Why The World Celebrates The International Day Of Living Together In Peace

Wherever individuals with different views and perspectives about life, opinions, backgrounds, religions and beliefs live together, it is often expected that there would be disagreements that, if not managed, might lead to strife, conflict, racism, prejudice, and, in extreme case, war.
It is said that variety is the spice of life.

Unfortunately, many people feel threatened by those whose views and outlooks are different from theirs. This can often lead to unwanted outcomes, hence, the need to learn to live together in peace. Living together in peace concerns accepting our differences and having the ability to listen to, recognize, respect and appreciate others.

Years ago, the UN General-Assembly, declared 16th May the International Day of Living Together in Peace, as a way of regularly mobilizing the efforts of the international community to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity.
The aim of the International Day of Living Together in Peace is to raise awareness and uphold the desire to live and act together, united in differences and diversity, in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony.

History
The impact of the World War II was devastating and depressing on a lot of people worldwide, and the need to strengthen human bonds became urgent. In a bid to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, the UN was established to foster international cooperation and, amongst other things, promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction.
This means that regardless of one’s race, sex, language or religion, he or she needs to be accepted by others and live in peace as well.
Afterwards, there was a Declaration and Program of Action on a Culture of Peace, which serves as the universal mandate for the international community, particularly the UN system, to promote a culture of peace and non-violence that benefits all of humanity, including future generations.

Over the years, the UN has encouraged countries around the world to promote reconciliation and unity. Even though this might seem impossible, yet countries can achieve this goal by working with communities and faith leaders to foster forgiveness and compassion toward one another.

This idea embraces the principle that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but a concept that requires a positive, dynamic participatory process, in which dialogue is encouraged and conflicts are resolved in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation.

The International Day of Living Together in Peace helps to further promote reconciliation, ensure peace and sustainable development by working with communities, faith leaders and other relevant bodies.
The aim is to create awareness on reconciliatory measures, acts of service, forgiveness and compassion among various individuals.
However, to achieve such, there is a need to eliminate all forms of discrimination and intolerance, including those based on race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth or other status.

Living together in peace can be attained when individuals find peace with themselves and with others.
Other ways peace can be attained includes.:

• Seek to love others instead of trying to control them.
• Practice tolerance for others by appreciating their diversity and the choices they make.
• Practice tolerance for others by appreciating their diversity and the choices they make.
• Don’t compare yourself to other people.
• Commit to making peace with yourself and with others. Learn about famous world peacemakers.