MAY 16 ― Today is Teachers’ Day — the day set aside to commemorate and honour the special work of teachers.
Perhaps less is known that Teachers’ Day is celebrated throughout the world on different days.
In Malaysia, it falls on May 16; in Brunei on September 23, in the Philippines on October 5; and in Singapore on the first Friday of September.
There is, of course, a World Teachers' Day, which is celebrated on October 5.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek hinted yesterday at some good news to be announced in conjunction with the national-level Teachers’ Day celebration taking place at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) in Ayer Keroh.
Will the Higher Education Mohamed Khaled Nordin join hands with Fadhlina in announcing the good news?
Now, even less is known, if at all, that May 16 was declared by Resolution 72/130 adopted by the United Nation General Assembly (UNGA) on December 8, 2017 as the International Day of Living Together in Peace (the Day).
It is to regularly mobilise efforts of the international community to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity.
The Day aims to uphold the desire to live and act together, united in differences and diversity, in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony.
Living together in peace is all about accepting differences and having the ability to listen to, recognize, respect and appreciate others, as well as living in a peaceful and united way.
The Day invites countries to further promote reconciliation to help to ensure peace and sustainable development, including by working with communities, faith leaders and other relevant actors, through reconciliatory measures and acts of service and by encouraging forgiveness and compassion among individuals.
It is about time May 16 is celebrated as declared by the UNGA.
So, Happy Teachers Day and Happy Living Together in Peace.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
