International Day of Peace

Two Years After the Pact for the Future: Progress on Implementation, Challenges and Opportunities for Africa. Related Sites and Documents: Pact for the Future website . Watch the two Years After the Pact for the Future: Progress on Implementation, Challenges and Opportunities for Africa! 01:26:05 Side Events

The future is young. Half the world is under 30 and this generation is emerging as a powerful force for peace in a world marred by conflict and injustice. Across the globe, young people are organizing protests, sparking global movements, and forging bonds of solidarity. In communities ravaged by violence, they serve as peacemakers, peacekeepers and peacebuilders, laying the groundwork for a resilient tomorrow. They have the greatest stake in our common future, yet they are too often excluded from the spaces where solutions are shaped. The United Nations Hear Us. Act Now for a Peaceful World campaign , launched on the International Day of Peace , aims to change that by including, investing in and partnering with young people everywhere to build lasting peace . Check out the launch event program and press release . It's time to hear young people's voices and #ActNowForPeace .

  Conflict and disasters continue to force record numbers of people from their homes in search of safety. More than 117.8 million people are now forcibly displaced . That’s one in 70 people. With overlapping and compounding pressures driving displacement, unified solutions are needed now, more than ever. Join us in building a movement for peace so we can create a world where everyone belongs . It's time to  Act now for Peace .

  Keeping the peace means maintaining public order, preventing conflict, or avoiding disruptive behavior . The Peace Begins with Me campaign recognizes the service and sacrifice of United Nations peacekeepers, past and present, and the resilience of the communities they serve. Around the world, millions of people are suffering immense harm from conflict. Their lives are torn apart by death, destruction, and displacement. For 76 years, more than two million peacekeepers have worked to save and change lives in the world’s most fragile political and security situations . They are ordinary people working in difficult and dangerous conditions to help secure sustainable peace and progress - inspiring us all to take action for peace. Peacekeepers help to prevent conflict, protect civilians, advance political solutions, and support democratic processes. They promote human rights, build capacity of state institutions, and ensure that women and youth lead and participate in peace proces...

  " Peace begins with us " is a powerful reminder that global harmony starts with individual actions, daily choices, and local community efforts . The Core Meaning Personal Responsibility : Peace is not just the absence of war; it is a conscious choice to practice patience, empathy, and understanding in our daily lives. From Inner to Outer : When we find calm and kindness within ourselves, it naturally flows outward to our families, neighbors, and society. Collective Action : Phrases like "#PeaceBegins with us" or the United Nations' Peace Begins with Me Campaign emphasize that ordinary people play a vital role in building and supporting sustainable peace . How to Practice It Today Choose Kindness : Replace quick reactions of anger or frustration with active listening and compassion. Foster Unity: Reach out across differences in culture, beliefs, or backgrounds to build connection and mutual respect . Support  Local Harmony : Start small by resolving conflic...

  " Silencing the Guns " is a flagship initiative of the African Union (AU) designed to end all wars, civil conflicts, gender-based violence, and prevent genocide across the continent . Conceived in 2013 during the 50th Anniversary of the Organization of African Unity/African Union. The implementation of the Agenda 2063 serves as a core project under the AU's Agenda 2063 , targeting a peaceful and secure Africa. Originally set with a goal to silence all guns by 2020, the target was later extended by African heads of state to 2030 due to ongoing security challenges and insurgencies. Strategies: Addressing the root causes of instability rather than just military response. Allowing civilians and non-state actors to surrender illegal weapons without fear of prosecution . Supporting programs to reintegrate ex-combatants into peaceful community life. Emphasizing the active involvement of youth, traditional leaders, faith groups, and women in peacebuilding efforts .

Peace is what we build together every day. Across the globe, young people and allies from all walks of life are stepping up and calling for peace in their homes, communities and everyday lives. They are showing that peace isn't a distant goal, nor simply the absence of war; it's active, urgent and inclusive. It is the presence of justice, dignity, opportunity and safety, shared by everyone across society, from our workplaces and universities to our online spaces. And it often begins with our daily choices. A new year is a fresh chance to shape the kind of world we want to live in. This is your invitation to rise up, join that momentum and #ActNowForPeace. Here are 10 actions you can take to spark meaningful, lasting change. 1. Lead with listening Peace begins when we choose to listen to people with different experiences, perspectives and realities. Make space to hear the voices of communities most affected by conflict, exclusion or injustice, including young people whose ...

