Dr. Jayanthi Krishnan – Philanthropist Shaping Professional Impact

Theme: Shaping Peace Together

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.

Year 2020 , it has been clearer than ever that we are not each other’s enemies. Rather, our common enemy is a tireless virus that threatens our health, security and very way of life. COVID-19 has thrown our world into turmoil and forcibly reminded us that what happens in one part of the planet can impact people everywhere.

In March, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on all warring parties to lay down their weapons and focus on the battle against this unprecedented global pandemic. While the message is intended for armed parties, solidarity and cooperation across borders, sectors and generations are also needed to win this new fight against the worst public health crisis of our time.

For the United Nations, 2020 was already meant to be a year of listening and learning.

To mark its 75th anniversary, the UN has invited millions of people worldwide to join UN75, the largest and furthest-reaching global conversation on building the peaceful and prosperous future that they want.

In these difficult times of physical distancing, this International Day of Peace will be dedicated to fostering dialogue and collecting ideas.

The world will be invited to unite and share thoughts on how to weather this storm, heal our planet and change it for the better. Even though we may not be able to stand next to each other, we can still dream together.

The focus of this year’s International Day of Peace is “Shaping Peace Together.”

In that spirit, and to mark the 75th anniversary, the United Nations is bringing people together for a global conversation about shaping the future and forging peace in trying times.

The Pan Pacific and Southeast Asia Women’s Association (PPSEAWA Malaysia ) celebrated The United Nations 75th anniversary on Monday , September 21 at Pullman Hotel with the theme “Shaping Peace Together” with the aim of spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

PPSEAWA Vice President Datin Dr Jayanthi Krishnan said this year, it has been clearer than ever that the common enemy is a tireless coronavirus known Covid-19 which threatens Malaysian’s health, security and way of life.

Also present was the Deputy Director-General of Public Health, Datuk Dr Chong Chee Kheong who reminded that frontliners play an important part in ensuring that members of the public comply with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) under the new norm brought about by the coronavirus.

“Malaysia is dealing with Covid-19 well so far, but should not lose focus,” he said in his speech at the event.

International Peace Day was observed worldwide and served as a reminder that peace should never be taken for granted.

Peace has not completely been achieved in global society but the UN has contributed hugely to prevent conflicts, including multiple closed peacekeeping missions.

“We can’t stand next to one another but must stand for each other.” he added.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar in his virtual message, reassured that the vaccine to the coronavirus will soon be accessible to the global public.

United Nations Representative, UN Resident Coordinator for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, Stefan Priesner, thanked Malaysia for its excellent handling of the Covid-19 crisis while managing the nation’s multiracial unity.

It was a big turnout with great success whereby all members came dressed in turquoise t-shirts with the International Day of Peace theme : Shaping Peace Together.