International Day of Peace 2024: Cultivating a Culture of Peace

As we mark the United Nations’ International Day of Peace on September 21, the theme “Cultivating a Culture of Peace¹” takes on profound significance in light of the geopolitical challenges and societal divisions that define our current moment. This year’s theme also commemorates the 25th anniversary of the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace². It invites reflection on how we can cultivate the principles necessary for global harmony-principles that require more than the absence of conflict but demand an active, participatory process of mutual understanding and cooperation.

In today’s world, where conflicts and economic inequalities intersect in complex ways, the pursuit of peace is not just a moral imperative but an essential condition for sustainable development. The link between peace and economic growth is symbiotic: peace builds up stable economies, while economic instability fuels social unrest. Amid mounting geopolitical strains, the 1999 Declaration’s³  emphasis on respect for life, human rights, non-violence, justice, democracy, and cultural diversity underscores their critical role in sustaining and advancing global stability.

The 2024 theme “Cultivating a Culture of Peace” draws inspiration from UNESCO’s foundational belief that “wars begin in the minds of men, so it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.⁴ ”

Peace, through this perspective, is not an abstract concept; it is a cultural process that must be taught, practiced, and embedded into every level of society. Cultivating peace involves instilling values of dialogue and mutual respect from an early age, ensuring these ideals permeate across generations and geographic boundaries. It is through this cultural transmission of peace that we can hope to build a world where conflicts are resolved not through violence but through dialogue and mutual respect.

In this context, it is important to acknowledge the historical precedents of long-lasting peace, such as the Pax Romana, which Nobel Laureate Robert Aumann referenced when discussing peace-building models. Aumann is an American Israeli mathematician who was awarded the prize in 2005 for “having enhanced our understanding of conflict and cooperation through game-theory analysis.” By combining game theory and psychology, Aumann’s work has asked the question, ‘Can game theory end world conflict?’

Aumann’s ideas can provide a framework for understanding the importance of strategic thinking in peacebuilding, but they also underscore the need for global cooperation. When he spoke of what he referred to as the “world champions of peace,” such as Switzerland and ancient Rome, he pointed out that lasting peace often emerges from a carefully managed balance of power and preparation. 

“If you want peace, prepare for war,” says Aumann. While Aumann's perspective might appear to contrast with the idealism of a culture of peace, it reveals an important reality about incentives in maintaining peace. Historical examples show that peace is not always passive-it often requires preparation, strategic thinking, and deterrence. “Si vis pacem, para bellum,” he says, translating into Italian his earlier thought. “That is what brought about the Roman peace, that was the model. The Pax Romana lasted for over 230 years.”

Aumann's insights from game theory expound the strategic foundations of peace, where mutual understanding and rational incentives can lead to cooperative outcomes even among adversaries. These are valuable lessons for contemporary peacebuilding initiatives as well as the mechanisms can be harnessed to encourage collaboration and support rather than conflict. 

As we confront complex geopolitical dynamics and humanitarian crises, the International Day of Peace encourages us to reevaluate our approaches to conflict and cooperation. It challenges us to rethink conventional approaches to peace and conflict. The ongoing conflicts and economic uncertainties of this year remind us that peace and economic development are inextricably linked. The absence of peace stifles economic growth, just as economic instability can fuel social unrest and violence. The pursuit of peace is not only a moral obligation but also an economic necessity.

The observance of the International Day of Peace serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to cultivate a culture of peace, not just on one day of the year, but every day.

The expansion of compassion-whether through supporting displaced communities or addressing inequalities-plays a critical role in cultivating a culture of peace. In this light, peace is not merely an absence of war but an active process of building inclusive, resilient societies. Expanding our notions of empathy and cooperation, both on an individual and collective level, is fundamental to this process. The International Day of Peace calls us not only to lay down arms but to see each other’s humanity and create the conditions for lasting reconciliation and social integration. By integrating both strategic thinking and empathy, as exemplified by Aumann's insights and the UN’s declaration, we can work towards a sustainable, peaceful future. Peace, after all, is a shared responsibility, and the foundations for it must be cultivated in every community, through education, cooperation, and compassion.

¹International Day of Peace, The UN
²Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace: resolutions / adopted by the General Assembly
³Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace: resolutions / adopted by the General Assembly
⁴UNESCO's 20 years, The UNESCO Courier