Peace, often defined as more than the mere absence of war, encompasses harmony, justice, and respect among all nations and individuals.
Achieving this state of global tranquility is a complex endeavor, requiring sustained effort and cooperation at local, national, and international levels.
In a world fraught with conflicts, divisiveness, and uncertainty, the International Day for Peace stands as a resounding call to humanity. this day reminds us of our shared aspiration for global peace and the urgent need for collective action to realize this ambitious goal. it is imperative to reflect on the challenges we face and the vital role we each play in achieving lasting peace.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, “Peace is needed today more than ever. War and conflict are unleashing devastation, poverty, and hunger, and driving tens of millions of people from their homes. Climate chaos is all around. And even peaceful countries are gripped by gaping inequalities and political polarization.”
Africa had several ongoing conflicts related to ethnic tensions and political instability.
Yemen has been in the midst of a civil war since 2014, with Houthi rebels fighting against the Yemeni government. This conflict has caused widespread famine and suffering, with millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance.
Afghans have suffered decades of civil war, foreign interventions, insurgency, a rapidly changing climate, and widespread political and economic insecurity.
Other factors affecting Peace
Decades of conflict, combined with the impacts of climate change, gender inequality, economic instability and the COVID-19 pandemic — have caused deep hunger and suffering for Afghan communities across the country.
Conflict in Ethiopia has been equally complex and drawn out. Ethiopians have confronted successive wars, enduring decades of conflict with neighboring Eritrea, grappling with internal power struggles, and enduring nearly two years of a devastating civil war raging in the region of Tigray.
South Sudan’s declaration of independence from Sudan in 2011 turned it into the world’s newest nation. It also ushered in an era of violence that continues to this day.
The South Sudanese Civil War a multi-sided conflict between government and opposition forces, put communities through nearly a decade of violence, poverty and hunger.
It’s been over a decade of hellish conflict for families across Syria, and there are now more Syrian refugees in the world than citizens of any other country.
Some 12.4 million people, almost 60 percent of the population are hungry and don’t know where their next meal will come from. This is a 57 percent increase since 2019 and the highest number ever recorded in the history of Syria.
Yemen was one of the poorest countries in the Arab world. Now, nearly a decade of war has left thousands dead, and more than 4 million people displaced.
Ukraine is the latest conflict to erupt. It has caused over a million refugees to flee the country and created a new humanitarian emergency in Europe.
Peace as a collective responsibility
The UN Security Council has the primary responsibility for international peace and security.
Building lasting peace in war-torn societies is a daunting challenge for global peace and security.
Recognizing that the UN needs to better anticipate and respond to the challenges of peacebuilding, the 2005 World Summit approved the creation of a new Peacebuilding Commission.
Conflict has cut off entire communities from livelihoods and access to services. And on top of the millions of refugees, hundreds of thousands of people have
been internally displaced within their country’s borders and have nowhere to turn.
peace is not an abstract concept but an achievable goal within our grasp. It calls on individuals, communities, and nations to come together and work towards a more peaceful world.
As we commemorate this day and contemplate our aspirations for global peace, let us find inspiration to take tangible actions within our own lives and communities. Through our collective efforts, we can build a future where peace is not just an aspiration but a lived reality for all of humanity.
