COP 30: International Day of Peace: Youth, Climate Action and A Shared Future
September 21by Faith Elisaria, Asst. Lead – Policy and Advocacy , CYCN.
“Peace is born of unity. Unity is born of a shared purpose. We cannot talk of peace if people are hungry, unemployed, divided by ignorance, or denied their dignity. True peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of justice, equality, and respect for one another.”
Julius Nyerere
In a world often filled with conflicts and divisions, there is a day that transcends borders and unites humanity in the pursuit of a shared dream: peace.
Every year on 21 September, the world observes the International Day of Peace. Also known as World Peace Day, this occasion is dedicated to promoting peace and ceasefires around the globe. It reminds us of the ultimate goal to end conflicts, foster dialogue, and nurture a culture where compassion triumphs over violence.
🕊️ The Meaning Behind Peace Day
International Peace Day is a testament to humanity’s aspiration for a better world. It unites people across borders, cultures, and beliefs to strive for a common goal a world where the sound of gunfire is replaced by the ringing of peace bells, where understanding overcomes division, and where our shared humanity prevails.
As we observe this day, let us renew our commitment to work tirelessly for peace, building bridges of understanding one step at a time.
🌱 Peace and Climate Action
In today’s world, peace cannot be separated from the climate crisis. Climate change threatens livelihoods, fuels migration, and sparks conflicts over scarce resources. Small island states like Barbados face rising seas, while droughts in Kenya, India, and Tanzania strain food and water supplies.
That’s why climate action is peacebuilding. By protecting the environment, we reduce the root causes of tension and create opportunities for cooperation.
🇹🇿 Tanzania & Commonwealth Youth in Action
Across the Commonwealth, home to 2.5 billion people, 60% of under-30 young people are proving that peace is not just an aspiration but a practice.
• In Tanzania, WAGA delivers sustainable energy solutions, bringing solar power to communities and reducing tensions over scarce resources.
• Fave Care Space promotes mental health support, helping communities resolve conflicts peacefully, reduce stigma, and build empathy.
• Climate Hub Tanzania engages youth in environmental solutions, from clean-up campaigns to advocacy, ensuring young people become champions of peace and resilience.
• In Uganda, young innovators recycle plastic into eco-bricks for schools.
• In Bangladesh, youth-led floating gardens secure food in flood-prone areas.
• In the Caribbean, young leaders are driving renewable energy projects to strengthen resilience.
By engaging with platforms such as the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC), Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (CYPAN) and the Commonwealth Youth Climate Network (CYCN), young people are taking the lead in shaping peace policies and programs that affect millions. Key initiatives like the Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF), which runs alongside Heads of Government Meetings, and regional Youth Dialogues provide formal, institutional spaces where youth-driven ideas and actions can thrive.
These youth-led actions show that peace comes not from silencing differences, but from embracing them and turning challenges into opportunities.
📚 Education & Collaboration for Peace
Education plays a pivotal role in building lasting peace. From classrooms to community halls, schools across the Commonwealth use Peace Day to teach conflict resolution, empathy, and global citizenship. These lessons shape a generation prepared to build understanding across divides.
Collaboration matters, too. Platforms like the Commonwealth Youth Climate Network (CYCN) and Commonwealth Youth Forum bring young people together, amplifying voices and ensuring that policies reflect diverse perspectives.
🌍 A Call to Action
Peace is not a distant dream. It is a daily practice found in how we treat each other, protect our environment, and create opportunities for youth to lead.
This Peace Day, let’s take inspiration from the resilience of young people across Tanzania and the Commonwealth. Whether it’s planting trees, advocating for mental health, or innovating sustainable solutions, every action counts.
Because when youth lead, peace grows.
🔗 References & Further Reading
• United Nations: International Day of Peace
• Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network (CYCN)
• Commonwealth Youth Forum
• UN: Climate Change and Security
• Fave Care Space Tanzania
• Climate Hub Tanzania
• WAGA Tanzania
