Peace is a common good. Oftentimes it eludes us, in part because of our own actions and omissions. However, it is undeniable that peace has never been so coveted as it is today. 
While presenting ‘Our Common Agenda’, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres characterised our era as the “biggest shared test since the Second World War, where humanity faces a stark and urgent choice: a breakdown or a breakthrough”. The findings on progress towards attaining the sustainable development goals (SDGs) are instructive.  High levels of poverty compound already complex socio-economic realities, which outdated education systems cannot address. Food systems, unless transformed, will not allow us to eradicate hunger by 2030, leaving a projected 2 billion people food insecure by 2050. The Covid-19 pandemic exposed the fragilities of global health systems, underscoring the need for collective solutions. Gender inequality continues to hinder social progress. Essential services such as water, sanitation, affordable and sustainable energy, and decent employment, prerequisites for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, are moving backwards in relation to the SDGs and the aspirations of African Union Agenda 2063. Infrastructure for inclusive, safer, sustainable and resilient human settlements is lacking. We are experiencing unprecedented extreme weather events and climate patterns.On the peace and security front, multilateralism is evidently under severe strain. We are witnessing mistrust among nations and competition among great powers; a growing sense of global instability, turmoil and polarization; increasing militarisation; and flagrant challenges to the normative order and international law, including instances of disregard for the most fundamental principle of the territorial integrity of sovereign states. The institutions and mechanisms established to promote cooperation and understanding between states, and to prevent ‘the scourge of war’, have become inadequate, at times putting into question the viability of peace.On 22-23 September, the General Assembly of the United Nations will hold the Summit of the Future, designed to forge a global consensus on what our common future should look like and what we can do today to secure it. The summit will call for decisive action on sustainable development, financing for development, international peace and security, technology and innovation, youth and future generations, and transforming global governance. A peace, security and development nexus approach must be central to these efforts, to ensure peace, security and shared prosperity, rooted in the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. In a world in transition, expectations are high that the ‘Pact for the Future’ will reflect principles of unity, equity, inclusivity and solidarity, aligned with the realities of the 21st century, and where peace reigns.Strengthening preventive diplomacy for peace is essential. This requires making greater use of the United Nations as an inclusive arena for diplomacy; enhancing the Secretary-General’s ‘Good Offices’ role; strengthening collaboration between the United Nations and regional organizations such as the African Union; and building stronger national prevention strategies. Reforming the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, is also vital to make it more representative, agile, responsive, accountable and resilient, reinforcing its ability to facilitate a rules-based peaceful international order.The Secretary-General has also prioritised response to conflict, including through conflict prevention and management, peacekeeping and AU-led peace support operations, and addressing root causes of conflict. Innovative financing mechanisms for peace support operations are crucial, particularly in Africa, which faces significant vulnerabilities, to more effectively respond to evolving asymmetrical threats and a changing security landscape. This in turn should make the United Nations Security Council more credible since more than 70 percent of its agenda focuses on Africa. 
By adopting, in December 2023, resolution 2719, the Security Council provided itself another tool for a more tailored response to address peace and security challenges in Africa, through greater collaboration with regional intergovernmental bodies, notably the African Union, consistent with Chapter VIII of the UN Charter.
We are at a pivotal moment in global history, with a unique opportunity to make bold and more intelligent choices for future generations. The stakes cannot be higher. Sounding the alarm bell, Secretary-General Guterres stressed that “The world is faced with a stark choice: reform or rupture”, and warned that “it may be our last chance to act decisively and responsibly.”
On this International Peace Day, I echo the Secretary General’s call: Now is the time to re-embrace global solidarity and find new ways to work together for peace; …to renew the social contract between governments and their people within societies; …to rebuild trust in global institutions, and embrace a comprehensive vision of human rights where gender biases are eradicated and the promises of a world free from discrimination are realized; …to ensure young people and succeeding generations are change agents better prepared for the challenges ahead; …to build a stronger, more networked and inclusive multilateral system that is anchored within the United Nations and works for all of humanity. 

