Ozuem Esiri, Sunshine (2026)

21/09/2026

OPENING SPEECH

THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY 2026
From Conflict to Resolution

Good evening, everyone, and a very warm welcome to the International Online Mega Meeting — The People’s Assembly 2026.

It is a great honour to welcome peacebuilders, Rotary leaders, Rotarians, humanitarians, changemakers, community leaders, and advocates for peace, justice and human rights joining us from Australia and around the world.

At a time when leaders and representatives from many nations are gathering in New York for the High-Level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, we too are coming together — from our communities and from different parts of the world — to reflect on what we can do to build peace.

Today, we come together representing hundreds of communities across Australia and around the world.

We are here to listen, learn, connect, be inspired, and consider how we can take practical action for peace in our own communities.

Because I strongly believe that peace does not begin only at the highest levels of government or international institutions.

Peace begins with each of us.

It begins with the individual.

It begins in the family.

It grows in our communities.

And from our communities, it can reach our countries and the wider world.

That is why this gathering is important.

We are building peace from the ground up — from our homes and communities to our nations and ultimately to the global community.

And the need for this work could not be clearer.

The 2025 Global Peace Index, produced by the Institute for Economics & Peace, found that global peacefulness deteriorated for the 13th time in the last 17 years.

The Global Peace Index tells us that our world is becoming less peaceful.

But peace is not simply a statistic — it is a choice, a responsibility and a commitment we must make every day.

That is why we are gathered here: to turn dialogue into action and to move from conflict to resolution.

Around the world, lives are being lost and ripped apart, and basic human dignity is being discarded as a result of conflict.

We are seeing an explosion of conflict.

International law is being flouted.

And record numbers of people and communities are being forced to flee their homes.

All they want is peace.

Peace is everyone’s business.

We must silence the guns, end the suffering, build bridges, and create stability and prosperity.

We are also here to complement the efforts of governments and the United Nations in promoting peace, security, human dignity and cooperation.

But our responsibility does not end when this meeting ends.

We are not here simply as representatives of our communities.

We are here as leaders who must return to our communities and inspire others to take action for peace.

Today is not just another meeting.

It is an opportunity to build relationships, strengthen partnerships, share ideas, inspire one another and empower people to create a culture of peace.

I would like to share a powerful message from the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, on the International Day of Peace:

“On this International Day of Peace, let us all be inspired by the courage of those who champion peace in neighbourhoods, classrooms and communities. And let’s call on world leaders to invest in a peaceful future for all people.”

That message reminds us that peace is not something that belongs only to presidents, prime ministers or international institutions.

Peace belongs to all of us.

Each one of us has a role to play.

So my hope today is that we will not simply listen to inspiring words.

Let us become the inspiration that our people and our communities need to see.

Let us build friendship.

Let us build understanding.

Let us build tolerance.

Let us build cooperation.

Let us build peace.

And when we leave this meeting, let us take something with us — an idea, a connection, a commitment or an action that we can put into practice in our own communities.

This is The People’s Assembly 2026.

This is our opportunity to come together from conflict to resolution, from division to dialogue, and from hope to action.

Thank you for being here.

Thank you for believing in peace.

And most importantly, thank you for being willing to take action for peace.

Welcome to The People’s Assembly 2026.

Let us begin.

14/09/2026

INVITATION 🌍

THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY 2026
FROM CONFLICT TO RESOLUTION

Join me for a special international online gathering bringing together peacebuilders, community leaders, changemakers, Rotary leaders, Rotarians, humanitarians, and advocates for peace, justice and human rights from communities across Australia and around the world to take Action for Peace.

🤝 From Australia, we come together with an “All In” spirit for peace, reconciliation and community — because peace begins with each of us and requires all of us to take active, daily steps towards understanding, respect, reconciliation and unity.

🌐 Held in recognition of the United Nations International Day of Peace and during UNGA 81.

🎙️ READ MORE & MEET OUR DISTINGUISHED GUEST SPEAKERS FROM AUSTRALIA

⭐ STEVE KILLELEA AM
Founder & Executive Chairman, Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP)

Peace Day Theme Message: “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”

🔗 Read more about Steve Killelea:

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Killelea

Institute for Economics & Peace: https://www.economicsandpeace.org/about-our-people/

⭐ DR. SHANNON ZIMMERMAN
Senior Lecturer, Centre for Future Defence and National Security Canberra Australia.

