Peace and SDGs: A Perfect Match for a Better Future
On International Peace Day (Sep 21), we celebrate the importance of peace for all people and nations. Peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but also the presence of justice, equality, and opportunity. It is a necessary condition for sustainable development which, in turn, helps create a more peaceful world.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
The SDGs are interconnected, and peace is essential for achieving all of them. For example, poverty is a major driver of conflict. When people lack access to basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter, they are more likely to resort to violence. Similarly, inequality can lead to resentment and social unrest.
Peace is also essential for environmental protection. Climate change and other environmental challenges can lead to conflict over resources and displacement of people. Peace is needed to address these challenges in a sustainable way.
Achieving the SDGs will create a more peaceful world by addressing the root causes of conflict and building a more just and equitable society. When people have their basic needs met and feel like they have a stake in the future, they are less likely to turn to violence.
Here are some examples of how fostering peace contributes to the SDGs and how achieving the SDGs creates a culture of peace:
Peace is essential to create the conditions needed for economic growth and development. People in fear of conflict are less likely to invest in their businesses or send their children to school.
Conflict can have a devastating impact on health, both physically and mentally. Peace can ensure that people have access to quality healthcare and can live healthy and productive lives.
Education is a key driver of peace and development. When people have access to education, they are more likely to be able to understand and resolve conflict peacefully.
Gender equality is essential for peace and sustainable development. When women are empowered, they are more likely to play a role in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
Strong institutions and the rule of law are essential for maintaining peace and preventing conflict. We need fair and impartial justice systems to build trust and social cohesion.
On International Peace Day, let us recommit to fostering peace and achieving the SDGs. Peace and sustainable development are two sides of the same coin. We cannot achieve one without the other.
Here are some things that we can do to foster peace and contribute to the SDGs:
❤️ Support organisations that are working to build peace. There are many organisations working to promote peace around the world. You can donate your time or money to support these organisations, or volunteer for a cause that you care about.
❤️ Be kind and compassionate to others. Simple acts of kindness, such as holding the door open for someone or letting someone go ahead of you in line, can make a big difference in the world.
❤️ Promote peace in your own community. This could involve mediating a dispute between friends or neighbours, or simply talking to people about the importance of peace.
❤️ Educate yourself about the root causes of conflict—issues like poverty, inequality, and discrimination. The more we understand the causes of conflict, the better equipped we will be to prevent it.
❤️ Support policies that promote peace and sustainable development. You can contact your elected officials and let them know that you support these policies.
By taking these steps, you can help create a more peaceful and just world for all.
Glimmer proudly supports and promotes the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a better world.
Join the Glimmer community and share your own stories to inspire and empower people to make a difference in their lives and in the lives of others.
Sources:
United Nations International Day of Peace 21 September. https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-peace
United Nations. The 17 Goals. https://sdgs.un.org/goals
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