When you ask most people about world peace, they tell you that peace is among the most important matters on their mind and that we should all be concerned about it. But longing for peace is only the first step on the path toward making the world a better place for all people.
If we really wish to work toward achieving world peace we will first have to start with expanding our worldview about what peace requires from individuals, communities, and leaders of nations.
If we really desire a better more peaceful world, then we can start by accepting the fact that there are many barriers to peace. Through our actions every person has the power remove the road blocks to peace.
Responsibility
Knowledge has proven that human beings belong to one species with many shared common goals. We all have responsibilities toward one another. To treat others as we would like to be treated, to respect others as we would like to be respected, to empathize with others as we would wish them to have empathy for us.
When we treat one another with nobility and respect and remove all forms of discrimination, then we stand a strong chance of improving the human condition and moving the world to a better place.
Prejudice
Conflicts, violence and wars will not stop unless we work to eliminate our prejudices. As long as prejudices of race, gender, religion, nationality, politics and the like persist, so too will conflicts and wars. So long as we allow the spread of hate, false ideologies and conflict-ridden behaviors and attitudes that perpetuate racism, gender inequality, religious strife, polarization, and nationalism, we will never have peace.
Beyond individual efforts to promote peace, the leaders of the nations of world possess the positive power to collectively stop human suffering that stems from the shocking horrors of war.
Peace is possible?
Peace is impossible unless leaders of nations act in solidarity to guarantee the collective well-being and security, of not only their own citizens, but the citizens of all nations.
Peace is possible when we all take responsibility for the well-being, happiness, and prosperity of each other.
About the author
Professor Hoda Mahmoudi holds the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland. Dr. Mahmoudi develops a sound scientific basis for knowledge and strategies that explore the role of social actors and structures in removing obstacles to peace and creating paths to a better world.
For more information about Hoda: Bahá’í Chair for World Peace website.