PEACE IS NOT JUST THE ABSENCE OF WAR,
IT IS A STRUCTURE THAT IS BUILT DAILY.

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly (A/RES/36/67). Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate this day as a period of non-violence and ceasefire (A/RES/55/282).

Each international day represents an opportunity to inform the public about themes related to major issues such as fundamental rights, sustainable development, or health. These days allow the United Nations system, public authorities, and civil society to organize awareness-raising activities and mobilize resources.

Our warring world is crying out for peace. This year’s International Day of Peace urges each of us to give voice to that call. Around the world lives are being ripped apart, childhoods extinguished, and basic human dignity discarded, amidst the cruelty and degradations of war. We are seeing an explosion of conflict.  
International law flouted. And record numbers of people fleeing their homes. All they want is peace
Peace is everyone's business. The impacts of war ripple around the world.

- António Guterres -

Download the full speech here.

CONCRETE PEACE PROJECTS IN DRC

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, MONUSCO works tirelessly to establish peace. Beyond its military actions, the mission is committed to consolidating peace as a lasting legacy through a multitude of projects. These initiatives notably cover community reintegration, promotion of security, and dissemination of peace values within Congolese society.

Defusing danger, cultivating peace To ensure peace in regions affected by armed conflicts, more than 400 explosive remnants have been destroyed in support of refugees, internally displaced persons, and local communities. The anti-mine effort concludes a collaboration of over 2 years to pave the way for a safer future. Learn more here. Promoting youth engagement for peace and the fight against disinformation By valuing the ideas and projects of young people, a series of activities was organized to promote their inclusive and sustainable involvement in peace processes. This initiative illustrates MONUSCO's and its partners' commitment to strengthening the role of youth as peace actors in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Learn more here.

Bana Education: Hope through peace, dreams through school For displaced children in Ituri, victims of armed conflicts, the Bana Education program acts as a powerful tool for peace. It brings them hope and stability, allowing them to continue dreaming despite adversity. Beyond simply transmitting knowledge, this program revives a sense of normalcy and dignity. It proves that education can be a bridge to peace, offering a path toward a more stable future. Learn more about Bana Education here.

DAILY PEACE ACTORS IN DRC

Throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo, many peace actors work for this common cause of universal well-being. From cities to the most remote villages, these individuals contribute, each in their own way, to a safer and more harmonious future. Discover among them some of these faces who, through their actions and vision, embody perseverance and hope for lasting peace.

PEACE AWARENESS

Everyone's active presence to ensure lasting peace

Do Nsoseme, an artist with multiple talents including photography, distinguished herself through her photographs at the exhibition « Through her lens : Women rising for peace » reminding us of everyone's role as a peace actor but also that «peace is not simply the absence of war, but the active presence of those who build, construct, consolidate, and transmit peace through their actions.»
Discover her story and the motivation behind her works. Watch the video by clicking here. (Article here)

WOMEN RISING FOR PEACE

This exhibition highlights women who are transforming their communities and their future. Whether they are building peace or defending human rights, whether they are Blue Helmets or mediators, women and their allies work to have their voices heard and to build more just societies where everyone can contribute equally, even when peace seems like only a distant dream. Because when women march, they lead.

And when women lead, peace follows. Each image, captured by women photographers who often share the same struggles and aspirations in the same contexts, testifies to the strength and resilience of women as agents of change. The exhibition aims to amplify their voices, protect their rights, and guarantee their place at every table where peace is built.

More photos from the exhibition on our Flickr album here.
Relive a summary of the exhibition opening ceremony here.

Not only do we demonstrate peace, but as actors, we also inspire it.