Mayors for Peace at ALGA
An international network of over 3,000 councils, Mayors for Peace, hosted a colourful stall at the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly this year, focusing on local initiatives around nuclear weapons abolition.
Delegates were invited to fold a paper crane at the stall to learn about upcoming Mayors for Peace activities.
Non members were also encouraged to join the 50 councils already part of the network in Australia.
Mayors for Peace supports member councils to undertake local peace initiatives, and also participates in national and international advocacy efforts towards nuclear disarmament.The network in Australia has had significant support this year by Macedon Ranges Shire and Yarra City Council, the Victorian Local Government Association, and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN).
National Convener for Mayors for Peace, Councillor Helen Relph from Macedon Ranges, said the interest from councils at the ALGA conference was extremely positive.
“We received an overwhelming response from councils wanting to be a part of Mayors for Peace,” she said.
“There is a huge upsurge of activity around the world on the issue of nuclear disarmament at the moment on an international and national level.
“Through local initiatives, we will be able to add a significant contribution to this vital global issue.”
Mayors for Peace is supporting councils to host crane folding activities in August on the anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Councils are also invited to host an international exhibition on nuclear disarmament, titled ‘From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming the Human Spirit’.
The worldwide lay Buddhist association, Soka Gakkai International, is supporting the exhibition tour in Australia. It will be made available to Mayors for Peace member councils to exhibit in their local area from September 2009.
For further information on Mayors for Peace contact Councillor Helen Relph, telephone 0418 398 856 or email CrHelenRelph@bigpond.com
