‘We resolve to move beyond words in the promotion of peaceful, just, inclusive and non-discriminatory societies.’
Throughout history, various civilizations and societies have sought to uphold and promote peace through treaties and alliances. Still, the world continues to grapple with complex challenges.
The word "peace"— a fundamental value and aspiration for individuals and societies worldwide — represents not only the absence of war, but also the promotion of social justice, human rights and sustainable development.
In 2018, nearly 100 global leaders and representatives unanimously committed to redoubling efforts to build a just, peaceful and prosperous world at the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit. They recognized the period from 2019 to 2028 as the Nelson Mandela Decade of Peace.
They paid tribute to Mr. Mandela, former South African president, for his celebrated qualities and dedication to humanity, acknowledging his remarkable contribution to democracy and global peace.
"It is clear that lasting peace is not realized just by the absence of armed conflict, but is achieved through a continuing positive, dynamic, inclusive and participatory process of dialogue," the adopted United Nations Declaration read.
According to a 24 September 2018 article posted on the UN website, the Declaration reaffirmed the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by recognizing that peace and security, development and human rights are the pillars of the United Nations system and the foundations for collective security and well-being.
"We resolve to move beyond words in the promotion of peaceful, just, inclusive and non-discriminatory societies," the world leaders pledged. They emphasized the crucial role of ensuring equal participation and full engagement of women and youth.
The concept of peace has deep roots in human history, and the word "peace" has appeared in various forms and languages throughout the ages, even in beauty pageants.
Although the word "peace" itself has fairly complicated origins, peacemuseum.org said that in the mid-12th century, the word "pes" came into usage from the Anglo-French language and was understood to mean "freedom from civil disorder" or "internal peace of a nation."
Similar words had existed previously in the French language, coming from the Latin root pacem, or pax, which was used to mean "peace as an agreement, peace as an absence of war and tranquillity more generally."
In ancient civilizations, such as those of Mesopotamia, Egypt and India, peace was often associated with divine or cosmic order. For example, in ancient Mesopotamia, the Sumerian goddess Inanna was revered as a deity of love and war. Still, her myth also emphasized the restoration of peace and balance in the world.
In classical Greece, the idea of peace was central to the philosophical and political discourse of the time. The Greek word "eirēnē" encapsulated the concept of peace as an essential condition for the flourishing of society, as evident in the works of philosophers like Plato and Aristotle.
The spread of Christianity further contributed to developing the concept of peace in Western culture. The Christian notion of "peace" encompassed not only the absence of conflict but also the presence of justice, compassion and reconciliation, as exemplified in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
According to parsef.com, the Roman Empire, for instance, established the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and stability that facilitated trade, cultural exchange and the expansion of infrastructure across vast territories.
In recent history, peace has been a primary concern in developing international law, diplomacy and governance. Establishing institutions such as the United Nations and the proliferation of peace movements and non-governmental organizations have further advanced the global discourse on peace, conflict resolution and human rights.
Throughout history, various civilizations and societies have sought to uphold and promote peace through treaties and alliances. The world, however, still grapples with complex challenges.
Armed conflicts have surged, some lasting for decades, devastating communities and losing lives, such as in conflict zones like Ukraine, Syria, Yemen, Israel, Myanmar and even the Philippines.
Across the globe, pursuing peace remains a shared endeavor that transcends borders, cultures and ideologies. Taking the cue from Nelson Mandela, 'It always seems impossible until it's done."
