What the International Day of Peace seeks to remind us
The International Day of Peace is observed on the 21st of September of every year. Established in 1981 by the United Nations General assembly, it’s a day devoted to keeping peace and encouraging societies to join together and solve conflict – now and for future generations.
Throughout history, war and conflict have affected just about everything in our societies from defining political borders to migration across countries to being used by nations to win sovereignty.
Since the 1990s, there has been an increase in civil conflict that has led to the creation of ‘new wars’ linked to global challenges such as health, poverty, and displacements. The ‘new wars’ actors are both state and non-state and the conflict and consequences they often wreak have no borders – from violence to poverty and homelessness.
The role of education in promoting peace
Education has a key role to play in promoting peace.
Cultivating the right knowledge, skills, values and attitudes is vital for the social, economic and political development of any society.
This involves identifying factors that contribute to conflict-sensitive education policies – such as inequalities in economic power, education, and income levels.
One way forward is designing curriculum and education services that are sensitive to local contexts, with a special focus on recognising the challenges facing marginalized groups like minorities, at-risk adolescents and youth. Social cohesion enables people to live with a sense of belonging and trust in their societies. Programs that encourage trust building, inclusion and communication maximize the realization of an individual’s potential and optimal development of peace.
A reminder to us all
The International Day of Peace is a reminder that we all have a role to play in promoting peace. Whether through individual and collective initiatives that promote inclusivity or supporting the education of attitudes, skills and behaviours that work towards living in harmony.
