Cultivating a Culture of Peace, UN Observance to International Peace Day
Despite the global call to peace, some world and state actors view peace through different lenses.
ByDr. Reyron Leones del Rosario
September 1, 2024
Despite the global call to peace, some world and state actors view peace through different lenses. The varieties of perspectives significantly impact the global order; some result in conflicts and violence. The United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Peace in 1981. Two decades later, the General Assembly, unanimously voted to designate the Day in 2001 as a period of non-violence and cease-fire across the world.
Every September 21st, the United Nations commemorates the International Day of Peace. This year’s spotlight, is geared to “cultivating a culture of peace.” This is a moment to pause and remind ourselves of our purpose. The fast-changing landscapes of political and economic ideologies contribute to inequalities and inequities around the world. With many different views mixed with variations of ideologies, there is a need to promote open dialogue so diplomacy can resolve differences.
There is a need to plant the seeds for non-violence, justice, and hope, according to UN Secretary General António Guterres. “This year marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and Program of Action on a Culture of Peace.”
A dynamic participatory process promotes active dialogue to resolve conflicts through mutual understanding and cooperation based on the declaration of the United Nations. “In a world with rising geopolitical tensions and protracted conflicts, there has never been a better time to remember how the UN General Assembly came together in 1999 to lay out the values needed for a culture of peace. These include: respect for life, human rights, and fundamental freedoms; the promotion of non-violence through education, dialogue, and cooperation; commitment to peaceful settlement of conflicts; and adherence to freedom, justice, democracy, tolerance, solidarity, cooperation, pluralism, cultural diversity, dialogue, and understanding at all levels of society and among nations.”
Theda Skocpol asserted that social revolutions, in the case of domestic affairs, are structural social changes accompanied by class uprisings, including political and class structure. The corners of the world remind us that peace is possible. The International Peace Diplomacy Corps, Inc. (IPDCI) promotes peace through education awareness campaigns. Through its various learning concepts on public administration, peace education, diplomacy, and international relations, among others, it allows learners from all over the world to access the very basic concept of peace. Peace is a subject common to everyone but misruled by some leaders. This educational platform of the IPDCI contributes to the greater aspirations of the United Nations for global peace, security, and order.
As we commemorate the Day of Peace, the United Nations reminds us of its global relevance and that its existence never wavers the threat to humanity. On a personal note, relationships among nations are more than political boundaries. It is not about popularity or publicity. I witnessed how the international relations can serve as an avenue in fostering economic alliance. Building economic ties would mean security. Stronger political relations, between nations, through foreign and commercial investments, will certainly enhance economic cooperation.
Peace, is expanded to economic ties, allowing people to foster business relations. Peace can also be equated on the economic equation of a nation. Given the good standing would mean a satisfaction and fulfillment the limited resources as well with the wants and needs of the cititzens. When things are not favorable, instability, mass protests, and other public expressions impacts the state of the nation.
Let me end by saying that on December 11, 2006, Koffi Annan delivered his final speech as United Nations Secretary General at the Truman Presidential Museum and Library in Independence. Annan shared five lessons that will certainly impact international peace. These pointers are as follows: 1) collective responsibility; (2) global solidarity; (3) the rule of law; (4) mutual accountability; (5) and multilateralism. He further articulated, “My friends, our challenge today is not to save Western civilization—or Eastern civilization, for that matter. All civilization is at stake, and we can save it only if all peoples join together in the task.”
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