An event to celebrate International Day of Peace will take place at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center on September 23 to raise awareness about the importance of peaceful coexistence among individuals, communities, and nations.

Pagnavorn Pach, General Manager at Global Peace Alliance Cambodia, said, the international day seeks to foster a culture of peace and non-violence at national and international levels. It reminds people of the need to resolve conflicts through peaceful means and encourages the peaceful resolution of disputes.

He added that the day serves as a reminder that peace is not just the absence of war, but also encompasses various aspects of society, such as social justice, equality, human rights, and sustainable development. It encourages people to reflect on how they can contribute to peacebuilding efforts in their own lives and communities.

Pagnavorn Pach, General Manager at Global Peace Alliance Cambodia. Kiripost/Siv Channa

International Day of Peace is also an opportunity to mobilize individuals, organizations, and governments to take action to promote peace and address issues that contribute to conflict and violence. It encourages people to engage in peace initiatives, such as promoting dialogue, tolerance, and understanding among different cultures and communities, Pagnavorn told Kiripost.

He stated, “The day emphasizes the importance of education in fostering a culture of peace. It highlights the role of education in promoting values such as respect, empathy, and cooperation, which are essential for building peaceful societies. Many educational institutions and organizations use this day to conduct peace-related activities and promote peace education.”

He added that the International Day of Peace is a tool to make people aware that they can contribute to changemakers in promoting peace. This year the organization Culture of Peace focuses on two main areas: intrapersonal and interpersonal peace.

Pagnavorn explained that intrapersonal peace refers to inner peace, harmony, and a sense of well-being within an individual. It involves finding balance, tranquility, and contentment within oneself. Intrapersonal peace can be achieved by cultivating self-awareness, practicing mindfulness, managing stress, and developing a positive mindset. It involves nurturing emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being .

Interpersonal peace refers to peaceful relationships and interactions between individuals. It involves fostering understanding, respect, empathy, and cooperation in our interactions with others.

Interpersonal peace requires effective communication, conflict resolution skills, and a willingness to listen and understand different perspectives. It involves treating others with kindness, compassion, and fairness, and promoting harmonious relationships in families, communities, workplaces, and society as a whole.

Pagnavorn emphasized that both intrapersonal and interpersonal peace are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. When individuals cultivate inner peace and well-being, they are more likely to contribute positively to their relationships and communities, thus promoting interpersonal peace. Conversely, when there is harmony and peace in interpersonal relationships, it can contribute to an individual's sense of well-being and inner peace.

Sreyneang Tith, an intern at Global Peace Alliance Cambodia, shared her perspective about International Day of Peace, “It holds immense significance as it serves as a global platform to promote peace, unity, and understanding among all nations and peoples.”

She added that it raises awareness about the importance of peace and its positive impact on individuals, communities, and societies. It also reminds people of the need to strive for peace in their daily lives and interactions.

Sreyneang said, “On International Day of Peace, individuals, communities, and governments reaffirm their commitment to peace and work towards a world free from violence, conflict, and injustice. It serves as a reminder that peace is not merely the absence of war but a fundamental condition for human flourishing and global harmony,” she told Kiripost.

Sreyneang Tith, an intern at Global Peace Alliance Cambodia. Kiripost/Siv Channa

Pagnavorn added that government and non-governmental actors play pivotal roles in promoting peace and fostering a harmonious society. Governments possess the authority, resources, and diplomatic capabilities to address conflicts at national and international levels. They engage in conflict resolution, employing diplomacy to mediate disputes and facilitate peaceful negotiations.

He added that governments also contribute to peacekeeping forces, ensuring stability and protecting civilians in conflict-ridden regions. By formulating policies that address the root causes of conflicts, governments can promote social justice, human rights, economic development, and good governance.

On the other hand, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in peacebuilding efforts. They operate at grassroot levels, engaging in community-based initiatives and fostering dialogue among conflicting parties.

NGOs provide humanitarian aid, delivering essential services to communities affected by conflicts, thus promoting stability and well-being. Advocacy is another significant contribution of NGOs, as they raise awareness about peace-related issues and human rights violations. Through advocacy efforts, NGOs push for policy changes, mobilize public support, and hold governments accountable for their actions.

Pagnavorn stated, “Collaboration between governmental and non-governmental actors is key to effective peace promotion. Governments provide the necessary resources, authority, and institutional frameworks, while NGOs offer specialized expertise, community engagement, and flexibility in implementing peace-focused initiatives and by working together, these actors can create a comprehensive approach to peacebuilding, addressing conflicts, promoting dialogue, and fostering a more peaceful world for all.”

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