Today marks the International Day of Peace at a time of profound global uncertainty. United Nations Resident Coordinator REBECCA ADDA-DONTOH discusses why even a country at peace like Malawi must invest in peace for everyone, everywhere, every day.
Conflicts, economic instability, climate shocks and social divisions continue to threaten lives and livelihoods across continents.
The need for sustained peace has never been more urgent.
This year’s theme, ‘Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day’ reminds us that peace is not only built through high-level negotiations or in moments of crisis. Ordinary people who choose dialogue over division, cooperation over confrontation and hope over fear build peace every day.
The theme recognises the quiet peacebuilders in our communities who lay the foundations for stability every day and help create the conditions for lasting peace.
South Africa’s anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela aptly observed: “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the foundation of justice, equality and opportunity.”
This truth resonates deeply in Malawi, a country that continues to enjoy relative peace and stability.
Yet peace must never be taken for granted. It requires deliberate and sustained investment long before conflict emerges.
This year’s national commemoration theme, “Empowering Youth as Agents of Peace, Unity and Socio-Economic Transformation” is particularly fitting for Malawi, where young people make up a large share of the population.
Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow. They are the peacebuilders of today. Their energy, creativity and aspirations are indispensable to strengthening social cohesion and driving sustainable development.
Malawi’s experience demonstrates that peace is not built in conference rooms or podiums alone. It is built in villages, trading centres, places of worship, schools, workplaces and homes across the country.
During the 2025 electoral period, through State and non-state infrastructures for peace communities in Nthalire in Chitipa, Limbuli in Mulanje, Santhe in Kasungu, Benga in Salima and many other locations demonstrated remarkable commitment to peaceful coexistence.
We witnessed men, women, young people, traditional leaders, faith leaders and civil society actors working together to promote dialogue and prevent tensions from escalating.
At the local level, Multi-Party Liaison Committees worked alongside a range of stakeholders to foster understanding and encourage peaceful political participation.
In districts where Peace and Unity Committees were established, these structures complemented local efforts to promote stability and social harmony.
At the national level, the Public Affairs Committee and the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission played a vital role in encouraging political dialogue and fostering consensus among key political actors.
Their efforts contributed to a peaceful electoral environment and a smooth democratic transition.
These achievements illustrate peace does not happen by accident. It is the result of institutions, partnerships and individuals working together with a shared commitment to the common good.
It also depends on the willingness to resolve differences peacefully, uphold the rule of law and protect the rights and dignity of every person.
As a nation whose greatest assets is its peace, Malawi must continue to protect and strengthen it as communities face multiple pressures.
Climate-related disasters, including droughts and floods, continue to affect livelihoods and increase vulnerability. Economic challenges are straining household and community resilience. Political and social tensions can test the bonds that unite society. These realities underscore why investing in peace is not optional; it is an imperative.
Fortunately, Malawians have repeatedly shown that they are not powerless in the face of these challenges.
Faith leaders, traditional authorities, civil society organsations, women leaders, youth groups, persons with disabilities and community peacebuilders continue to bridge divides, foster dialogue and strengthen social cohesion. Their work deserves recognition, support and investment.
Building a robust infrastructure for peace requires sustained commitment from public institutions, government, development partners, the private sector, the media and communities themselves.
This investment must be practical. It means creating safe spaces for young people to participate in decision-making; strengthening local mechanisms for dialogue and early warning; supporting women’s meaningful participation in peacebuilding and decision-making; promoting responsible public communication; and ensuring that public services and opportunities reach communities fairly.
Peace and development reinforce each other. Communities with access to education, healthcare, decent jobs, social protection, and meaningful opportunities to participate in public life are more resilient and better able to withstand shocks.
Sustainable development cannot flourish where exclusion, mistrust and instability persist. Investing in development is an investment in peace—just as investing in peace creates the conditions for inclusive, sustainable development to flourish.
The growing impacts of climate change further reinforce this connection. Supporting communities to adapt to climate-related challenges is not only an environmental imperative but also a peacebuilding priority. Resilient communities are better positioned to manage risks, reduce tensions, resolve competition over limited resources peacefully, and build a more secure future.
The UN remains committed to supporting Malawi’s efforts to build an inclusive, peaceful and resilient society. Together with the Government of Malawi, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, the private sector, youth and women’s organisations and communities, we will continue to promote dialogue, strengthen social cohesion, advance human rights and expand opportunities for all.
On this International Day of Peace, let us remember that peace begins with each one of us. It is reflected in our actions, our choices and our willingness to listen, understand and collaborate.
Peace is also reflected in how we speak about one another—online and offline—and whether we reject hate speech, discrimination, misinformation and incitement.
Let us recommit to building a Malawi where every person can live in dignity, contribute meaningfully to society, share in the country’s progress, and have confidence that differences can be resolved peaceably.
Peace is not a distant aspiration. It is a daily choice, a collective responsibility and the foundation upon which sustainable development rests.
Together, let us invest in peace for everyone, everywhere, every day.
Malawi witnessed peaceful transition from former president Lazarus Chakwera to incumbent Peter Mutharika.
