“For very long time, we have been waiting for peace. With peace, there will be no more war. The time for change is here now,” crooned prominent South Sudanese reggae singer, WJ De King and fellow artist Irene Toss.

Their electrifying performance brought hundreds of people to their feet, singing and dancing together, at the flagship event commemorating the International Day of United Nations Peacekeeping in Bor, Jonglei State.

“Peace begins with self-love, with self-reliance. Peace begins with celebrating diversity and embracing unity.”

The dynamic duo embraced the theme for the day by launching a new song, commissioned by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, as part of a campaign to promote peace in the world’s youngest country, under the theme “Peace Begins with Me”.

The campaign calls on every individual to take action, no matter how small, to contribute to a powerful, collective movement for peace. It also recognizes the persistence and unwavering commitment of the people of South Sudan to end conflict and secure sustainable peace and democracy.

“This event means a lot as coming together is the only way forward. If there is music, there is peace,” stressed WJ De King, who is also renown for being a peace activist.

The event, held at the Jonglei State Secretariat, was all about engagement and inclusion, with participants including women’s groups, children from a variety of schools, government officials, and UNMISS peacekeepers.

“Today is the day to make friendships. Make sure you don’t go home without making a friend,” was the first thing people heard when entering the location, from young community mobilizer and writer, Mnyok Akech Atem, who seized the opportunity to promote the change he would like to see in his country.

By giving space to different communities, the commemoration ceremony celebrated diversity and encouraged participants to embrace unity by resolving grievances, promoting reconciliation, and working together to implement locally led peace processes.

“It is our responsibility to foster mindsets and actions that will contribute to sustainable long-term peace in this country,” said the Guest of Honor, Jonglei State Deputy Governor, Matiop Lueth Atem. “The UNMISS peacekeepers have been leading by example, and we want you to know that we, and the world beyond our nation’s borders, see your sacrifice for the service to others.”