Banner image with the words 'Act now for a peaceful world'.
Global cooperation drives efforts to uphold human rights, combat climate change, and promote peace in conflict-affected regions.
Photo:UN

2025 Theme: Act Now for a Peaceful World

In a time of turbulence, tumult, and uncertainty, it is critical for everyone to take concrete action to mobilize for peace.

From peacekeepers on the front lines of conflict, to community members, to students in classrooms around the world, everyone has a role to play. We must speak up against violence, hate, discrimination, and inequality; practice respect; and embrace the diversity of our world.

There are many ways to act right now. Spark conversations about the urgent need for understanding, non-violence, and disarmament. Volunteer in your community, listen to voices different from your own, challenge discriminatory language in your workplace, report bullying both online and off-line, and take the time to verify facts before you post on social media.

You can also speak up with your choices, opting to purchase items from socially-conscious brands, or donating to organizations that promote sustainability and human rights.

The United Nations also works in each of these areas, leading global efforts to advance human rights, fight climate change, and prevent and respond to conflict.

Through its Peacebuilding Commission, which is marking its twentieth anniversary in 2025, the United Nations works to address poverty, inequality, discrimination, and injustice – all potential drivers of violence. Through its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the United Nations supports countries’ efforts to increase prosperity, raise health and living standards, and end all forms of discrimination and injustice. UN peacekeepers work in difficult and dangerous conditions around the world, inspiring us all to take action.

And in its recently adopted Pact for the Future, the United Nations promised to address emerging challenges and opportunities – such as in science, technology and innovation – and support the active engagement of future generations.

The United Nations’ ActNow Campaign has helped millions of people around the globe choose issues they care about, commit to action, and track their impact. You can download the ActNow mobile app and see the difference your actions make for a more peaceful world.

All of our efforts are connected. From UN-supported health clinics to youth-led advocacy for the rights of the world’s most vulnerable, and from debates in parliaments to debates in history class, we can all do our part to build a more peaceful world.

Let our actions for peace resonate louder than words.

Background

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.

ACT NOW!

Actions for a peaceful world

ACT NOW banner with the dove sign

Peace is not just a vision—it’s a call to action that each of us can answer by promoting understanding, respect, and justice in our daily lives. By joining movements like the UN’s “Peace Begins with Me” and sharing messages of hope, we can inspire others to speak up and help build a more peaceful world.

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Nearly 20 years ago, at the 2005 World Summit, UN Member States established the Peacebuilding Commission to help countries recover and rebuild after conflict. To support this effort, the United Nations also created the Peacebuilding Support Office and the Peacebuilding Fund, backed by voluntary contributions from Member States. Then-Secretary-General Kofi Annan called this a turning point in efforts to guide nations from war to peace and to close gaps in the UN’s peacebuilding work. Since then, the Peacebuilding Fund has supported projects in over 70 countries, focusing on conflict resolution, justice, reconciliation, human rights, and gender equality. Peacebuilding is also about prevention, addressing the root causes of conflict such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination. 

A picture of a peacekeeping solder.

For 77 years, United Nations peacekeepers have supported communities affected by conflict around the world. Since their first mission in 1948 in the Middle East, over two million men and women have served under the UN flag. They work to prevent violence, protect civilians, promote human rights, and support the rule of law. Today, peacekeepers face growing challenges such as global tensions, stalled peace efforts, and misinformation that endangers their mission. Despite these difficulties, they remain committed, working closely with local communities and international partners. More than 4,200 peacekeepers have lost their lives in service, and their sacrifice continues to inspire the pursuit of global peace.

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.