“In South Sudan where dust meets sky, the children watch the years go by. Our hands long to play, not to hide in fear, throughout the day. The leaders here, within our land, we stretch out a hopeful tiny hand. Your promises whisper light. Can the promise bring peace and end the fight?”

It was this emotional plea for peace from 10-year-old, Aluel Mochnom Wuor, that stole the show at the commemoration of the International Day of Peacekeepers in Juba, as the City View Academy student spoke from the heart on behalf of her people, calling for an end to war so that children can achieve their dreams.

“We are the future. Hear our voices, a better world is ours to see. Don’t let our dreams die or fall. Give peace to one, give peace to all. Our hearts reach out to build a country where we live in peace. Please leaders, take a stand, take a stand against war. Let love and kindness light their way and bring a bright, peaceful day.”

Her heartfelt words amplified the event’s theme, Peace Begins with Me, which promotes the importance of each of us taking action, no matter how small, to contribute to a powerful, collective movement for peace. It was a message that the representative of the Government of South Sudan also embraced.

“Peace Begins with Me is really appropriate, especially considering what is going on in the world, and if we actually embraced that theme, Peace Begins with Me, perhaps the world would be a better place,” said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Akuei Bona Malwal.