Use your voice and words to challenge hate and champion peace.
War is obsolete... are our leaders listening? Meanwhile—Actions for a peaceful world
“Leaders must uphold international law consistently. In 2024, this should be a truism that scarcely needs repeating, but instead, it is a shockingly urgent appeal.”
From the 2024 Kofi Annan Geneva Peace Address delivered by Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
I wrote the following poem tonight…I hope it resonates with you.
Lament
The fire of bombs and explosive drones,
Villages and towns, left scarred and torn,
Where children cry and mothers mourn.
What glory lives in shattered bones– or
In the cruel rubble of destroyed homes.
What honor waits in war’s endless violence?
In the silence, death is not quiet—
It calls to those still living.
The phrase “war is obsolete” resonates as a call for leaders to recognize that modern societies have the tools—diplomacy, technology, global interdependence—to resolve disputes without large-scale violence.
I have been thinking about how the violations of the UN Charter is ongoing, especially by major powers. The UN Charter is the foundational treaty establishing the United Nations, signed in 1945 to prevent future wars and promote international peace, security, and cooperation. Still today, the principles of non-aggression, territorial integrity, and prohibition of threats of force are frequently ignored. The UN Charter (1945), particularly Article 2(4), prohibits the “threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.” Since WWII, so many countries have repeatedly acted outside or in violation of this principle.
As of now—2025, numerous regional conflicts continue to destabilize key parts of the world. In the Middle East, the Israel–Hamas War has devastated Gaza and southern Israel, while Iran and Israel engage in airstrikes and cyberattacks, and Yemen remains embroiled in a humanitarian crisis caused by the Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels.
Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine continues to inflict heavy casualties, devastate homes, and strain the very fabric of the nation
Africa faces multiple conflicts, with fighting in Sudan between the SAF (Sudanese Armed Forces) and RSF (Rapid Support Forces a paramilitary militia that grew out of the Janjaweed militias active in the Darfur conflict 2003–2009), violent clashes in the Democratic Republic of Congo with the M23 rebels, and armed confrontations in Ethiopia’s Amhara region.
In Asia, tensions persist along the India–Pakistan border, and Myanmar remains engulfed in civil war following the military coup. These regional conflicts collectively reflect a broader pattern of unresolved territorial disputes, insurgencies, and interstate aggression, with severe humanitarian consequences.
Now let’s talk about countries and the UN Charter. International law, particularly the UN Charter, allows force only in self-defense or with Security Council authorization. Many of these justifications are widely disputed and considered illegal by other states or international bodies.
I have tried compiling a list since last year of the many uses of force since WWII— after I attended a few of the events at Geneva Peace Week (GPW24), held from October 14 to 18 at the Maison de la Paix and the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
The list is way too long to publish here.
However— people are increasingly aware of injustices and can organize for change and many are putting pressure on leaders.
In Northern Ireland, decades of violent division were largely resolved with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. South Africa peacefully ended apartheid in the 1990s through negotiation and reconciliation. Colombia signed a historic peace accord with FARC in 2016 after decades of armed conflict. Post-World War II Europe transformed with building alliances that laid the groundwork for the European Union. Even in Rwanda, after the 1994 genocide, national reconciliation efforts helped rebuild trust and reduce ethnic violence. These examples prove that, even in the most stubborn conflicts, hard work, courageous intention, and open dialogue can make peace possible— prioritizing peace is necessary!
Meanwhile—Actions for a peaceful world
September 21 is International Peace Day
Together, we can take action to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful world for all.
A few tips from the United Nations Department of Global Communications
Speak up for peace
In today’s divided world, our clarion call for peace should echo louder than ever. There are many ways to speak up for peace and everyone can be part of the conversation. Spark conversations off-and-online about the urgent need for understanding, non-violence, and disarmament. Use your voice and words to challenge hate and champion peace. Join the UN's Peace Begins with Me movement and share inspiring stories of hope, using the hashtag #PeaceBegins.
Educate yourself about peace
Conflict prevention, mediation, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, and disarmament are essential tools the United Nations uses to foster lasting peace worldwide. Given the interconnected nature of conflicts and crimes in our globalized world, understanding these tools and their impact is crucial for everyone. Knowledge is power, and by sharing this information with friends, family, and communities, we empower ourselves and others to contribute to a more peaceful future. Discover how these UN initiatives work, share the knowledge and spread the word.
Say no to violence
Change starts with us. Strive to resolve differences and conflicts at home, work and in your communities peacefully through dialogue and compassion. Treat others with respect, practice empathy and promote understanding. Join campaigns and movements that bring people together to stomp out aggression - such as the UN’s UNITE to End Violence against Women initiative and its civil society-led 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign. Support the Break the Silence movement that aims to create a safer world for the LGBTIQ+ community.
Practice understanding and solidarity
More unites us than divides us; people everywhere have similar dreams for peace and prosperity. We also face common challenges that are not bound by borders such as cybercrimes, climate change and trafficking. Voice your support for the United Nations as the only place where all countries can convene and engage with each other. Take part in local and national dialogues where people can share different perspectives even if they disagree. Join interfaith efforts for peace. And support people or organizations that promote dialogue, understanding and reconciliation.
Report bullying and harassment
No one should be bullied or suffer any forms of harassment on the basis of gender, race, nationality or other parameters. Today, one in three students between the ages of 13 and 15 have experienced bullying. While bullying and harassment remains widespread, in public and private places, online and offline, more laws to stop it are in place in many institutions and companies. Online, restrict information shared on social media accounts and use privacy and security settings. In some settings, police forces have cybercrime units that can help you stay safe. Learn about mechanisms to report these crimes - here is a UNICEF guide to report cyberbullying.
read more at: https://www.un.org/en/actnow/ten-actions-peaceful-world