Today's youth generation is the largest the world has ever seen. Half of the world's population is under 30, and this is expected to reach 57% by the end of 2030. As the inheritors of our planet, young people have the most to lose from inaction on issues like conflict, inequality, and climate change. Yet, they are largely excluded from the decision-making tables where their future is being shaped. Young people’s willingness to think big and long-term is exactly what the world needs to secure a better future for everyone — a future in which they have the biggest stake. Investing in young people is not just a moral imperative; it's a strategic investment in our collective future.

Host a Peace Circle and be part of a global movement of young people co-creating solutions for a more peaceful world. Download the Activist Toolkit to get started. Whether in a classroom, café, radio studio or online space—your voice matters. Let’s build peace together. #ActNowForPeace. Hear Us. Act Now for a Peaceful World is a global campaign led by the United Nations and its youth partners. The campaign is based on the premise that peace is more than the absence of conflict—it's a life with dignity, justice and security. Through public advocacy and social mobilization, the campaign is driven by the agency of young people everywhere as powerful changemakers who are demanding to be seen, heard and trusted as partners in building the peaceful future. At the heart of the campaign are Peace Circles—inclusive intergenerational dialogues, coalition-building opportunities and solutions facilitated by youth and allies across the globe. Dive into the campaign. Read about Peace Circles ...

  Women, in all their diversity, have worked in diplomacy for generations, helping build peace in their communities. Yet their contributions have often been overlooked and undermined, as they continue to face many barriers to a meaningful participation and leadership in peace and security processes . Peace Begins with us.

Has the global public lost trust in the UN?  The short answer is no, but there are mixed signals. There is also a wealth of new data to draw on, with two new cross-national surveys on public perceptions of the UN released within the past week (a 34-country survey by the Rockefeller Foundation and Focaldata and a 20-country survey by the UN Foundation ). Overall, these and other recent cross-national surveys show that views of the UN remain largely positive on a global scale. Yet there is variation over time, between countries, and within countries. Over time, trust in the UN has trended downward, but only slightly—and there may be signs of a rebound. Until recently, trust in the UN had gradually eroded over the course of several decades, but there was little evidence of a major, widespread drop . Beginning around 2022, however, surveys began to register a clearer deterioration in public opinion . Over the past year, surveys have diverged. After registering an uptick in favorable ...

These differences in perceptions of the UN are driven by both individual factors within the public (e.g., demographic traits and ideological disposition) and institutional factors related to the UN itself. While individual factors are outside the UN’s control, the UN can respond to institutional factors. Scholars have generally focused on two types of institutional factors: procedures and performance.   Procedures refer to how the UN operates . For example, there is evidence that the public sees global governance institutions as more legitimate when they include nonstate actors in decision making. Conversely, there is evidence that the public sees international organizations as less legitimate if powerful states have institutionalized influence such as veto power. Performance refers to how the UN actually delivers —and that is what I focus on here. There is strong evidence that the public legitimacy of international organizations is tied to their capacity to deliver. It is th...

Today, although a significant portion of the world's population is under 30, young people make up only 2.6 per cent of parliamentarians worldwide, and the average age of world leaders is 62. According to the 2021 Be Seen Be Heard Global Youth Survey , conducted by the UN Youth Office and the Body Shop, 76 per cent of participants under 30 felt that politicians don't listen to young people. Now imagine a world where the voices shaping our future are as diverse as the future itself—where the energy and idealism of youth ignite solutions to our biggest challenges. This isn't a pipe dream; it's an urgent necessity.

  The global Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda recognizes the vital role young people play in building and sustaining peace. The agenda stems from the landmark UN Security Council Resolution 2250 , adopted in 2015, which acknowledged youth's positive contributions to conflict prevention, resolution, and post-conflict peacebuilding. The resolution urges countries to include youth in all levels of peace processes and decision-making. Why do we need a YPS agenda? Young people are disproportionately affected by conflict, often comprising the majority of those recruited into armed groups, displaced from their homes, or denied essential services. However, the YPS agenda goes beyond viewing youth solely as victims. It emphasizes their agency and potential as peacebuilders. Young people bring energy, innovation, and a vested interest in creating a more peaceful future. They are often at the forefront of grassroots movements , using technology and social media to mobilize communities ...

