PRESS RELEASE
Malta, 21 September 2026 — H.E. Marquis Anthony C. Coleiro, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire to Malta, delivered a keynote address during the International Day of Peace 2026 Online International Summit, organised by Target Peace, Mankis Digital Hub and Peace Bus Association, under the theme “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
Addressing Peace Ambassadors, community leaders, civil society representatives, young people and international participants, Coleiro centered his intervention on “From Communities to Nations – Investing in Peace Through Dialogue, Diplomacy and Shared Responsibility.” He thanked the organising bodies and Ms Amy Banda for bringing together voices from different countries, professions and communities around the common responsibility of pursuing and preserving peace.
A central message of the keynote was that peace cannot become a priority only after conflict has emerged. Instead, Coleiro argued that genuine investment in peace must begin beforehand and must be embedded in everyday life — within homes, schools, communities and institutions.
“Peace is local before it becomes global.”
Developing this principle, Coleiro emphasised that national peace requires investment in education, opportunity, social inclusion, good governance, justice and institutional trust, stressing that peace and development should not be regarded as competing priorities but as mutually reinforcing objectives.
Drawing upon his experience as Honorary Consul, he also highlighted the human dimension of diplomacy, describing diplomacy fundamentally as communication rather than confrontation and as the continued search for common ground, particularly when dialogue becomes difficult. He noted that consular diplomacy can contribute directly to stronger communities through integration, cultural understanding and cooperation in trade, education, tourism and investment.
The address further placed Malta and Côte d’Ivoire within a wider Africa–Europe perspective. Coleiro observed that geography need not create distance but can instead create bridges, advocating relationships based on mutual respect, dialogue, reciprocity and shared prosperity. He also underlined the contribution that smaller states can make to international dialogue, multilateral cooperation and bridge-building.
Particular attention was dedicated to young people, whom Coleiro described not simply as future beneficiaries of peace but as its “present architects.” Against the background of rapidly evolving technology, social media, misinformation and intolerance, he called for greater investment in critical thinking, dialogue, education, intercultural exchange and meaningful participation in civic and economic life.
Another central element of the keynote was the recognition of the “everyday architects of peace” — teachers, parents, community leaders, volunteers, journalists, entrepreneurs, religious and cultural leaders, young people and ordinary citizens whose daily choices can strengthen understanding and prevent division.
Coleiro concluded by placing shared responsibility at the heart of sustainable peacebuilding, stressing that governments, international organisations, diplomats, civil society, businesses, the media, communities and individuals all have responsibilities. Lasting peace, he stated, is built gradually — through conversations, communities, nations and generations.
The keynote was well received during the proceedings, with themes raised in Coleiro’s intervention subsequently echoed by participating speakers in their own contributions, reinforcing the summit’s wider emphasis on dialogue, responsibility and practical peacebuilding.
Closing his address, Coleiro called for sustained investment in education, young people, inclusive communities, diplomacy and international cooperation, while emphasising a common responsibility extending from Malta and Côte d’Ivoire to Africa, Europe and the wider international community.
He concluded with the message:
“Let us make peace not simply something we commemorate once a year, but something we practice every day.”
Official Communication
Office of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire in Malta
Ħaż-Żebbuġ, Malta ZBG 1965
hon.cons.cotedivoire.malta@gmail.com
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PHOTO CAPTION:
H.E. Marquis Anthony C. Coleiro participating in the International Day of Peace 2026 Online International Summit on 21 September 2026, during which he delivered the keynote address “From Communities to Nations – Investing in Peace Through Dialogue, Diplomacy and Shared Responsibility.”
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