Peace and Security

An illustration of a boy with a paper dove, a woman voting, a knotted gun sculpture, a peacekeeper, two flying doves, and a woman holding an object, set against a blue and yellow background.

Securing a peaceful future

Responding to a world in transition

A changing world demands a resilient response. The United Nations employs a diverse range of mechanisms and tools to prevent conflict, foster people-centered, peaceful resolutions, and build sustainable peace, including through diplomacy, mediation, disarmament, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, justice and the rule of law, to address the evolving threats to international peace and security.

An illustration of the lunar module from the window of apollo 11'

International space law explained

Can international cooperation keep space peaceful? We examine the challenges and opportunities for safeguarding space security.

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Basic facts about the global cybercrime treaty

After five years of negotiations, the UN adopts the world’s first global cybercrime treaty. What does it mean?

An illustration of young people engaging in acts of peacebuilding; one figure hodling a sign that reads 'OUR VOICES MATTER'; one figure painting a dove on a wall; one shouting into a loudspeaker; and one holding a sign showing an image with the meaning 'NO TANKS'

Youth, peace and security: a guide

The world is young – half its population is under 30. While many young people face uncertainty and conflict in today’s troubled world, a generation of changemakers and peacebuilders is rising to meet the challenge. Understand the power of youth to build a more.

A woman wearing headphones gives a thumbs up as she sits in front of a microphone

Beyond the airwaves

In UN peacekeeping operations, radio plays a vital role, connecting communities and sharing impartial news. Here are five examples of its impact.

Harvests globally have been decimated by extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, like the one pictured above in South Sudan. Credit: WFP/Gabriela Vivacqua

Climate, peace and security: what we need to know

Climate change affects us all, no matter where we live. It is particularly devastating for fragile countries and communities already facing conflict or humanitarian crises.

Fast facts

Watch and listen

Peacekeepers from Timor-Leste share their unique stories

Timor-Leste's transformation from peacekeeping recipient to contributor is a testament to the power of international cooperation and a beacon of hope for other countries striving for peace and security.

Read more

Voices for peace

A photograph of farmers in a lush forest standing in a line

Brewing peace: Former combatants transform Colombia’s coffee industry

In the quiet hills of Huila, coffee farms led by former combatants are becoming symbols of peace, resilience, and reconciliation in a region scarred by decades of conflict.

A photograph of a group of women, with the central figure draped in a colourful flag

Iraq: Rebuilding after turmoil

After ten years of violence, displacement and immense suffering under the Islamic State, Iraqis are fighting to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. From Sinjar to Mosul, here are their stories of hope and courage.

A photograph the UN High Commissioner for Refugees on a bus looking at the camera

Syria: Returning home

Hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees return home following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, looking towards rebuilding a country after more than a decade of war and uncertainty.

Key UN events

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International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness

5 March 2025

Did you know the UN’s first resolution was on nuclear disarmament? And that global military spending hit a record $2.4 trillion in 2023? Learn more about the why disarmament matters more than ever today.

illustration of colorfully dressed women looking to the right

International Women’s Day

8 March Feb 2025

Celebrated under the theme “For all women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” this year’s International Women’s Day marks 30 years since the Beijing Declaration—the world’s most progressive blueprint for gender equality—and 25 years since the adoption of the UN Security Council resolution on women, peace and security.

Illustration of a UN solider scanning a field for landmines

International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action

4 April 2025

Nearly three decades since the adoption of the landmark Mine Ban Treaty and the creation of the UN Mine Action Service, millions of landmines have been destroyed, but landmines—one of the most insidious and indiscriminate weapons of war—continue to claim thousands of lives every year.

An illustration showing four hands each holding a puzzle piece, coming together to form a dove of peace.

Latest News

A photograph of a person showing the back of their orange sweatshirt, showing messages against violence against women

Solomon Islands: ‘We deserve to be safe’

Globally, one in three women experience violence in their lifetime. Meet Rolyn who works as a team leader at a local crisis centre for women and girls facing gender-based violence in a country where the prevalence of violence against women is even greater.

Argentina: ‘Women’s rights are universal rights’

Irene Cari, an indigenous activist, is a leading voice in the fight against racist sexual violence and femicide. Her association offers crucial support to women and girls experiencing various forms of abuse, including sexual abuse.

Kazakhstan: ‘Together, we can transform society’

The tragic murder of his sister in 2023 by her husband became a catalyst for Aitbek Amangeldi. Driven by this devastating loss, he founded an initiative dedicated to supporting survivors of gender-based violence.

Events

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed. The international day marks the launch of the UNiTE campaign—an initiative of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence concluding on the International Human Rights Day.

Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare

The international day provides an opportunity to pay tribute to the victims of chemical warfare and reaffirm commitment to achieving a world free of chemical weapons.

International Migrants Day

People on the move are powerful drivers for development in both their origin and destination countries. The international day celebrates the contributions of millions of migrants worldwide.