“The lives are destroyed, childhood was extinguished and basic human dignity was discarded, in the midst of cruelty and war degradations,“Mr. Guterres said in a message for the day.”All they want is peace.“
He stressed that the conflict today is not limited to battlefields, with their undulating impacts across borders, feeding displacement, poverty and instability.
“We must silence weapons. End with suffering. Build bridges. And create stability and prosperity.“
Focus on women, youth
The International Peace Day was established by the UN General Assembly in 1981 and was then designated as a day of non -violence and fire.
This year’s theme, It now acts for a peaceful worldIt highlights the urgent need for collective action to prevent conflicts, combat hate and wrong information, and support peace builders, especially women and young people.
Peace messages written by children are placed in common in the city of MedellÃn in Colombia.
Peace cannot wait
Mr. Guterres stressed the link between peace and sustainable development, noting that nine of the ten countries that have more difficulties with development are also suffering conflicts. He also warned against racism and dehumanization, instead asking “the language of respect” and dialogue.
The observance of this year falls on the eve of the Annual High Level Week of the UN General Assembly, when world leaders gather in New York to discuss global challenges, from wars and climate interruption to gender equality and the transformative risks and opportunities that raise artificial intelligence.
The secretary general said that time underlines the need for an international impulse arranged by peace, as divisions are extended and instability grows.
“Where we have peace, we have hope“Mr. Guterres said.”Peace cannot wait: our work begins now.“