United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a powerful message on the International Day of Peace, observed September 21, urging nations to prioritize dialogue over division and invest in sustainable development as a foundation for stability. In his address, Guterres highlighted the devastating human toll of global conflicts, stating: "Lives are being ripped apart, childhoods extinguished, and basic human dignity discarded."
The Cost of Conflict
Guterres emphasized that nine out of ten countries lagging in development are also mired in conflict, underscoring the interconnectedness of peace and economic progress. He called for urgent action to "silence the guns" and address systemic drivers of violence, including racism, dehumanization, and misinformation.
Sustainable Development as a Pathway to Peace
The UN chief linked global stability to equitable growth, urging nations to "build bridges" through cooperation. This year's theme, "Act Now for a Peaceful World," aligns with the UN's 2001 designation of the day as a period of non-violence and ceasefire—a tradition Guterres urged warring parties to honor.
A Call to Action
"Where we have peace, we have hope," Guterres declared, framing peacebuilding as both a moral imperative and practical necessity. His message resonates across Asia, where regional tensions and economic disparities continue to challenge development goals.
First established in 1981, the International Day of Peace serves as a global reminder that lasting stability requires addressing root causes of conflict—a vision increasingly critical in an era of geopolitical fragmentation.