The Role of Peace Advocates in Building Sustainable Peace

🔗 Read more about Dr. Shannon Zimmerman:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonezimmerman/

Deakin University: https://experts.deakin.edu.au/60274-shannon-zimmerman

⭐ CHARLES ALLEN APM
Founder, Space Melbourne & Resilience Practitioner

All In for Peace: From Reconciliation at Home to Peace Around the World

🔗 Read more about Charles Allen:
Space Melbourne: https://space-melbourne.com/about/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesallen-illoura/

✦ EVENT DETAILS ✦
📅 Sunday, 20 September 2026
🕗 8:00 PM Melbourne, Australia (AEST)
💻 Online via Zoom

🔗 Scan the QR code on the official event invitation to register.

Let us unite for Peace, Purpose and Progress.

Ozuem O. Esiri (AmbP)

Peace Practitioner | Peace & Justice Advocate | Human Rights Activist

Founder, Host & Convenor
Peace Begins at Home Australia International
The online International Mega Meeting.

13/09/2026

🎨🕊️ 2026 ART FOR PEACE COMPETITION — WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT 🕊️🎨

We are delighted to announce the Winner of the 2026 Art for Peace Competition for kids/Children! 🏆

Congratulations to 🎉👏

Your artwork beautifully captures the spirit of peace, unity, hope and harmony and reminds us that art can be a powerful voice for a more peaceful world.

🌍 Art speaks where words sometimes cannot.
Let us continue creating, sharing and inspiring peace through art.

Congratulations once again to our 2026 winner, and a heartfelt thank you to all participants who shared their creativity and vision for peace.

🕊️ ART FOR PEACE 2026 — Creating Peace Through Creativity.

17/08/2026

When the community calls for volunteers, there are always better ways to spend your weekend — especially when you know you can be part of making a positive impact. 🌱💚

I joined Brimbank Council and community members in planting trees at a local park in Brimbank.

It was a great opportunity to give back to the community, connect with others, and contribute to a greener and healthier environment for everyone.

What a better way to spend the weekend knowing that you can help in making a positive impact.

Small actions can create a lasting impact. When we come together, we can make a difference. 🌳🤝

19/06/2026

In my spirit, soul, and body, and with a big heart, I stand proudly behind our Australia national team, the Socceroos, all the way to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

From the viewing centre at Federation Square in Melbourne to the biggest stage in world football, we gather, we roar, we cheer, and we celebrate as Australians united behind our beloved Socceroos. Their achievements continue to make our nation proud.

In victory or defeat, our hearts, support, love, and encouragement will always be with our team. As nations from across the globe come together for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we are reminded once again of the extraordinary power of football to unite people.

Football is a universal language that transcends cultural, social, economic, and national boundaries. It brings communities together, promotes dialogue, builds trust, and teaches cooperation in pursuit of a common goal. It is one of the most powerful tools for peace and unity in our world today.

At the Soccer for Peace Foundation, we have long understood and embraced this power. For decades, we have used football as a vehicle for peacebuilding, community development, social inclusion, and unity among people from all walks of life.

For me, football is not just a game—it is a force for positive change.

History provides powerful examples of football diplomacy:

• Côte d'Ivoire (2007): Following World Cup qualification, captain Didier Drogba appealed for peace during the country's civil war. The national team later played a match in a rebel-held city, helping pave the way for a peace agreement.

• Colombia's Golombiao League: Supported by UNICEF and local partners, this innovative peace league brought together young people affected by violence, using football to teach conflict resolution, fairness, respect, and cooperation.

• Liberia's Civil War: During times of conflict, football tournaments provided rare moments of unity, offering citizens a shared sense of hope and national identity.

• Nigeria (2015): Ahead of the General Elections, when political tensions threatened national unity and peaceful coexistence, I organized one of the largest novelty football matches, bringing together political actors from different parties to play on the same team. The event promoted peace, dialogue, unity, and mutual understanding, demonstrating how football can bridge divides and foster national cohesion.

These examples remind us that football is far more than ninety minutes on a field. It is a powerful instrument for peace, friendship, understanding, and human connection.

As Founder and President of the Soccer for Peace Foundation, I remain committed to using football as a platform for peacebuilding and community development across the world.

