Do you know what our world is in dire need of, today? It is peace. Our world has been splintered into factions because of race, caste, creed, ethnicity and nationality. Intermittent wars and incessant civil strife have torn nations and communities apart. The International Day of Peace, observed on September 21, envisages a world community built on the foundations of lasting peace.
The basis of peaceful society is the economic and social development for all people whose rights are protected. This is why the UN member states adopted in 2015 the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that cover a broad range of issues, including poverty, hunger, health, education, climate change, gender equality, water, sanitation, energy, environment and social justice. Without protecting justice and equality in a society, a peaceful society cannot exist. A peaceful society can promote a sustainable environment and the sustainable environment can foster peace, in turn.
The International Peace Day’s theme for 2018 was ‘the right to peace’. The world also celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document in the history of human rights, last year.