Statement by the Secretary General Thomas E. Garrett on International Day of Peace

September 21, 2023 

Today’s International Day of Peace, observed under the theme “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals,” highlights how fostering peace contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

There is a strong interdependence between peace, development, human rights, and democracy, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda is at the heart of the Community of Democracies’ mission to promote and strengthen democracy worldwide. Of all systems of governance, democracy provides the most enabling environment for long-lasting peace and security, sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and social development.

SDG 5 on gender equality is crucial to achieving all SDGs and creating sustainable peace. In recent years, many activities of the Community of Democracies have been aimed at promoting the advanced participation of women at all stages of peacebuilding processes. On today’s International Day of Peace, let me also highlight the significant role of youth in building and sustaining peace. Young people across the world, including some among our youth initiative, the CoD YouthLeads, are courageous and inspiring agents of peace and development in their countries and communities, and we recognize their role and advance their meaningful engagement in this area.

Long-lasting peace is built for everyone and by everyone.  Inclusion should be at the core of all peacebuilding and development efforts.