International Day of Living Together in Peace, 16th May 2026
On 8th December 2017, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 72/130, declaring 16th May the International Day of Living Together in Peace. Establishing such a commemoration represents an opportunity to renew the efforts and commitment of the international community in promotion of peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity. The theme for 2026 is “Living Together in Peace: Building Trust through Dialogue, Inclusion and Reconciliation”.
The United Nation was founded in the aftermath of the atrocities of the Second World War, with the aim of sparing future generations to face the horrors of war. One of its central purposes has always been to foster international cooperation in addressing global challenges, alongside the promotion of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion. The difficulties that today threaten the lives of so many may give the impression that this mission is faltering, yet it is precisely in such harsh circumstances that the commitment to peace becomes most vital.
Unsurprisingly, the Constitution of UNESCO declares:
That since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed
Peace, in this context, is not to be understood as a distant goal or a final destination. Rather, it is a daily choice: a decision, in every sphere of society, to uphold nonviolence and respect for all people and for the environment, and to refuse to trample others in the pursuit of one’s own interests. The commemoration of 16th May invites countries to advance reconciliation as a means of securing lasting peace and sustainable development, through concrete reconciliatory measures and by encouraging compassion among individuals. The call is to work hand in hand with local communities, faith leaders and other relevant stakeholders.
Since the beginning of 2026, the United Nations Secretary-General has urged all stakeholders to renew their commitment to cooperation through the Pact for the Future and the UN80 initiative and discussions throughout the UN system in 2026 have highlighted how closely peace and trust are intertwined. The March 2026 statement on human rights and a culture of peace issued by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the January 2026 General Assembly draft resolution on interreligious and intercultural dialogue, both carry the same fundamental message: dialogue must be promoted if the goal is to achieve peace, social stability and mutual understanding, and greater inclusion and unity must be a shared endeavour to overcome exclusion and discrimination. The broader UN calendar for 2026 is guided by the same spirit, as reflected in the planning of the High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace, which will be held in New York at UN Headquarters (date to be announced). The message from the UN system is clear: where human rights are respected, trust grows and communities live together in peace.