Dr Matiur Rahman :
The UN International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21, is a global call for individuals, communities, and nations to foster peace and understanding.
This day is a powerful reminder of the United Nations’ founding mission: to promote peace, prevent conflict, and unite nations in the quest for global harmony, a mission we all share and contribute to.
Since its inception, the International Day of Peace has grown into a significant event, recognised by people worldwide as an opportunity to reflect on the values of peace, justice, and human dignity. This growth and recognition inspire hope for a more peaceful and harmonious world.
The International Day of Peace’s roots trace back to 1981 when the United Nations General Assembly established it to commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace. Initially, the day was celebrated on the opening day of the General Assembly’s annual session, usually the third Tuesday of September.
However, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to establish September 21 as the fixed date for the observance, designating it as a day of non-violence and ceasefire.
This decision reflected the global community’s growing recognition that peace is not merely the absence of war but a continuous process that requires active participation, dialogue, and cooperation.
Each year, the UN chooses a theme that aligns with current global challenges and aspirations. For 2024, the theme “Cultivating a Culture of Peace” carries profound significance. In a world grappling with ongoing conflicts, political divisions, and social unrest, the theme emphasises the importance of peace as an integral part of daily life, engaging us all in the mission for a more peaceful world.
It calls upon people to embody the values of empathy, tolerance, and respect for diversity in their interactions and to take conscious steps toward building inclusive, just societies where every individual can live in dignity and freedom. The urgency and importance of this message cannot be overstated in the current global context.
The “culture of peace” concept emerged in the 1980s as a framework for promoting peace through education, sustainable development, human rights, equality, and dialogue.
The UN further solidified this concept in 1999 by adopting the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.
This declaration recognised that peace is not simply an agreement between governments or the cessation of hostilities but must be nurtured at all levels of society-from families and schools to workplaces and public institutions.
The 2024 theme seeks to renew this vision, urging individuals to take responsibility for cultivating peace in their everyday actions and empowering them to be active contributors to a peaceful world.
At the heart of the “Cultivating a Culture of Peace” theme is that peace begins with each person. The UN encourages individuals to reflect on their attitudes and behaviours toward others, practice nonviolent communication, and embrace differences rather than allow them to fuel division.
This theme highlights the power of education in fostering a culture of peace.
Schools and educational institutions play a pivotal role in shaping future generations, and by promoting peace education, they can equip young people with the skills to resolve conflicts, understand diverse perspectives, and engage in constructive dialogue.
In classrooms worldwide, the International Day of Peace offers an opportunity to teach children about empathy, social justice, and the importance of peaceful coexistence.
In addition to education, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace” underscores the need for societies to address systemic inequalities and injustices. Peace cannot flourish in environments where inequality, discrimination, and oppression are rampant.
The UN calls on governments and civil society organisations to work toward eliminating poverty, reducing inequality, and promoting human rights for all. This includes ensuring that marginalised communities can access necessities such as food, water, healthcare, and education. By addressing the root causes of conflict and insecurity, societies can create conditions that allow peace to take root and grow.
The 2024 theme also speaks to the importance of dialogue and cooperation in conflict resolution. Global challenges like climate change, pandemics, and displacement in an increasingly interconnected world require collective action and understanding.
The International Day of Peace is a platform for nations to engage in meaningful dialogue, resolve differences, and work together toward common goals. Peace negotiations and diplomatic efforts are essential in conflict zones, but cultivating peace also requires grassroots efforts, where communities come together to resolve local disputes and rebuild trust.
The idea of a culture of peace extends beyond the political sphere. It encompasses how individuals interact with their environment and the planet. Environmental sustainability is essential to peacebuilding, as conflicts over natural resources often exacerbate tensions between communities and nations.
The UN’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reinforces the need to protect the environment and ensure that future generations have access to a healthy, sustainable world.
By promoting responsible consumption, reducing waste, and protecting ecosystems, individuals can contribute to the global effort to cultivate peace through environmental stewardship.
The 2024 International Day of Peace observance occurs during significant geopolitical shifts and humanitarian crises. By fostering compassion, understanding, and cooperation, people everywhere can contribute to a world where peace is both an ideal and a lived reality.
As the world commemorates the UN International Day of Peace in 2024, the message is clear: peace is not something to be taken for granted, nor is it the responsibility of governments alone. It is a shared endeavour that requires the participation of every individual, community, and institution.
By cultivating a culture of peace, we can create a future where all people have the opportunity to live in harmony, free from fear and violence, and where the values of justice, equality, and dignity are upheld for all.
(The writer is a researcher and
development worker).