Guterres urges world leaders to invest in lasting peace

09:45

By: Azzat Manal

Guterres urges world leaders to invest in lasting peace

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on world leaders to increase their investment in peace, warning that growing conflicts and deepening divisions are placing communities and international stability under mounting pressure.

Speaking on the occasion of the International Day of Peace, observed at United Nations headquarters with the traditional ringing of the Peace Bell, Guterres stressed that peace cannot be taken for granted or achieved automatically. He said it requires sustained commitment, meaningful dialogue and determined action from governments and societies.

The UN chief expressed concern over the continued spread of violence in different parts of the world, noting that conflicts are tearing communities apart while opportunities for dialogue and solidarity are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. Against this backdrop, he urged political leaders to focus on peaceful solutions rather than allowing disputes to escalate further.

Guterres also highlighted the contribution of people and organizations working on the ground to promote peace. Volunteers, civil society groups, peace advocates and UN peacekeeping personnel continue to play an important role in bringing communities together, supporting reconciliation and helping societies recover from conflict.

The International Day of Peace provides an annual opportunity for the international community to reaffirm the principles of peaceful coexistence, dialogue and cooperation. Established by the UN General Assembly, the day is intended to strengthen the commitment to resolving disputes through non-violent means and to encourage efforts aimed at building more peaceful societies.

With the UN General Assembly’s high-level general debate approaching, Guterres urged governments to address the broader conditions that contribute to instability. He called for greater investment in sustainable development, human rights and education, arguing that these areas are essential to creating societies capable of resisting conflict and division.

The secretary-general also renewed his appeal for diplomacy, negotiation and peacekeeping to remain central tools in addressing international crises. He emphasized that sustainable peace requires long-term political engagement rather than temporary measures adopted only after violence has already erupted.

His message comes amid a period marked by numerous armed conflicts, geopolitical rivalries, humanitarian crises and growing international polarization. These challenges have increased pressure on multilateral institutions and highlighted the need for renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent disputes from escalating.

Addressing world leaders directly, Guterres urged them to focus on practical solutions and accept the difficult work required to establish durable peace. His appeal reflects the UN’s broader position that peace depends not only on ending armed confrontations but also on tackling inequality, protecting fundamental rights and creating opportunities for development.

As countries prepare for the upcoming UN General Assembly discussions, the secretary-general’s call places renewed emphasis on international cooperation and preventive diplomacy. The UN continues to advocate for dialogue and peaceful settlement as essential tools for confronting the conflicts and divisions shaping the global landscape.