Towards the International Day of Peace

More Than a Day, A Direction

Observed every year on September 21st, the International Day of Peace was declared by the United Nations in 1981. This meaningful day is not merely a symbol of a ceasefire, but a collective call to reflect on, reinforce, and institutionalize the fundamental conditions of coexistence for humanity.

Today, peace is no longer defined as the mere absence of war; it has come to mean a structured way of life in which justice, equality, safety, and sustainability are actively established.

In our modern world, peace is not a naturally occurring state—it is a reality that must be deliberately designed and constructed. A chain of interconnected global crises—from wars and climate emergencies to resource inequalities, forced migrations, and societal polarization—reveals that peace is no longer solely a matter of diplomacy. It is also an ethical, economic, environmental, and institutional imperative.

Viewing peace not only as a condition to be protected but as a system to be intentionally built forms the core of the next-generation peace paradigm. In this context, the International Day of Peace is more than a passive reminder. It represents a conscious orientation, a development model, and a societal shift in mindset.

The Cost of War: More Than Meets the Eye

One of the most striking ways to understand the value of peace is to make the cost of war visible. Wars are not merely conflicts over land, borders, or sovereignty; they are deep wounds inflicted on a society’s collective memory, resources, and visions for the future. And most of these wounds don’t even appear in statistics.

Economic Costs

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military spending surpassed $2.4 trillion in 2024. This accounts for approximately 2.4% of the world’s total GDP. With just a single year’s worth of military expenditure, the world could fund access to basic healthcare, education, and clean water for all. Yet, budgets allocated to war continue to generate insecurity and destruction, rather than development and equity.

Human and Social Costs

Every civilian lost in war leaves behind trauma that becomes embedded in the social fabric. Today, more than 90% of modern warfare takes place in urban areas, directly impacting civilian populations. Forced displacement, trauma, intergenerational poverty, and disrupted education are just a few of war’s long-term social consequences. For instance, the Syrian civil war displaced nearly 13 million people—more than half of them children.

Environmental Destruction

War harms not only people but also nature. Forests are destroyed, water sources are contaminated, agricultural lands are bombed, and infrastructure collapses—crippling entire ecosystems. Post-conflict reconstruction processes create high carbon footprints and push sustainability goals further out of reach.

The Hidden Costs

Beyond the visible destruction, armed conflict erodes trust, deepens polarization, and normalizes violence—laying the groundwork for long-lasting structural problems. In the absence of peace, not only individuals but also institutions, norms, and trust itself begin to deteriorate.

Sustainable Peace: More Than Just the Absence of Guns

Peace is not merely the absence of gunfire. It is a societal order in which every individual can live in safety, dignity, justice, and equality. In today’s world, lasting peace is only possible through a multilayered effort—one that integrates diplomacy, development, justice, and inclusive participation as interdependent components.

The Road to Peace: Diplomacy and Other Voices

Alongside traditional diplomacy, multilateral negotiations, active civil society participation, and community-based initiatives are key to building peace. The United Nations defines peacebuilding not solely through negotiations, but also through inclusive governance, strengthened justice systems, and the participation of women in decision-making. Notably, the inclusion of women in peace processes increases the likelihood of sustained peace by 35% (Source: UN Women, 2020).

Social Justice and Addressing Inequality

Poverty, discrimination, exclusion, and lack of opportunity are among the deepest roots of social conflict. Therefore, investing in peace also means investing in social justice. A large portion of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are designed to reinforce the foundation of peace: Quality Education (SDG 4), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16), among others.

Climate Crisis and Conflict Risk

Peace must be re-established not only among people, but also in our relationship with nature. Increasing droughts, food insecurity, and climate-induced displacement are intensifying the risk of conflict, particularly in fragile regions. One of the essential conditions for sustainable peace is the development of climate-resilient policies.

Economic Inclusion and Youth Engagement

Young people are often overlooked in peacebuilding processes. Yet, they possess the energy and digital networks to generate innovative solutions for peace. Likewise, peace requires inclusive economic models that go beyond conflict stakeholders and incorporate all marginalized segments of society as active participants.

The Fragility and Strength of Peace in Light of Historical Experience

History has repeatedly shown that peace is not merely an “ideal,” but a strategic process of social construction. However, when neglected or poorly managed, this process can quickly unravel. The following examples provide striking illustrations:

Germany: Fragile Foundations, Catalysts for War

Following World War I, the Treaty of Versailles imposed severe economic sanctions on defeated Germany. Although this approach achieved a short-term “peace,” it sowed the seeds for future conflict. This case serves as a historical lesson on how peace that is neither just nor inclusive cannot be sustainable.

South Africa: No Peace Without Truth

After the end of the apartheid regime, South Africa built peace not just through political transformation, but also through mechanisms such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This process enabled the country to confront its past and promote healing through the voices of victims. It demonstrated that peace must be built on deep justice, not superficial compromise.

