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A view of ¡°Enlightened Universe¡± by artist Crist¨®bal Gabarr¨®n.
¡°Enlightened Universe¡± by Spanish artist Crist¨®bal Gabarr¨®n, depicts 70 figures holding hands around a sphere symbolizing Earth, celebrating shared values and the collective responsibility to build an inclusive world.
Photo:UNRIC Brussels
¡°Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.¡±
Albert Einstein

Commitment to Peaceful Coexistence and a Safe, Inclusive World

Peace is more than the absence of war; it is the ability to live together amid our differences¡ªof sex, race, language, religion, or culture¡ªwhile upholding the justice and human rights that make such coexistence possible. It is an ongoing process and a long-term goal that demands constant care, vigilance, and active participation from everyone.

As one of the five pillars of the ¡ªalongside People, Planet, Prosperity, and Partnership¡ªpeace is central to its vision. The Agenda¡¯s preamble underscores the goal of fostering peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, free from fear and violence.

With global instability and conflict on the rise, the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence serves as a platform to raise awareness of diverse cultures, values, ways of life, and beliefs, and to highlight the role of education in promoting tolerance.

The Day also offers an opportunity for the international community to reaffirm its commitment to the founding purposes and principles of the United Nations, as enshrined in international agreements and declarations over the years.

Key UN Documents Outline the Foundations of Peaceful Coexistence

Cover of the United Nations Charter

United Nations Charter

As the cornerstone of international law, the Charter enshrines the principles essential to peaceful coexistence, including the sovereign equality of states, the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, the prohibition of the threat or use of force, and the promotion of friendly relations among nations.

Full text
Cover of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Lays the foundation for peaceful coexistence by affirming the dignity, equality, and rights of all people. By protecting freedoms and preventing discrimination regardless of race, religion, or culture, it fosters mutual respect and understanding. The UDHR provides the ethical and legal basis for building just, tolerant, and inclusive societies, essential for lasting peace and the prevention of conflict.

Read more

 

Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace

Outlines a framework for promoting non-violence, tolerance, dialogue, and mutual understanding. Emphasizing education, human rights, equality, and participatory governance, it addresses the root causes of conflict and builds trust among communities and nations. By fostering respect for diversity, eliminating discrimination, and encouraging inclusive dialogue, the Declaration supports peaceful coexistence and lays the foundation for lasting peace, security, and harmony.

 

Background

On 4 March 2025, the United Nations General Assembly adopted , proclaiming 28 January as the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence.

The resolution the role of Member States and stakeholders in promoting tolerance, respect for religious and cultural diversity, and human rights. It also invites all countries, international organizations, civil society, and the media to celebrate the International Day through meaningful activities that foster a culture of peace, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity.

While the concept of a ¡°culture of peace¡± was formally articulated at the , held in C?te d¡¯Ivoire in 1989, the idea itself was inspired by the educational initiative Cultura de Paz, developed in Peru in 1986, and by the , adopted the same year by leading scientists worldwide. This statement declared that war is not biologically inevitable but a social invention. Consequently, ¡°the same species that invented war is capable of inventing peace.¡±

 

Key documents

Related websites

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