September 21 marks International Peace Day, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has a clear message: 'Peace cannot wait.' 🌏✌️
In his annual call to action, Guterres urged everyone—from world leaders to everyday citizens—to silence the guns, end the suffering, build bridges, and create stability and prosperity. He reminded us that nearly nine out of 10 countries lagging in development are caught in conflict, proving that peace and sustainable growth go hand in hand.
“Where we have peace, we have hope,” he said, highlighting the impacts of war: broken lives, stolen childhoods, and discarded human dignity. Guterres also warned against racism, dehumanization, and misinformation, which can fuel conflicts and deepen divides.
The theme for this year's Peace Day is Act Now for a Peaceful World. Established by the UN General Assembly in 1981 and designated as a period of non-violence and ceasefire in 2001, the day reminds us that every action counts in the journey toward harmony.
So, what can you do today? Start small: reach out to someone with a kind word, learn about a new culture, or support local initiatives that promote dialogue and understanding. Remember, peace starts with each of us. 💬🤝
Let’s turn Guterres's words into action and make peace a reality. #ActNowForPeace
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
