justice ensures peace and prosperity essay

Why the rule of law is essential to justice, peace, and economic and social progress

Writing in Quartz, Mary Robinson and Ernesto Zedillo explain the importance of access to justice and the rule of law as an equalising force, enabling the world to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. They call on leaders to show political will to make it a reality.

The principles of impartiality and equality before the law remain a powerful bulwark against tyranny.

Injustice drives conflict; justice on the other hand demands an end to impunity for abusers of rights on the field of battle, in political systems, workplaces and domestic homes.

From the Magna Carta to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, legal texts offer a protection of human rights and freedoms, which is why they are themselves frequently the targets of dictators and tyrants.

But failure to deliver equal access to justice is also a rebuke to democratic leaders, who have not given sufficient attention, priority or investment to the issue.

Securing justice and the freedoms it underpins must be a collective, inclusive endeavour for governments and all sections of society - especially women, minorities and other marginalised groups.

All citizens must have access to its instruments and institutions; allowing access to justice to remain the preserve of a privileged elite will continue to erode rights, debase shared values and weaken freedoms.

Ten years ago, the 2008 report of the Commission for Legal Empowerment of the Poor identified 4 billion people as lacking access to justice. Progress has been disappointingly marginal since then.

If people cannot defend their rights, property or livelihoods against unscrupulous individuals and institutions, they risk losing trust in the whole system of governance and falling prey to the siren songs of populist demagoguery.

We are writing as members of The Elders, the group of independent former leaders founded by Nelson Mandela to work for peace and human rights.

To celebrate our tenth anniversary, we launched last year a campaign called " Walk Together " to support brave activists working for justice, equality, peace and health, who are carrying Mandela's legacy to future generations.

This is why we are delighted to support the Grassroots Justice Prize organised by Namati and the Global Legal Empowerment Network. Hundreds of activists are gathering this week in Buenos Aires for the award ceremony at which the winners of the Prize will be honoured.

People in Latin America know through bitter experience that when democratic rules are ignored, judicial independence is crushed and the rule of law is accessible only to those who can afford it, the people who suffer most are those who can least afford to lose.

According to most recent UN Human Development report from 2013-14, one in every three Latin Americans reported being a victim of violent crime, and five out of ten perceive that security in their country has deteriorated. The inability or unwillingness of authorities to protect citizens against violent crime and uphold the rule of law is a grave injustice in itself.

On the positive side, the World Justice Project's 2016 Rule of Law Index showed that Argentina has made encouraging progress in regards to constraints on government powers. As chair of the G20 group of leading industrial powers, Argentina now has an opportunity to drive the wider justice agenda in and implement the recommendations of the 2008 Commission.

Under the Sustainable Development Goals , all governments are committed to delivering equal access to justice for all by 2030. Goal 16 offers a blueprint for peaceful, just and inclusive societies but this can only be achieved by visible political will, action and commitment to financing.

In far too many countries, from The Philippines and Cambodia to Russia and Turkey and beyond, civic space is shrinking, justice is one-sided and peace is dangerously fragile.

Two thirds of grassroots justice defenders responding to a 2017 Global Legal Empowerment Network survey said they found it difficult to carry out their work in communities. Over half said the political environment in their country had worsened over the previous year.

Such a situation is unacceptable and unsustainable if the world is serious about meeting the SDGs and securing a peaceful, stable and prosperous planet for future generations.

The establishment of robust, accessible judicial institutions can spell the difference between vulnerability and security, desperation and dignity, oppression and empowerment for hundreds of millions of people.

In the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu , the first Chair of The Elders: "Strengthening the rule of law is an essential ingredient to enhance justice, peace and economic and social progress."

For this to happen, leaders must show the necessary political will - and ordinary citizens must join together to hold them to account.

We have seen inspirational examples in the past year, from India's "barefoot lawyers" taking on industrial conglomerates over environmental pollution, to activists and judges in the United States who challenged President Trump's Executive Order banning migration from Muslim countries .

This spirit must be maintained in the year ahead at every level of public life. The legacy of great global icons for peace and justice, including Nelson Mandela and other ethical leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, who began life as community lawyers, shows that justice can and must prevail.

As we walk together for justice for all, let us all be inspired by the enduring words of Madiba: "Those who conduct themselves with morality, integrity and consistency need not fear the forces of inhumanity and cruelty."

FEATURED ELDERS

Ernesto Zedillo

Mary Robinson

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On SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

When the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted, Goal 16 was seen as truly transformative, formally linking, for the first time at the United Nations, development, peace, justice, and good governance. Some of its more ambitious targets include significantly reducing all forms of violence, ending abuse and violence against children, promoting the rule of law, reducing illicit financial flows and corruption, and developing accountable and transparent institutions.

But Goal 16 was not adopted without controversy. Many countries argued against the intrusion of peace and security, and even more so justice, considerations into the development sphere, and would have preferred that the goal be dropped altogether. Other countries maintained that this goal was central for them and that their support for the 2030 Agenda hinged upon it.

Nearly three years later, progress on Goal 16 is uneven, and there is considerable doubt that it can be achieved at its current implementation rate. Challenges arise in all countries, including Canada, and are likely to become more acute given current trends, particularly those related to violence.

Violence worldwide is on the rise and becoming increasingly complex and multidimensional. Almost half the world’s people have been affected by political violence over the last fifteen years, with lower-income countries bearing a disproportionately high share of the burden of armed violence. Yet developed countries are not immune — in many parts of the developed world, different forms of violence are also on the rise. Canada itself faces domestic challenges in addressing issues of violence and homicide, particularly against women and children.

Canada is also facing challenges in other related areas of Goal 16. Issues of justice for Indigenous Peoples have been much debated but insufficiently addressed over the past four decades. Comprehensively combatting transnational organised crime and illicit financial flows are elusive goals for Canada as well.

The challenge will be linking these subnational priorities with national strategies.

A common impediment for countries attempting to implement Goal 16 is the yawning gaps in reliable data, making it difficult to measure progress in meeting the goal’s targets. Fragile and conflict-affected states, in particular, often have incomplete, imperfect, or a total lack of data. The countries of the world vary hugely in their capacity to collect, monitor, and track indicators.

Moreover, obstacles to reaching the goals of SDG 16 are increasingly encountered in urban areas. Populations in cities are expected to increase to almost 70 per cent by 2050, and cities register higher homicide rates than rural areas. The challenges found within ‘fragile cities’ — characterised by rapid, unregulated urbanisation; high levels of inequality, unemployment, and violence; poor access to key services; and exposure to climate threats — mean that Goal 16 must be addressed at the subnational level.

In this context, one possible approach to accelerate the pace of implementation is to link national and local-level policies, providing greater support to subnational governance institutions. Local and regional governments in many countries have already recognised this, arguing that new institutional arrangements and channels of coordination need to underpin more effective, accountable, and transparent institutions, as well as more responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making. This is necessary for local governments to become more responsive to their communities, and for states to deliver on Goal 16.

Positive initiatives are currently underway that illustrate how this is happening. New forms of participatory decision-making — such as in budgeting and in enhancements to city housing, service delivery, and slum conditions — have led to improvements in public security and urban safety. Local governments have been working internationally and nationally to share relevant information and innovative, frequently data-driven, solutions.

