The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has issued a compelling call to action, urging the world to unite in the pursuit of lasting peace. His impassioned plea comes as the global community commemorates the 2023 International Day of Peace, a day dedicated to the pursuit of non-violence and the cessation of hostilities worldwide.
In a statement addressing the multifaceted crises challenging humanity, to mark this year’s International Day for Peace, Guterres emphasised that “people and our planet are in crisis.” These crises encompass a spectrum of issues, including conflicts, mass displacement, climate change, human rights violations, and profound inequalities.
Guterres drew attention to the alarming rise in the need for humanitarian aid, particularly in regions plagued by conflicts and emergencies. He underscored the devastating toll of conflict-related civilian casualties, revealing that 2022 witnessed a more than 50 percent increase in such deaths, largely attributed to the war in Ukraine.
“Today, a record number of people need humanitarian aid, mostly due to conflicts and other emergencies. In 2022, there was a more than 50 percent increase in conflict-related civilian deaths, largely due to the war in Ukraine.
He pointed out that roughly one-quarter of the global population resides in areas affected by conflict, while countless others endure poverty, hunger, injustice, and social disparities. Against this backdrop, the need for peace takes on profound significance, beginning on this International Day for Peace.
“Basically, one-quarter of humanity lives in conflict-affected areas, and many more people suffer from poverty, hunger, injustice, and inequalities.
Guterres added, “Peace is not only a noble vision for humanity; peace is a call for action.” To symbolise this call for action on the International Day for Peace, he joined Dennis Francis, President of the UN General Assembly, in leading the traditional Peace Bell ceremony and observing a minute of silence at the UN’s Japanese Garden.
The Peace Bell, crafted from donated coins and medals from around the world, resonates twice a year: on the first day of spring during the Vernal Equinox and in celebration of Earth Day, as well as on the International Day of Peace.
In addition to these ceremonial observances, events leading up to the International Day for Peace have been organised. This year’s focus is on mobilising young people to take proactive steps towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These 17 critical benchmarks, established in 2015, address pressing global issues such as poverty, injustice, and environmental degradation, with the aim of alleviating human suffering and enhancing well-being.
Joining Secretary-General Guterres in his call for action is UN Messenger of Peace Michael Douglas, an award-winning actor and producer with a long-standing commitment to global disarmament. Douglas will introduce a video featuring a new poem titled “Peace begins with me.” This poem, co-authored by UN peacekeeper Pacifique Akilimali from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Nigerian poet Maryam Bukar Hassan, includes contributions from Douglas, Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram, and peacekeepers and activists worldwide.
Produced to commemorate the 75th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping Operations, the poem emphasises the collective responsibility of individuals as torchbearers for peace. It pays tribute to the resilience of those affected by conflicts and those working to secure sustainable peace, enabling communities to rebuild their lives.
Michael Douglas emphasised the need for a global peace movement, stating, “We need to create a global movement for peace, one that empowers everyone to know that no matter how big or how small their contribution, they can make a difference in our world. Peace begins with every single one of us and, together, we can build a better future for all.”
Climate activist Xiye Bastida echoed this sentiment, highlighting the profound impact of individual actions on the collective global future, “If we want to see a better future, we have to look at the actions we take today. It’s simple cause and effect – every single thing that I do has an impact on my future and everything we do collectively will impact the world”
Since 2018, the UN’s ActNow movement has played a central role in galvanising people worldwide to advocate for change, whether through climate action, human rights advocacy, or solidarity initiatives.
The youth event celebrating the International Day of Peace features a lineup of inspiring guests, including DJ Cuppy from Nigeria, an advocate for girls’ education; Kurdish photographer Niga Salam, whose work addresses environmental concerns, gender issues, and identity; and the Grammy Award-winning Brooklyn Youth Chorus.
As the world marks the International Day of Peace on September 21 each year, the focus remains on promoting a world free from violence and hostility, fostering unity, and championing the cause of peace amid turbulent times.