Video Credit: United Nations Department of Global Communications
The subject of peace has undoubtedly been a perennial area of discussion in the advent of human endeavors. Over time, it has been reiterated that, whilst conflict is inevitable, peace remains very paramount. Hence, peace is evidently a rather controversial concept.
Moreover, mankind, in its present state, has proven to offer an infinitesimal portion of attention to issues pertaining to peace and peacemaking. Thus, the invention of the International Day of Peace, which particularly, is created for peace advocacy, through actions and words.
The Oxford Dictionary defines peace as "a state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended". Peace is also defined as freedom from disturbance; tranquillity.
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly, and in 2001, the General Assembly delegated this day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire. Further, Sustainable Development Goal 16 of the 2030 Agenda is focused on 'Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions'.
Therefore, the 21st of September of every year is officially proclaimed and observed as the International Day of Peace. It is also devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and amongst all nations and peoples.
According to a report by the Global Peace Index, the level of global peacefulness has deteriorated by 2%, with 75 countries recording a deterioration ever since 2008. In other words, it is glaring that the efficacy of the International Day of Peace shall be judged on how many records of peaceful coexistence were recorded.
The 21st of September 2023, is a clarion call for everyone's hands to be on deck, to ensure peace at whatever cost. At this juncture, it is noteworthy to assert, that the International Day of Peace shall be a pedestal, upon which future applaudable and indomitable records shall be pioneered and initiated, because, in fact, it is when we are united in peace that we become synergized for greater achievements.
Likewise, through observing these 24 hours of non-violence, it is anticipated that the International Day of Peace will engineer our efforts to avert atrocities. In accordance with this year’s theme, Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals, it is expected that collective and individual actions would be initiated to foster peace. Similarly, fostering peace seemingly contributes to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, will on the other hand also create a culture of peace for all.
Furthermore, in light of the aforementioned proposition and this year's theme, there are notable ways we can activate and engineer peace in our localities. Here are some ways you can take Action for Peace!
DO MORE
Organize a peace-themed exercise or activity: Aside from the numerous health benefits of exercise, gathering friends and neighbors for a walk or run will inadvertently promote inclusivity and also, erode hate. Spending time with family and friends is also a great way to spread the word about the need for peace! It will tremendously instigate the need to partake in and promote the SDGs.
Organize an eco-friendly peace cleanup: One of the Sustainable Development Goals, climate action, SDG 13, particularly encourages climate sustainability through proper climate education. Having a clean and healthy environment has links to the promotion of peace. Hence, organizing an eco-friendly peace lineup would ensure spreading the word about peace and equally promoting climate-sustainable action.
Take advantage of Social Media: Use social media and digital campaigns to share more about International Peace Day and the Global Goals!
Be Kind: Something as simple as being kind and spreading joy are sure-fire ways of taking action for peace.
Volunteer: When in doubt, volunteer! Give your time to organizations in your community and country that are focused on promoting peace!
READ MORE
As espoused in this discussion, that the International Day of Peace shouldn't be a mere declaration but an effective call to action, I hereby implore every reader to take up an individual responsibility to initiate change for peace to abound. It is only through each individual's effort that a collective effort is birthed. As reported by UNESCO in its campaign for the 2023 International Day of Peace, "The barriers to peace are complex and steep - no one country can solve them alone. Doing so requires new forms of solidarity and joint action, starting as early as possible."
Although the International Day of Peace, might appear to be a usual date marked exclusively for peace advocacy, it is instrumental to otherwise regulate the day-to-day basis of one's living as a peace day, moving forward. It is expedient to conclude that the International Day of Peace celebrates and fosters the power of common solidarity, and unity, and initiates the synergy needed for building a peaceful, war-free, and eco-friendly world.
WRITTEN BY Praise Friday.
Praise is an enthusiastic climate change activist, change agent, and aspiring solicitor. He loves reading across various literary genres, writing and reciting poetry, and singing. He has a strong resilient spirit to restructure and reform the legal system in Nigeria and strongly believes that change is a movement to attain.
With Praises' aspirations of attaining change, he simultaneously believes that there's a need for a change in the ethics and character of young people dominating the world and so he encourages young folks to tread on the right path of salvation.
Want to connect with Praise?
AND
EDITED BY Chizulu Uwolloh.
'Zulu is a writer, self-proclaimed bibliophile, lawyer, and international development professional passionate about social impact and showing people how they can create change in their communities. She is also the founder of Kurerie, a digital platform, and community that amplifies the voices of youth making an impact in their communities. Kurerie educates young people on how they can become active stakeholders in the achievement of the SDGs. She is passionate about showing young people that they can change the world with the smallest actions.
Want to connect with Zulu?