The United Nations has raised alarm over the unprecedented surge in global violence, revealing that conflicts worldwide have reached their highest levels since the organization’s founding 80 years ago. In a historic move, UN Member States have officially declared 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, calling for urgent global action to curb rising tensions and restore stability.
Shocking statistics from the United Nations Security Council indicate that nearly two billion people—one-quarter of the world’s population—are trapped in conflict zones. The UNDP Multidimensional Poverty Index further exposes a grim reality: nearly 40% of those living in multidimensional poverty reside in violence-stricken regions, highlighting the inextricable link between conflict and economic hardship.
As part of a sweeping global initiative, the UN General Assembly is urging world leaders, policymakers, and communities to prioritize diplomacy, dialogue, and conflict resolution. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the root causes of violence by fostering social cohesion, strengthening justice systems, and promoting sustainable peace.
UNDP’s Global Programme on Rule of Law and Human Rights, which supports over 100 countries, is already making an impact. In Mali, revitalized traditional conflict resolution mechanisms—including Communal and Village Land Commissions—have helped prevent or resolve 239 land disputes in 2023 alone. Similarly, in Peru, the Tejiendo Ciudadanía (Weaving Citizenship) initiative has empowered women, youth, and indigenous communities to actively participate in governance, leading to 45 new policy proposals aimed at democratic reform and sustainable development.
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Violent extremism remains a major global threat, but the UNDP is tackling it head-on by targeting radicalization at its roots. By collaborating with governments, faith leaders, and youth organizations, the agency is creating alternative pathways for vulnerable individuals, reducing the allure of extremist ideologies. In the Gulf of Guinea—where terrorism is spreading—38 early warning and response mechanisms have been set up, reaching over 3 million people with peace-driven messages.
The economic cost of conflict is staggering, but the UN-World Bank Pathways for Peace report delivers a compelling case for prevention: for every $1 invested in peace-building, societies save $16 in crisis response expenses.
As the world grapples with escalating violence, the UN’s decision to make 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust is a clarion call for action. The time to invest in peace is now—because a safer, more stable world benefits everyone.
