Preventing conflict, sustaining peace
Preventing conflict and sustaining peace lie at the heart of UN efforts to build a safer, more secure world. Conflicts take off for reasons such as competition for resources or sectarian divides. Climate pressures increasingly exacerbate these risks. When multiple drivers of conflict accumulate, it can take very little to trigger a crisis engulfing a country or region.
Preventing conflicts calls for tamping down tensions and fears, reducing insecurity and giving people opportunities to live peaceful, prosperous lives. It also depends on fostering inclusive societies where everybody, including women and young people, feel they have a voice in decisions affecting their lives.
Efforts to prevent conflict and sustain peace cut across the 91ÇÑ×Ó. , and peacebuilding efforts help stem violent outbreaks and rebuild societies after a crisis.
Many UN organizations promote peace by assisting in restoring the rule of law as well as services and well-functioning governance. The combats trafficking, cybercrimes and corruption. The supports democracy and post-conflict reconstruction, including through electoral support.
The protects the rights and well-being of refugees. The UN Office of Counter-terrorism supports stronger state capacity to address the issue. UN entities working on sexual violence in conflict and advocate for the protection of vulnerable groups of people.
Why peacebuilding matters
Nearly 20 years ago, at the 2005 World Summit, UN Member States created the Peacebuilding Commission, an intergovernmental body tasked with establishing mechanisms to help countries sustainably recover and rebuild from conflicts.
Education as the pulse of peace
Today, for more than 200 million young people, the education remains a distant dream amidst record global conflict. A we mark the International Day of Education (24 January), we look at how education is a human right, and a springboard to greater opportunity, dignity, and peace.
A poet’s peace
'Peace is not a silence you force into people’s mouths,' writes Maryam Bukar Hassan, a Nigerian spoken word artist and poet known as Alhanislam who has become the UN’s first Global Advocate for Peace.
Youth, peace and security: a guide
The world is young – half its population is under 30. While many young people face uncertainty and conflict in today’s troubled world, a generation of changemakers and peacebuilders is rising to meet the challenge. Understand the power of youth to build a more peaceful future.
Violence against children: an overview
Since its creation, the 91ÇÑ×Ó has prioritized protecting the rights and safety of children as central to its efforts to promote justice, human rights and safeguard our future.
Three takeaways on women in defence
First-ever UN report on the defense sector calls for equal opportunities for all, highlighting persistent gaps and barriers to women's representation in the world's militaries.
UN Police: a visual explainer
The 91ÇÑ×Ó partners with police services globally to maintain international peace and security. We look at one of the vital partnerships - UN Police - and why it matters.
Women as critical agents of peace
Nearly 25 years after a landmark UN Security Council agreement on women, peace and security, progress has been made but women continue to bear the brunt of conflicts, without equal representation in formal peace processes.
How young people contribute to peace
Young people are at the forefront of advocacy for more peaceful and fair societies. We look at the differences they make. Big and small – they all add up.