UN Chief Urges Urgent Global Action for Peace Amid Conflicts

UN Secretary-General António Guterres marked the International Day of Peace on Sunday with a stark warning that “our warring world is crying out for peace,” urging people everywhere to act now to silence guns, heal divisions, and build hope.

“Lives are being ripped apart, childhoods extinguished, and basic human dignity discarded amidst the cruelty and degradation of war,” Guterres said in a message for the Day. “All they want is peace.”

He stressed that conflict today is not confined to battlefields, with its impacts rippling across borders, fueling displacement, poverty, and instability.

“We must silence the guns, end the suffering, build bridges, and create stability and prosperity,” he added.

Focus on women and youth

The International Day of Peace was established by the UN General Assembly in 1981 and later designated as a day of non-violence and ceasefire.

This year’s theme, Act Now for a Peaceful World, highlights the urgent need for collective action to prevent conflicts, combat hate and misinformation, and support peacebuilders – especially women and young people.

Messages of peace written by children are being displayed in communes in Medellín, Colombia, reflecting the voices of the youngest generation calling for harmony.

Peace cannot wait

Guterres underscored the link between peace and sustainable development, noting that nine of the ten countries struggling most with development are also experiencing conflict. He warned against racism and dehumanization, calling instead for “the language of respect” and dialogue.

This year’s observance coincides with the UN General Assembly’s high-level week, when world leaders gather in New York to debate global challenges – from wars and climate disruption to gender equality and the transformative risks and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence.

The Secretary-General said the timing underscores the need for a concerted international push for peace as divisions widen and instability grows.

“Where we have peace, we have hope,” Guterres said. “Peace cannot wait – our work starts now.”