United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez
Today, 21 September, we commemorate the International Day of Peace, a 24-hour period of non-violence and ceasefire dedicated to promoting the ideals of peace and strengthening international commitment to address conflict within and among nations.
For millions of people caught up in conflict around the world, life is a deadly, daily, hungry hell. Record numbers are fleeing their homes in search of safety. They are crying out for peace. In such context, building peace is a conscious, bold and even radical act. It is humanity’s greatest responsibility. And that responsibility belongs to us all – individually and collectively.
Aligned with this year’s global theme “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” the United Nations in the Philippines commends commitments to prevention and lasting and inclusive peace across the country that can only be achieved through concerted, inclusive and just efforts that champion sustainable development for everyone.
The United Nations Country Team has continuously supported the Philippine authorities, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), in addressing lingering tensions and promoting social cohesion.
In fully recognizing the endogenous nature of BARMM’s peace process, the UN has focused its efforts to support peace through work on reintegration of former combatants and their families, supporting access to essential services as part of the peace dividend, livelihood and training opportunities for conflict-afflicted communities. Under UN Prevention Agenda, the UN Country Team has setup community-based Early Warning and Early Response platforms, contributed to the empowerment of women and minority indigenous groups to ensure their voice and participation in the peace process, and provided relevant policy advice and technical assistance towards the passage of critical legislation, including national and regional bills on indigenous peoples and internal displacement.
These initiatives are geared towards addressing some of the BARMM’s long-standing development challenges that are often further compounded by forced displacement due to armed conflict, insecurity, natural hazards and land disputes—especially those concerning the ancestral domains of indigenous groups—.
Peacebuilding in the Philippines would not be possible without the institutional and financial support of an important number of member states committed to peace and development. We thank them for their fruitful partnership and their active engagement with the Philippines.
“The International Day of Peace is a reminder to all of us that the solutions to conflict are in our hands, but require a genuine sense of solidarity and trust in collective efforts. The United Nations is committed to working with our partners in the Philippines and BARMM to support regional authorities in navigating the complexities of transition to normalization and as part of the peace process that yields the benefits of peace for everyone,” said United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez.
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. This year’s commemoration coincides with the second Action Day on the Summit of the Future in New York, during which a discussion on the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace will be held, focusing on tangible actions to secure a peaceful future for all.
UNRC’s Statement On International Day Of Peace 2024
