On Monday, 22nd September 2025, Sierra Leone joined the world in celebrating the International Day of Peace. The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) marked the occasion with a National Peace Symposium held at the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Freetown. The event brought together stakeholders from various backgrounds under the theme, “Act Now for a Peaceful Sierra Leone.”
The symposium was designed to provide a platform for dialogue on how to strengthen unity and cohesion in the country. Leaders from government, religious institutions, academia, civil society, and youth organizations participated, reflecting the importance of inclusivity in peacebuilding. A panel discussion formed the centerpiece of the event, with distinguished speakers including Most Rev. Edward Tamba Charles, Archbishop of Freetown and President of the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone; representatives from the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at Fourah Bay College (FBC); the Ministry of Youth Affairs; the Women’s Forum; and the Children’s Forum Network. The discussion was moderated by James Fortune Esq. and created space for perspectives across generations and sectors.
Archbishop Tamba Charles, in his contribution, emphasized the critical role of faith-based leaders in conflict mediation and the promotion of tolerance. Drawing on examples of the Inter-Religious Council’s interventions in times of national tension, he highlighted the importance of dialogue, healing, and reconciliation. He further reminded participants that peace begins with individual responsibility, stressing that religious leaders must continue to use their influence to guide communities toward unity, forgiveness, and mutual respect. According to him, peace cannot be defined solely as the absence of conflict but rather as the presence of justice, fairness, and inclusivity.
The symposium also underscored the shared responsibility of different sectors in building and sustaining peace. Participants stressed the need for joint efforts among government, civil society, religious institutions, women, youth, and children to create a cohesive society. As discussions concluded, a collective call was made for immediate action to address critical challenges such as youth unemployment, political polarization, gender inequality, social injustice, and community divisions.
The commemoration of the International Day of Peace 2025 was not merely a ceremonial event but a timely reminder of the urgent need for collective action. It reaffirmed that peace is everyone’s responsibility and must be nurtured through justice, inclusivity, and unity. By bringing together diverse voices under one roof, the symposium highlighted that Sierra Leone’s future depends on the willingness of all its citizens to act now for a peaceful and prosperous nation.
