United Nations, Sept 22 (V7N) – UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a powerful appeal on Sunday to mark the International Day of Peace, warning that the world is “crying out for peace” as conflicts continue to devastate millions of lives.
 
In his message, Guterres said wars are tearing families apart, destroying childhoods and stripping away basic human dignity. “All they want is peace,” he stated, emphasizing that the consequences of conflict extend far beyond battlefields, triggering mass displacement, poverty and regional instability.
 
He called for immediate global action to end violence, urging nations and communities to “silence the guns, end the suffering, build bridges, and create stability and prosperity.”
 
The International Day of Peace was established by the UN General Assembly in 1981 and later dedicated as a day of non-violence and ceasefire. This year’s theme, Act Now for a Peaceful World, stresses the urgency of collective efforts to prevent conflicts, counter hate speech and misinformation, and empower peacebuilders – particularly women and young people.
 
Guterres highlighted the close link between peace and development, noting that nine of the ten least developed countries are also trapped in cycles of conflict. He cautioned against racism and dehumanisation, urging societies to embrace “the language of respect” and dialogue.
 
The observance comes on the eve of the UN General Assembly’s annual high-level week in New York, where global leaders will address pressing challenges such as armed conflicts, climate disruption, gender inequality and the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence.
 
“The timing underlines the need for a concerted international push for peace as divisions deepen and instability spreads,” Guterres said. “Where we have peace, we have hope. Peace cannot wait – our work starts now.”
 
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