Marking the International Day of Peace, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a powerful call to end wars, highlighting that conflicts worldwide are destroying lives, uprooting families, and derailing global development.
In his annual message, Guterres stressed that “peace cannot wait” as the world faces a surge in violent conflicts. “Silence the guns, end the suffering, build bridges, and create stability and prosperity,” he urged, reminding nations that the quest for peace is a universal responsibility.
The UN chief painted a grim picture of today’s global landscape, where international law is increasingly ignored, millions are fleeing their homes, and children’s futures are extinguished by the cruelty of war. “All they want is peace. Peace is everyone’s business,” he said, noting that the impacts of war ripple far beyond conflict zones.
Guterres also linked peace to sustainable development, observing that nine of the ten countries struggling most with development are mired in conflict. Without peace, he warned, development goals remain unattainable, leaving communities trapped in cycles of poverty and instability.
Calling on the international community to counter racism, dehumanisation, and misinformation, the Secretary-General urged a shift towards respect and empathy. “Where we have peace, we have hope,” he said, emphasising that peace unites families, rebuilds communities, and allows children to grow in safety.
The International Day of Peace, established by the UN General Assembly in 1981, was further strengthened in 2001 when the Assembly declared it a day of non-violence and ceasefire. Observed annually on September 21, it serves as a reminder of the shared global responsibility to promote harmony and reconciliation.
This year’s theme, “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” underscores the urgency of collective action to prevent further suffering and protect human dignity.
As conflicts intensify across regions, the UN message resonates as a call not just for governments but for individuals and communities everywhere to uphold peace in thought, word, and action.
