Derry declared an ‘International City of Peace’

Derry has become the latest city to be inducted into the International Cities of Peace Global Network (ICP).

ICP aims to recognise peace building efforts where it believes it is most effective: at the community level.

According to ICP, it is here 'where needs are known and solutions come' through cooperation between all sectors of society: the arts, education, environment, business, safety and security, recreation, faith-based, service, wellness, and government.

A specially commissioned Terrestrial Globe sculpture was unveiled marking the occasion, designed and produced by GES Campsie.

Over 200 students from schools across the City and District packed into the hall to see Mayor Patricia Logue sign the official declaration.

Mayor Logue said the declaration was another step towards lasting peace.

“I think it's great to have so many young people involved. We are 25 years into the Good Friday Agreement but this is just another step in our journey,” she said.

“When we started on the journey of peace we knew it wasn't going to be an easy one. So, being the 391st City of International Peace is absolutely wonderful and I just want to congratulate all the young people involved today. And, of course, Reverend Latimer, our guests and the people who made this lovely sculpture.”

Students from each of the schools gave speeches about what peace means to them now and going forward.

The declaration was signed  on the United Nations International Day of Peace, 21 September.

Reverend Latimer, who gave a speech at the event, said Derry's progress can serve as a lighthouse for other conflicted regions on their journeys to peace.

“We have come a long way. Our city has moved from darkness to light but you can never rest on your laurels,” he said.

“It's not just about us alone. The example of our journey from difficult years to where we are now will inject hope into people. The people of Syria, Ukraine, Lebanon: the countries where there is no peace, they must think it will never get any better but we were in a bad place and no longer are. The journey continues, out of the darkness and into the light. That is what I want the young people to continue with for the next step.”

Video messages of hope and solidarity were sent to Derry from around the world including a message from the daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Reverend Canon Mpho Tutu van Furth.

Another speaker, J Frederick Arment from ICP said he was 'humbled' to be among people of Derry, who have already worked so hard for peace.

“I'm very humbled to be with everyone today because the work has already been done. The International Cities of Peace is like a 'freeze frame' of today,” he said.

Derry-Londonderry has become an International Cities of Peace where an event in the Guildhall was attended by hundreds of pupils from schools and addressed by pupils from the Foyle Learning Community who made a Peace Pledge on behalf of their fellow young people. The bid to receive the prestigious designation was led by Derry City and Strabane District Council Mayor, Councillor Patricia Logue and the Rev. David Latimer. Pictures: Martin McKeown. 

“It is the future, what you do with the idea of a city of peace, which is ancient, it's thousands of years old yet Derry/Londonderry embraces that today and what will be done in the future will be extraordinary.”

Guests were treated to a special choral performance of Phil Coulter’s ‘Bright Brand New Day’, led by Musical Director Maurice Kelly. It was performed by a choir of students from various Derry schools.

The contribution of Derry citizen Seamus Kennedy was acknowledged at the event. It was Mr Kennedy who approached International Cities of Peace in 2013 and in 2020 introduced the organisation to the Reverend David Latimer, leading to the city’s induction.

Derry now joins almost 400 communities spanning 73 countries and six continents in being an International City of Peace. Each community holds a strong commitment to peace, and pledges to continue to strengthen and develop peaceful societies.