This gap is especially stark when it comes to peace and security. While the public expects the UN to deliver across a wide range of areas , peace and security currently ranks highest. In the 2026 Rockefeller/Focaldata survey , “preventing wars and conflicts” emerged as the top priority for international cooperation, named among the top three issues by 44% of respondents . The 2026 UN Foundation survey found that “preventing and ending armed conflicts” was the top priority for international cooperation across all demographic groups . Yet when it comes to preventing conflict, the UN has had little to show in recent years. There were 65 active conflicts across 35 countries in 2025 —the highest number since 1946—as well as an increase in conflict-related fatalities driven by the wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan. In many of these conflicts, the UN has been notably absent from peacemaking efforts , and the secretary-general has been less visible in conflict zones than some of his prede...

The withdrawal or drawdown of a UN Peacekeeping Operation or a Special Political Mission represents a critical transition for a host country. It signals progress towards peace and new opportunities for development, but also presents risks that need to be addressed through sustained investment in peacebuilding and longer-term efforts to overcome fragility. The UN’s legacy in a country emerging from conflict depends, to a large extent, on how it has supported national actors and coordinated with international and regional partners to consolidate the political and social gains made during the mission’s presence. UN Mission withdrawals are currently underway in Sudan and Guinea-Bissau, and large-scale UN Peacekeeping Operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali and Central African Republic have been asked to initiate or intensify transition planning by the UN Security Council (S/RES/2463; S/RES/2480; S/RES/2448). While recently completed UN Transitions took place in environment...

Some of the current candidates for secretary-general seem attuned to the state of public perceptions of the UN . As Rafael Grossi put it during his interactive dialogue, “ What we see is that there is no loss of faith in the institution itself and in the existence of the UN. People may be saying the UN is not working well or the UN is having a gap here or there, but we don’t see people saying we should finish with the UN.” We also don’t see people saying they want to cut funding for the UN . This contrasts with the many governments unwilling to pay their bills, dragging the UN into its ongoing financial crisi s. In the 2026 Rockefeller/Focaldata survey , 81% of respondents said their support for international cooperation would increase if cooperation “proves it can solve global problems effectively” —16 percentage points higher than the 65% who said their support would increase if cooperation were less expensive. In the 2026 Global Nation survey, the percent of respondents agreeing...

The event will contribute to raising awareness and fostering greater understanding among United Nations Member States and the wider international community regarding their role and responsibility in humanitarian diplomacy and the protection of civilians and aid workers in conflict . The high-level event , organized by the European Union and Ireland, and co-sponsored by the African Union, Brazil, Jordan will focus on the following issues:  Challenges around respect for IHL and principled humanitarian access in the current geopolitical context The case for diplomatic and political tools to address the current humanitarian challenges Examples from the ground: humanitarian diplomacy and the safeguarding of IHL ; examples on engaging parties to conflicts, including non-state armed groups, de facto authorities, and regional actors; drawing in particular on the experiences made in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Lebanon. Developments within the UN80 process and the Huma...

As we mark the International Day of Peace , we face a world where this vital asset is in dangerously short supply. Communities are shaken by violence and division. Conflicts are growing in scale and complexity, spilling across borders and inflicting enormous suffering. Dialogue is faltering, solutions are elusive and global solidarity is missing in action. But around the world, people are showing that we are not powerless. Volunteers, advocates, civil society leaders, peacekeepers and peacemakers are bridging divides, uniting communities and pushing for dialogue. Action by action, they are building peace from the ground up. Like this year's theme — "Investing in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day" — these champions of peace are showing us that achieving peace is not passive or automatic. It's an active and deliberate choice to invest in a better future. By building inclusive communities where peace can take hold. By investing in sustainable development — in p...

Join young peace advocates, marking the International Day of Peace 2026 . SDG Media Zone | 10:45am - 11:45am EST | UN Peace Circle Moderator: Versha Sharma, Award-winning Journalist, Former Editor, Teen Vogue Speakers: Mary Maker, Goodwill Ambassador, UN Refugee Agency Sanjana Sanghi, India Youth Champion, UN Development Programme Muzoon Almellehan, Goodwill Ambassador, UNICEF Jonathan Lam, UN International Representative, Migration Youth and Children Platform Sofia Polishchuk, Director, The Children of Ukraine Foundation Noor Al Musallam, Youth Representative, World Scouting Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General, Global Communications Diene Keita, Executive Director, UN Population Fund Maher Nasser, Director, Outreach Division, UN Department of Global Communications OVERVIEW To mark the International Day of Peace ( 21 September ), the United Nations will host an intergenerational Peace Circle that brings together youth peace advocates and their allies for a solutions-based co...