The challenge will be linking these subnational priorities with national strategies. For example, Canada’s progress in implementing its Federal Sustainable Development Strategy 2016–2019, which focuses on the environmental aspects of the SDGs, does not sufficiently account for Goal 16, even though one of the aims of the strategy is to build safe, secure, and sustainable communities. However, at the provincial level, many strategies overlap with the SDGs — without specifically mentioning them — focusing on employment, education, and environmental concerns, but less commonly on violence and justice.

Achieving implementation of Goal 16 is a daunting task globally, for poorer countries in particular. The plethora of targets and indicators aiming to guide them tends to create white noise. Some countries have been felt disempowered by the ambition and wide spectrum of the 2030 Agenda, as much as they have been able to harness its potential for energising society. This has represented an obvious downside in practice to the United Nations’ otherwise admirable effort to design an all-encompassing agenda.

National governments will get to showcase their achievements at the United Nations High Level Political Forum, which is reviewing Goal 16 in 2019. Until then, greater effort is required nearly everywhere to achieve implementation of national policies towards this goal. Improved links between the national and subnational levels will move us all in the right direction.

This essay is part of Awakening — a collection of essays and artwork exploring sustainable development, organized by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Canada.

David M. Malone

Dr David M. Malone is Rector of the United Nations University and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Insight and Analysis from Foreign Affairs Practitioners and Scholars

Established 1996 • Raymond F. Smith, Editor

Promoting Peace and Prosperity Through the United Nations

By thomas r. pickering.

Editor’s note: The author was U.S. Ambassador to the UN 1989-1992.

Franklin Roosevelt knew a good thing when he saw it. In 1943, in the midst of a military campaign for American survival in the Pacific and clawing our way back against Nazi Germany in the Atlantic, Roosevelt put bright people to work to shape what would come next. International cooperation under the League of Nations had twice failed – the U.S. resolved to stay out and the League’s weakness led to World War II.

To fix it, Roosevelt took the name for the victory coalition of that great crusade – the United Nations – and fashioned an international organization to promote peace and prosperity through cooperation. Isolationist opposition in the U.S. endured, but many leaders of both parties had the vision and perspicacity to know that friends and allies working together made sense in achieving both objectives. Failure dogged the pursuit, but in Korea, the Gulf, Afghanistan, and the Balkans the organization made a real difference in war and peace.

Americans have now been through four years of disdain and disparagement about the United Nations and the Trump administration’s failure to understand or make good use of it. Chinese and Russian opposition did not help. The Biden team comes to power with the challenge – how can we use more effectively Roosevelt’s vision to promote peace and prosperity on the planet?

  Two paths are open to us. One is right before our eyes, widely used but seldom understood and even more rarely appreciated – the 24 Specialized Agencies that all together make the world run. The second, the Security Council, raises more daunting political obstacles and trenchant barriers but is well worth a new look and investment.

International Agencies Making the World Work

The second half of the 19 th century saw the early blooming of a new trend coming from a simple problem to be solved. How can we make the national postage stamp carry a letter across international boundaries to anywhere on the globe? The Universal Postal Union, a treaty among states, was the result. More importantly, it started the development of a system that continues to this day. Instead of just paper mail, it covers electronics with the International Telecommunications Union, which makes sure radio frequencies are fairly assigned and the internet as a technical matter works effectively and efficiently.

But communications are not the only matter facilitated by these little known and widely ignored treaty agencies that literally make the international activities of the world grow and prosper. Bankers come together around a Basel agreement, maritime and civil aviation move safely from London and Montreal. Labor (and business) is protected and organized in Geneva. Almost anything we can think of now from health to atomic energy and from the environment to trade is part of a system of agencies whose charters and governance are organized by international agreements, whose members are states. Without these agencies the world would not function – and they would then have to be re-invented.

These agencies are all part of the United Nations system. They have independent governmental arrangements and raise their own funds to support their mission. They work closely with the Secretary General of the United Nations to coordinate their activities, exchange views, and assure effectiveness and efficiency in carrying out their missions.

They work quietly, almost always behind the scenes, and come in for attention most often not when they deserve praise for tasks well done, but when they are faulted for failing in one fashion or another. The pandemic has elevated our attention to the World Health Organization (WHO), a body where its members cooperate but have few obligations to do so beyond preserving their publics from the devastating impacts of health dangers run out of control, from AIDS to Ebola to Covid-19. Clearly some greater tightening of reporting responsibilities by states through the WHO, fuller transparency, and increased cooperation could be of real benefit.

When we think about the United Nations and what it means to woman and mankind – when we think of these bodies defined by acronyms like WHO, we should not have to be reminded that their mission is to make sure we live safely, care for each other, assist when the need comes, and cooperate to meet the many health and other challenges of modern life.

Devising an Organization to Make the World a Safer Place

During World War II, when it was certain that an international organization that could only act by unanimity had failed to preserve peace, ideas for a new organization turned to something different and more radical. With fewer than 60 countries in the world in 1945, a group of eleven states was thought to be about right to make critical decisions on war and peace in the then-new United Nations Security Council. The larger, victor states in the war would become permanent members – China, Britain, France, the Soviet Union, and the U.S., known as the P-5. Six others chosen three each year for two years at a time from the major regions of the word would complete the roster of members.

To offset the failings of the League of Nations Council, the body was given, by the treaty establishing it, the opportunity to make decisions mandating compliance by all member states of the United Nations. To assure the big victor states joined and were there to provide significant military forces if needed to ensure peace, they were given permanent seats and a veto over decisions of the Security Council. In 1964, as the number of member states grew, the Security Council was increased to 15, including ten non-permanent members, five of which would be elected for a two-year term every year.

For most of the Cold War the Council, with rare exceptions, was limited in its capacity to reach decisions in cases of conflict by the injection of Cold War differences into the decision-making process. For a short time in 1990, with the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, that faded away, and there were no vetoes in the Council’s action in the face of that aggression. First the Council imposed sanctions on Iraq and, when that showed its limitations in producing an end to the aggression, it authorized the use of force. Since then, for the most part, growing differences among big powers have blocked the unanimity required for the Security Council to act effectively to deal with threats to international peace and security.

Finding Better Ways to Deal with Conflict

The veto alone has not been the sole cause of failure. Differences over just how far resolutions should go in dealing with actions that threaten peace have played a role – weaker resolutions have been insufficient to block or end conflict. In part, this condition has reflected bilateral differences between the U.S. and Russia and the U.S. and China. But a world in turmoil through failure to reach diplomatic accord in New York reflects a strong need to seek a better relationship among the permanent members of the Council. None of them benefits from discord and unresolved disputes that lead to wider conflict. The challenge is a real one for the Biden administration as well as for China and Russia. And increasingly, we see no benefits from wider open use of force. Suggestions now for a summit meeting of the P-5 to deal with differences and related strategic stability talks between permanent members of the Security Council and a summit meeting of democracies can begin a process of enabling greater cohesion in dealing with conflict around the globe.

In the past, it has been suggested that the use of the Security Council veto might be tempered by an agreement not to use a veto unless three or more of the permanent members agreed to do so, perhaps beginning in cases where blocking genocide was at the center of the action to be taken. Following the end of the Cold War and in the aftermath of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, this may have been politically possible. Today it seems much less likely, even with the new dangerous rebuilding and modernization of nuclear arms and delivery vehicles going forward in the U.S., China, and Russia.

