On December 8, 2017, the UN General Assembly, by its resolution (72/130), proclaimed May 16 as the International Day of Living Together in Peace, with the aim of constantly mobilizing the efforts of the international community to promote peace, tolerance, unity, mutual understanding and solidarity of the people of the Earth.
Peaceful coexistence involves the recognition of differences, the ability to listen, understand, respect and appreciate others, and the ability to live in peace and unity.
In the international format, peaceful coexistence – is a type of relationship between states with different social systems, cultures, histories, traditions, which involves: renunciation of war as a means of resolving controversial issues between states, and resolution of all controversial issues only through negotiations, as well as compliance with other principles in relations between states enshrined in international legal documents.
The United Nations itself was created after World War II with the goal of protecting future generations from disasters and the likelihood of new wars. The work of the Organization is to establish international cooperation in solving global problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian nature, as well as to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, regardless of race, gender, language or religion.
Back in 1997, the General Assembly proclaimed 2000 the «International Year for the Culture of Peace», and next year the period 2001-2010 the – « International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World». In October 1999, the General Assembly adopted the Declaration and Program of Action on a Culture of Peace, which serves as a universal mandate for the international community, especially the UN system, to promote a culture of peace and non-violence.
Such a declaration was the result of the development of the concept that «thoughts about war arise in the minds of people, therefore the idea of protecting the world » should be rooted in the minds of people. After all, peace is not only the absence of conflict, but also a positive, dynamic process of participation in which dialogue is encouraged and conflicts are resolved in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation. It is therefore necessary to eliminate all forms of discrimination and intolerance in society, including on the basis of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth or other status.
Today, on the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, the UN invites all Member States, UN organizations and other international and public organizations and individuals to celebrate this date in accordance with their cultural traditions and other appropriate circumstances or their local, national or regional customs, including including through educational and public awareness activities.
Let us remind you that the International Day of Peace is celebrated annually on September 21.
• Infographics – poster «International Day of Peaceful Coexistence»