LocationsInternational Day of Peace 2025: Acting now for a Peaceful World
September 22, 2025
International Day of Peace Commemoration
Peace is more than the absence of war, it is the presence of harmony, justice, and understanding. It’s the quiet strength that binds communities and the the collective will to resolve differences through dialogue rather than division.
This year’s International Day of Peace 2025, celebrated under the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” reminds us that peace begins with action - today, not tomorrow. It calls on every individual, community, and nation to build a world where everyone can thrive in dignity and safety.
Marking peace across Tanzania
In Tanzania, the 2025 commemorations were led by the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), in partnership with the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, and various stakeholders. UNDP joined the celebrations through tree planting, school outreach , and the main Peace Day event, under the Dumisha Amani II initiative, funded by the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund.
Youth Educational Outreach- Kijitonyama Secondary School
Peace Outreach: Empowering Youth
Ahead of the commemoration, outreach sessions were held in Morogoro, Dar es Salaam, and Dodoma regions reaching over 1,500 students.
Through open dialogue and interactive discussions, students explored:
• The importance of peace in their communities
• How to advocate for coexistence and inclusion
• The value of diversity and mutual respect
Students shared ideas on promoting peace in their schools, homes, and neighbourhoods, proving that peace is built step by step through dialogue, respect, understanding and collective action.
Planting the Trees of Hope- International Day of Peace
Planting the Tree of Hope
A symbolic tree planting ceremony brought together about 500 Students from Itega Secondary (females-186, males-146), Bunge Girls (56), Lukundo Secondary Schools (females-11, males- 15), and Mtemi Mazengo Primary School (females-50 , males- 35) in Dodoma.
Each seedling represented a shared commitment to:
• Environmental stewardship
• Wildlife and biodiversity protection
• Social and economic development
Just as peace must be nurtured, so must the environment – both require care, patience and collective responsibility.
National Commemoration: Renewing the Commitments
The national event in Dodoma, held in sync with global celebrations, was a moment of reflection and a renewed commitment to peace through dialogue, understanding, and unity. Speaking on behalf of the United Nations in Tanzania, UNDP Resident Representative Shigeki Komatsubara emphasized that: “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but a proactive process of fostering understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among individuals and communities.”
H.E. Amb. Liberata Mulamula, AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace, and Security, reaffirmed: “Peace is more than the absence of violence; it is the presence of justice, respect, opportunity, and inclusion for all.” “True peace is only possible when women are protected, empowered, and fully included in decision-making.”
Over 400 students marked the day with heartfelt poems, inspiring songs, and vibrant dances celebrating unity and hope. One student summed it up beautifully: “Let peace be aloud. Let peace be protected. Let peace be actions.”
Panel Discussion: Building Sustainable Peace
During a special discussion, UNDP’s Mr. Godfrey Mulisa highlighted the UN’s ongoing support for peace through the UN Cooperation Framework, which strengthens policies, institutions and sustainable development.
He shared results from UNDP’s Dumisha Amani Phase I, which reached over 123,600 people across Southern Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, including 1,126 persons with disabilities.
Achievements included:
• Trained 455 youth to lead 16 peace projects and manage 4 ICT centers
• Enhanced community safety
• Strengthened local peacebuilding efforts
With Phase II now underway, with support from the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund—Secretary General’s Peace and Security Sub-Fund, the initiative continues to build bridges and strengthen community resilience through youth-led innovation and inclusion.
The 2025 International Day of Peace was a powerful reminder that peace is a shared responsibility. From planting trees to empowering youth and advancing gender equality, every action counts.
Let us continue to act now for a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable world.
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