While such mechanical solutions of the veto might seem wise and even appropriate, there is not yet a widely shared view of what constitutes an existential danger to be avoided and how and in what way to address that problem. What is clear, however, is that in the absence of effective diplomacy, more and more issues are going to be left on the table to fester and grow. It is also clear that neither conventional force nor, God forbid, nuclear weapons, provides a realistic and enlightened answer to the issues involved.

Keeping Open the Lines of Diplomatic Communication

What has proven to be realistic in the work of the Security Council is keeping open the lines of diplomatic communication with a degree of transparency that provides for a truthful rendering widely of the concerns at stake and innovative efforts to resolve them. States are unwilling to accept now that other states will render full judgment on their activities. But coalitions and alliances do provide a degree of persuasive capacity of the equity and justice of decisions both to avoid conflict and determine outcomes with which they can live.

Much of the world is concerned with the fragility of the international system and attacks against it have gained ground. However, alternate ways of deciding issues have not been widely proposed nor have they brought about significant adoption of the alternatives tilted toward autocracy and dictatorship. The UN Security Council remains an option for settlement, just as do all the other means of peaceful resolution from judicial settlement to mediation and good offices. And clearly, they should prevail over the use of force as a method for dealing with threats to peace and security and settling the issues that arise in that regard.

Great powers have learned to solve problems diplomatically when force poses the alternative of mutual extinction. It has been true about nuclear weapons, at least in part. With China it also may be true with climate change. The Biden administration sees climate change as a planetary challenge impacting significantly the U.S.; China perhaps even more has tilted in the same direction. The door is ajar for cooperation and leadership by both. Competition thwarts the goals of survival and prosperity; cooperation secures these goals. Cooperation on existential issues also opens the door for working together on lesser but not insignificant problems in the common interest.

Many years ago, in India, I had a visit from Robert McNamara, then both a former Secretary of Defense and president of the World Bank. We were both deeply concerned about nuclear proliferation and India, Pakistan, and Israel as states which had become or were about to become members of the nuclear weapons club. He accepted the idea that, while extremely hard to sell, the elimination of all nuclear weapons would be the only way to ensure they were not misused or to avoid a catastrophe unfolding by accident. Once begun there was no known way to stop cascading use of such weapons. But the serious question arose of what happens if someone seeks putative advantage by making such weapons clandestinely. McNamara’s thoughts turned to an idea that some weapons should be preserved to be used by the Security Council as a deterrent – and in which the permanent members of the Council would have a role. We both recognized that there were flaws in the approach that stemmed from lack of trust among the states whose voice would be critical in managing such a deterrent.

Within weeks the next American administration will have to decide whether to continue New Start and subsequently whether to negotiate a more extensive follow-on. We are not yet to the point McNamara was challenged by, but with the right decision on extending New Start we could be moving toward it.

Missile defense has its own complications to offer. With low numbers of deliverable weapons on each side, even a technically less than perfect defense system becomes more likely to be disruptive in potentially protecting a first strike. But with no weapons available for offensive use does it become a safeguard against clandestine breakout? No easy answers here.

Thomas R Pickering is former U.S. Under Secretary of State. He served as Ambassador to Russia, India, the United Nations, Israel, El Salvador, Nigeria, and Jordan as well as Assistant Secretary for Oceans, Environment and Science and Executive Secretary of the State Department.

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• Understanding Poverty
• Fragility, Conflict and Violence

People Peace Prosperity

While extreme poverty is going down around the world, it is increasing in countries affected by fragility, conflict and violence (FCV). It’s estimated that by 2030,  up to two thirds of the world’s extreme poor  will live in these situations.  These challenges threaten to reverse efforts to end extreme poverty, and they affect both low- and middle-income countries.  

The impacts on people and economies are stark. Violent conflict has spiked dramatically since 2010 -- conflicts now drive 80% of all humanitarian needs and reduce gross domestic product (GDP) growth by two percentage points per year, on average. Social and economic exclusion, climate change, gender and other inequalities, demographic challenges, illicit financial flows and other global trends contribute to this complexity. FCV challenges do not respect country borders and often spiral into multidimensional, regional or global crises. 

This surge in violent conflict has also led to historically high levels of forced displacement. Of the  82.4 million people who are forcibly displaced  from their homes to escape violence, conflict and persecution, more than 26 million are refugees, the highest number recorded. Around 85% of these refugees are hosted by developing countries, and 76% of them are still displaced after five years. Such long displacements can have a devastating toll on generations of refugees and deeply impact host communities. 

Against this background, the COVID-19 pandemic adds even greater stress, threatening to reverse decades of advancements in poverty reduction and development:   

• Countries impacted by FCV will experience their worst recession in five decades.   
• World Bank estimates show that an additional  20 million people are living in extreme poverty in countries affected by FCV . 

The increasingly protracted nature of FCV situations means that in addition to essential humanitarian support, long-term development investments are needed to protect human capital, build sustainable peace and ensure shared prosperity. 

The World Bank was founded after World War II to support post-conflict reconstruction in Europe. It has since evolved to address challenges before, during and after crises. The 2020 World Bank Group (WBG) strategy for FCV, which applies to its work in low-and-middle income countries, articulates a development approach to FCV which emphasizes:

Helping to prevent crises by addressing root causes like climate change, government transparency and accountability, justice and the rule of law.

In areas of active conflict, staying engaged to preserve key institutions and access to basic services like health and education for the most marginalized. 

Supporting countries in their transition out of conflict.

Supporting refugees and host communities.

Enabling the growth of the local private sector, particularly small and medium enterprises, which provide 80% of jobs in fragile settings.

In the context of the COVID-19 crisis, our support needs to focus on the most vulnerable – and this includes fragile and conflict-affected settings, and displaced populations. This support is focused on preventing, detecting and responding to the threat posed by COVID-19, and strengthening national systems for public health preparedness. Nearly one third of the World Bank’s projects to fight the pandemic are in fragile and conflict-affected situations.

Strong collaboration with humanitarian, development, peace and security partners is also critical to delivering results in these challenging environments.

Financing the FCV agenda

This enhanced focus on FCV is also reflected in IDA, the World Bank’s fund for low-income countries. The latest   IDA19 financing package  includes $26 billion in support for FCV-affected countries—a 27 percent increase from IDA18, which had already doubled financing available for FCV. These will support the priorities outlined in the FCV strategy. In addition, $2.2 billion will be dedicated to support refugees and host communities. Other IDA financing is also available to catalyze investments in the private sector, tackle regional fragility challenges and invest in crisis preparedness and response.  All support is intended to tackle the medium-term economic and social dimensions of crisis situations.

The 2018 World Bank Capital Increase emphasizes support to middle income countries impacted by FCV challenges. In addition, the World Bank’s  Global Concessional Financing Facility  (GCFF) provides concessional financing to middle income countries hosting large numbers of refugees. Launched in 2016 by the Bank, the UN, and the Islamic Development Bank, the GCFF has provided more than $671 million in grants to unlock almost $5 billion in concessional financing for Jordan and Lebanon to help address the influx of Syrian refugees, as well as for Colombia and Ecuador to help address the needs of more than 1.2 million displaced Venezuelans and their host communities.

PARTNERSHIPS

Tackling fragility, conflict, and violence requires a collective global effort.  Partnerships based on the respective complementarities and comparative advantages of each partner are crucial to address the causes and impacts of FCV. The WBG is working with a diverse/broad set of partners and is committed to deepening partnerships with humanitarian, development, peacebuilding, security, and private sector actors to maximize impact on the ground.

