Aljarwan: International Day of Peace Is a Global Call to Turn Peace into Action and Shared Responsibility

Malta, 21 September 2026
H.E. Ahmed bin Mohamed Aljarwan, President of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace, affirmed that the International Day of Peace, observed worldwide on 21 September each year, offers a global opportunity to renew the commitment to rejecting violence and hatred and to promoting dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among peoples.

In a statement issued by the Council to mark the International Day of Peace, Aljarwan said that this year’s United Nations theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” underscores that peace must be more than a slogan repeated on special occasions. It must be translated into practical policies and initiatives and embedded as a lasting culture within communities and institutions at both the national and international levels.

He added that the world is facing mounting challenges as conflicts persist and hate speech, extremism and division intensify. This demands serious international action that restores dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law to their rightful place, while putting human security, dignity and future prospects at the heart of global efforts.
Aljarwan stressed that meaningful investment in peace begins with education, youth empowerment, the promotion of tolerance and acceptance of others, and determined efforts to counter hate speech and misinformation. It also requires sustained support for national and international institutions working to build peace and prevent conflict.

He noted that parliaments have a pivotal responsibility in this regard by adopting legislation that supports tolerance and coexistence, strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, and building bridges between countries and peoples. Such efforts help resolve differences through peaceful means and advance security, stability and sustainable development.

Aljarwan reaffirmed the commitment of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace and the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace, through their international network spanning more than 120 countries, to continue working with parliaments, governments, academic institutions, civil society organisations and international partners to foster a culture of tolerance and peace and deepen dialogue and cooperation among peoples.

He concluded by emphasising that peace is a shared responsibility that belongs to no single country or region. He called on the international community to unite its efforts and make this occasion a starting point for concrete action that protects present and future generations and lays the foundations for a safer, fairer and more tolerant world.