Sustainable peace for a sustainable future

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.In the context of the recent Rio+20 Conference, the theme chosen for this year’s observance of the International Day of Peace is “Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future”There can be no sustainable future without a sustainable peace. Sustainable peace must be built on sustainable development and a “Future We Want”.The UN continues to lead efforts towards achieving global peace. Every 21st of September since 1981, the UN Secretary General makes a global call to observe this International Day of Peace and to promote one of the most fundamental of human rights: the Right to Peace.This call is directed first to States and State leaders to join efforts in a global partnership for peace, imploring them to choose peaceful paths for resolution of international conflict.Second, it is a call to all international organisations to strengthen their commitment to the promotion of peace and stability. With their capacity to act as tools for peace, build bridges between states and peoples and facilitating intercultural dialogue, international organisations are in a unique position to reinforce a system of collective security and to make the world a safer place.But promoting peace is also the task of individuals. Indeed, it is the responsibility of all of us to take action in supporting a global movement for the construction of a Culture of Peace based on the universal values of respect for life, justice, solidarity, human rights and equality between men and women.The 20th century left us a legacy of war and conflicts. The horror and devastation of the 1994 genocide are forever in our minds. The Arab Spring and the Syrian civil war are other stark reminders of the tremendous human cost of war and internal conflict.This is not a time to despair, however, for the dream of having a better and safer world has not vanished. Peace is at the core of the work of the United Nations. Since its inception, the UN has been committed to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war“. In accordance with this commitment, countless efforts have been made to keep and promote peace and to prevent conflict. For example, as we speak, there are thousands of UN peacekeepers far away, from their homes, including Rwandan troops in Darfur risking their lives to ensure that conflict ceases and does not recur.And yet we need to do much more to achieve peace for all. Peace is much more than the absence of war. Through years of experience in many countries around the world, the UN has understood that peace can only be achieved through a framework of justice, freedom and tolerance. UNDP has contributed significantly to peace-building efforts in Rwanda. More recent examples include the Gacaca process and the Rwanda Peace Academy.Peace cannot be achieved without justice, but reduction of poverty and inequality are also major challenges.In this regard, UNDP is making efforts in promoting sustainable economic and social development, reducing inequalities and contributing to poverty reduction and environmental sustainability. .The overriding principle in our path to peace must be the ultimate value of the human being who deserves full respect and protection of the rights enshrined in Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The United Nations has established numerous internationally approved instruments to protect the rights of all, but especially the most vulnerable, aiming at eliminating all kinds of discrimination, inequality, advancing the values of diversity, tolerance and solidarity.So join me in lighting a candle today. It symbolizes the worldwide peace vigil held by millions of people to mark this very special day. By lighting these candles, by drawing from this vigil candle flame, you drive back the shadows and help shine a message of peace and hope. Let this candles burn in our hearts so that we can all become messengers of peace.UNDP is also participating in the Global Truce campaign (www.peaceoneday.org) which aims to see the largest global reduction of violence on one day – International Day of Peace – and the largest gathering of individuals in the name of peace.So, in asking you to light your candles, to participate in the Global Truce campaign, and to join us in observing International Peace Day in the name of peace and in remembrance of the victims of violence, injustice and war, let us contemplate what each and every one of us can do more in our attempts to bring about lasting peace.In New York, the UN Secretary-General will ring the Japanese Peace Bell outside the United Nations Headquarters building joined by the United Nations Messengers of Peace.In Kigali, the UN will join its partners in closing the peace and democracy week during which Rwandans, with a focus on university students, engaged in a policy dialogue around these two themes to find ways of creating awareness about the importance of building a peaceful and democratic state to the young people who are the leaders of tomorrow and encourage them to be the peace candle bearers wherever they are.Auke Lootsma is the Country Director United Nations Development Programme

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Sustainable peace for a sustainable future