Keynote speaker Christian Dormeyan, a former drug addict turned rehabilitation advocate, resonated with the audience by linking both the global and local themes to Liberia’s urgent challenges.
By Alfred Kollie, alfredkolliejr92@gmail.com
Monrovia, Liberia – The Civil Peace Service (CPS) Liberia marked the International Day of Peace with a vibrant event at the Peaceful United Lutheran Church in Paynesville, emphasizing the need to rid the society of narcotic drugs and substance abuse that is on the increase in Liberia.
The theme of the celebration was, “Cultivating the Culture of Peace” alongside a local focus on “Promoting a Society Free of Drugs and Substance Abuse through Effective Partnerships.”
The gathering brought together an array of stakeholders, partners, students, and community members, united in their commitment to fostering peace and tackling the pressing issue of substance abuse, a growing concern for Liberia’s societal stability.
The International Day of Peace, established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1981, aims to reinforce the ideals of peace worldwide, with September 21 officially designated as the day for global ceasefire and nonviolence since 2001.
CPS Liberia, a network of civil society organizations formed in 2008 with support from the German donor Bread for the World, actively promotes peace through advocacy, training, and initiatives aimed at sustainable development.
Keynote speaker Christian Dormeyan, a former drug addict turned rehabilitation advocate, resonated with the audience by linking both the global and local themes to Liberia’s urgent challenges.
Mr. Dormeyan underscored the connection between drug and substance abuse and social violence, sharing his transformative journey through the Lutheran Church’s Trauma Healing & Reconciliation Program.
Emphasizing the importance of partnerships in combating instability, Dormeyan stated, “We need collective action to address the root causes of these issues.”
A representative from AGIAMONDO acknowledged the dedication of attendees in nurturing peace within their communities, urging everyone to exercise individual responsibility and collective effort to foster a harmonious society.
CPS Liberia’s National Coordinator, Miss Decontee George, expressed gratitude to partners for their ongoing support in the fight against substance abuse.
Highlighting the urgency of the cause, she remarked, “The war against drugs is critical and requires everyone’s effort, as we are all vulnerable to drug abuse.”
Miss George called on the government, civil society organizations, and partners to take decisive action in implementing preventive strategies, reinforcing that CPS Liberia’s celebration was a clarion call for collaboration across all sectors to build a safer, drug-free country.
The event solidified CPS Liberia’s role as a catalyst for peace, encouraging a united front against the peril of drug abuse and its implications for national stability.