Tis the Day of Peace

Today is the International Day of Peace. Established in the early 80s, the International Day of Peace is "devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples…This day will serve as a reminder to all peoples that our organization, with all its limitations, is a living instrument in the service of peace and should serve all of us here within the organization as a constantly pealing bell reminding us that our permanent commitment, above all interests or differences of any kind, is to peace."- UN Resolution
As former Secretary-General Kofi Annan said on the International Day of Peace in 2005, "Twenty-four hours is not a long time. But it is long enough to look over the barricades, or through the barbed wire, to see if there is another path."
Although it's one day, one day carries power and weight. One day creates awareness, changes minds, encourages people to pray, listen, and reflect upon the power of peace, justice, and breaking down the barriers that divide us as individuals, communities, religious groups, ethnic groups and many other labels we voluntarily or involuntarily possess. One day is a start, a day of hope for change.
As you may have guessed, this day is like Christmas for those that work for peace the rest of the 364 days of the year. How amazing to see nations lay down their weapons, children march for peace, and people gathering around the globe to stop and imagine a peaceful world. In this day we find hope, motivation and inspiration in the stories of peacemakers and peacebuilders.
The more time and energy that I invest into my peace work at World Vision, the more I realize that peace is a foundational need for the well-being of the most vulnerable. Without it we are susceptible to violations of human rights and basic elements of what it means to live. This may seem like an extreme statement for someone living in the developed world, but think about those in the developing world. When peace is replaced with war, food security, access to water, education, health, livelihood, and basic human rights are all put at risk. Therefore, developing a culture of peace and capacity-building are necessary in the fight for peace.
Communities partnering with World Vision are celebrating today. This year we not only celebrate as we have in the past, but we also celebrate the inaugural World Vision International Peace Prize. I have had the honor and privilege of helping oversee this process and absorb the work of some incredible individuals and organizations. The Peace Prize includes two awards, the Peacemaking Award which honors an individual, and the Peacebuilding Award which is being shared by two organizations this year. The Peacemaking Award is awarded to Mary Ann Arnado of the Philippines and this year’s Peacebuilding Award is shared between Kids for Peace of World Vision Kosovo and World Vision Rwanda. Read their stories. Listen to the ways they have worked to overcome difficult obstacles and stand for peace.
Dare to imagine. Happy International Day of Peace.