Rwanda: From Genocide to Societal Repair

In the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, Rwanda pursued peace not only through international intervention, but also through domestic mechanisms. Gacaca courts and reintegration programs aimed to restore social cohesion alongside justice. This example underscores how peace can also be a process of collective memory healing after trauma.

Northern Ireland: Sustainable Peace Through Negotiation

The 1998 Good Friday Agreement ended decades of religious and political conflict in Northern Ireland. The agreement was realized through multi-actor negotiations, confidence-building, and independent monitoring mechanisms. It highlighted the importance of institutionalized dialogue channels for achieving lasting peace.

Learning Peace: The Power of Education and Mindset Transformation

The sustainability of peace is not solely dependent on diplomatic texts and international agreements. True and lasting peace becomes possible only when it is embedded in the values of individuals, societies, and institutions. Therefore, peace must be learned and internalized as a way of life. Education systems must ensure that peace is not just a subject in history books but a fundamental principle of daily life.

Why Is Peace Education Necessary?

Peace education encompasses a wide range of multi-layered skills such as conflict resolution, empathy, tolerance, human rights, intercultural understanding, and active citizenship. In today’s complex world, success is not measured only by academic achievement but also by emotional resilience, ethical judgment, and social responsibility. Peace education aims to cultivate individuals who are not only “knowledgeable” but also “responsible” global citizens.

Approaches of UNESCO and UNICEF

UNESCO defines peace as the fundamental aim of education and embraces the principle: “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.” UNICEF, on the other hand, views peace education as a foundation for raising children in rights-based, inclusive, and safe environments. These efforts require a holistic approach not only for students but also for teachers, decision-makers, and the broader education ecosystem.

Peace-Focused Education Practices in Türkiye and Around the World

• In Rwanda, after the genocide, peace education played a key role in healing collective memory and transforming intergenerational trauma.
• In Colombia, “peace schools” were used as tools for rebuilding society in the aftermath of civil war.
• In Türkiye, various NGOs have developed rights-based education programs for refugee children, disadvantaged groups, and youth. However, these initiatives have yet to be fully institutionalized as state policy.

Mindset Transformation: Turning Knowledge into Action

The success of peace education lies not merely in conveying knowledge but in transforming values into behavior. Thus, it is not enough to add a few concepts to the curriculum; schools must be designed as ecosystems where peace is lived through participatory decision-making, inclusive discipline models, and daily interactions.

Resilient Generations for Sustainable Peace

Sustainable peace is only possible through resilient societies and individuals. Education must not only teach rights but also foster the capacity to live together despite differences. Because peace is not merely the absence of conflict—it is the art and intention of coexisting with diversity.

Digital Peace: Threats and Opportunities in the New Media Age

In the 21st century, peace can no longer be defined solely by the absence of war or the protection of borders. In the information age, peace also encompasses a social order shaped by screens, platforms, and algorithms. While digitalization creates new opportunities for cross-border dialogue and civic engagement, it simultaneously lays the groundwork for new forms of conflict—such as polarization, disinformation, hate speech, and digital violence.

Social Media and Polarization

Social media platforms possess the potential to raise social awareness and support civic mobilization. However, structural issues like echo chambers and algorithmic polarization often result in individuals encountering only content that aligns with their own views. This nurtures intolerance toward differing opinions and amplifies societal polarization. Ensuring sustainable peace in the digital sphere requires investment in social media literacy and ethical digital behavior education.

Disinformation: The Invisible Wars of the Digital Age

Misinformation and manipulative content are among the most insidious threats of the digital era. Especially during times of crisis, the spread of disinformation fosters fear, anger, and distrust among communities. In 2020, UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched the global initiative “Verified” to counter misinformation during the pandemic. Such digital responsibility campaigns highlight the urgent need for new tools in peacebuilding.

Digital Citizenship and Digital Justice

Establishing peace in the digital world requires not only technological infrastructure but also ethical and legal frameworks. The concept of digital citizenship refers to individuals knowing their rights, acting responsibly, and contributing constructively within digital environments. For instance, combating online harassment and hate speech must be approached with a holistic perspective that balances freedom of expression with personal safety.

Can Technology Be Used to Strengthen Peace?

Absolutely. Peace technologies (peace tech) offer digital tools that can be used in conflict prevention and reconciliation efforts, particularly in fragile regions. Examples include:

• Mobile mediation platforms that facilitate communication with local populations.
• AI-based early warning systems that help predict potential conflicts and enable preventive diplomacy.
• Data analytics tools that measure participation rates of women and youth in peace processes.

Digital Access to Justice and Inclusion

Inequalities in access to digital technologies can undermine the digital dimension of peace. The lack of internet infrastructure in rural areas, or the digital exclusion of groups such as the elderly and persons with disabilities, may result in peace being accessible only to certain segments of society. Policies for digital inclusion are as crucial to peacebuilding as disarmament itself.

Culture, Art, and Peace: Healing the Shared Memory

Peace is not solely a political or diplomatic process; it is also a cultural, symbolic, and emotional construction. The traumas, divisions, and conflicts experienced by societies are not only repaired at negotiation tables, but also on stages, in galleries, on the streets, and within collective memory. In this context, culture and art play not only a reflective, but also a restorative role.

