Excellencies,
Religious leaders,
Distinguished representatives of the Lebanese Armed Forces and Security Directorates,
Local authorities,
Colleagues from the United Nations family,
Dear colleagues, dear friends,
Dear fellow peacekeepers,

Welcome to UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura.

We gather here today, in front of this cenotaph, to mark the International Day of Peace, a day established by the United Nations to remind us that peace is possible, and that it must be protected. As Secretary-General Guterres has stated, “peace is not just a dream, it is work, especially the hard, daily work of partnership and purpose.”

The symbolic actions we perform today, the laying of the wreath, the release of doves, are far more than ceremonial. They serve as echoes of the sacrifices that have come before us, and as commitments to keep alive the hope that peace can be sustained and defended every day.

Every September, people everywhere pause to reflect on peace. But here in UNIFIL, and in the hearts of many beyond Lebanon, we do not reflect only once a year.

We strive for peace daily.

Every patrol, every coordinated operation with the Lebanese armed forces, every engagement with communities is our act of peace in motion.

This is how we bring to life the theme “act now for a peaceful world.” Not tomorrow. Today!

Peace is not an abstract ideal.

Here in southern Lebanon, peace is tangible. It is UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) patrolling together along the Blue Line and in the south.

It is farmers going back to their fields, children walking to school without fear, and humanitarian aid reaching those in need even in difficult times.

Whenever I visit towns and villages where the conflict’s scars remain visible, I am deeply moved by what I see: the resilience of people, in their dignity, their warmth, their determination to rebuild. Their strength is a mirror of what is possible when courage meets resolve.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

UNIFIL’s role remains as vital today as when we were established. Invited by the government of Lebanon and mandated by the Security Council, we are tasked to maintain calm, prevent escalation, and provide space for political solutions. As Secretary General Guterres has said: “we must work together across borders and communities to avert conflict and build bridges, not walls.”

But this task does not belong to us alone.

Our partnership with the Lebanese armed forces is essential. Each joint patrol, each shared responsibility, each step taken together makes clear that peace is built shoulder to shoulder. I pay tribute to their bravery and professionalism.

Our mission is also made possible by the contributions of our troop-contributing countries.

Almost fifty nations, represented here, stand with us.

Their flags behind us are not just symbols, they are signs of international resolve.

This tells a story, peace in Lebanon is not just a local concern, it’s a matter of global responsibility.

And to the broader international community: your support remains strong.

It has shifted toward smarter, more effective methods of engagement.

We are not doing less, we are striving to do better, reinforcing institutions, empowering local ownership, sustaining the LAF’s deployment in the south.

Friends,

Today’s ceremony carries deep meaning. The wreaths remind us of the peacekeepers who gave everything. Their sacrifice calls us to act in humble way and with courage.

When we release the doves, they will soar as symbols of hope and the fragile beauty of peace, “where there is fear, build courage. Where there is despair, build hope.”

The challenges we face are real. Resolution 1701 is still not fully implemented.

Security incidents test our vigilance.

On this occasion, as the United Nations edges toward its 80th anniversary, peacekeeping remains one of its most powerful instruments.

Transparent and impartial.

UNIFIL, like all peace operations, must adapt as circumstances evolve, but our purpose remains unchanged, to serve peace, protect civilians, uphold the ideals of the United Nations.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

On this International Day of Peace, let us remember, peace is not a destination, it is a journey that requires dialogue, compromise, and above all, action.

The theme “act now for a peaceful world” challenges each of us to step forward.

So let us act now, to sustain stability in southern Lebanon.
Let us act now, to protect civilians and support the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Let us act now, to ensure future generations inherit the peace they deserve.

This is our duty.

This is our commitment.

We must never stop speaking out for peace, because today the world needs it more than ever.

Thank you