PEACE ONE DAY Campaign in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes region of Africa 2014-2016

Statement of Purpose

Peace One Day is a non-profit organisation based in dedicated to raising awareness worldwide of 21 September as an annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence.

Peace One Day’s focus between 2014 and 2016 is a major We owe it to every child, woman and man campaign in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the in this region to shine a global spotlight on Great Lakes region of Africa (focusing on Burundi, , the Great Lakes region of Africa. Let us and Tanzania), made possible by the Howard G. Buffett inspire a generation through a day of Foundation. The campaign seeks to engage with all sectors of forgiveness, unity, hope and celebration. society in the region, encouraging all parties and coalitions to Peace Day, 21 September is that day. stand together in the name of peace, so that a significant level of non-violence and ceasefire (in conflict-affected areas) can be achieved on Peace Day by 2016 at the latest. Founder, Peace One Day

Goals

In partnership with all stakeholders, including civil society, intergovernmental organisations and NGOs, this campaign will focus on the following goals:

• Through awareness of Peace Day, to see a significant growth in partnerships for a longer-lasting peace, with the participation of NGOs, individuals and intergovernmental organisations involved in education and ending domestic violence, as well as the corporate, faith and media sectors.

• To see a significant, measurable reduction in violence in the region on Peace Day, and a corresponding increase in life-saving and humanitarian activities led by UN agencies, NGOs and partners, both on the day itself and in the longer-term.

• By the use of documentary filmmaking, music and social media, to see a significant, measurable increase in media attention on the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes region, with particular focus on stories about individuals and groups that have embraced Peace Day in the interests of a sustainable peace. Strategy

• The Peace One Day campaign will primarily focus on engagement with all parties to the conflict including governments and other relevant parties, as well as the system (peacekeeping mission and agencies), the African Union, intergovernmental organisations, civil society, schools, universities, faith groups, corporations and organisations/individuals working to end violence against women.

• All parties will be asked to make a formal and public commitment to observe Peace Day 21 September.

• Music will play a significant part in the campaign; POD will hold its increase in first annual Peace Day concert in the region in Goma, DRC on 21 2013 saw a awareness September 2014, headlined by Akon, the five-time Grammy award- 68% nominated hip-hop star, with similar concerts across the region in of PEACE DAY from 2012 2015 and 2016. The most recent McKinsey & Co. report (2013) shows that nearly half a billion people are aware of Peace Day through the following areas:

• Peace One Day Ambassador has agreed to play a key role Corporate/Activities in this campaign. Other influential individuals in various fields are Events/Campaigns being approached. Education

Government/ UN • The use of documentary filmmaking will be central to the campaign, further motivating all contributing parties to become engaged, and providing regular media content to help galvanise regional and Religion Media global support for Peace Day and regional peace.

Campaign Launch

The regional campaign was officially launched at a press conference in Goma, DRC on 18 March 2014 with key stakeholders announcing their commitments for Peace Day. Below is a list of all the participants.

• Akon - Five-time Grammy award-nominated hip-hop star • Mary Robinson - UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region • H.E. Maker Mwangu Famba - DRC Minister of Education • Barbara Bentein - UNICEF Representative in the DRC • Robert Kidiaba - National footballer • Rebecca Besant - East and Southern Africa Regional Director of Search for Common Ground • Sister Angélique Namaika - Nansen Refugee Award recipient • Stefano Severe - UNHCR Regional Representative • Lexxus Legal - International musician • Innoss’B - Youth representative and musician • Melissa Kasoke - UNICEF Youth Ambassador