UN Secretary-General Antonio Gueterres called on all warring parties to “silence the guns” and focus on the fight against an unprecedented pandemic. The UN warns that, in the worst public health crisis in history, we urgently need solidarity and cooperation between countries, generations and different economic sectors in order to win the fight against the virus.

In these difficult times of physical distancing, this International Day of Peace will be dedicated to fostering dialogue and collecting ideas on how to overcome this crisis and heal the planet and change it for the better. “Even though we may not be able to stand next to each other, we can still dream together,” says the UN.

On International Peace Day and on the 20th Anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325), Slovenia is raising awareness on the important contribution of women to peace and security. Peace is more likely in societies where the female participation rate is higher and where women can influence decision-making. Including women in decision-making and peace processes has had a positive impact on the prevention of conflicts, peace building and preserving security after wars end.

There is a lot of evidence that strengthening the role of women and gender equality is connected with peace and stability. In those countries where women are more empowered in various spheres of life, it is less likely that the crime and violence rate will be high or that the country will enter a war or that it will hold a bad place in the international community. Female participation is the indicator of peace in the world.