Hürth embodies harmonious living togetherness
Hürth Mayor Dirk Breuer Urges Peace and Humanitarian Support on International Peace Day
In a statement issued on September 19, 2025, Dirk Breuer, the Mayor of Hürth, Germany, expressed his condolences for the deceased in Peremyshlyany, Ukraine, and called for peace in the troubled region.
"On International Peace Day, we remember those who have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine," Breuer said. "Our city feels a deep connection and responsibility towards Peremyshlyany, our partner city, and we stand with them in their time of need."
The global Mayors for Peace network, which includes Peremyshlyany as one of its member cities, supports Hürth's action and calls on member cities to set a sign for a peaceful world on International Peace Day. The network, which has over 8,000 member cities and towns from 166 countries, aims to promote peace and eliminate nuclear weapons from the world.
In addition to the statement, Hürth has donated aid supplies worth 1.76 million euros to Ukraine. The donation includes a playground, a truck with a crane for repairing power lines, backup generators, and mobile X-ray equipment.
Breuer emphasized the importance of humanitarian support, particularly in times of war. "We must continue to provide aid and support to those affected by conflict, and work towards a peaceful resolution," he said.
The Mayor's message echoes a message from the Dalai Lama about hope for peace. Breuer expressed hope that never ends through our actions.
As of September 2025, over 900 of the member cities of the Mayors for Peace network are from Germany. Other German cities that participate in the network include Münster (since 2012), Hamburg (since 2011), Heidelberg, Werder Havel, and Nuthetal, which raise the Mayors for Peace flag on International Peace Day and other occasions to advocate for a peaceful world without nuclear weapons.
International Peace Day is commemorated worldwide on September 21, and this year's observance comes as the conflict in Ukraine continues to take a heavy toll on civilians. The Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated that between 60,000 to 100,000 soldiers have been killed in Ukraine, and in July alone, 286 civilians were killed and nearly 1,400 were injured.
Breuer thanked everyone working for peace, and urged others to join the effort. "We must all do our part to promote peace and work towards a better future for all," he said. "Together, we can make a difference."
