Every year on September 21st, the world takes a pause to observe the International Day of Peace, a moment that is dedicated to strengthening the ideal of peace both within and among nations and individuals. It was firstly established by the United Nations in 1981, and later it was inducted as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence in 2001. This ideal has grown into a powerful platform for dialogues, reflections, and actions.
“Act Now for a Peaceful World”, the theme for the International Day of Peace 2025, is a loud and clear call for people, groups, and governments to take decisive action right now to create a more peaceful world. It is impossible for us to overstate the theme of this year’s message in an era well known for its social unrest, political ideologies and economic and environmental crises. This year’s theme emphasises that peace is not a passive ideal but an active pursuit. Everyone is encouraged to participate in actions to promote and advance justice, understanding, and sustainability, regardless of age. Every action done for other people’s welfare matters.
Across the world, Peace Day is observed by educational programs, cultural events, and community rallies. Schools host workshops and events on the theme “Peace”, cities organize gatherings, and activists lead campaigns for equity and justice. In many of these occasions, the dove, which stands for peace and love, flies high, serving as a reminder to have a common humanity. On this day, the UN makes sure to highlight its peacekeeping efforts and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include goals for justice, peace, and strong institutions. The initiation of health clinics and youth-led classrooms in conflict areas highlights that the UN’s assignments and targets are to link the connection between peace and sustainability.
In 2025, the world is holding its breath as peace cannot be seen in most of the regions. From the war in Gaza to the trenches in Ukraine, ordinary people are caught in the middle of conflicts they did not choose. Families escaping violence in Syria and Sudan, holding on to hopes more tightly than possessions. Climate change is more than merely a headline; it is reality, with droughts, fires, and floods pushing communities to the brink and extreme states of life. Additionally, there is a silent unrest even in areas that have not been affected by war or natural disasters, where false information spreads more quickly than the truth, institutional trust is eroding, and many people feel more divided than ever due to several community issues. There are, however, moments of bravery amidst all the chaos. Young leaders are rising as faith communities are coming together, as seen in Kazakhstan’s recent Congress of World Religion, and resilient democracies like Taiwan are demonstrating how diplomacy and technology can promote peace. The message of this year’s Peace Day, “Act Now for a Peaceful World”, is not just a slogan; it is a lifeline to all of us as a whole. Because peace isn’t something we wait for; instead, it is something we build together with a common objective.
The absence of war is not merely what peace actually means; rather, it is the existence of equity, mutual respect and opportunity. In today’s interconnected world, local actions ripple globally. Innovation, resilience, and prosperity are all fostered in a peace-driven society. On the other hand, neglecting the signs of social, environmental, or political imbalance may lead to widespread instability.
The 2025 International Day of Peace serves as a reminder that actions must be taken immediately rather than later. Each and every one of us holds the power and capability to influence a more peaceful future through personal reflection, community involvement or policy reforms. We as a community, let’s make our action for peace speak louder than our words.
Written By: –
Rtr. Haseena Hamza
(Junior Blog Team Member 2025-26)
Design By: –
Rtr. Chamodi Sathsarani
(Senior Blog Team Member 2025-26)
