This article first appeared in our Organic September 2024 issue of My Green Pod Magazine. Click here to subscribe to our digital edition and get each issue delivered straight to your inbox
Much like the word ‘love’ required at least seven different words in Greek to capture the variances in meaning, the word ‘peace’ is a multifaceted concept that can be understood on various levels, from personal tranquility to global harmony.
At its core, peace might be considered the absence of violence, conflict or fear, embodying a state of harmony where individuals, communities and nations coexist without aggression or hostility.
On a personal level, peace can refer to an inner sense of calm and wellbeing, often achieved through mindfulness, self-awareness and emotional balance.
This inner peace allows individuals to navigate life’s challenges with a sense of stability and contentment.
On a social and political level, peace involves the resolution of conflicts, the establishment of justice and the protection of human rights.
It is not merely the absence of war but also the presence of conditions that allow for sustainable development, respect for diversity and fair resource distribution.
Globally, peace is seen as the ideal state of international relations, where nations collaborate to solve problems, respect each other’s sovereignty and work towards common goals for the betterment of humanity and the planet.
Peace also extends to the environment, where it signifies the balance between human activities and the natural world, promoting sustainability and the wellbeing of all life forms.
The peace movement is increasingly mirrored in popular culture, where it is being redefined and embraced in transformative ways.
The growing focus on mindfulness and mental health has brought inner peace into the mainstream, making meditation and yoga essential parts of personal wellbeing.
Once considered fringe, these practices are now recognised for their broader societal impact and for contributing to a culture of peace.
On the International Day of Peace (21 September), events like Pause the World for Peace in Times Square have become cultural milestones, engaging diverse audiences and drawing global attention to peace efforts.
These moments are amplified by social media campaigns that reach millions, introducing the message of peace to new generations in innovative ways.
Organisations like UNIFY.org have played a key role in using the tools available in our digital age to turn global meditations into collective experiences that resonate worldwide and let people know they are not alone.
In September 2024, New York City will become the focal point of a historic convergence of global peace initiatives.
Anchored by the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79) and the Summit of the Future, this gathering is more than just a diplomatic event – it’s a powerful call for global harmony.
The Summit will emphasise long-term strategies that transcend national interests and recognise peace as the cornerstone of a sustainable future.
Alongside these discussions, Climate Week NYC (22-29 September) will unite activists, corporate leaders and policymakers who understand that climate justice and peace are deeply intertwined.
A groundbreaking addition to this year’s events is the Global Society Delegation, spearheaded by Dr Christoph Geisler and Marc Buckley.
This delegation of 30 representatives from bioregions around the world will speak on behalf of humanity as a whole, shifting the global discourse to collective wellbeing – a crucial step in the journey to a lasting peace.
Amidst these high-level talks, led by Good News Planet and Pause The World For Peace founder Paul Sladkus, Times Square will host the Pause the World for Peace event, a moment of global reflection and unity.
This event will highlight that peace is not just the domain of diplomats but a responsibility shared by all humanity. Times Square, a symbol of global connectivity, will remind us that peace is ready to be cultivated everywhere.
These September 2024 convergences signal an emerging global consciousness where peace has a chance to be recognised and established as the foundation of global society.
The synergy between these initiatives has the opportunity to transform peace from an aspiration into a lived reality, marking these events not just as gatherings but as the dawn of a new era in our collective journey towards a peaceful world.
The work of weaving this tapestry is ongoing, requiring each of us to recognise our role in it.
As Rachel Carson might remind us, even the smallest actions can ripple out to create a world of peace.
As we continue to introduce, connect and collaborate, we are not just contributing to the peace movement – we are completing its formation in motion. We are making it whole.
In this moment of global awakening, let us remember that peace, like any ecosystem, thrives when all its parts are present and working in harmony.
The peace movement has begun to realise this, finding itself and each other. Now, it is up to all of us to continue this work, to nurture these connections and to ensure that the dream of peace becomes a living reality – for ourselves and for future generations.
Tammy Scarlett is an inspirational leader, strategist and energetics mentor for both people and systems.
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