The WBG partners at the country level by drawing on its comparative advantage as a development actor, enhancing the impact of operations on the ground in insecure areas, and ensuring effective implementation arrangements with third parties as needed. Some examples include:

Examples of multi-stakeholder collaboration include:

Operational partnerships such as the World Bank, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and UNICEF in South Sudan, through the 2019 Provision of Essential Health Services Project ensures provision of critical health services to vulnerable and marginalized communities in conflict-affected areas.

Conducting joint country-level assessments with the UN and the EU such as Recovery and Peace-Building Assessments (RPBAs)

Partnering with regional organizations that have the authority and capacity to address cross-border challenges, and expanding the engagement with civil society organizations (CSOs) with strong roots in their communities

The role of the private sector: IFC and MIGA

Only 1% of global foreign direct investment (FDI) goes to  fragile and conflict-affected situations  (FCS) countries. This means lower prospects for private sector-led growth needed to lift people out of poverty. In addition, in countries affected by FCV, a vibrant and inclusive local private sector can ignite economic growth, provide jobs and services, and stabilize societies. Recognizing that the private sector lies at the center of a sustained development in FCV, the  International Finance Corporation  (IFC) and the  Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency  (MIGA) are significantly expanding their efforts in this area.

Supporting stability and growth in fragile situations is a  top priority for IFC . Fragile- and conflict-affected economies need investments that will create jobs, spur economic growth, generate tax revenues, rebuild infrastructure, and create hope for their people. While every fragile situation has a unique and complex set of issues and the risks are high, there are ways for the private sector to help boost economic growth or support livelihoods.

IFC has more than doubled its investments in fragile situations during the last decade and has committed to 40% of IFC’s annual commitments be in IDA and FCS countries by 2030, with 15-20%  going to  IDA-eligible countries  classified as very low income and FCS.

From 2017 to 2021, IFC invested US$8.4 billion in countries classified as fragile and conflict-affected and very low income. IFC and the World Bank have also created initiatives specifically designed to support fragile situations. IFC has strengthened engagement in FCS through the Conflict-Affected States in Africa (CASA) and FCS Africa initiatives, and advisory support through the Creating Markets Advisory Window (CMAW).

IFC is also working in partnership with the World Bank, UNHCR, and others to identify  private-sector solutions and opportunities for refugees and their host communities  through creating jobs to boost access to finance and entrepreneurship; improving the delivery of basic services like education and energy; encouraging business-friendly policies in refugee-hosting areas; and sharing lessons learned while deepening partnerships.

In recent decades, foreign direct investment into developing countries has contributed to lifting billions of people out of extreme poverty. But investment often doesn’t flow into countries affected by fragility, conflict, and violence. These ‘FCV’ countries struggle to attract foreign capital because investors fear the worst: civil war, expropriation of assets, breach of contract, and currency restrictions.

Since 1988, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, a member of the World Bank Group, has been insuring investors against such risks. As of June 30, 2021, 12% of MIGA’s gross guarantee portfolio, or $2.7 billion, was in FCV countries.

MIGA also uses facilities such as the IDA Private Sector Window,  the Conflict-Affected & Fragile Economies Facility  (CAFEF), and the  West Bank and Gaza Investment Guarantee Trust  (.pdf) to help draw investors to difficult situations.

• Website: People, Peace, Prosperity
• Strategy for Fragility, Conflict, and Violence

A Look Around the Globe: World Bank Support for Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings

Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy, and Governance pp 1–6 Cite as

Power and Peace

• Md. Rafiqul Islam 2 , 3  
• Living reference work entry
• First Online: 01 January 2016

997 Accesses

Power: Capability ; Control ; Dominance ; Force ; Influence ; Strength

Peace: Balance of power ; Concord ; Development ; Freedom ; Goodness ; Harmony ; Human rights ; Order ; Social justice

Introduction

Throughout history, the concepts of “power” and “peace” have been dominating as well as widely talked topic in the academic and political arenas. Different nations in the long journey of history have showed consistent passion for seeking and exercising power. Human beings are equally peace loving and peace pursuers and, thus, have sacrificed a lot for the quest of peace. However, thousands of wars and an uncountable number of deaths have occurred in the different phases of history. For this scourge of wars and casualties, human beings have negotiated, compromised, and signed treaties between and among nations for establishing peace and security. This complex situation of wars and craving for peace have founded the concepts of “power” and “peace” across the disciplines, such as political...

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Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Md. Rafiqul Islam

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Islam, M.R. (2016). Power and Peace. In: Farazmand, A. (eds) Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy, and Governance. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31816-5_1385-1

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What’s the Relationship Between Peace and Justice?

“If you want peace, work for justice.” 

This famous quote comes from Pope Paul VI’s address for the Day of Peace in 1972, and touches on the important connection between peace and justice. As we are faced with many challenges that threaten peace and justice in our present day, the words of Pope Paul still ring out with the strength of truth.

We all want to see a more peaceful and just world, but what will it take to get us there?   A great place to begin answering this question is with a more comprehensive understanding of global peace and justice and their relationship to one another. 

Working toward Global Peace and Global Justice

Peace and justice are common words. We use them in our workplaces, in our homes and in everyday interactions. They help us to describe the state of our souls or to illuminate our sense of being wronged. Every human has personally experienced the meaning of these words through their sense of well-being or unease and anger. 

Peace and justice are also global words. They express something we look for in the world at large. We long to see them present in global economies and societies. We want the whole world to be at peace and the whole world to operate in justice.

Why do these concepts seem inextricably linked? Let’s explore the meaning and relationship between these key concepts and look at some of the ways peace and justice are violated in the world today.

What’s the Connection Between Peace and Justice?

The connection between peace and justice is intrinsic. Peace is an indication that the current state of affairs (interiorly in the case of a person’s mind or soul or exteriorly between peoples or nations) is harmonious and properly ordered. It is a state of tranquility, a sense that “all’s right with the world.”

Here’s how Pope Paul VI explains it :

“It is difficult, but essential, to form a genuine idea of Peace. It is difficult for one who closes his eyes to his innate intuition of it, which tells him that Peace is something very human. This is the right way to come to the genuine discovery of Peace: if we look for its true source, we find that it is rooted in a sincere feeling for man. A Peace that is not the result of true respect for man is not true Peace. And what do we call this sincere feeling for man? We call it Justice.”

According to Pope Paul VI, justice is a sincere feeling toward the other.

A nation with a sincere feeling toward a marginalized group living within its borders will not oppress, persecute or drive them out. A person with a sincere feeling toward another person will not steal from them, cheat them or spread rumors about them. People with sincere feelings toward themselves will treat themselves with respect and kindness.

By Pope Paul’s explanation, sincerity is something we owe each other by virtue of our worth as human beings. Any action or state of being that diminishes or does not recognize our human value is unjust.

How to Establish Peace and Justice in the World

When the state of the world feels uneasy, it can be difficult to know what to do or where to turn. Our own actions may not seem like enough, and yet—we are called to speak out against injustices in the world. There are many simple ways each of us can work to establish peace and justice in the world. Here are three simple things you can do right now:

• Speak out when we see injustices. Sometimes all it takes to begin building a more peaceful and inclusive society is one person who is willing to stand up for what is right.
• Take action to overcome our own barriers. When we treat ourselves with love and kindness we are bringing more peace into our own lives, which we can in turn share with others. 
• Offer up prayers. The power of prayer can change the hearts of people all over the world and bring them greater peace. It can also soften our own heart to be more attentive to the needs of our suffering brothers and sisters.

