On 19 September, the Canberra Rotary Peace Bell rang out across Nara Peace Park to mark the International Day of Peace. Set against the backdrop of Lake Burley Griffin, the ceremony brought together members of the diplomatic corps, non-governmental organisations, students, and the wider Canberra community to reflect on the importance of global peace and unity.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the ACT Chief Minister¡¯s Rotary Peace Prize to journalist Karen Middleton, recognised for her powerful reporting on global events and her lifelong contribution to fostering understanding and dialogue in the pursuit of peace. In her remarks, Ms Middleton reflected on her experiences reporting from Rwanda after the genocide, Washington DC following 9/11, and Afghanistan during the war. She emphasised that peace ¡°doesn¡¯t come by accident, it comes from hard work,¡± urging all to listen, respect, and seek out diverse perspectives.
The program featured performances by A Chorus of Women and Radford College guitarists Alexander Li and Victor Zhou-Smith, setting a tone of reflection and hope. Co-hosts Tim Gavel and Iris Reinhold guided the event.
Distinguished speakers included His Excellency SUZUKI Kazuhiro, Ambassador of Japan to Australia, Rotary 9705 District Governor Robert Shore, and UN Youth Representative 2025, Satara Uthayakumaran, whose powerful address called on people to ensure peace is more than an annual word, but reflected in the realities of ¡°whether a child feels safe at night, whether a refugee finds a home, and whether treaties are kept and dignity upheld.¡±
The ceremony opened with a message from Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, and Patron of the UNAA, read by Brian Gleeson, President of UNAA ACT Division. Messages from the UN Secretary-General and UNIC Canberra reminded the audience that ¡°peace is everyone¡¯s business¡± and that we must ¡°speak the language of respect, open our hearts to others and use our influence.¡±
Marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the event placed a strong focus on youth, with participation from Radford College, Narrabundah College, the University of Canberra, and the Australian National University. Students joined in the ceremony and later gathered in the shape of an ¡°80¡± for a drone photograph to celebrate this milestone.
The event concluded with the striking of the Peace Bell by all attendees, followed by a moving guitar performance from local youth musicians. As the Secretary-General reminded us this year: ¡°Where there is peace, there is hope.¡±
Learn more: International Day of Peace | United Nations
Governor General Message International Day of Peace 2025
