by G M Forhadul Mozumdar (Dhaka Bureau)
At a time when the world is facing successive conflicts, geopolitical tensions, an arms race, and severe humanitarian crises, a unique and hopeful message has emerged from the United Nations. Marking the 100-day countdown to the International Day of Peace (September 21), the UN Secretary-General has not merely made an official announcement; rather, he has shaken the global conscience with a fundamental question—*“Is the responsibility for peace solely on state leaders, or does it belong to ordinary people as well?”*
In a special message scheduled for official release on June 13, the UN Secretary-General noted that the world is passing through a critical juncture where war, violence, and division have become daily realities. For many today, ‘peace’ seems like a distant dream. Yet, even amidst this darkness, thousands of volunteers, social workers, teachers, human rights activists, and youth leaders across the globe are quietly sowing the seeds of non-violence and empathy. These ordinary individuals are the true architects and driving forces of a peaceful future.
A World at an Unprecedented Crossroads
According to international relations experts, the current global order faces its most multifaceted and complex challenges since the post-World War II era. Raging conflicts in various regions are displacing millions of people from their homes. Simultaneously, food and energy security are under severe threat, and climate change is continuously triggering new humanitarian crises.
In this grim context, the 100-day countdown to the International Day of Peace is not just a formal schedule; it is essentially a global awareness and social movement. Its primary goal is to foster a deep realization among people that building peace is not the exclusive domain of a single state or international institution; it is a collective human and social responsibility.
Peace Belongs in the Human Heart, Not Just in Diplomacy
This new message from the UN shatters conventional, institutional concepts of peace. In his message, the Secretary-General emphasized that peace does not emerge solely from conference halls, diplomatic meetings, or international treaty tables. True peace begins at the grassroots level:
* In Educational Institutions: Through teaching tolerance in every school and classroom.
* Within Families: Inside the core of family values and through healthy relationships with neighbors.
* At the Social Level: By showing respect for differing opinions and diversity at every layer of society.
True and sustainable peace is rooted when individuals learn to stand against discrimination and practice empathy in their daily lives.
‘Wars can be won with weapons, but peace cannot. Achieving peace requires justice, equality, humanity, and mutual respect.’
Modern Conflicts and the ‘Crisis of Trust’
The relevance of this message is paramount in today’s era. Modern conflicts are no longer confined to traditional battlefields. Through political polarization, hate speech, social division, and online violence, conflict has permeated social media, politics, economics, and cultural spheres.
According to experts, the greatest challenge of the coming decade will be the ‘Crisis of Trust’. Unless the deficit of trust among states, global institutions, and ordinary citizens is bridged, achieving any form of lasting and positive peace will remain impossible.
Bangladesh’s Moral Leadership in Global Peace
This global campaign presents a new opportunity for Bangladesh to demonstrate diplomatic and moral leadership. For decades, Bangladesh has played a unique role on the world stage as one of the top contributors of military and police personnel to UN peacekeeping missions. From Africa to the Middle East, Bangladeshi peacekeepers routinely risk their lives in war-torn regions to rebuild peace and provide humanitarian assistance.
Simultaneously, in recent years, Bangladesh has taken a strong stance on the global stage to promote peace, tolerance, and interfaith harmony. This 100-day countdown journey will pave the way for Bangladesh to further solidify its philosophy of peace and the ‘Culture of Peace’ globally.
Youth: The New Language of Peace
The youth generation is viewed as the greatest catalyst and beacon of hope in this peace campaign. A vast segment of the world’s population is young, holding the keys to tomorrow’s world. The youth can drive peace through two primary avenues:
Innovation & Technology: Utilizing technology positively to counter hate speech on social media and spread messages of peace.
Social Initiatives: Fostering tolerance, respect for diversity, and humanitarian values at the grassroots level to preempt future conflicts.
A World Looking Toward September 21
While the International Day of Peace is celebrated annually on September 21, the UN is spreading a new message 100 days in advance- ‘Peace is not a one-day event; it is a daily practice.’
According to diplomatic sources, extensive global programs are being planned over the next 100 days to directly involve civil society, educational institutions, youth organizations, and humanitarian agencies in this peace process.
The War Within the Human Conscience
Ultimately, the world’s greatest battle is no longer fought along geographical borders; it is being waged within the human conscience. The UN’s 100-day countdown is not a mere paper declaration or a formal statement. It is a powerful, humane appeal to a war-torn, divided, and uncertain world- ‘Let peace begin with me, with you, and with all of us.’
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The Writer:
G M Forhadul Mozumdar: Staff Correspondent, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
