With the strong support of local authorities, the National Olympic Comity, the Charles Nkazamyampi Foundation proudly celebrated the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2025, under the theme: “Sport, a Pillar of Peace.” The celebration took place in Ngozi commune, Butanyerera province, bringing together community members, leaders, and young people around the shared values of peace, solidarity, and social cohesion.

The day began with a Peace Parade, led by the Governor of Butanyerera Province, the Secretary of the National Olympic Committee, and Charles Nkazamyampi himself. Their united presence at the front of the parade set a powerful tone of commitment and leadership. Young athletes filled the parade with vibrant energy and contagious enthusiasm, giving the opening moments a symbolic brilliance that captured the spirit of the day.

The celebrations then moved to the athletic field, where competitions officially launched the activities. Athletics was deliberately chosen because of its long-standing symbolism as a sport of discipline, unity, and perseverance—values recognized by the International Olympic Committee as essential to peace and cohesion.

One of the most meaningful highlights of the day was the signing of the Peace Commitment Cards. This initiative, regularly promoted by the Foundation, invites young people to personally pledge their commitment to building peace and strengthening unity within their communities. Each signature is not only symbolic but also a promise to take concrete action in daily life.

Throughout the event, participants were reminded of the Olympic values—excellence, respect, and friendship. These values were celebrated not only as ideals for athletes but also as universal principles that can guide society toward lasting peace, social harmony, and inclusive development.

At the close of the competitions, awards were presented to the winners. More than just medals or prizes, these awards stood as recognition of the values of fair play, solidarity, and fraternity—principles that lie at the very heart of the International Day of Peace.

In his speech, the Governor of Butanyerera Province expressed his joy and emphasized that the International Day of Peace is a rare and valuable opportunity to renew collective dedication to peace and to become true ambassadors of harmony.

« Today, we gather in Butanyerera Province to celebrate the International Day of Peace, marked each year on September 21. This year’s theme, ‘Sport: A Pillar of Peace,’ carries a profound message. Let us remember: without peace, nothing is possible. Where peace does not exist, nothing can be achieved. That is why, together, we must commit ourselves to building and strengthening peace in our communities and in our nation. As our Burundian elders wisely say: «Peace is everything»

For his part, Charles Nkazamyampi underlined the vital importance of building strong bonds of peace and social cohesion within the community.

« Today, at the Charles Nkazamyampi Foundation, we are filled with joy as we celebrate the International Day of Peace here in Butanyerera Province. Young people came together with great enthusiasm, showcasing their talents and engaging in sports activities. Even elders joined them, showing their support and solidarity.  We are very proud of your presence here today it is a strong reminder that peace is not just a desire, but a necessity in Burundi. At our foundation, we use sport as a powerful tool to unite youth, to help them discover and value their talents, and to encourage them to work together for their growth and development despite their differences. Sport builds friendships, fosters solidarity, improves health, and contributes to the development of our communities. Sport is, truly, peace in action. »

 

The Secretary of the National Olympic Committee also addressed the gathering, stressing that sport can inspire individuals and communities to create stronger and more united societies.

« Sport teaches us that we must reflect and ask ourselves whether justice truly prevails in our communities, whether people live in freedom, and whether humanity guides our coexistence. In all of this, sport must be considered a pillar of peace. It has the power not only to build peace but also to restore it where it has been lost. »

Impact of the Celebration

This celebration left a powerful mark on the community.  The participants signed 1000 peace commitment cards, and pledged to become peace ambassadors in their neighborhoods. Beyond the competitions and speeches, the event fostered dialogue, inspired hope, and strengthened bonds between youth, leaders, and families. For many participants, it was the first time they had seen peace and sport so closely linked, helping them understand that peace is not only an idea but also a way of living together. By the end of the day, the community walked away with a renewed sense of unity, resilience, and determination to make peace a daily reality.

The 2025 International Day of Peace in Butanyerera was more than a commemoration it was a living testimony that sport can bring people together, heal divisions, and build a brighter, more peaceful future.