International Day of Peace 21 September 2026
Doyens of Peace of Southasia – International Day of Peace
Message for Students- Youth- Members of Public
To be read out at School and College Assemblies and Community Gatherings
21st September 2026
Youth Across Borders: Building a Peaceful and Prosperous South Asia
South Asia is home to more than one-fourth of humanity, sharing ancient cultures, languages, rivers, mountains, music, food and family histories. Yet our region has also suffered from wars, terrorism, communal and ethnic violence, political tensions and mistrust.
Some conflicts are between countries—including tensions between India and Pakistan, India and China, and disputes and political tensions involving Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and others.
Some conflicts occur within countries, including ethnic, religious, political and regional violence.
Many challenges are common across the region: poverty and inequality, unemployment, discrimination, extremism, climate change, disasters, water stress, migration and the spread of hate and misinformation.
But young people can help change this story.
Youth across South Asia can:
1. Build friendships across borders through student exchanges, sports, music, art, literature and online cultural programmes.
2. Reject hatred against people because of their religion, ethnicity, nationality, language or political beliefs.
3. Question stereotypes and verify information before sharing inflammatory messages on social media.
4. Work together on common challenges such as climate change, clean water, education, public health, poverty and disaster relief.
5. Learn about the histories and experiences of neighbouring countries from multiple perspectives.
6. Support dialogue rather than violence, and encourage governments and communities to resolve disputes peacefully.
7. Create Southasian networks of students and young professionals committed to peace, democracy, human rights and sustainable development.
We may belong to different countries, but the problems of Southasia do not stop at national borders.
Rivers cross borders. Climate change crosses borders. Pollution, pandemics, poverty and misinformation cross borders. Therefore, our solutions must also cross borders.
The youth of Southasia can choose to inherit the conflicts of the past
Or build the cooperation for a collective and prosperous future.
PLEDGE
On this International Day of Peace, 21st September 2026, We, the Youth of Southasia, Pledge:
1. To respect every religion, culture, language, ethnicity and nationality of our region.
2. To reject hatred, prejudice, discrimination and violence in all their forms.
3. To question stereotypes and never spread unverified information or hate on social media.
4. To build friendships and cooperation with young people across Southasian borders.
5. To promote dialogue and peaceful solutions to conflicts between and within our countries.
6. To work together on shared challenges—poverty, inequality, climate change, disasters and unemployment.
7. To celebrate our diversity while recognising the common hopes and aspirations of all Southasians.
8. To use education, technology, art, sport and culture as bridges of friendship and understanding.
9. To make our generation a force for peace, cooperation and shared prosperity across Southasia.
Together, We Pledge to make Southasia a Region of
Peace, Friendship, Dignity and Opportunity for All
Please visit: www.peacedoyens.org