Let us see what Peace can do

Amid Pandemic and Climate Emergency, Global Peacebuilders Call on Governments to Invest in Peace.

On the occasion of the 2021 International Day of Peace, over 200 international and domestic peacebuilding organizations have issued a joint statement calling on governments to increase their efforts in working for peace. Titled “Let us see what Peace can do”, the statement highlights the need for a new global partnership to mainstream peace, justice, and inclusion as the only way to face current world challenges. The statement was facilitated by the Quaker United Nations Office in New York (QUNO) and signed by over 200 organisations, including the Civil Society Platform for Peacebuilding and Statebuilding (CSPPS) and many of its members. 

See the complete statement and list of signatories here.

This year, fostering an international commitment towards peace and non-violence is more relevant than ever, following the many socio-economic and political consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak and the emphasized need to leave no one behind.  

“As we face the stark human-made realities of a warming planet, we must redouble our peace efforts, to help mediate and navigate the immense shifts in power and resources that will be needed to forestall further avoidable temperature rise, to prevent and resolve the conflicts that may be exacerbated or precipitated by environmental destruction; and to prepare the path to a more sustainable, peaceful, and equitable future.” 

The statement therefore thus calls on governments and the international community to: refocus on peace, justice and inclusion, in development, in crisis response, and in addressing the climate emergency; mainstream and step upstep-up investment in peace; prioritize inclusion and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms; and step away from securitized responses.