In a world increasingly fraught with conflicts and geopolitical tensions, the United Nations General Assembly’s proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust (IYPT) stands as a beacon of hope. This initiative, encapsulated in Resolution A/RES/78/266, aims to mobilize the global community towards fostering peace and trust among nations through political dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation.
The Significance of the International Year of Peace and Trust
The IYPT is not merely symbolic; it serves as a catalyst for the international community to renew its commitment to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. By emphasizing preventive diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes, the resolution seeks to address contemporary challenges such as regional conflicts, terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The unanimous adoption of this resolution underscores the collective recognition of the need for sustained efforts in building a culture of peace.
Pakistan’s Role in Promoting Global Peace
Pakistan has long been an advocate for international peace and security. The country’s contributions range from active participation in UN peacekeeping missions to diplomatic efforts aimed at the peaceful resolution of disputes. As an elected member of the UN Security Council for the 2025-26 term, Pakistan is poised to further its commitment to these objectives. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted that Pakistan’s endeavors are rooted in the belief that dialogue and diplomacy are the most effective means of addressing conflicts and building sustainable peace.
Turkmenistan’s Initiative and Vision
Turkmenistan played a pivotal role in introducing the resolution for the IYPT. The country has adopted a special program titled “The Concept of Activities and Priorities of Turkmenistan within the Framework of International Year of Peace and Trust 2025,” aiming for a qualitative transition in international relations. Ambassador Atadjan Movlamov emphasized Turkmenistan’s vision of consolidating international efforts to promote peace and trust, viewing the implementation of the resolution as a global-scale event.
The United Nations’ Perspective
The UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, Mr. Mohamed Yahya, remarked on the unanimous support for the IYPT as a significant achievement in contemporary international relations. He noted Pakistan’s instrumental role in supporting the resolution and emphasized the imperative need for building peace and trust in an increasingly fragmented world. Peace and security are foundational pillars of the United Nations, alongside sustainable development and human rights.
Challenges to Global Peace
Despite these initiatives, the global landscape remains riddled with challenges. Ambassador Masood Khalid pointed out that the Doomsday Clock is set at ’89 seconds to midnight,’ symbolizing severe existential threats such as nuclear risks, climate change, AI-driven military advancements, and failures in global governance. The silence of powerful nations on various atrocities undermines their claims of championing democracy and human rights, leading to a global decline in moral consciousness.
The Role of Academia and Civil Society
Dr. Maria Saifuddin Effendi emphasized the crucial role of academia in promoting peace and trust. She identified three key areas: educating individuals to practice peace as a value, engaging civil society in peace advocacy, and conducting policy-oriented research to influence both academia and policymaking circles. These efforts are essential for fostering a culture of peace and trust at all societal levels.
Looking Ahead
The International Year of Peace and Trust serves as a moment for reflection and action. It calls upon nations, organizations, and individuals to renew their commitment to the principles of peace and trust. As Ambassador Khalid Mahmood aptly concluded, celebrating the importance of international peace should not be limited to just one year but should be an ongoing endeavor.
The declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust is a clarion call for the global community to unite in fostering a culture of peace. Through collaborative efforts, inclusive dialogue, and unwavering commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, it is possible to build a sustainable and harmonious world.
References
- United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/78/266: https://undocs.org/A/RES/78/266
- UN Digital Library: International Year of Peace and Trust, 2025: https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4043298?ln=en
- UNRIC: 2025: International Year of Glaciers, Peace, Quantum science and Cooperatives: https://unric.org/en/2025-year-of-glaciers-peace-quantum-science-cooperatives/
- Xinhua News: UN General Assembly declares 2025 as int’l year of peace, trust: https://english.news.cn/20240322/a09fee414a744dff84908c6feb6ab451/c.html
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan: The Resolution “2025 – International Year of Peace and Trust” was adopted: https://www.mfa.gov.tm/en/news/4437