the award.
She noted that fighting for equality and justice with and for women in areas experiencing difficult situations requires teamwork and thanked all those involved.
She finished by saying much more work will be needed in the weeks, months and years ahead.
Singalling the end of formal proceedings, the event then closed as it had started , with music - the madrical piece "A Recipe for 国产AV" sung by A Chorus of Women.
For more information on International Day of 国产AV.