World Clean-Up Day, International Coastal Clean-Up Day, and the UN International Day of Peace

UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF MAURITIUS

(UNSDGs Goal14,15,16 & 17.

1. World Clean Up Day: (Make Room For Life)

2. International Coastal Clean-up Day: (Protecting Our Oceans, Uniting for Cleaner Shores)

3. International Day of Peace, (Cultivating a Culture of Peace)

World Clean-Up Day, International Coastal Clean-Up Day, and the UN International Day of Peace,

21st September 2024 – Blue Bay Public Beach on 21st September 2024, approximately 100 volunteers from various NGOs and key personalities participated in a series of simultaneous events to mark World Clean-Up Day, International Coastal Clean-Up Day, and the UN International Day of Peace at Blue Bay Public Beach.

From 9:00 hrs to 12.45hrs, the World Clean-Up Day activities were in full effect. Mr. Krish

Appadoo, President of ANPRAS and the Mauritius Coordinator for World Clean-Up Day,

delivered an engaging and informative address, detailing the history and initiatives led by the

World Clean-Up Day Secretariat based in Estonia. Mr. Vikram Dookna, Head of the UN-SDGs

team at UNA-MAURITIUS, followed with remarks highlighting the importance of the

International Coastal Clean-Up, drawing attention to the need for collective action in preserving

our oceans.

Throughout the day, teams of volunteers were organized into groups of eight and have actively

engaged in both the World Clean-Up and International Coastal Clean-Up exercises. Their efforts

culminated in the collection of approximately 125 kilograms of waste, which included a

significant find—a large, used rifle bullet, which was promptly secured by the attending security

officials.

At 11:00 am, the commemoration of the International Day of Peace commenced, bringing

together all participants in a spirit of unity and reflection. The event was graced by the

Honorable Mahendranuth Sharma Hurreeram, Minister of National Infrastructure and

Community Development, Ms. Mariia Golub of the Russian Embassy, the Vice President of the

Grand Port District Council, representatives from the Beach Authority, and leaders from several

participating NGOs.

The proceedings began with a prayer for peace, led by Aya Rishi Ramen.

The Honorable Minister Hurreeram addressed the gathering, underscoring the critical importance

of peace as the foundation for sustainable national development. His speech emphasized the

imperative to build and nurture peace as a collective responsibility.

Ms. Mariia Golub, representing the Russian Embassy, also addressed the participants, stressing

the urgent global need for enduring peace, which she noted as essential for fostering global

harmony and development.

The Peace Program of the day featured a diverse array of activities, including messages of peace,

peace-themed songs and dances, a peace sketch and the signing of the Peace Declaration on the exhibited painting canvas.

The success of these three events was made possible through collaborative partnerships with

several key organizations, including the Grand Port-Port District Council, the Tourism Authority,

We Love Mahebourg Volunteers, the Federation of African Law Students, the Council of

Students and Youth Movement, the Indian Ocean for Education on Human Values, the

Association Guide et Scout Saint Luc of Curepipe, DJ Pundu Group, and the African Network

for Policy Research & Advocacy for Sustainability.

The organizing committee of UNAMAURITIUS led the efforts to coordinate the day’s activities,

with Ms. Prema Mookaram serving as the team leader, supported by Mr. Mahess Roopun, Mr.

Vikram Dookna, Mrs. Raveeta Salick-Peetumber, Ms. Marie Justelle Genave, Mr. Yudish

Ramgoolam, Mrs. Gaitree Ramchurn-Samboo, Mr. Vicky Gookool, Mrs. Pushpa Nundlall, Ms.

Nitusa Gaya, and Mr. Aungnoo Chiranjiv. The team works was led by Mr. Nundkeswarsing Bossoondyal the CEO of UNAMAURITIUS.

All participants and guests who contributed to these impactful initiatives were awarded

e-certificates in recognition of their efforts. We express our sincere appreciation to all volunteers

and partners for their unwavering commitment and dedication, which ensured the resounding

success of the three significant events.