UN marks International Day of Peace with a global call to silence guns and promote sustainable peace and unity.
NEW YORK: The United Nations has renewed its global call for peace, urging the world to lay down arms and come together to end human suffering, as part of the International Day of Peace observed annually on 21st September.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a powerful message highlighting the link between peace and sustainable development. “Sustainable development supports peace – nine of the 10 countries struggling most with development are suffering conflict,” he said.
This year’s Peace Day theme places strong emphasis on combating misinformation, racism, and dehumanisation — all seen as factors fuelling global conflict. Guterres called for a shift towards dialogue, understanding, and respect. “We must speak the language of respect, open our hearts to others and use our influence to push for peace,” he said.
The UN’s call comes as multiple regions worldwide continue to experience violence, humanitarian crises, and instability. The organisation reminded the global community that where peace thrives, so does hope. “Where we have peace, we have hope, families unite, communities rebuild, children learn and play,” the Secretary-General added.
Concluding his remarks, Guterres stressed the urgency of collective action: “Peace cannot wait – our work starts now.”
