PURPOSE: The International Day of Living Together in Peace is observed every year on 16 May; The Day aims to 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; Living together in peace is all about accepting differences and having the ability to listen to, recognize, respect and appreciate others, as well as living in a peaceful and united way.
FORUM: “Unity in Diversity: Building a Culture of Peace Through Dialogue and Collaboration.” International Day of Living Together in Peace 2025. Heritage, education, culture, social reconstruction and scientific cooperation are truly invaluable cornerstones of peace; a step forward in any one of these areas helps to bring people a step closer together. Collective commitment and solidarity are indispensable in this effort to bring together humanity. Dialogue paves the way for reconciliation, to moving from a divided past towards a shared future. We need a globalization of solidarity and compassion instead the normalization of division and hatred. We need a new narrative to address the current global context. One that is people-centered focusing on the vulnerable. We need to rebuild trust and restore solidarity. On May 16th, participate in discussions to find the ways to promote reconciliation to ensure peace and sustainable development; To recognize, respect and appreciate each others’ cultures and diversities and to transform relations among communities affected by conflict. Follow the conversation with the hashtags #LivingTogetherinPeaceDay; #16May.
EVENTS: On May 16th to mark the United Nations International Day of Living Together in Peace 2025; the United Nations General Assembly president invites all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system and other international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and individuals to reflect on the ways to Live Together in Peace. The COJEP International and A Time for Truth Foundation welcome participants of the high-level session. This year's gathering aims to present key findings from global initiatives and foster multilateral cooperation among humanitarian, scientific, governmental, and civil society actors. Through collaborative efforts, the summit will address global challenges and work toward advancing justice, equality, and peace. The Discussions will focus on:
The Protection of fundamental human rights.
The necessity of inclusive, well-structured education systems.
Leveraging quantum science to improve global communication.
Addressing human rights violations and global crises through family stability.
By reaffirming our collective commitment to justice and equality, the forum will contribute directly to the advancement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16. Read the concept note and watch the livestream!
STATEMENTS: Read the UNAOC High Representative’s Remarks at the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue.
PODCASTS: The path towards living together in peace as #OneHumanity is one that should be based on justice, respect for human rights and protecting human dignity. Our series of talks will help to find the ways to empower cities in order to establish peaceful coexistence and social cohesion among their inhabitants. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Reflect on peaceful coexistence and Join the campaign “United in differences and diversity’’ to promote and encourage the respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, language, or religion. Get the campaign materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
By Declaring the 16 May as International Day of Living Together in Peace; The United Nations General Assembly underlines that Living Together in Peace constitutes a means of regularly mobilizing the efforts of the international community to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity, and to express its attachment to the desire to live and act together, united in differences and diversity, in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony. The UNESCO and the UNAOC invite countries to further promote reconciliation, to help to ensure peace and sustainable development through reconciliatory measures and acts of service and by encouraging forgiveness and compassion among individuals.
ACTIONS
Mobilize global communities to promote diversity, solidarity, tolerance and freedom of speach.
Promote reconciliation to help to ensure peace and sustainable development, including.
Work with communities, faith leaders and other relevant actors, through reconciliatory measures and acts of service.
Encourage forgiveness, compassion and Acceptence of differences among individuals.
Develop the ability to listen to others and Invite people to Live in a peaceful and united way.
Recognize, respect and appreciate others.
PARTNERSHIPS
The International Day of Living Together in Peace in Co-organized by the UNESCO.; The U.N. Department of Public Information; The United Nations Economic and Social Council; The U.N. Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC); The Office of the high Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR); The Elders; The United Natios Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs; The United Nations Foundation; The Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO); The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI); The International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities (ICCAR) and many others. With the participation of communities, faith leaders and other relevant actors.