The International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 to promote peace worldwide. Observed annually on September 21st, this globally recognized day serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, organizations and nations to work together in fostering harmony, understanding and cooperation across the globe.

To celebrate the International Day of Peace 2024, WIIS-HoA hosted a virtual event that was designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of what cultivating a culture of peace means through the enhancement of peacebuilding skills. This interactive discussion cultivated a deep understanding of the various skills and communication strategies among participants.

As the UNESCO Constitution states: “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.” The event reflected this principle, by emphasizing that peace must be nurtured in human thoughts and actions. Through creating an environment of learning and collaboration, WIIS-HoA empowered individuals to spearhead peace-focused initiatives within their communities.

What is Peace?

The participants were engaged on what peace meant to them, where majority defined it as the presence of understanding and more than just the absence of war or conflict. It encompasses a broader concept that includes peaceful co-existence, respect for human rights, sustainable development and non-violent resolution of conflicts. Participants working in the peace sector shared their focus on creating consistent dialogues and platforms that promote long-term stability, and harmony within communities and across borders. Some participants also defined peace as a way of life.

Elements of a Culture of Peace

The session highlighted the core elements that constitute a culture of peace. The first element discussed was social justice, which emphasized the fair and equitable distribution of resources, opportunities and privileges across society. The trainer stressed that social justice involves addressing systemic barriers that prevent marginalized groups from accessing equal opportunities. For lasting peace to be achieved, there is need to advocate for policies that tackle economic disparities and create inclusive.

The second element, respect for human rights, was explored as a fundamental principle that recognizes the dignity and equal rights of every individual, regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion or any other status. Human rights, such as the right to life, education, freedom of expression and movement, serve as the foundation for justice and equality. Participants were encouraged to protect and promote human rights within their communities to foster mutual respect and understanding.

Lastly, emphasis was put on non-violence and dialogue. Non-violence, the practice of resolving conflicts without physical force, was highlighted as essential to fostering peaceful interactions. Dialogue, as the trainer emphasized, is another critical element, involving open and respectful communication that aims to understand different perspectives and reach consensus. Dialogue builds empathy and helps individuals find common ground, even in difficult situations. Participants were reminded that non-violence and dialogue empower individuals to prevent conflict escalation and promote peaceful coexistence.

Promoting Peace and Collaboration Strategies

To promote peace the discussion focused on four key collaboration strategies for promoting a culture of peace and unity. First, grassroots initiatives which play a crucial role by encouraging local peacebuilding efforts and fostering community dialogues. These initiatives empower communities to address conflicts at a local level, creating sustainable peace from the community upwards. A participant from Garissa acknowledged how they had taken part in sporting activities which brought more young people together from different villages in Garissa. This ensured conflicts were solved easier and they were able to enhance peaceful co-existence among youth and the community at large.

Second, education programs are powerful tools in spreading peace by integrating peace education into schools and organizations. Teaching young people about conflict resolution, empathy and non-violence lays the foundation for a more peaceful community in the future. The young people will not only be able to solve conflicts among themselves in school but also within their communities as they grow up.

Third, the participants were encouraged to practice using media and art which often serve as effective platforms for disseminating messages of peace and unity. Through creative mediums like music, film and visual arts, communities can engage in meaningful conversations and raise awareness about the importance of peace. The participants agreed that this would allow artistic peace messages to reach larger audiences, including those who are unable to read.

Lastly, collaboration with both local and international organizations helps to strengthen the collective efforts toward peacebuilding. Partnering with organizations that share a common vision amplifies the impact and reaches a broader audience, ensuring that a culture of peace is promoted not only at the community level but also on a global scale. A participant who raised a concern on facing resistance within a community that may not listen a particular gender, was encouraged to always find an allies within such communities.

Conclusion
The training served as a reminder to participants that cultivating a culture of peace can begin with small actions, such as starting conversations on social media or engaging peers directly. Whether through large-scale initiatives or personal interactions, every effort contributes to building a peaceful world. As the session concluded, participants committed to taking concrete actions within their communities, inspired by the skills and knowledge shared during the event.