A world of human connection and peace for the youth

War has been around since ancient times, and it is unfortunately that part of history that is handed down through generations.

A similar pattern is repeated and etched out: lack of resources, a set of clashing beliefs, or a desire to use others to one's advantage.  Then, disagreement begins, sparking wars. These last for a certain time, with the belligerents sending defenses to fight each other in the name of their cause.

Locations essential to certain sides are destroyed. Worst of all, many innocent people, including children who want nothing to do with the conflict, are roped into it. They end up struggling for survival.

This is what is currently going on in the Israel-Hamas war. The Hamas group attacked Israel, destroying a concert of civilians, taking hundreds of hostages and holding them in Gaza to make a statement of war. Israel retaliates, cutting off power and bombing cities to reach the Hamas. Civilians are clearly affected, especially the children, who are the ones that need the most protection.

If war is terrible enough to damage civilians' lives, why does it seem like the world has not learned? Why do wars still exist despite the myriad possibilities and provisions we could use to prevent them? Why do we still have to fight over ideals that sow discord when we can forge better and create cohesive ones? Why are we repeating the same mistakes humankind has been making since the beginning of time? How can we prevent the world from reaching this level of conflict in the future for our sake, and for the sake of the children of the next generation?

The keyword in the statement above is "prevent." We cannot just stop wars from happening but rather prevent conflicts from happening in the future by teaching young ones to keep peace. By that, they must learn how to be open-minded, accepting, innovative and uplifting of one another ideas, contexts and situations.

Open-mindedness to hear both sides

The world is changing, and differences are increasing. But, diversity in appearances, cultures and ideals should not be a cause for war and violence. Rather, differences should be explored and learned rather than completely shunned, for these are what make us unique from one another. While not everyone may accept a certain stance, it is important that the youth must be aware of ways to be civil when there are conflicting ideals and be able to know how to make change in a non-hurtful manner.

Embrace change, opportunity

Change is inevitable. The 21st century is ridden with advanced technology. Fortunately, people have embraced change better and are able to make the most out of it. More opportunities are at hand.

With acceptance and diplomacy toward diversity, the youth can spread messages, agendas of hope and the promise of a better future. Despite differences, the youth can still reach out to each other through their own means to lift one another up, for a common goal of a better future without conflicts. Through innovations and opportunities, the youth can help build a world without war, and it starts with looking at things that bind us, not ones that pull us apart.

Small steps to perfection

It is true that humans will always have disagreements and conflicts with each other, but despite our flaws, we still have room to change our ways and progress from the barbarism of war to civilized peace. Peace and harmony cannot be achieved overnight. Problems cannot be solved with just a single thought, but the effort of many can birth new ideas and solutions to keeping the peace, and hopefully, the end of current conflicts and the world of our generation whose memories will be of human connection, understanding and peace.