Guterres marks the beginning of the 100-day countdown to the International Day of Peace
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres marked the beginning of the 100-day countdown to the International Day of Peace, set to be observed globally on September 21. This year, the UN calls for a focus on "Cultivating a culture of peace," urging nations and individuals alike to embrace and promote peace in their daily lives.
"Every year on 21 September, the United Nations invites the world to mark the International Day of Peace," the Secretary-General stated. "In a world mired by conflict, inequalities and discrimination, we must strive ever harder to promote dialogue, empathy, and human rights for all."
The message from the Secretary-General comes at a time when global tensions and conflicts are at a high, with inequalities and discrimination further exacerbating divisions within societies. The theme, "Cultivating a culture of peace," aims to address these issues by encouraging actions that foster understanding, cooperation, and justice.
"As we begin the 100-day countdown to Peace Day, let us plant the seeds for non-violence, justice, and hope," Guterres urged. The call to action is a reminder that peace is not merely the absence of war, but a state of harmony and equity that must be actively cultivated through concerted efforts at all levels of society.
The International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 and is dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.