Annex 1 Page 3 Furthermore, the two organisations are working closely together to build strong institutions and tools to provide the continent with the capacity required to meet the complex challenges facing it in the area of peace and security. This renewed partnership would not have been possible without the dynamism and leadership demonstrated by the African Union. Ever since its creation, less than a decade ago, the AU has been proactively working towards the resolution of existing crises and the prevention of conflicts, placing particular emphasis on the entrenchment of democracy, rule of law, governance and human rights. Although the commitment of political leaders is important, the pursuit of peace should not only be the preserve of national governments and international organisations. It must also be built from below, by the efforts of ordinary women and men, civil society and private sector: we all have a responsibility in achieving peace; we all stand to gain from the achievement of peace. September 21 is an opportunity to involve everyone of us in doing something to make peace happen. We will pray for peace, not only to pray but to involve religious leaders in the search for peace. We will organize concerts, not only to lift our spirits, but also because our musicians can inspire us to work for peace. We will involve models and role models, sportsmen and women, the high and not-so-high, the rich and the notso-rich, the young and the elderly. Our Peace Day will be a practical step towards the total mobilization of our people for peace. September 21 will bring the call for peace out of the chambers of the UN Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council, and give voice to the most vulnerable, those who bear the brunt of violence and are often left scarred physically and emotionally. In turn, their cry for the prevention of violence, including that against women and children, for protection against such a threat, and for participation across the board in building a better society and, in particular, in peacemaking efforts, will echo back to those august Councils, and demand that the highest decision-makers make peace and security a reality, not only a slogan. The people’s cry for peace will convince those at war that the commitment to peace cannot be reversed, and that the guns must be permanently silenced, the refugee camps emptied by people voluntarily returning home, and the classrooms filled by children determined to learn and fulfil their limitless potential. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union www.makepeacehappen.net