  As the UN system has continued to evolve and adapt through different time periods, so have the organization's peace and security engagements, as exemplified in its peace operations. The UN is now bracing for another transformation to fit the emerging realities of a new international system. Challenges to UN peace operations remain during the most recent historical phase of the post-Cold War period, in terms of inadequate funding, a lack of standardized training approaches for peacekeepers and overly ambitious mandates. At the same time, new issues and challenges abound, including designing mandates that address the drivers of violent conflict while also accommodating competing normative perspectives among member states and between the UN and host states. While the UN may be impeded by geopolitical divisions, this policy paper  entitled '' Rethinking UN peace and security engagements in a changing world '' shows that opportunities can still be found for rethinki...

  According to the International Labour Organization , more than 260 million young people globally do not have access to education, employment, or training. And two-thirds of them are young women. Recognizing the crucial link between education, employment, and training in preventing marginalization and fostering long-term social and economic reintegration remains key. Ultimately, cultivating a culture of peace starts with young people. By empowering youth to become active agents of peace , we create a ripple effect that transforms communities and promotes a more harmonious and inclusive society. Building peace requires tapping into the diverse talents and experiences of all young people.

  To achieve lasting peace, women must participate directly in peace processes , as agreements are up to 35 percent more likely to last at least 15 years when women help create them. Why Women's Participation Matters? Higher Durability: Research shows that involving women increases the probability of a peace agreement lasting two years by 20 percent, and lasting 15 years by 35 percent. Broader Representation: Women negotiators routinely advocate for community needs, human rights, and socioeconomic provisions that purely military or male-dominated delegations often overlook Better Frameworks: Peacemaking aims to build a functional, stable society rather than just stop a temporary conflict between warring factions. Barriers to Inclusion Systemic Exclusion: Traditional negotiations remain constrained by entrenched patriarchal norms, under-representation, and a lack of recognition for women as primary stakeholders. Tokenism vs. Power: Physical presence at a negotiation table does n...

  Choosing peace over war is an intentional, active decision to prioritize human connection, empathy, and constructive dialogue above destruction and division. What Choosing Peace Means? Strength, not weakness : Opting for peace requires immense self-control, discipline, and maturity rather than impulsive reaction. Preserving humanity : It shifts the focus from seeing opponents as enemies to recognizing the shared humanity behind every conflict. Long-term building : While war tears down communities and futures, peace creates safe environments where people and children can thrive. Practical Ways to Practice Peace? Lead with listening : Make a deliberate effort to hear first-person stories and understand perspectives from different backgrounds without rushing to judgment or retaliation. Pause before reacting : Stop and take a breath when facing daily conflicts or arguments instead of escalating tension. Invest in education and compassion : Support opportunities, literacy, and communi...

  "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." — Nelson Mandela Peace education is a teaching method that helps people build skills, attitudes, and knowledge to create a culture of peace and stop violence before it starts.

    Sustainable peace and national reconciliation in Afghanistan remain unachievable without the full, equal, and meaningful participation of Afghan women, who face an institutionalized regime of gender persecution under Taliban rule. Current Realities of Afghan Women Systematic Exclusion : Under the UN Women Rights Crisis in Afghanistan , authorities have enacted over 100 restrictive decrees barring women and girls from secondary and higher education, most employment, public spaces, and political life. Gender Apartheid : Human rights bodies and UN experts characterize the severe, institutionalized repression of women and girls in Afghanistan as a form of "gender apartheid". Resilience and Advocacy: Despite severe threats, Afghan women continue to lead community-level humanitarian initiatives, preserve social cohesion, and advocate for basic human rights and accountability. Justice and National Reconciliation Beyond the Absence of War : While large-scale armed combat has ...

   Become a messenger for peace by inspiring young people to lead community service and peace-building projects and Strengthening the proven tools of peace — diplomacy, dialogue, negotiation and peacekeeping .

   Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September . The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples . The Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly will celebrate the International Day of Peace in the Peace Garden at United Nations Headquarters by ringing the Peace Bell and observing a minute of silence . Related Sites and Documents:   International Day of Peace website Watch the United Nations Peace Bell Ceremony on the occasion of the International Day of Peace 2026! High-level Events