Go Socceroos! 🇦🇺⚽

Together we stand. Together we believe. Together we dream.

14/06/2026

What does Reconciliation mean to me?

To me, reconciliation is about building stronger, more inclusive communities through respect, understanding, and collaboration. It means acknowledging and valuing our differences while working together towards a shared future based on trust, fairness, and mutual respect.

Reconciliation encourages us to learn from one another, strengthen relationships, and create a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. In the workplace, it means doing the right thing every day by treating others with respect, working as a team, supporting one another, and following workplace policies, procedures, and guidelines.

By embracing these values, we can help build a positive workplace culture, stronger communities, and a more united Australia.

What does it mean to be ALL IN?

To be "All In" means giving your best effort, being fully committed, and taking ownership of your responsibilities. It is about contributing positively, supporting your colleagues, and working together to achieve shared goals.

Whether the goal is an individual target, a team objective, or an organisational priority, being All In means showing dedication, accountability, and a willingness to go the extra mile to achieve the best possible outcomes.

It means DOING the Right Thing! even when No one is Watching!

As we continue to reconcile our past, embrace the present, and build a better future, we must remember that there is far more that unites us than divides us. Let us put aside our differences and continue to respect, value, and celebrate our multicultural diversity, because within it lies our strength for building a lasting culture of peace in our communities and across Australia.

As we bridge Now to the Next , Let this Reconciliation Week be a reminder that each of us has a role to play. Through one small step, one act of understanding, kindness, or inclusion, we can inspire others and make a meaningful difference today, tomorrow, and for future generations to come.

Together, we can build bridges of understanding, foster unity, and create a more peaceful & harmonious society for all.

Written by
Ozuem Esiri Onyobolise
For Reconciliation Week

07/06/2026

From Australia to the World: Peace Begins at Home

Thank You!

The 2026 Peace Begins at Home – International Mega Meeting brought together peace advocates, families, community and faith leaders, multicultural associations, Rotary leaders and members, civil society organisations, and global changemakers from across Australia and around the world.

I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who honoured my invitation, participated in this important conversation, and helped amplify the message of peace by featuring the event in newsletters, websites, and community publications.

Special thanks to organisations including the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), Sydney, the Sydney Peace Foundation, Rotary clubs and districts across Australia, Europe, and North America, and many other partners who shared and supported this initiative.

Click the links below to read and learn more about the event:

Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), Sydney, Australia

https://www.economicsandpeace.org/event/2026-peace-begins-at-home-international-mega-meeting/
Rotary Club of Melbourne, Australia

https://rotaryclubofmelbourne.org.au/bulletin-this-week-item/63184/2026-special-invitation-2026

peace-begins-at-home-international-mega-meeting-the-rotary-mega-meeting/?type_fr=1583
Rotary District 5340, USA

https://rotary5340.org/stories/2026-peace-begins-at-home-%E2%80%93-international-mega-meeting
Sydney Peace Foundation, Australia

https://sydneypeacefoundation.org.au/event/peace-begins-and-home-international-mega-meeting/
Rotary Club of Caloundra, Australia

https://www.rotaryclubcaloundra.com.au/stories/peace-begins-at-home
Rotary District 2202, Spain

https://rotary2202.es/es/content/news/show/2328?ce=1
Wilmette Rotary, USA

https://wilmetterotary.org/stories/rotary-peace-begins-at-home
Rotary District 7910, USA

https://rotary7910.org/stories/together-for-peace-rotary-at-121
Rotary District 2202, Spain

https://rotary2202.es/es/content/news/show/2435
Rotary Club of St George, Australia

https://www.stgeorgerotary.org/bulletin/View/fe622694-7ea7-4b99-bd6f-3c6858ad34bf
Wilmette Rotary Bulletin, USA

https://wilmetterotary.org/bulletin/View/8b940823-c0bd-4058-929d-a4fae47d121f

This International Mega Meeting featured distinguished global peace leaders, Rotary leaders, community representatives, and changemakers committed to advancing peace through practical action and collaboration.

The meeting reinforced a simple but powerful truth: sustainable global peace begins at home. It is built through our daily actions, shared values, strong relationships, and commitment to one another.

Today, rising conflicts, violence, family abuse, youth gang activity, and community tensions across many parts of the world highlight the urgent need to strengthen social cohesion, youth belonging, and family-centred prevention efforts.

