This Sunday, September 21, the world celebrates the International Day of Peace.
This year, the United Nations is observing the day with a timely call to action: Act Now for a Peaceful World.
As the U.N. theme reflects, this is a crucial time to raise our voices – not just against war and militarism, but for peace and our work to build it.
This year’s International Day of Peace comes as militarism is surging in the United States and governments around the world are spending record sums on their militaries.
War is not the answer.
As U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said, “The evidence is clear: excessive military spending does not guarantee peace.” Instead, “It often undermines it – fueling arms races, deepening mistrust, and diverting resources from the very foundations of stability.”
True security requires investing not in weapons, but in solutions that address the root causes of conflict and instability — like poverty, inequality, and climate disruptions.
As Guterres explains: “When people’s lives improve, when they have access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities and when they can live lives of dignity and self determination, we will have more peaceful societies and a more peaceful world.”
That’s why we have long advocated for increasing investments in this vital peace building work through U.S. foreign assistance and development programs. As FCNL’s Ursala Knudsen-Latta explained, “foreign assistance is not just charity or a moral good,” but a cost-effective, “strategic investment” in both U.S. national security and global stability.
Tragically, this work of building peace is under grave threat. Over the last year, the Trump administration has dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and has rescinded billions of dollars for foreign assistance.
Now, Congress is debating spending legislation that would further cut foreign assistance while directing more than $1 trillion to the military.
Building a more peaceful world is not just a dream. It is within our grasp. On this International Day of Peace, join people around the globe in acting for peace by urging your members of Congress to invest in aid, not more bombs.
Elsewhere
U.S. Continues Illegal Attacks on Venezuelan Boats
The U.S. bombed another civilian boat in the Caribbean this week, killing three more people under the guise of combating drug trafficking. U.N. experts condemned the strike, pointing out: “International law does not allow governments to simply murder alleged drug traffickers.”
Congress must exert its authority to push back against this illegal use of military force. Senators Adam Schiff (CA) and Tim Kaine (VA) have introduced a War Powers Resolution to stop these strikes and the premeditated killing of criminal suspects.
Demand your senators support this resolution and stop murder on the high seas!
As Israel Invades Gaza City, U.S. Opposition Continues
The Israeli military has increased operations in Gaza City, displacing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians again and worsening the humanitarian disaster there.
People of faith joined together in a vigil outside of FCNL’s office to call for an urgent ceasefire and an end to the war.
In Congress, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-7) introduced an amendment which would restrict U.S. weapons to Israel over its violations of human rights. Senator Peter Welch (VT) attempted to pass a resolution calling for an end to the war, a release of the hostages, and a rush of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
As Sen. Welch put it, “This resolution is going to be rejected today… But we can’t reject the facts. Because the facts won’t be rejected in the history books.”
Authoritarian Threats Following Charlie Kirk’s Murder
Following Charlie Kirk’s horrific murder, President Donald Trump and others in his administration have threatened to attack liberal organizations, accusing them without evidence of fostering violence. They have also threatened to take legal action against people over comments related to Kirk’s death.
This is wrong and alarming. Kirk’s murder must not be used as a pretext to target political opponents and erode civil liberties.
Our democracy only works when people engage through organizing and conversation.
