Peace is an essential value for humanity representing a call for harmony and coexistence. Observing World Peace Day symbolizes the unity of peace-loving nations and their commitment to the well-being of mankind.

People yearn for peace, which has become a universal symbol of humanity. As a result, the United Nations, with the unanimous agreement of countries around the globe, declared September 21, 1981, as the International Day of Peace. The UN calls for a ceasefire in all global hotspots on that day. This holiday has been observed globally since 1982, following a resolution by the UN General Assembly on November 30, 1981. Each year since, the UN Secretary-General delivers a message to nations worldwide. In 1954, a "Peace Bell" donated by Japan was installed in the yard of the UN headquarters in New York. The bell's body was cast from metal coins, and medals donated by hundreds of soldiers, which had been collected by children from 60 countries across all continents, and sent to Japan, the site of the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This day starts every year with the ringing of the Peace Bell. It is on this day that the bell is rung, calling for a 24-hour cessation of hostilities and one minute's silence in remembrance of those who died during conflicts and wars.

Peace is now a crucial demand in today's world. With increasing conflicts among global and regional powers and persistent tensions in international relations, there is a pressing need to establish peace.

Peace is a fundamental component of Azerbaijan's state policy, a vision established by the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev. Today, President Ilham Aliyev carries on this legacy, enhancing Azerbaijan's reputation on the global stage.

Amidst global challenges, Azerbaijan is a positive model for other nations to emulate. For centuries individuals from various religious backgrounds and diverse traditions have coexisted harmoniously and peacefully in Azerbaijan. 
The state safeguards historical and religious monuments of all faiths and finances their restoration. In Azerbaijan, mosques, churches, and synagogues are constructed and renovated. We come together to celebrate all our religious holidays, with all faith communities participating in the festivities.

Today, Azerbaijan appeals to everyone for peace, transcending age, race, nationality, religion, and gender. Having endured a tragedy unparalleled in history—the Khojaly tragedy—Azerbaijan stands firm against the repetition of such genocide globally. A nation that has made sacrifices, with martyrs defending its land, is committed to planting seeds of peace in the world.

Maintaining peace in our increasingly globalized world is seen as essential. In today's context, the call for peace has become paramount. Recent escalations in conflicts between global and regional powers, with persistent tensions in international relations, underscore the urgent need for peace. This peace, fundamentally, emerges from understanding and quality of interactions between states. Unfortunately, wars, acts of violence, religious conflicts, and the rise of intense disputes all threaten to undermine this peace. Despite the numerous challenges facing the world and the region, Azerbaijan's comprehensive and dynamic development, coupled with its independent and multifaceted foreign policy grounded in national interests, has secured its status as a developed country in the South Caucasus. In this context, Azerbaijan pursues a peace-oriented agenda, positioning itself not to influence only regional developments, but also global affairs. Azerbaijan stands out as the sole nation in the region that consistently and systematically pursues measures to enhance regional security, driven by a foreign policy rooted in national interests. Presently, the energy projects undertaken by the Azerbaijani government and various cooperation formats aimed at regional integration are pivotal in maintaining stability in the South Caucasus. Furthermore, Azerbaijan is actively engaged in global peacekeeping efforts, presenting effective proposals and initiatives while making significant contributions to promoting peace and security.

Today, contemporary and modernizing Azerbaijan serves as a model for the world with its commitment to peace. The prevailing atmosphere of tranquility, harmony, solidarity, coexistence, and tolerance in the country sends a powerful message to humanity about the importance of living in peace. 
 

Recommended literature:

1. Nəsibov, Elşən Misir oğlu. Ümumdünya konstitusiyası - Ümumdünya sülh və inkişaf konsepsiyası. İnkişaf və sülh ideyaları /E. M. Nəsibov ; elmi red. G. İbrahimova. - Bakı: Elm və təhsil, 2015. - 165 s.
2. Nəsibov, Elşən Misir oğlu. İnkişaf və sülh ideyaları / E. M. Nəsibov. I kitab / elmi red. H. Cabbarlı. - Bakı : Elm və təhsil, 2011. - 154 s.
3. Hüseynova, İradə Mehtiqulu qızı. Heydər Əliyev və Qafqazda sülh prosesi : dərslik / İ. M. Hüseynova. - Bakı : Çaşıoğlu, 2008. - 672 s.
4. Morgentau, Hans Y. Dövlətlər arasında siyasət : güc və sülh uğrunda mübarizə /H. Y. Morgentau ; tərc. V. Zahirova ; ixtisas red. K. Məmmədov ; yenidən işl. və ön söz : K. U. Tompson , U. Devid Klinton ; dizayner S. Ələkbərova. - Bakı: TEAS Press, 2017. - 871 s.