While policing, security measures, and government interventions remain important, lasting peace and safety require preventive, community-led approaches that foster inclusion, resilience, positive identity, and a sense of belonging—particularly among young people and families most vulnerable to alienation and violence.

Moments like these remind us that peace cannot be taken for granted. Building peaceful communities cannot be left to governments, agencies, or elected representatives alone. We all have a role to play and a responsibility to contribute.

This is a call to renew our commitment to grassroots peacebuilding—starting within our homes, families, schools, workplaces, faith communities, and neighbourhoods—where values are shaped, relationships are strengthened, and a culture of peace can flourish.

Together, we can build a more peaceful, inclusive, and compassionate world—one home, one family, and one community at a time.

Ozuem Esiri Onyebolise

President, Soccer for Peace Foundation International

Founder Host and Convener, Online International Mega Meeting

Founder Host and Convener, Peace Begins at Home – International Mega Meeting Australia

06/05/2026

Safe Steps 2026 Candlelight Vigil

Activating my advocacy to support families and individuals to be safe everywhere.

For National Family Violence Remembrance Day during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, I joined the Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre 2026 Candlelight Vigil held on Wednesday, 6 May 2026 at the Parliament in Victoria.

Each year, the vigil brings together community members, sector leaders, and key stakeholders to honour and remember loved ones, share stories of resilience, and ignite hope.

I was honoured to stand with courageous survivors and passionate advocates, adding my voice in support of ending family and individual violence in all its forms.

The candlelight vigil unites Victoria in a powerful tribute and encourages anyone experiencing violence to seek support when they can.

For almost two decades, I have dedicated my time, talent, and resources to active community service—supporting initiatives and championing peace, reconciliation, justice, and human rights for countless communities, individuals, and groups.

This is who I am: my purpose and lifelong commitment across generations.

Despite a busy work schedule, I felt strongly compelled to join this meaningful cause—to honour lives, support survivors, and promote hope.

A chance to rebuild. It should never have happened.

Tonight is not just about remembering, but also about taking responsibility for ensuring everyone feels safe.

As the candle continues to burn, let it remind us to take responsibility.

It is the smallest action that makes the biggest impact.You too can be a changemaker.

Join me. Join us. Be an inspiration.

Help spread the word to end family violence everywhere, in every form.

06/05/2026

From working at night to serving and volunteering in the daytime — the life of me.

Supporting children and the community through volunteer service and engagement is not just what I do — it’s who I am.

What a meaningful morning again serving at the Breakfast Club at Wyndham Park Primary School, alongside friends from Rotary Club of Werribee.

Sadly, many children arrive at school without having had anything to eat. For years, Rotary and friends of the club have visited the school each morning to provide nourishment before classes begin.

Known as the Breakfast Club, the menu is simple—toast and fruit—but the impact is profound. The kids love it.

The school community is deeply grateful. Before the Breakfast Club, some children struggled with concentration and displayed antisocial behaviour in class. Now, they are more attentive, engaged, and ready to learn—making the teachers’ work more effective and the classroom environment more positive.

Social work, community service, and volunteering have always been an integral part of my life.

It’s not an activity. It’s a lifestyle.

It gives me fulfillment. It gives me purpose.

04/04/2026

Thank God It’s Good Friday!

There’s no better way to spend the Good Friday holiday than serving and supporting the community through volunteering.

Today, I had the privilege of supporting Vision Australia at the Easter Egg Hunt in Bendigo, helping raise funds for local services that support children and individuals who are blind or have low vision to live the life they choose.

An exciting search for 100,000 Easter eggs took place at the beautiful Rosalind Park, where more than 4,500 children joined the fun throughout the day in well-organized age groups and time slots.

As always, “The GuardMan with the pen and paper,” I was entrusted with the responsibility of managing where the 100,000 Easter eggs were kept and ensuring every box was accounted for.

A responsibility and trust I never take for granted.

Seeing the joy on children’s faces as they filled their bags with chocolate, and meeting Seeing Eye Dogs Australia teams who joined the celebration, made the day even more special.

You too can make a difference in your community and around the world through service.

Happy Good Friday.

Ozuem Esiri

21/09/2026

14/09/2026

13/09/2026

17/08/2026

19/06/2026

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