The Restorative Power of Art

Art has the power to help people confront and make sense of trauma through aesthetics. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the War Childhood Museum established after the war not only documented the suffering of victims, but also created a space of collective memory that triggered empathy within the international community. Similarly, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Germany serves as a reminder of ethical responsibility and a confrontation with the past.

These artistic confrontations not only help to understand the past but also expand the horizons of future peace.

Cultural Diplomacy and Shared Languages

Cultural exchange programs, music festivals, joint literary projects, and artist residencies are powerful tools for fostering mutual understanding between different societies. Especially in communities with a history of enmity, rebuilding cultural ties can lead to sustainable reconciliation that transcends political solutions.

For example, the Armenia-Turkey Cinema Platform has enabled individuals to listen to one another through stories, despite longstanding political tensions between the two countries. Such platforms help cultivate empathy, which is a prerequisite for peace.

Cultural Policy and Local Memory

For peace to be institutionalized, local governments and public policies must embrace cultural memory. Activities such as the creation of memorial sites, local history museums, and documentation of disappearing cultural practices ensure that peace is sustainable not just for “today,” but also for “tomorrow.”

In Turkey, the Cultural Heritage and Peace Studies project implemented in Diyarbakır has allowed local communities to reclaim their narratives and opened pathways for social healing.

A Culture of Peace: A Way of Life

According to UNESCO, a culture of peace is established through the widespread adoption of values like tolerance, dialogue, and cooperation among individuals and communities. This understanding encourages us to view peace not merely as a “goal,” but as a way of life.

From education to art, from media to urban planning, this culture must be embedded in every aspect of life. Peace education should not be limited to classrooms; it should be practiced across the entire social fabric.

The Infrastructure of Peace: Strong Institutions and the Rule of Law

The sustainability of peace does not rely solely on declarations of intent or temporary ceasefire agreements. Lasting peace can only be achieved when it is built upon solid foundations — namely, strong democratic institutions, an independent judiciary, and inclusive governance.

Institutional Assurance: The Pillars of Peace

For peace to be experienced not only at diplomatic tables but also in everyday life, the principle of the rule of law must be upheld. Judicial independence, freedom of expression, separation of powers, and transparent accountability are fundamental pillars that establish public trust in justice. This trust helps prevent potential conflicts and fosters social legitimacy.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) identifies “just and inclusive institutions” as one of the most critical factors in the peace-development nexus. In this context, Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) outlines the framework for a structural vision of peace.

Rule of Law and Access to Justice

For societies to live in peace, it is not enough for lawmakers to exist—individuals must have real access to justice. Therefore, ensuring access to justice is one of the strongest guarantees of peace.

Judicial mechanisms must be both effective and accessible to prevent discrimination and inequality. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms not only reduce the burden on formal legal systems, but also support a more peaceful, participatory, and restorative understanding of justice.

The Foundation of Social Trust: Participation and Transparency

Peaceful societies are not built top-down. Active civic participation in decision-making processes and the right to public oversight are among the strongest pillars of democratic peace. Involving all segments of society — women, youth, minorities, and migrants — increases the inclusivity of peace.

Transparency is essential not only for combating corruption, but also for building trust. Institutions are not only legitimate when they are fair, but also when they are perceived to be fair.

Mechanisms of Amnesty, Truth, and Reconciliation

In post-conflict societies in particular, confronting the past is a prerequisite for peace. Truth commissions, reconciliation processes, and societal repair mechanisms contribute to rebuilding justice. These mechanisms give voice to victims and reconstruct collective memory.

Examples such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa and Transitional Justice practices in Colombia demonstrate just how decisive the legal and institutional dimensions of peace can be.

The Silent Architects of Peacebuilding: ADRİstanbul’s Journey

Peace does not begin solely with the laying down of arms, the signing of treaties, or the redrawing of borders — it begins with the will to coexist. ADRİstanbul is a contemporary embodiment of that will. We exist to ensure that conflicts can be resolved through fair, inclusive, and rights-based methods before they lead to destructive outcomes.

At ADRİstanbul, we contribute to resolution not only through methods such as mediation, arbitration, and negotiation, but also by striving to embed a culture of peace within societies and institutions. Because we believe that peace is not a formula devised at negotiation tables, but a culture that must be built across all layers of daily life.

From a local dispute to a global climate crisis, every conflict — when managed through the right methods — can be transformed. This is where we step in: we design sustainable dialogue systems that carry intersecting interests, opposing views, and fragile trust relationships onto a peaceful foundation.

On the occasion of International Day of Peace, September 21, we reiterate this:

Peace is not a luxury — it is a prerequisite for human dignity, development, and sustainability.

And every organization committed to enabling peace and producing solutions is a vital part of this global effort.

As ADRİstanbul, we will continue to work not only to resolve conflict, but to build a future rooted in peace.

References

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