The event aimed to enhance youth and students’ knowledge regarding historical memories, peace, human rights, and peacebuilding. It aimed to facilitate a deeper understanding of the conflict’s impact and the significance of conflict resolution, and to provide an opportunity for mutual reflection on the history of the past.
At the opening ceremony for the International Day of Peace, Hugo Maria Fernandes, Executive Director of Centro Nacional Chega!, congratulated CYA and TLYFP for organizing the activities to celebrate this important day in Timor-Leste.
The Director emphasized that teenagers play a vital role as agents of change in society and must engage in such activities to foster understanding of peace and promote better development. He noted that history has shown that many conflicts arise from differences in ideologies, strategies, and political divergences. Therefore, it is crucial for young people to actively participate in building peace and stability.
“Centro Nacional Chega! appreciates the partnership. I hope that today’s and tomorrow’s activities continue to facilitate mutual experiences and maintain connections to share our missions. Although we have faced many conflicts, they ultimately led us to independence. We are proud to be a small country that fought without support from other nations,” the Director encouraged.
“We are now an independent and free country, thanks to the sacrifices of many heroes. In today’s context, young people must act as peace agents within society. They should strive to address problems instead of merely complaining. Promoting peace is not solely the responsibility of the state and government; it is a collective duty that includes young people,” he stated.
The Chega! Young Ambassador, in collaboration with TLYFP, organized Chega! Museum Day to celebrate the International Day of Peace in Timor-Leste, reflecting Centro Chega!’s vision of “inclusive societies, a past that must not be repeated, living peacefully, and respecting human rights.” Its mission focuses on establishing post-conflict centers, preserving the memories of the past, promoting human rights values, building national and international partnerships, and strengthening networks to implement the relevant recommendations from the final reports of the Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation (CAVR) – Chega!, and the Commission for Truth and Friendship (CTF) – Per Memoriam Ad Spem.
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