We talk a lot about peace. Building peace, world peace, inner peace, a peaceful future. But how is it actually going to happen? 

21st September marks the UN’s International Day of Peace – a global call for ceasefire and non-violence. Whilst Peace Day is a beacon of hope, and an opportunity for us all to reflect, it also serves as a stark reminder that in recent years, we have seen an unprecedented global increase in war and violence.  

Sudan is facing a country-wide famine following the escalation of war in April 2023. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), civilians are caught in the crossfire of violent conflict and a humanitarian crisis. Israel continues its genocide on Palestine, killing over 40,000 people since October 2023. 

Building peace is not an easy task. We see politicians argue endlessly about how to put an end to the violence and killing. But it is not politicians from different countries who know how best to build peace. It is local people.

This Peace Day, we’re asking you to support locally led peace.

At Peace Direct, we know local peacebuilders understand best what is going on in their communities, which is why we do not intervene directly in conflicts. Instead, we support local people to stop violence. We do this by providing them with the support, skills, resources and voice needed to make peace a practical option.

Peace is so much more than just the absence of conflict. Peace means dignity for all. Everyone having the opportunity to thrive and their human rights protected. This is why local peacebuilders are best placed to build it. They are closest to the conflict, and they know the social and political contexts of their communities.

Our partners are not just preventing war. They are championing women’s rights in Zimbabwe. Tackling climate change in Pakistan. Supporting children in Syria to go back to school. Reintegrating ex-combatants into communities in the DRC.

$2.24 Trillion was spent on military and war in 2022. Instead of waiting for politicians to do the right thing, invest in long-lasting peace in over 25 countries this Peace Day, including Sudan, DRC and Afghanistan.

“Peace is longer lasting when local peacebuilding efforts are better supported. So, let’s trust local communities to lead it.” – Local Peacebuilders, Peace Starts Here.

Together, we can build peace that lasts.

Invest in peace, not war, today.