This year, International Day of Peace is marked under motto “Sustainable peace for a sustainable future”. On 21 September 2012, Tashkent’s Bobur Park hosted a series of events dedicated to the International Day of Peace.

The events, which directed at strengthening peace, are organized by Fund Forum, Women’s Council, Center for youth initiative “Kelajak Ovozi”, Social Initiatives Support Fund, UNDP, UN Information Office, UN Women, Special Olimpiad, National Association of NGOs, and others.

Karl Kulessa, UN Resident Coordinator a.i., delivered an address of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Satoru Takahasi, Advisor of Japan Embassy in Uzbekistan, and Saidahror Gulyamov, chairperson of the Council of friendship societies of Uzbekistan with foreign states, also spoke at the event.

After that Karl Kulessa, Satoru Takahasi and Saidahror Gulyamov ringed the Peace Bell, which was one of the most important moments of the day.

UN Information Office handed over prizes to winners of the competition “In the name of peace” Madinahon Saidhodjaev claimed the first places, Muzaffar Kasimov was third and Fayoziddin Kamolov took the third place in essays competition.

Robiya Mansurova, Sitora Iriskulova and Hadicha Rasulova made up top three in competition of fine and applied art. The contest of pictures on asphalt “World through the eyes of children” was held at the Park and the winners were awarded with various prizes.

In the second half, Poytakht Business Center hosted a seminar titled “Women, peace, security”, which was conducted by NGOs Association, Women’s Council and Center for support of civil society at the technical assistance of sub-regional office on UN Women for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

The seminar was dedicated to raising awareness on issues related to the resolution of the UN Security Council No. 1325 and other resolutions. It was attended by the state officials, NGOs, public organizations, etc.

Friendly football matches between diplomatic corps, public and international, as well as youth organizations were held at artificial fields of Pakhtakor Stadium.

Team of Interior Ministry claimed the first place, Avangard was the second. Team of Emergency ministry finished third.