Prayer is the most powerful tool we have. It allows God to enter our heart and fill us with his love. Consider adding the following prayer into your daily reflections:

Prayer for Peace and Justice in the World

"Lord Jesus Christ, who are called the Prince of Peace, who are yourself our peace and reconciliation, who so often said, 'Peace to you,' grant us peace. Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice, and brotherly love. Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace. Enlighten our leaders that they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace. May all peoples of the earth become as brothers and sisters. May longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always over us all." —Saint John XXIII

Learn More About the Relationship Between Peace and Justice

Divine Word Missionaries work passionately to address issues related to peace and justice and to help those who are most affected by conflict. From our work fighting human trafficking to our work supporting migrants and refugees, we are confronting sources of conflict and attempting to bring true and lasting peace.

If you are interested in learning more about peace and justice in the world today, explore our  informative resource and discover facts about the state of global conflict. 

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The United States Today: A More Perfect Union Essay

Introduction, constitution and its main goals, the state of the union, the establishment of justice, domestic tranquility, common defense, promoting general welfare, securing liberty and prosperity, conclusions.

The United States of America is perceived by the rest of the world as a powerful and monolithic state, with far-reaching economic ties and strong national interests. As history shows, it was not always that way. Initially comprising of 13 member states, the USA was a conglomerate of different groups with varied prerogatives, beliefs, and interests. The purpose of the Constitution, as well as the bicameral system of governance, was to balance these interests while allowing the union to function. The globalization of the economy and the strengthening of ties between states slowly erased the distinctions between separate states. People started seeing themselves and each other as “American,” rather than Texan, Missourian, or Alabaman. The USA of today is different from what it was over 200 years ago. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the progress the Union made so far in relation to the six goals of the constitution.

The purposes of the American Constitution, aside from providing the framework of rights to govern the nation, also included long-term goals for statecraft. These goals are as follows (Sheldon, 2018):

• To form a perfect Union. This goal acknowledged the imperfections of the existing system and wanted for future generations to govern themselves better;
• To establish justice. The factual elimination of inequalities before the law;
• To ensure domestic tranquility. Prevent in-fighting among member states in order to ensure peace and prosperity;
• To provide common defense. Be capable of fending off existing and future enemies;
• To promote the general welfare. Improve the standards of living for all Americans;
• To secure liberty and prosperity. Ensure that the rights and liberties of Americans are not being infringed upon by anyone.

The existing state of the USA can be evaluated upon these 6 important criteria.

America is, arguably, more united than it used to be during the signing of the Constitution in 1787 (Sheldon, 2018). Much of this came from political, informational, and economic integration. The states used to be self-sufficient in terms of economy, and many people did not have much contact with other states due to the rigors of communication and transportation. Nowadays, all states are bound together through various socio-economic ties, the breaking of which would mean devastation for local enterprises (Nevitte, 2017). People from different states meet one another on the Internet, can travel by car, train, or plane, and can talk to one another over the smartphone. The distinctions between individual states and their people have thus become erased, and individuals have started seeing themselves as part of the American super nation. Although there have been calls for separation from various marginal political groups, these calls are unlikely to shake the status quo (Nevitte, 2017). Thus, the state of the Union is indeed stronger, and the likelihood of civil war is slim.

The American legal system has progressed in some areas while regressing in others. The major step forward in the history of American jurisprudence was the granting of rights to black people and women (Skrentny, 2018). Before that, only white men were capable of enjoying the full scope of legal protection available to Americans (Skrentny, 2018). At the same time, the war on drugs as well as discrimination of minorities by law enforcement agencies has proven that the establishment of justice has not been truly achieved. The US has the highest number of incarcerated individuals (over 1 million), topping China and Russia combined (Pound, 2018). Over half of these individuals were imprisoned over charges of possession and distribution of drugs. The issues of flat sentences and the disproportionate representation of blacks and Hispanics stand in the way of establishing true justice.

The issue of domestic tranquility is connected to that of establishing a stronger union. Without peace at home, a strong union cannot be established. The 18th and 19th centuries were notorious for their violence in the US, as the majority of Indian repressions, inter-state disputes, and the American Civil war happened during that time period (Shi & Tindall, 2016). However, the 20th and the 21st century saw the gradual resignation from large-scale violence. Rebellions were very few and small in number, while the majority of events took the form of protests and riots (Shi & Tindall, 2016). Nowadays, the majority of disturbances to the peace take the form of terrorist attacks and school shootings. Despite the tragedy of these events, they cause much less grief than a full-out war or rebellion. Based on these tendencies, it could be concluded that domestic tranquility in the US is stronger than it was.

The US has one of the strongest armies in the world, with the largest military spending, a vast arsenal of nuclear and conventional armaments, and over 800 bases in 70 countries of the world (Vine, 2015). The countries that the US borders are Canada and Mexico, both of which are incapable of threatening the country using military means. At the same time, foreign powers combined have less than 30 military bases around the world (Vine, 2015). None of them is in close proximity to the US, especially after the Soviet withdrawal from Cuba (Vine, 2015). Based on these factors, it could be concluded that the US achieved its goals in providing a common defense. It is virtually unassailable by any country using conventional means. While the prospect of nuclear warfare is present, that outcome is also unlikely, as the country has the means to assure mutual destruction.

General welfare is a contested subject in the USA. Many critics of the existing state of affairs point out that 84% of the entire US stock is owned by 10% of upper-class individuals (Gordon, 2017). There are also massive problems with medical care insurance, access to high education, and social mobility. At the same time, the overall standards of living and general welfare have improved greatly in the last 200 years (Gordon, 2017). Black people and women have acquired the rights they previously did not have as well as access to jobs, education, and other securities. However, the progress for the majority of American individuals is not as great as it could have been. With the welfare gap growing, it could be concluded that the US is largely failing at providing equally good access to opportunities and commodities for everyone.

Although the 19th and the 20th centuries have seen great strides in promoting liberty and prosperity for the underprivileged classes (women, blacks, minorities), the 21st century sees the infringement of some of the basic rights as defined by the amendments to the constitution (Skrentny, 2018). The state is becoming increasingly totalitarian in its attempts to undermine some of the important facets of the Constitution, such as the right to bear arms (2nd Amendment) and the right to privacy (4th Amendment) (Watt, 2018). The freedoms of speech are also being infringed by the State and certain political activist groups, who seek to prevent others from speaking their minds based on gender, race, and political affiliation. After the 2016 elections, the country has seen a significant decline in freedom of speech, but the tendency has been going on since as far as 2001 (Watt, 2018). To summarize, while the state of liberty and prosperity in the US increased when compared to 1787, that progress has the potential to be undone.

The USA of today is certainly a more “perfect Union” than what it was during the creation of the constitution. During the last 200 years, the state has become more politically and economically united, has achieved the status of world power, and has secured its borders against any kind of foreign intervention. Its citizens are (at least on paper) equal in the eyes of the law, no matter what race, gender, or social group they belong to. At the same time, there are significant challenges in regard to the liberty and prosperity of its citizens. The wealth gap is growing, the number of rights keeps shrinking, and the state has demonstrated repeatedly that it can take away anyone’s freedoms at any time it wants. Examples of these include the detainment of Japanese-Americans in 1942 and the subsequent witch-hunt on Arab-Americans conducted today. Nevertheless, there is still hope that through the actions of its people, America becomes a perfect union.

