UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasizes the necessity of investing in peace during the International Day of Peace, calling for strengthened diplomacy and grassroots efforts to resolve conflicts globally.
NEW YORK – In a poignant message delivered on the occasion of the International Day of Peace on September 18, 2023, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged world leaders to make a strategic choice to invest in peace, highlighting the critical role of diplomacy, dialogue, mediation, and peacekeeping in addressing escalating global conflicts. As leaders gather for the annual High-Level Week at UN Headquarters, Guterres reiterated that achieving peace is not an automatic process but rather a collective commitment to fostering a more secure future.
This year’s theme, ‘Investing in Peace,’ resonates with the founding principles of the United Nations, which emerged in the aftermath of the Second World War with a mission to prevent further global conflicts. Guterres pointed out that, despite the UN’s ongoing efforts, peace remains an elusive goal in many regions plagued by violence and instability.
Call for Grassroots Involvement
During an event commemorating the day at the UN’s regional office in Nairobi, Kenya, young voices expressed their perspectives on the importance of peace. Benedict Wambuya, an agriculture and technology student at Jomo Kenyatta University, remarked on the challenges faced by youth in engaging with peace initiatives, especially in light of recent violent crackdowns in Kenya. He stated, “As young people, we are hardly ever involved in peace discussions around the world. We should seek to understand our leaders, come together, work together and maintain peace.”
Another student, Benedict Kioko, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that lasting peace requires mutual understanding and dialogue. He noted that disruptions to peace often stem from a lack of communication between conflicting parties. Festus Musau, a student from the Technical University of Kenya, added that peace must begin with individual actions, asserting, “Everything is connected to peace.”
Challenges of Global Conflicts
Guterres underscored the growing complexity of conflicts that frequently extend beyond national borders, making resolution efforts increasingly challenging. He pointed out that international solidarity appears to be waning, complicating the pursuit of sustainable peace. According to Guterres, achieving lasting peace necessitates the creation of inclusive societies, sustainable development, and a steadfast commitment to human rights.
“Around the world, people are showing that we are not powerless,” Guterres stated, highlighting the proactive roles played by volunteers, civil society leaders, and peacekeepers. He noted that these individuals are bridging divides and fostering dialogue, thereby contributing to peacebuilding initiatives at the grassroots level. “Action by action, they are building peace from the ground up,” he added, reinforcing the idea that peace is a product of deliberate choices and investments in the future.
The UN’s Role in Peacebuilding
The United Nations, composed of 193 Member States, is tasked with helping nations prevent, resolve, and recover from conflicts. Guterres elaborated on the various methods through which the UN engages in peacebuilding, including diplomacy, peacekeeping missions, and community partnerships aimed at fostering peace.
Since its establishment, the UN has deployed over 70 peacekeeping missions worldwide. Currently, there are 11 active peacekeeping missions, which focus on maintaining stability and supporting conflict resolution efforts in volatile regions. Guterres encouraged global leaders to strengthen these initiatives and to consider the UN’s extensive history in peacekeeping as a model for future efforts.
In addition to traditional peacekeeping, the UN has launched initiatives such as the ‘Hear Us. Act Now for a Peaceful World’ campaign, which aims to amplify the voices of young people and integrate their contributions into peace discussions. This campaign includes events like the Peace Circle, designed to gather insights from youth on their role in promoting peace globally.
Promoting a Culture of Peace
The UN has also initiated the ‘ActNow’ campaign, which connects individuals with information and actions they can take toward fostering a peaceful world. This initiative coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, running from September 14 to 26, further emphasizing the UN’s commitment to global peace efforts.
In a symbolic gesture of peace, UN Headquarters in New York features various artworks dedicated to the cause, including the “Non-Violence” sculpture by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, which serves as a reminder of humanity’s shared aspiration for a peaceful existence. Guterres’s message reinforces the idea that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a proactive endeavor requiring continuous investment and commitment from all sectors of society.
