Let’s Act for a Peaceful World!
- Envoyé spécial
- Sep 28
- 2 min read
Montreal, September 26, 2025 – A large number of citizens of Saint-Laurent gathered at Beaudet Park, known since 1992 as the “Peace Park,” to celebrate the International Day of Peace.
In an atmosphere filled with warmth, friendship, and respect, elected officials, institutions, community organizations, and citizens came together for this annual commemoration, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly to promote the ideals of peace among peoples and nations.
Among the guests of honour were Mayor Alan DeSousa and the members of the Borough Council, the federal Member of Parliament for Acadie, Mr. André Morin, as well as representatives of the provincial Member of Parliament for Saint-Laurent. Around ten representatives of institutions and community organizations, including the Saint-Laurent Intercultural Committee of the COSSL, the Bahá’í Community of Montreal, and several local partners, were also present.
As every year, students from Saint-Laurent schools participated in great numbers. In her address, Gigi Vidal, representative of the Intercultural Committee and the Bahá’í Community, spoke directly to the youth:“You are our peacemakers, our ambassadors to cultivate a culture of peace! Together, you will change the world for the better! You have the ability to positively influence your environment and to build havens of peace in our neighbourhoods! We will continue to support you.”
She also emphasized the importance of world peace:“World peace is not only a concept, but a reality toward which humanity is inexorably moving.”
Mayor Alan DeSousa, deeply attached to the values of peace, community safety, and sustainable development, reminded everyone that building a peaceful world begins with daily actions:“Maintaining good relations with our neighbours, helping each other, offering assistance to an elderly person in our neighbourhood—these are simple but essential actions.”
He also paid tribute to the citizens by recalling the inscription engraved on the park’s monument, dating from September 22, 1996:“May the long-lasting peaceful coexistence and harmony that animate our community inspire future generations and remain a model of tolerance and friendship for all the peoples of the earth.”
In 2025, the International Day of Peace, with the theme “Let’s Act for a Peaceful World,” focused on the importance of fostering a culture of peace. The United Nations invites all citizens of the world to contribute to a fairer and more equitable future by combating acts of hatred, including online, and by promoting compassion, kindness, and hope.
The ceremony also highlighted the creativity and commitment of the participants:
A moving musical performance by Jacques Proulx and two flute students from Cégep de Saint-Laurent,
The Lions Club of Saint-Laurent presented its “Peace Poster” contest for youth ages 11 to 13,
The Universal Peace Federation presented its “Road to Peace” activity,
Students from the Katimavik Center, the Bon Courage Community Center in Place Benoît, and Émile Legault School performed dances,
Students from the International School des Apprenants recited poems and shared messages of peace,
Two testimonies offering messages of hope, resilience, and positivity were shared by a young asylum seeker from CARI Saint-Laurent and a francization student at Cégep de Saint-Laurent originally from Ukraine.
All participants and organizers were warmly thanked for their commitment and support in promoting a culture of peace.