Gordon, R. J. (2017). The rise and fall of American growth: The US standard of living since the civil war . Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

Nevitte, N. (2017). The North American trajectory: Cultural, economic, and political ties among the United States, Canada and Mexico . New York, NY: Routledge.

Pound, R. (2018). Criminal justice in America . New York, NY: Routledge.

Sheldon, C. H. (2018). Essentials of the American constitution. New York, NY: Routledge.

Shi, D. E., & Tindall, G. B. (2016). America: A narrative history . New York, NY: WW Norton & Company.

Skrentny, J. D. (2018). The ironies of affirmative action: Politics, culture, and justice in America . Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.

Vine, D. (2015). Base nation: How US military bases abroad harm America and the world. Metropolitan Books.

Watt, D. H. (2018). Whose freedoms? Which religions? Journal of the American Academy of Religion , 86 (1), 248-252.

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Essay on Peace

500 words essay peace.

Peace is the path we take for bringing growth and prosperity to society. If we do not have peace and harmony, achieving political strength, economic stability and cultural growth will be impossible. Moreover, before we transmit the notion of peace to others, it is vital for us to possess peace within. It is not a certain individual’s responsibility to maintain peace but everyone’s duty. Thus, an essay on peace will throw some light on the same topic.

Importance of Peace

History has been proof of the thousands of war which have taken place in all periods at different levels between nations. Thus, we learned that peace played an important role in ending these wars or even preventing some of them.

In fact, if you take a look at all religious scriptures and ceremonies, you will realize that all of them teach peace. They mostly advocate eliminating war and maintaining harmony. In other words, all of them hold out a sacred commitment to peace.

It is after the thousands of destructive wars that humans realized the importance of peace. Earth needs peace in order to survive. This applies to every angle including wars, pollution , natural disasters and more.

When peace and harmony are maintained, things will continue to run smoothly without any delay. Moreover, it can be a saviour for many who do not wish to engage in any disrupting activities or more.

In other words, while war destroys and disrupts, peace builds and strengthens as well as restores. Moreover, peace is personal which helps us achieve security and tranquillity and avoid anxiety and chaos to make our lives better.

How to Maintain Peace

There are many ways in which we can maintain peace at different levels. To begin with humankind, it is essential to maintain equality, security and justice to maintain the political order of any nation.

Further, we must promote the advancement of technology and science which will ultimately benefit all of humankind and maintain the welfare of people. In addition, introducing a global economic system will help eliminate divergence, mistrust and regional imbalance.

It is also essential to encourage ethics that promote ecological prosperity and incorporate solutions to resolve the environmental crisis. This will in turn share success and fulfil the responsibility of individuals to end historical prejudices.

Similarly, we must also adopt a mental and spiritual ideology that embodies a helpful attitude to spread harmony. We must also recognize diversity and integration for expressing emotion to enhance our friendship with everyone from different cultures.

Finally, it must be everyone’s noble mission to promote peace by expressing its contribution to the long-lasting well-being factor of everyone’s lives. Thus, we must all try our level best to maintain peace and harmony.

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Conclusion of the Essay on Peace

To sum it up, peace is essential to control the evils which damage our society. It is obvious that we will keep facing crises on many levels but we can manage them better with the help of peace. Moreover, peace is vital for humankind to survive and strive for a better future.

FAQ of Essay on Peace

Question 1: What is the importance of peace?

Answer 1: Peace is the way that helps us prevent inequity and violence. It is no less than a golden ticket to enter a new and bright future for mankind. Moreover, everyone plays an essential role in this so that everybody can get a more equal and peaceful world.

Question 2: What exactly is peace?

Answer 2: Peace is a concept of societal friendship and harmony in which there is no hostility and violence. In social terms, we use it commonly to refer to a lack of conflict, such as war. Thus, it is freedom from fear of violence between individuals or groups.

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International Edition

Welcome to the United Nations

Rwanda's post-genocide lessons: we must speak out against discrimination and prejudice

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On 7 April, it will be 30 years since the start of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. To commemorate this anniversary,  Amb.  Ernest Rwamucyo , the Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the United Nations in New York, shares insights with  Africa Renewal’s Kingsley Ighobor  on lessons learned, Rwanda's remarkable economic growth and advancements in women's empowerment, among other topics. The following are excerpts from the interview:

The United Nations designated 7th April as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Can you share with us the significance of this date?

The date is significant because it marked the beginning of a tragedy of unimaginable proportions. When the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi started, within 100 days over 1 million Tutsis were massacred. 

It is now 30 years, but the memory is deep; the horrors that the victims and the survivors faced are still fresh. By remembering, we dignify those massacred and the survivors. 

It is also important for the survivors to reflect on the tragedy that befell them and their families. 

As Rwandans, it is a time when we call on our collective conscience to reflect on this tragedy and how we can rebuild our country. 

Over the last decade, in remembering we have focused on the theme,  Remember, Unite and Renew . 

We focus on how we rebuild afresh so that genocide never happens again. In renewing, we look into the future with hope. 

How do commemorative events here at the UN headquarters, back home in Rwanda and around the world, promote reconciliation? 

First, over a million Tutsis were massacred. By remembering them, we give them the dignity and the humanity that their killers denied them. 

We do that as a Rwandan society and as part of the international community. We share the lessons of that tragedy with the rest of the world in the hope that we can work to prevent future genocide. 

We do it with members of the international community to reawaken the world to the real dangers of genocide. 

Are the lessons from Rwanda on detecting the early stages of conflict reaching other countries?

We hope they do because the dangers are real. Any form of discrimination, prejudice, hatred, or bigotry can happen in any society, which is the beginning of genocide. 

We cannot be bystanders when there is discrimination or antisemitism, or when there is prejudice or hatred. 

How do you raise awareness internationally and among young people in particular? 

It is through commemorative and remembrance events. 

We also proactively engage our youth. For example, in collaboration with the UN, we host an event called  Youth Connekt , where we bring young people from different parts of the world to Rwanda to witness the country’s rebuilding efforts and how we are empowering the youth to contribute to the process. The aim is to promote peace and tolerance and to demonstrate that after tragedy, rebuilding a nation is possible through hard work. 

We emphasize that tolerance and peaceful co-existence is very important. We have also worked to empower our women to participate in rebuilding efforts. 

How does Youth Connekt impact young people in Rwanda and other parts of Africa? 

President Paul Kagame spearheads the initiative, and we partner with the UN. It started as a Rwandan initiative, but because of its potential to make young people creative and entrepreneurial, we have extended it to the rest of Africa and by extension the rest of the world. 

Young people come together to share innovative ideas; they come up with projects they can implement, and we give them access to opportunities and resources. 

They create technology-driven startups that uplift the welfare of societies. Some of these startups create significant jobs. 

What challenges have you faced in the rebuilding process and how have you addressed them? 

First, our society was traumatized by the genocide. So, we had to rebuild hope for our people. 

Second, genocide denial is a significant danger as it not only seeks to evade accountability but is also a process of continuation of the genocide. 

We have many genocide fugitives in different parts of the world, including in Europe and different parts of Africa, who have yet to face justice. We hope to work with the rest of the international community to hold them accountable so that the victims and survivors of the genocide can see justice served within their lifetime. 

