LIVING together in peace is all about accepting differences and having the ability to listen to, recognize, respect and appreciate others, as well as living in a peaceful and united way, according to the United Nations.

Humans cannot live alone; they need to exist within families, societies, and countries, cooperating without causing harm to one another. Although conflicts may arise due to differing ideologies and perceptions, it is essential for people to live in peace as part of fostering a harmonious society. Threatening others is one of the most dangerous actions that can break down society, while peaceful coexistence is invaluable in promoting unity among individuals.

The UN General Assembly, in its resolution 72/130, declared 16 May as the International Day of Living Together in Peace. This day aims to regularly mobilize the efforts of the international community to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understand­ing, and solidarity. It seeks to uphold the desire to live and act together, united in our dif­ferences and diversity, to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity, and harmony.

This significant inter­national day encourages countries to promote recon­ciliation, fostering peace and sustainable development. This can be achieved by col­laborating with communities, faith leaders, and other key actors, implementing recon­ciliatory measures, and en­couraging forgiveness and compassion among individ­uals.

The theme for the Inter­national Day of Living Togeth­er in Peace in 2025, observed on May 16, is ‘Accelerate Ac­tion.’ This theme emphasizes the need to accelerate pro­gress toward a gender-equal world, free from bias, stere­otypes, and discrimination. It calls for global efforts to foster a peaceful society for all inhabitants.

If peace is established in society, all residents will feel confident in their relation­ships with one another, free from anxieties and worries. Since peace brings happiness and safety, it is essential for everyone to take swift action to restore it, eliminating conflicts that never benefit society. They have to discard harmful activities against others, but prepare their mindsets to lend a helping hand to others.

Hence, everyone must cultivate patience, tolerance, con­sideration, sympathy, and compassion toward others in society, fostering peace. The International Day of Living Together in Peace is not only relevant to the international community but also to the people of Myanmar. They must do their utmost to restore peace in Myanmar by ending the various conflicts. By forgiving the faults of others, they, too, will find their own faults forgiven.