Durban ICC marks historic moment to promote global peace

HISTORY was made at the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) on 14 November when world leaders joined hands and planted a “Tree of Peace” as part of a campaign to plant 75 million trees globally.

The symbolic planting of a “Tree of Peace” was part of the “Plant Trees not Bombs” global campaign to promote global peace and highlight the impact of climate change.

The tree was planted at the Durban ICC by South Africa’s Minister of Defence,Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakulathe who committed the South African National Defence Force to plant one million trees by September 2020 and challenged militaries across the world to join the campaign to achieve the target of planting 75-million trees by September 2020, in time for the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.

“We have committed to use our weapons of war, to go to war on this new threat of climate change. As we are gathered here, we are reopening a chapter on the role of the military; a chapter that changes the narrative from planting bombs to planting trees, from inflicting pain and death to giving life,” said Minister Mapisa-Nqakula.

Chairperson of Global Peace, Graça Machel said: “I know that the example which is being set here in South Africa is going to fire-up other many Ministers of Defence and history will have to attest that it started in South Africa, it started in Durban and it became a global movement.”

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Describing the campaign as “wonderful,” United Nations Under-Secretary General Fabrizio Hochschild Drummond went on to say that planting trees and highlighting this as the alternative to conflict was a very dignified and appropriate way to mark the 75th anniversary of an organization that was struggling today, at least because of its mandate, to uphold peace and security to further social justice and human rights and to promote sustainable development.”

The MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bongi Sithole-Moloi, who represented KZN premier Sihle Zikalala, said the campaign came at an appropriate time as we accelerate our collective efforts to secure the future generations.

“Our mission to create a better life for all the peoples of the world hinges on our collective commitment and action to save our planet. Future generations will no doubt judge us harshly if we fail,” she said adding that the planting of a Tree of Peace was more than a symbolic act, but should be a catlyst for sustained effort to mitigate the disastrous consequences of climate change.

EThekwini Municipality Speaker, Weziwe Thusi who was representing Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda said the City of Durban was honoured to host the ground-breaking event.

“We are pleased to learn that you have also challenged your counterparts across the globe to embark on a similar campaign which will see over 75-million trees being planted to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. This initiative is critical as the world is beginning to witness the effects of climate change,” said Thusi.

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