UN chief calls for end to wars in International Peace Day message

United Nations: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday urged the global community to silence weapons, end human suffering and work towards stability and prosperity in his message marking the International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21.

“Peace cannot wait,” he said, stressing that a warring world is crying out for peace. This year’s observance calls on individuals everywhere to raise their voices in support of that demand.

Guterres warned that wars are tearing lives apart, robbing children of their futures and stripping people of their dignity. “We are seeing an explosion of conflict. International law flouted. And record numbers of people fleeing their homes,” he said.

Highlighting that sustainable development underpins peace, he noted that nine of the ten least developed countries are currently affected by conflict. He also called for an end to racism, dehumanization and misinformation that fuel violence, urging instead a culture of respect and empathy.

“Where we have peace, we have hope,” he said, adding that peace allows families to reunite, communities to rebuild and children to learn and play.

The International Day of Peace was established by the UN General Assembly in 1981, and in 2001 it was unanimously designated as a day of non-violence and ceasefire. The theme for 2025 is “Act Now for a Peaceful World.”