Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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Evgeniya Kleshcheva
September 21, 2025 Peace and security
Today, September 21, the UN celebrates International Day of PeaceEach year, the United Nations invites us to pause and reflect on how each of us can contribute to building a more just and secure future.
In the lead-up to Peace Day and the opening of the High-Level Week, roundtable discussions were held at the Organization's headquarters in New York, where university students and schoolchildren shared their thoughts on what peace means – and what actions the younger generation can take.
"The most important thing for us is to find peace within ourselves so as not to create more violence, because violence only begets more violence. Death begets death, and the cycle continues. Each of us plays a role in breaking this cycle," Isaiah Sohn, a political science student at Lehigh University, told the UN News Service. He explained that the path to peace lies through empathy and the ability to see the humanity in others.
"It starts with simple things: the ability to show empathy, the willingness to see others as people, not enemies, the recognition that everyone has weaknesses and mistakes, but no one is completely bad. When we recognize our common humanity, it becomes possible to build peace—together," he explained.
Peace is an achievable goal
United Nations News Service
Ibtihal Ghassem, who studies international relations and political science, added: "For me, peace is a goal we can and should all strive for, although there is a misconception that peace is a utopia. It is believed that complete peace is impossible to achieve. But it is precisely this belief that holds us back."
According to her, personal growth is impossible without the support of society, just as society cannot develop without the contribution of each of us.
“Peace can be sought everywhere – in our personal lives, in our studies, on university campuses, in our families, or among friends,” she explained.
Students emphasize that when we learn to support and inspire each other, small steps turn into big changes, and this is how a culture of peace is born.
"Hear us"
Today, the "Hear Us. Act Now for a Peaceful World" initiative is being launched at UN Headquarters in New York. Its goal is to create more space for the voices of the younger generation. People under 30 make up half the world's population, yet their role in peacebuilding is often undervalued.
The campaign, organized by the UN in collaboration with partners and youth organizations, will continue throughout the year. As part of the initiative, representatives of different generations are currently participating in the "Circle of Peace" in the media area at UN Headquarters. The event brings together young activists and world leaders for a frank conversation about how to overcome mistrust, polarization, and disunity.
Bold actions
This year the theme of the Day is – "Act now for peace".
In his message, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres He emphasized that the global situation demands urgent and bold action. "Our warring planet cries out for peace. This year, on International Peace Day, each of us must heed this call," he said.
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