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As Nelson Mandela said, “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the foundation of justice, equality, and opportunity,” a truth upon which societies grow, children thrive, and nations prosper.Today, as the world marks the International Day of Peace, we are called to reflect, recommit, and act on our shared responsibility to build a future free from violence, where every person can live with dignity, safety, and opportunity. The United Nations General Assembly unanimously designated this day as a period of non-violence and ceasefire — a global pledge that peace must remain humanity’s highest priority. This year’s theme, “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” is more than a reminder. It is an urgent call to take concrete steps at the individual, community, and national levels to prevent conflict, promote dialogue, and uphold human rights.For Malawi, the message could not be timelier. Just days ago, citizens exercised their democratic right at the ballot box. Earlier this month, presidential candidates signed a Peace Pledge, sending a powerful signal to the nation and the world: leadership must be about dialogue, tolerance, and respect, not division or violence. Such commitments are vital in ensuring that elections strengthen unity rather than breed fear and division.As UN Secretary-General António Guterres reminds us, “Peace is everyone’s business. Where we have peace, we have hope. Families unite, communities rebuild, children learn and play. Peace cannot wait – our work starts now.” These words resonate strongly in Malawi, where peace is the foundation upon which Malawi 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals must be achieved.  There is no development without peace, no peace without development, and no lasting peace or development without respect for human rights.Globally, the United Nations has renewed its commitment to peace through the Pact for the Future, adopted at last year’s Summit of the Future. The Pact underscores the role of youth and future generations in shaping inclusive, just, and sustainable societies. In Malawi — where more than 70 percent of the population is under 30 years old — young people’s leadership, when nurtured responsibly and inclusively, contributes to shaping a stable and prosperous nation. Their courage, creativity, and innovation are among Malawi’s greatest assets, and their voices must shape policy and action, not remain on the margins.The same is true for women and persons with disabilities, whose perspectives remain underrepresented in political and decision-making spaces. When women participate fully and equally, democratic outcomes are stronger, communities are more resilient, and peace is more sustainable. Removing the barriers that hold women back is not only a matter of fairness; it is a precondition for lasting peace.Safeguarding peace also requires deliberate investment in Malawi’s own institutions and mechanisms. The United Nations is proud of its collaboration with the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission and the District Peace and Unity Committees to strengthen their ability to prevent violence, resolve disputes peacefully, and promote dialogue at both national and community levels. By supporting these locally rooted structures, the UN is helping to ensure that peacebuilding is home-grown and owned by Malawians, because resilient institutions are the bedrock of inclusive development and a stable democratic journey.But peace is not the task of leaders and institutions alone. It is nurtured daily — by teachers modelling tolerance in classrooms, journalists reporting with integrity, traditional and faith leaders fostering dialogue, and citizens choosing unity over discord. Every Malawian has a role to play in building a society where differences are respected, conflicts are resolved peacefully, and communities thrive together.On this International Day of Peace, Malawi can once again show the world that dialogue triumphs over division, that tolerance is stronger than hate, and that peace is not just an aspiration but a lived reality.Let our actions for peace resonate louder than words. Let us act now — together — to ensure that Malawi’s democratic journey remains peaceful, inclusive, and full of hope.