Addis Ababa, 21 September 2026: The Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), H.E. Amb. Hervé D. DJOKPE, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Benin to the African Union and Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council for the Month of September 2026, on behalf of the PSC, joins the international community in commemorating the International Day of Peace under the theme "Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day."

The Chairperson of Council expresses its deep appreciation to UNESCO for convening the commemoration of the International Day of Peace and to the Government of Angola for its enduring partnership in advancing the Pan African Forum for the Culture of Peace - the Luanda Biennale.

The PSC seizes this opportunity to encourage all Member States to redouble their efforts to promote peaceful, diverse, tolerant and inclusive communities and societies. The PSC also encourages Member States, political parties, civil society organizations, the media, community and faith leaders, women and youth groups, academia, professional bodies. to embrace and promote the culture of tolerance and appreciation of the value of unity in diversity within the letter and spirit of Ubuntu.

The PSC continues to strengthen early warning systems, reinforce the African Union Conflict Prevention Framework, and support mediation efforts led by Africans for Africans, in strong partnership with national, regional and global bodies. The Council has consistently called upon parties to armed conflicts to cease hostilities, protect civilians, and facilitate humanitarian assistance. The PSC has always underscored that peace agreements must be inclusive and that the voices of women and young people must be heard, through their active participation in transformative and peace dialogue processes.

The PSC underlines the importance of deepening and consolidating participatory democracy, fundamental freedoms, social justice and human rights, effective governance and the rule of law in order for Member States to realize the aspirations of Agenda 2063 - The Africa We Want.

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