"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding." – Albert Einstein
What does world peace mean? The United Nations was formed to maintain international peace and security. Global Goal 16 promotes peaceful and inclusive societies. But did you know that despite living in the most peaceful century in human history, the world has become less peaceful over the last decade.
What is a peaceful society?
A peaceful society has a well-functioning government with political stability, laws that guarantee basic human rights, and the free flow of information to help people make better decisions. The most peaceful country in the world is Iceland. (Global Peace Index, 2019)
Societies with armed conflict, repressive regimes, injustice, and human rights violations tend to be less peaceful. Due to their instability, they have more limitations to economic and social development. The least peaceful country in the world is Afghanistan. (Global Peace Index, 2019)
What threatens peace and justice?
Besides terrorism and regional tensions, a wide range of issues threaten peace. Persecution, organized crime, exploitation, bribery and corruption all lead to conflict, fear and violence. In 2017, over 464,000 people were killed in homicides compared to 89,000 killed in armed conflicts. (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
Riots and demonstrations also disrupt peace. Due to the lack of political inclusion, accountable institutions, and corrupt legal systems, almost every region of the world has seen an increase in protests.
Perhaps the biggest threat to equal justice is not having a legal identify and opportunities for fundamental human rights. Currently, over 1 billion people globally cannot provide legal identity. This includes an estimated 625 million children under 14 whose births were never registered or recognized. The result causes statelessness; meaning that the child does not have a legal existence, identity or citizenship and is "invisible" to society.
What are some peacebuilding efforts?
Global peacebuilding will require sustained international support. In 2016, the United Nations Security Council introduced the Pillars of Peace to help with such initiatives. They include
- a well-functioning government
- equitable distribution of resources
- free flow of information
- good relations with neighbors
- high levels of human capital
- acceptance of the rights of others
- low levels of corruption
- sound business environment
What’s the good news? According to the Institute for Economics and Peace, although the world remains considerably less peaceful than it did a decade ago, the average level of global peacefulness for 2019 has improved for the first time in five years.
What's Next?
Learn more about Global Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.