On September 21, the International Day of Peace
Stand Up for Children in War!
Arigatou International

GENEVA (September 17, 2025) – As we approach the International Day of Peace, we are reminded that millions of children are still denied the chance to live in peace.

• 473 million children live in conflict zones.
• 48.8 million have been displaced.
• In 2024, the UN verified 41,370 grave violations against children – the highest number in 25 years.

This is why we are standing together through the global campaign Stand Up for Children in War – Mobilizing Communities for Consciousness, Hope, and Ethical Responses.

Join us for an online gathering bringing together children, faith leaders, UN agencies, and civil society to reflect, inspire, and call for urgent action to protect children.

📅 24 September 2025

🕒 15:00–17:00 CEST

💻 Online via Zoom

🌐 Interpretation in Arabic, French, Portuguese, and Spanish

On this International Day of Peace, let’s choose conscience over indifference, hope over despair, and action over silence.

Online Gathering Program:
Stand Up for Children in War –
Mobilizing Communities for Consciousness,
Hope and Ethical Responses 

Opening Remarks

Mr. Hironari Myamoto, Myochikai Buddhist Community, Japan. Board Member of Arigatou International

Welcome Remarks

Ms. Maria Lucia Uribe, Executive Director, Arigatou International

Reflection

Ananya and Chinmayan, Children from India

Prof. Philip Jaffe, Vice-Chair of the Committee on the Rights of the Child

Representative, UNICEF

Dialogue: Voices from Conflict Zones

Moderator:
Dr. Mustafa Ali, Secretary General, Global Network of Religions for Children

Children
From the Democratic Republic of Congo, Japan, Palestine, and Sudan.

Ms. Frederique Jean-Baptiste, Head of Education, Child Protection and Youth, Catholic Relief Services, Haiti

Ms. Despina Namwembe, Regional Coordinator, United Religions Initiative (URI) Africa, Great Lakes

Mr. Ricardo Treno, Humanitarian Volunteer, Northern Brazil, Fraternity International Humanitarian Missions

Mr. Ayed Abu Eqtaish, Accountability Program Director, DCI – Palestine

Ms. Opor Srisuwan, Project Manager, International Network of Engaged Buddhists, Thailand

Dialogue – Reflections from faith leaders
Moderator:

Rev. Fred Nyabera, Executive Director, End Child Poverty, Arigatou International

Dr. Nayla Tabara. President, Adyan Foundation – Lebanon

Prof. Anant Rambachan, Prof. Religion St. Olaf University, US

Collective Commitment
Presentation of a joint “Statement of Ethical Commitment to Stand Up for Children in War”

Ms. Frederique Seidel, Senior Programme Lead, Children & Climate, World Council of Churches

Dr. Rima Salah, Chair, Early Childhood Peace Consortium

Closing

Dr. Vinu Aram, President Shanti Ashram and Co-Chair Arigatou International Advisory Group

Arigatou International 1, rue de Varembé Geneva 1202 Switzerland