Written by UPF International
Sunday, August 7, 2022
UPF International—The Universal Peace Federation and the worldwide network of Ambassadors for Peace support the United Nations International Day of Peace 2022, which is dedicated to the theme “End racism. Build peace.”
On September 21, UPF chapters around the globe will join with the UN General Assembly and devote this day to “strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.”
Secretary-General António Guterres said:
“Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life in every society. It continues to be a driver of persistent inequality. And it continues to deny people their fundamental human rights. It destabilizes societies, undermines democracies, erodes the legitimacy of governments, and … the linkages between racism and gender inequality are unmistakable.”
UPF is dedicated to building a world of peace based on the firm belief that we are one human family created by God, and that treating people with dignity and respect, regardless of their race, ideology or religion, is the primary way to a world of peace.
It is extremely important that, at this time in history, the global community of nations work together in collaboration and partnership with the various institutions of the United Nations system, as well as with representatives of civil society, faith-based organizations and private sector entities.
As conflicts continue to erupt across the globe, vulnerable groups, such as racial minorities, the poor and the sick, have been hit much harder than others. Race-based discrimination in whatever form – hate speech or violence – is not tolerated by the United Nations, nor by the Universal Peace Federation and our family of associations and initiatives.
The message of UPF is that we all have a role to play in fostering peace, and tackling racism is a crucial way to contribute to building a world of lasting peace. Our worldwide network encourages all our members and friends to uphold the innate God-given dignity that is in all people.
UPF regularly hosts seminars, symposia and activities to promote the principle that each person has unique value, as endowed by our Creator. By engaging in respectful dialogue we can learn from one another and we can expand the sphere of compassion, mutual respect and cooperation among people of all races, religions, nationalities and cultures.
The commitment of governments is essential to this task. However, the instruments of government need the support of a wide range of stakeholders. For this reason, it is important that we establish partnerships among governments and non-state actors, including NGOs, faith-based organizations, and private-sector businesses. Through partnership we stand a better chance of achieving success.
Problems including climate change, poverty, hunger, lack of clean water and sanitation, and inequality are widespread, bringing suffering to far too many members of our human family. We must do all we can to alleviate this suffering and contribute to a world of peace, sustainable development, and prosperity for all.
UPF is committed to supporting the work of the United Nations and fully endorses the effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UPF has a distinguished track record of programs that are fully consistent with the SDG agenda. In particular, UPF has carried out a wide range of programs aimed at strengthening families as a contributing factor to building a stable, healthy society and to promoting literacy and quality education for women, boys and girls. UPF’s peacebuilding initiatives—aimed at both conflict prevention and post-conflict peacebuilding—help to build stable, inclusive societies.
In 2022, UPF continues its tradition of supporting the International Day of Peace, encouraging all its chapters and members throughout the world to join with others in celebrating this important day, thereby contributing to building a world of lasting peace.
