Actions for a peaceful world

Educate yourself about peace

Conflict prevention, mediation, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, and disarmament are essential tools the United Nations uses to foster lasting peace worldwide. Given the interconnected nature of conflicts and crimes in our globalized world, understanding these tools and their impact is crucial for everyone. Knowledge is power, and by sharing this information with friends, family, and communities, we empower ourselves and others to contribute to a more peaceful future. Discover how these UN initiatives work, share the knowledge and spread the word.

Say no to violence

Change starts with us. Strive to resolve differences and conflicts at home, work and in your communities peacefully through dialogue and compassion. Treat others with respect, practice empathy and promote understanding. Join campaigns and movements that bring people together to stomp out aggression - such as the UN’s UNITE to End Violence against Women initiative and its civil society-led 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign. Support the Break the Silence movement that aims to create a safer world for the LGBTIQ+ community.

Practice understanding and solidarity

More unites us than divides us; people everywhere have similar dreams for peace and prosperity. We also face common challenges that are not bound by borders such as cybercrimes, climate change and trafficking. Voice your support for the United Nations as the only place where all countries can convene and engage with each other. Take part in local and national dialogues where people can share different perspectives even if they disagree. Join interfaith efforts for peace. And support people or organizations that promote dialogue, understanding and reconciliation.

Report bullying and harassment

No one should be bullied or suffer any forms of harassment on the basis of gender, race, nationality or other parameters. Today, one in three students between the ages of 13 and 15 have experienced bullying. While bullying and harassment remains widespread, in public and private places, online and offline, more laws to stop it are in place in many institutions and companies. Online, restrict information shared on social media accounts and use privacy and security settings. In some settings, police forces have cybercrime units that can help you stay safe. Learn about mechanisms to report these crimes - here is a UNICEF guide to report cyberbullying.

Protest inequality and discrimination

Inequality and discrimination often breed resentment and mistrust, sowing the seeds of misunderstanding and conflict in every society. Pick your favorite cause and join a rally for justice. Mobilize your community to mark the World Day of Social Justice. Other internationally recognized days offer chances to join hands against gender discrimination, racism and homophobia, among a variety of concerns. Above all, make respect for the rights of others part of how you live.

Embrace inclusion and diversity

Examine how you think about different groups of people, and question assumptions and stereotypes. Consider joining a group, online or in a community, that brings people together across faiths, ethnicities, gender identities or other categories to better understand each other. Be more open to learning from others and changing how you think. Join the UN’s Say No to Hate campaign and find out how you can help to end hate speech and embrace human diversity.

Support peace advocates

There are many peace advocates among us - from activists, community leaders, thought leaders, social media influencers to celebrities. The UN works with a committed group of Messengers of Peace and Goodwill Ambassadors such as activist Malala Yousafzai, writer Paulo Coelho and actors Michael Douglas and Charlize Theron to promote non-violence and tolerance. It also supports the work of many inspiring people who are making a difference in their communities - from promoting women’s rights to serving as peacekeepers in the world’s most fragile places. Learn more about their work, read their stories and get inspired.

Follow reliable news sources

Confused about what to believe and whom to trust? You are not alone. The volume of incorrect information has exploded. Sharpen your skills to detect who may or may not be telling the truth. Are you getting facts from a reputable news organization? Or from texts or emails that arrive unsolicited? How much evidence backs up what they say? What’s missing and why? Are diverse perspectives apparent – or is everyone saying the same thing? Cultivate your skepticism and your intuition. If something feels off, investigate more.

Post with care on social media

Next time you want to like or share a social media post, pause for a moment. Will doing so cause any kind of harm to anyone? If you are feeling angry about an issue, wait 24 hours to see if you still want to post about it. While social media brings people together, it can also drive hate and division, influenced by algorithms that reward people for having the same extreme views. Beyond monitoring your own posting habits, see if you want to join one of the emerging national and regional neutral, non-profit fact-checking organizations, especially around important events like elections. Check out the UN’s Verified campaign that shares tips on how to tackle misinformation and encourages people to take care before they share information!