 This year’s theme for the International Day of Peace, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” emphasizes the importance of cultivating peace in the minds of people through both formal and informal education across countries and generations.To commemorate this significant day, the UN in Ghana partnered with the National Peace Council (NPC) and other stakeholders in a vibrant event featuring performances by musical bands from the various security services including the Ghana Prisons, Ghana Police and Ghana Immigration Service. Referred to as the Bands Competition of Security Agencies (BACOSA), these bands played to showcase the unifying power of music as a tool for peace. Their music was interspersed with remarks and statements from several dignitaries from the UN, NPC, Government of Ghana and Labone Secondary School. The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Charles Abani noted that “Ghana proudly stands as a beacon of peace and stability in West Africa, with a commendable history of democratic governance and peaceful transitions of power,” He highlighted the importance of vigilance in maintaining peace, noting that Ghana’s respect for the rule of law and human rights fortifies its role as a key player in regional democracy. Mr. Abani also underscored the vital role of education in shaping the values of youth. He called on all Ghanaians to pledge for peace before, during, and after the December elections. The Chairman of NPC, Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu Gyamfi said “Peace does not happen by chance; it is something that we must intentionally nurture and pass on to future generations”. Adding that, “peace is not a momentary event, but a continuous practice that must be cultivated daily, not just during election periods, but throughout every facet of our lives”. The Deputy Commandant at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Air Commodore David Akrong, stated that “Peace is invaluable, and to sustain it, we must cultivate a mindset throughout our engagement at all levels.” He recalled the legacy of the late Kofi Annan, who championed open discussions about peace, particularly on the International Day of Peace. There were solidarity messages from the Danish Ambassador, H.E. Tom Nørring and the South African High Commissioner H.E Grace Jeanet Mason emphasizing the importance of peace. Present at the event were members of the diplomatic corps, the security services, as well as students from Labone Senior High School. Prior to the main event, a peace walk through the Teshie township encouraged residents to pledge for peace before, during, and after the elections, amplifying the UN’s peace campaign - #IPledgeforPeaceGh.The Executive Secretary of NPC, Mr. George Amoh, encouraged students from Labone Senior High School, who participated in the peace walk, to be role models among their peers. “You hold the future in your hands. The actions we take today are the seeds for the future you want. Stay away from any groups that promote violence, especially as elections approach,” he advised.The District Commander for the Ghana Police Service-Teshie Ledzokuku, DSP Isaac Kofi Biri, reinforced this message, stating, “The peace we strive for starts with each of you. You must find peace within yourselves before you can share it with others.” 

As global leaders prepare to converge in New York for the Summit of the Future (SoTF) on September 22-23, 2024, Ghana is poised to make a significant impact on discussions for a sustainable future. This upcoming Summit builds on the momentum of the 2023 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Summit and aims to supercharge the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The SoTF presents a critical opportunity to enhance global cooperation, address gaps in global governance, and reaffirm commitments to the SDGs and the UN Charter. 
In preparation for the summit, the United Nations in Ghana, in collaboration with the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) and the SDGs Advisory Unit of the Office of the President, hosted a press briefing to update local media on the SoTF's objectives and Ghana's contributions. The briefing also aimed to dispel misconceptions, ensure accurate communication about the summit, and highlight Ghana's active role. 
  Addressing the media, outlined the SoTF's concept as a catalyst for achieving the SDGs by 2030 and creating the desired world for current and future generations.
"As a nation at the forefront of pan-African leadership, Ghana has always embraced its responsibility to contribute to shaping the global agenda. SoTF provides an unparalleled opportunity for Ghana to share its unique perspectives, foster collaboration, and engage in meaningful dialogue with international partners” he said. 
The Chairman of the NDPC, Professor George Gyan Baffour, expressed Ghana's eagerness to share ideas and contribute to finding solutions towards a safer, healthier, and more peaceful world. He highlighted that Ghana is focused on key priorities including climate change and human development. 
Professor Baffour emphasized, "We desire to increase African involvement in global decision-making, ensuring African aspirations and needs are brought to the fore as global leaders meet to shape the world's future." 
The briefing included interactive sessions with the media, urging them to amplify the messaging of SoTF.
Post-summit engagements for Ghana will include assessing participation and engagement strategies, preparing a summit participation report and disseminating outcomes and recommendations to relevant national stakeholders.
  

The Compact, with a commitment of $1.7billion in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) annually until 2030, Ghana has raised WASH to the highest political level to make WASH services accessible to all. It demonstrates the government's commitment to expedite access to WASH services across the country, and forms part of the government's commitment to improving public health and increasing climate resilience. The President of the Republic of Ghana, H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, signed this historic Compact at a ceremony held at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, 28 August 2024, one year after it was announced as a commitment at the UN 2023 Water Conference. The United Nations Resident Coordinator, ad interim, Ms Ifeoma Esther Charles-Monwuba signed on behalf of the UN and development partners.Speaking at the signing ceremony in Accra, President Akufo-Addo noted that "The journey on which we are embarking is built on the fundamental truth that without WASH services, sustainable development will remain an elusive dream. This Compact represents not the start, but the continuation and amplification of our efforts; a decisive step to ensure that every citizen, irrespective of their location or circumstance, enjoys sustainable access to these vital services."  Ms. Charles-Monwuba said the UN is “committed to leveraging our collective expertise, resources, and partnerships to ensure the successful implementation of this Compact.” She emphasized the need for the establishment of a National Sanitation Fund to support the National Sanitation Authority, an outcome of the Compact, which will support the government's efforts to eliminate open defecation by 2030. The Compact, the third of its kind in Africa, is the result of an extensive consultation process with government agencies, development partners, the academic community, and local civil society organizations. It is supported, under the Heads of State Initiatives, by the Government of the Netherlands, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, UNICEF, the Sanitation and Water for All partnership and IRC WASH. These partners will serve in an advisory capacity for the Compact's implementation, providing technical expertise and coordinated advocacy.Furthermore, Ghana's national climate strategy will now include building climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure and services, ensuring that the country is ready to address the challenges posed by increasing droughts and floods.