Third, we face the challenge of hate speech. Sometimes, people fail to recognize the dangers posed by hate speech and discrimination. 

We are a developing country. We have worked to rebuild our country, including its infrastructure, but we still have a long way to go. A new Rwanda built out of the ashes of the 1994 genocide is a beacon of prosperity and hope for our people. 

When you say genocide deniers, are there people who believe genocide did not happen? 

There are people, especially perpetrators of genocide, who trivialize what happened or want to rewrite history. That is dangerous. 

Are you getting the support of the international community as you try to bring perpetrators to justice?

For sure, we get the support of the international community. Internally, we established a tribunal to try genocide perpetrators. 

We also had our restorative justice system, which is called Gacaca, aimed at using homegrown solutions to try perpetrators in a way that enables society to heal, while building a foundation of unity and reconciliation. 

Many individuals are being tried in other jurisdictions. Still, more needs to be done because thousands more are evading accountability. 

How is Rwanda achieving impressive economic growth despite the genocide? 

After the tragedy, Rwanda took ownership of its development strategy. We realized that Rwandans killed Rwandans. Of course, there is a long history before that: colonialism, bad leadership and bad governance. We could not allow our society to remain in the abyss of despair after the tragedy. 

Rwandans spearheaded the rebuilding of our nation based on unity, reconciliation, forgiveness, and the resilience that enabled us to pick up the pieces. 

We rebuilt our infrastructure and provided social protections to uplift the welfare of citizens. Today, Rwanda’s growing economy is creating wealth and prosperity for its people. 

We are building a new democratic society with functioning institutions.  

How does Rwanda address the challenge of high youth unemployment, often leading to impatience with the government, especially in post-conflict situations?

We are creating opportunities for young people. The Rwandan economy has been growing above 8 per cent over the last decade or so. We ensure that economic growth leads to poverty reduction and creates jobs and opportunities for young people. 

We have invested heavily in education, to ensure that our youth are skilled. We've also created a market economy that allows entrepreneurs to be innovative and creative. 

Rwanda has the world’s highest percentage of female parliamentarians, along with significant women representation in the cabinet. How do these factors impact economic development? 

Women's empowerment is at the forefront of Rwanda's post-genocide reconciliation and development. That our girls, mothers, and sisters feel included is something we are proud of. 

As President Kagame often says, no nation can develop if 50 per cent of its population is not included in the development process. It's for that reason that Rwandan women have been empowered and given opportunities to play a role in rebuilding the country. 

Women are well represented across our institutions—parliament, cabinet, local government, entrepreneurship, and other areas of decision-making in our society. 

The quality of women’s contributions and their level of engagement have been excellent. 

Rwanda is also a champion for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). If fully implemented, how do you think the AfCFTA can catalyze the African economy to benefit particularly young people and women? 

Africa has not optimized its full potential due to fragmented markets. We have some 54 countries with significant barriers to cross-border. 

The AfCFTA creates a market of over 1.3 billion people, with reduced barriers and free movement of people, goods and services. 

This will foster the growth of the continent, making it competitive in global trade. So, AfCFTA’s implementation is vital. We are already beginning to see some of the benefits. 

As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the genocide against Tutsis, what final message do you have for Africans and the rest of the world? 

One, don't be a bystander when you see any form of discrimination, bigotry, or prejudice. Because that could build into a genocide. You must speak out. 

Second, you have to address the root causes of conflict that might grow into a tragedy. For example, hate speech. 

Third, we have to build institutions that provide a voice for the people, accountability and justice. 

Lastly, we must build free and fair societies. 

The lessons of Rwanda should be taken very seriously. The tragedy that befell Rwanda could befall any country.

Also in this issue

Football saved me from genocide; now I promote peace with it

Kwibuka30: Learning from the past, safeguarding the future against genocide

REMEMBER.UNITE.RENEW.

Claver Irakoze: Bridging Generations Through the Memory of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

We must confront the legacy of slavery, tackle systemic racism

Reflecting on the brutal Transatlantic Slave Trade

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Water is an instrument for peace, progress and prosperity

Tackling water security in india requires a multifaceted strategy including individual acts, community involvement, as well as government policies, programs and regulations..

By Mansi Tripathi, Sahana V. & Alok Sikka

UN-Water has rightfully defined water security as the ability of a population to have sustainable access to acceptable qualities of and enough water for livelihoods, human well-being and socioeconomic development. Water security also ensures guaranteed protection against water-related negative externalities such as water pollution, water-borne diseases and water-related disasters for maintaining ecosystems in an atmosphere of peace and political stability. Water insecurity is a threat to the economy, society and environment. Water security is a catalyst for other forms of security, which eventually contribute to communities that are more resilient, peaceful and secure.

Water can be used to foster peace and harmony and lead to collaboration in various capacities by acting as a vehicle for peaceful coexistence and cooperation at both inter- and intra-country levels. The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) place a particular emphasis on global peace and justice (Goal 16) and the advancing of inclusive institutions, peaceful societies, and access to justice. Countries have also been urged to increase their commitments to utilize water as a major instrument for mobilizing other securities and promoting peace and cooperation in otherwise fragile or sensitive geographies.

Promoting water security in India

With only 4% of the world’s water resources to support 18% of the world’s population, the issue of water security becomes particularly precarious for India. The situation becomes even riskier with reliance on the monsoon, particularly now that climate change is altering hydrology. Therefore, it is critical to improve India’s water security by implementing more transparent, incentive-based systems, strengthening governance and finding sustainable financing for water infrastructure. Tackling water security in India requires a multifaceted strategy including individual acts, community involvement, as well as government policies, programs and regulations.

Along with its partners, IWMI has been actively working to create products that promote and contribute to the achievement of long-term water security. The essential elements of an agricultural revolution such as improving water use efficiency, utilization of climate-smart agriculture technologies and strengthening agri-product market value chains have made India an “agricultural powerhouse.” The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has also worked on enhancing economic water productivity in the canal irrigation system to assess irrigation performance and recommend strategies for improving water productivity.

Similarly, water accounting has been put into practice in the development of minor irrigation projects in West Bengal. Projects such as the Built Water Storage and Water Security and Climate Adaptation (WASCA) have helped in supporting water resource management planning for building resilience and achieving improved water security.

At the policy level, the IWMI-TATA Water Policy Research Program focuses on converting scientific research into actionable water, energy and agriculture policies. Co-creation of demand-driven policies with national institutions through  the CGIAR Initiative on National Policies and Strategies , is an effort towards systems transformation for a sustainable future.

Similarly, Solar Irrigation for Agriculture Resilience (SoLAR) project promotes sustainable solar irrigation while managing water, energy and climate interlinkages. In parallel, Solar Energy for Rural Livelihoods (SE4RL) has worked to catalyze and support improved decision-making in the process of scaling and mainstreaming the solarization of agriculture in India.

Research products like the South Asia Drought Monitoring System (SADMS) portal support drought risk mitigation and enable timely action by government authorities and development organizations.

Through the diverse lens of 11 bilateral projects and six CGIAR Initiatives that are now underway in 16 of the 28 states in India, IWMI is helping to ensure overall water security leading to peaceful cooperation and co-existence.

