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Four hands reaching into frame, each holding a piece of a puzzle, which join to form the complete image of a dove at the center of the frame

Building a movement for peace

The future is young. Today, half the world's population is under 30, and this generation is rising as a powerful force for peace. They are the voices demanding justice, the hands building harmony, and the leaders transforming societies.

Young people around the world are organizing protests, launching global movements, and spreading messages of unity across borders. In communities ravaged by conflict, they are the healers, the builders, the peacekeepers laying the groundwork for a resilient future. Research confirms their impact: when young people's perspectives are heard and acted upon, peace efforts become stronger and more lasting.

These are the stories of young people championing peace worldwide. You, too, can be part of this movement. Join the UN¡¯s ActNow campaign and plant the seeds of hope and peace today.

Voices for peace

A photograph show three people in blue t-shirts with their arms around one another

How young people contribute to peace

From rebuilding their countries to marching in the streets and mobilizing on social media, young peacebuilders and activists are changing the world. Learn about how they are making a difference in their communities.

From Kosovo to the Gambia, changemakers like Nevena ?okovi? and Bakary Sonko are demonstrating the power of community-led solutions through climate-resilient agriculture, cultivating hope in communities facing environmental hardship.

Meet Selma Drini, a young activist from Montenegro, who is using her digital expertise and determination to combat hate speech and discrimination. Discover how she is reshaping narratives and promoting peace through her impactful work.

¡°One day I wish to hear no more gun shots," writes a Chrisjordan from Haiti¡ªone of the many young poets living amidst the harsh realities of war and violence. Learn more about their lived experiences and their unwavering desire for a better future.

In war-ravaged Sudan, where aid organizations struggle to operate, Hanin Ahmed, Muhammad Al-Ebaid,and AbuZar Othman have become beacons of hope, providing lifesaving emergency medical response, in the face of immense challenges.

"No circumstances will extinguish the lifeline of hope for our young people," says Sara Al Shamali, an aid volunteer in Gaza who is risking her own safety to help others caught in the same conflict. Discover her story of resilience and courage.

In Tanzania, Bhoke, a passionate 18-year-old, is battling violence against women and girls. Partnering with a local NGO, Bhoke helps other students stand up against harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation.

Sara Wahedi was forced to flee Afghanistan with her family. Now, this young activist has merged her tech skills with her drive to help people, by creating a digital app that alerts users in Afghanistan of events that could threaten their lives.

A phograph showing two women in an embrace in front of a blue background

Architects of peace and reconciliation

Matienge from Cit¨¦ Soleil, Haiti, self-identifies as a "peace mediator." Since 2022, she has been a part of a group of mostly women mediators determined to help resolve conflicts and address violence in their communities.

Can art inspire social change? ¡°Art is culture and culture brings people together,¡± says Cypriot street artist Ramadan Naldjioglou who collaborated with one of the UN peacekeeping operations to harness street art to address social issues. Local artists and peacekeepers from operations in Kosovo, Cyprus, Abyei, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo come together to create murals focusing on issues that matter to their communities, including empowering youth, and fighting misinformation and gender-based violence.

¡°When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.¡±

Malala Yousafzai, UN Messenger of Peace

Digital assets

Download our cards and join us to promote a peaceful world for everyone through your digital channels, using the hashtag #ActNow or #PeaceBegins

An illustration showing three figures protesting with signs advocating for peace

Uniting voices for justice and harmony, advocating nonviolence to build a peaceful future.

An illustration showing a medal widht two white doves holding an olive branch and the text 'PEACE ACTIVIST'

Wear the badge of harmony and drive the change for world free of violence.

An illustration showing four figures putting together a puzzle to form the image of a white dove at the center of the frame

Around the globe, and across the range of issues, peace is the missing piece.

An illustration showing a gun with its muzzle knotted, representative of the sculpture outside of the UN building in New York City

The world is overarmed and peace is under?funded.

An illustration showing rows of seated women in discussion with one another, with tbe text 'WOMEN MUST HAVE A SEAT AT THE TABLE'

Women must have a seat at the table to make peace last.

An illustration with the text 'keeping the peace' in large white text on a bright blue background

Peace begins with me, you and all of us.

Other campaigns

Since 1948, over two million peacekeepers, including soldiers, police, engineers and medics have stood by communities to aid nations in their journey from conflict to peace. Join them and be a part of the "Peace begins with me" movement to show how each of us can contribute to lasting peace.

One in three women experience physical or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. Violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations. Join UN Women¡¯s ¡°16 days of activism¡± campaign to fight gender-based violence everywhere.