May 16 – International Day of Living Together in Peace

4 Min ⏰

History and Goals

Living together in peace is all about accepting differences and having the ability to listen to, recognize, respect, and appreciate others, as well as living in a peaceful and united way.

The International Day of “Peaceful Living in Peace” is an annual event held every May 16. This day has been named to emphasize the importance of maintaining peace and developing a culture of peaceful life in global communities, primarily focusing on peaceful solutions to resolve conflicts in wars and violence.

The history of the International Day of Peaceful Living in Peace dates back to 1997. That year, the International Foundation for Peaceful Life decided to hold this day. The main goals of this day are:

1. Drawing attention to the importance of peace and peacefulness in human societies and promoting its values.

2. Maintaining and strengthening international committees and organizations related to peace and peaceful life in the world.

3. Increasing public awareness about peace and peaceful life and teaching practical solutions for peaceful conflict resolution.

4. Attention to the role of women and girls in maintaining peace and promoting gender justice.

On this day, peace organizations and activists worldwide conduct activities, including meetings, conferences, seminars, exhibitions, etc.

The UN General Assembly, in its resolution 72/130, declared May 16 the International Day of Living Together in Peace as a means of regularly mobilizing the efforts of the international community to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity. The day aims to uphold the desire to live and act together, united in differences and diversity, in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity, and harmony.

The day invites countries to further promote reconciliation to help to ensure peace and sustainable development, including by working with communities, faith leaders, and other relevant actors through reconciliatory measures and acts of service and by encouraging forgiveness and compassion among individuals.

The Role of the UN in Living in Peace

One of the main goals and tasks of the United Nations (UN), which was created after two devastating world wars, is to promote a peaceful life in peace. Obviously, this day is an excellent opportunity for this organization to promote peace and tolerance at the global level through various actions and activities and encourage governments to adopt views and conduct behaviors that lead to worldwide peace and security. The United Nations should remind the governments of the importance of maintaining peace and promoting a culture of peaceful life through the publication of statements, messages, and awareness ceremonies.

In addition, the UN strives to increase public awareness of peace and peaceful living concepts. This organization teaches people practical ways to resolve conflicts peacefully through meetings, seminars, conferences, exhibitions, and other events. These activities create a space for the exchange of views and cooperation between different actors of the world community.

The Role of Women in Ensuring Peace and Peaceful Coexistence

Women play a very important role in maintaining peace and peaceful coexistence in society and between countries. They, who are important players in the process of peacebuilding and peaceful promotion, offer their unique initiatives and capabilities to the community to contribute more and better to the provision of global peace and coexistence.

One of the most critical roles of women and girls in maintaining peace is to provide egalitarian and justice-oriented environments. They can be influential in creating opportunities and conditions where everyone can work freely and without discrimination in society. By emphasizing gender equality and promoting education and employment for women and girls, they can help balance the community and reduce tensions and conflicts.

Women and girls can also play an essential educational and educational role in promoting a culture of peaceful life. By raising and educating children based on the values of peace and empathy, they can make the new generation and future leaders of the world adhere to a peaceful culture from an early age; Education and training lead to the adoption of peaceful solutions in resolving conflicts and interactions between people.

In addition, women and girls can be a strong voice in society and between countries in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

Religious Institutions and Leaders’ Capacity to Achieve Peaceful Coexistence

Religious institutions and leaders can play a significant role in maintaining peace and peaceful coexistence in the country and the international community. By emphasizing religious and moral values, they can use their strong power and influence to promote peace and peacefulness and support coexistence among humans.

They can promote peace, tolerance, empathy, and justice by educating and counseling on religious values, moral issues, and human rights. Also, by emphasizing common human values and the existence of a common God between beliefs, they can create a bridge between sects and religions and help increase solidarity and cohesion in society. 

More information is available here: 

https://www.un.org/en/observances/living-in-peace-day