Water, peace and the way forward

It is in the global interest to safeguard and conserve water by acknowledging it as a vital resource and human right. Water cooperation can have a positive ripple effect. Collaboratively managing common water resources can foster relationships and avert disputes, underscoring the significance of sustainable and inclusive water management strategies. Local actors are crucial in identifying long-term solutions that support stability and peace. In the end, the stability of the world and the structure of our society depend on us realizing the power of water as a tool for peace, progress and prosperity.

About the authors

Mansi Tripathi is a Researcher – Resource, Recovery and Reuse, IWMI India. Sahana V. is a Researcher – Water Risk Modeler, IWMI India. Alok Sikka is the Principal Researcher and Country Representative, IWMI India.

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• World Water Day

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Essay on Importance of Peace

Students are often asked to write an essay on Importance of Peace in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Importance of Peace

The essence of peace.

Peace is a state of harmony, free from conflict and violence. It is crucial for the overall well-being of individuals, societies, and nations.

Peace and Individual Growth

Peace promotes individual growth. It allows people to focus on their goals, fostering creativity and innovation.

Peace in Society

In a peaceful society, people can live without fear. It encourages cooperation, leading to societal progress.

Peace and Nations

For nations, peace ensures stability and prosperity. It allows resources to be used for development rather than warfare.

In conclusion, peace is vital for personal, societal, and national growth.

250 Words Essay on Importance of Peace

Peace, often misconstrued as merely the absence of conflict, extends far beyond this simplistic definition. It is a complex, multifaceted concept, encompassing aspects such as social justice, economic equity, and political freedom. The importance of peace, therefore, is inextricably linked to the overall well-being of individuals and societies.

Peace as a Catalyst for Progress

Peace serves as a catalyst for societal progress. In peaceful conditions, individuals are better equipped to focus on activities that foster personal growth and societal advancement. Peace facilitates the creation of a conducive environment for innovation, creativity, and intellectual pursuits. It is the bedrock of thriving civilizations and the prerequisite for the evolution of society.

Peace and Social Cohesion

The role of peace in promoting social cohesion cannot be overstated. Peaceful societies are characterized by respect for diversity, mutual understanding, and tolerance. These elements are vital for fostering social cohesion, facilitating cooperation, and promoting harmonious coexistence among diverse groups.

Peace and Sustainable Development

Peace is integral to achieving sustainable development. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals underscore the importance of peace, justice, and strong institutions. Without peace, efforts towards sustainable development are likely to be undermined by conflict, instability, and social unrest.

In conclusion, peace is not merely desirable, but essential. It is the foundation upon which societies thrive, fostering progress, promoting social cohesion, and facilitating sustainable development. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the importance of peace becomes even more pronounced. It is our collective responsibility to promote and sustain peace for the betterment of humanity.

500 Words Essay on Importance of Peace

Introduction.

Peace, a state of tranquility and quiet, is a fundamental necessity for the existence and progress of any society. It is the cornerstone for the growth of civilizations, the fostering of innovation, and the nurturing of human values. Its importance cannot be overstated, as it is the catalyst for the actualization of the potential that lies within individuals and societies.

The Role of Peace in Individual Development

Peace plays a crucial role in individual development. It provides the conducive environment necessary for individuals to grow, learn, and reach their full potential. In a peaceful environment, individuals can focus on their personal development, exploring their interests, and cultivating their skills without the constant threat of violence or chaos. Peace, therefore, ensures the mental and emotional well-being of individuals, which is crucial for their overall growth.

Peace and Economic Prosperity

Economic prosperity and peace are intrinsically linked. Peaceful societies provide the stability necessary for economic activities to thrive. Businesses can plan for the long-term, invest in new ventures, and expand their operations without the fear of sudden disruption. Furthermore, peace promotes trade and international cooperation, which are vital for economic growth. Without peace, economic development is stunted, leading to poverty and a lower quality of life.

Peace as a Catalyst for Social Progress

Peace is indispensable for social progress. It fosters an environment where dialogue, negotiation, and consensus-building can take place. In a peaceful society, individuals can engage in constructive debates, voice their opinions, and contribute to the shaping of their communities. This participatory process is essential for the evolution of societal norms, values, and systems. Peace, therefore, is the bedrock upon which social progress is built.

Peace and Environmental Sustainability

The importance of peace extends to environmental sustainability. In times of conflict, environmental conservation often takes a back seat, leading to environmental degradation. Peace allows societies to focus on sustainable practices, preserving natural resources, and combating climate change. Thus, peace is essential for the survival of our planet.

In conclusion, peace is not just the absence of conflict, but a condition that nurtures the holistic development of individuals and societies. It is the backbone of economic prosperity, social progress, and environmental sustainability. The pursuit of peace, therefore, should be a priority for all, as it is the foundation upon which a prosperous and sustainable future can be built. The importance of peace, as highlighted, underscores the need for individuals, communities, and nations to work tirelessly towards its establishment and preservation.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Latitude varies from −90° to 90°. The latitude of the Equator is 0°; the latitude of the South Pole is −90°; the latitude of the North Pole is 90°. Positive latitude values correspond to the geographic locations north of the Equator (abbrev. N). Negative latitude values correspond to the geographic locations south of the Equator (abbrev. S).

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Elektrostal , Moscow Oblast, Russia

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Zelenskiy calls for operational changes to Ukraine military after sacking commander

President demands ‘new level of medical support for soldiers’ as questions mount over speed of counteroffensive against Russia

Volodymyr Zelenskiy has demanded rapid changes in the operations of Ukraine’s military and announced the dismissal of the commander of its medical forces.

The Ukrainian president’s move was announced on Sunday as he met defence minister, Rustem Umerov, and coincided with debate over the conduct of the 20-month-old war against Russia , with questions over how quickly a counteroffensive in the east and south is proceeding.

“In today’s meeting with defence minister Umerov, priorities were set,” Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address. “There is little time left to wait for results. Quick action is needed for forthcoming changes.”

Zelenskiy said he had replaced Maj Gen Tetiana Ostashchenko as commander of the medical forces.

“The task is clear, as has been repeatedly stressed in society, particularly among combat medics, we need a fundamentally new level of medical support for our soldiers,” he said.

This, he said, included a range of issues – better tourniquets, digitalisation and better communication.

Umerov acknowledged the change on the Telegram messaging app and set as top priorities digitalisation, “tactical medicine” and rotation of service personnel.

Ukraine’s military reports on what it describes as advances in recapturing occupied areas in the east and south and last week acknowledged that troops had taken control of areas on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River in southern Kherson region.

Ukrainian commander in chief, Gen Valery Zaluzhny, in an essay published this month, said the war was entering a new stage of attrition and Ukraine needed more sophisticated technology to counter the Russian military.

While repeatedly saying advances will take time, Zelenskiy has denied the war is headed into a stalemate and has called on Kyiv’s western partners, mainly the United States, to maintain levels of military support.

Ostashchenko was replaced by Maj Gen Anatoliy Kazmirchuk, head of a military clinic in Kyiv.

Her dismissal came a week after a Ukrainian news outlet suggested her removal, as well as that of others, was imminent after consultations with paramedics and other officials responsible for providing support to the military.

Meanwhile on Sunday, air defence units in Moscow intercepted a drone targeting the city, mayor Sergei Sobyanin said.

Sobyanin, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said units in the Elektrostal district in the capital’s east had intercepted the drone.

According to preliminary information, falling debris resulting from the operation had caused no casualties or damage, Sobyanin said.

• Volodymyr Zelenskiy

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