Since 1981, September 21 has been designated as International Peace Day by the United Nations. This day is dedicated to promoting peace throughout the world and ending violence and conflict.
For some, “peace” is a word from school textbooks.
But for me, a Ukrainian woman and mother who left her home because of the war, peace is something completely different.
Peace is when children can sleep peacefully, without the sound of sirens.
Peace is when I can plan for tomorrow without fear that it will not come.
Peace is when there are people around who support you, even if they are from another country or speak a different language.
Here in Germany, I see how different communities strive together to live in safety, learn, develop, and build a future. And there is great strength in that.
But what does peace mean to others? I asked people from different countries and generations — their answers became a real mosaic of opinions.
Children's voices. Children's words are particularly touching. They speak simply but accurately:
“Peace is when you can laugh,” Malika, 10, Afghanistan.
“Peace is when everyone accepts each other,” Amina, 11, Iraq.
“Peace is when you don't have to be afraid,” Timofey, 14, Ukraine.
“Peace is when we are all together at home,” Lukas, 12, Germany.
“Peace is when you don't have to fight,” Sashko, 13, Ukraine.
Listening to them, you realize that peace begins with simple things — with our ability to be there for each other, to support, help, and dream together.
Voices of adults
Mahmud, Turkey, 42: “Frieden ist der Atem der Seele — freedom is the breath of the soul.” He found peace in Germany after the darkness of his homeland.
Mariana, Ukraine, 35: “For me, peace is the victory of good over evil,” dreaming of clear skies and the loud laughter of her whole family on Easter in Kyiv.
Natalia, Ukraine, 55: “It is peace in your heart when you can simply enjoy life.”
Katherine, Germany, 60: “Frieden is not only the absence of war, but also the willingness to forgive and take responsibility for one another.”
Jürgen, Germany, 58: “Peace begins with me,” he believes, because harmony with the world is impossible without inner peace.
Dmytro, Ukraine, 45: “True peace will only come when justice is restored. I will be able to plan for the future again when the aggressor is held accountable for what they have done.”
Herman, Germany, 65: He recalls the words of Cicero: “Even the worst peace is better than the most just war,” but adds that for the sake of peace, one must sometimes prepare for defense.
Victoria, Ukraine, 42: “Peace means different things to different people. For the aggressor, it may just be a respite. For the victim, it means protection and justice. For me, peace means Russia's defeat and guarantees of lasting peace.”
Maher, Iraq, 40: “Peace arises when everyone fears each other and therefore avoids war — a balance of fear. If the weak cannot restrain the strong, it is not peace, but the power of one over the other. But peace is also the joy of simple actions and living without fear for your family.”
Volunteers: they have become the living embodiment of peace: “Peace is daily actions: helping, supporting, restoring, creating a safe environment, and even just listening or talking to people about their families, dreams, and a happy future.”
Germans: In Germany, the attitude towards peace has a special context: the great-grandfathers and grandfathers of modern Germans lived through World War II and, as a result, came to understand the principle of “never again.” Many Germans understand peace as harmony, trust, and cooperation, and that it requires active work to maintain it, protect human rights, and help victims of conflict.
Women: Peace means security, freedom of choice, and a life without fear. Their voices combine personal experience with a common desire for justice. The peace we seek is not just silence on the battlefield. It comes through justice, diplomacy, and moral action.
Conclusion: Each story sounds different, but they all share one idea: peace is not a given, but a value that we fight for every day.
For those of us who live far from our homeland, but whose homeland is currently experiencing war, this news is particularly painful. At the same time, it reminds us that we live in a dual world: there is war, pain, and destruction, and here there is peace, everyday joys, and opportunities.
Unfortunately, conflicts continue in many countries: Ukraine, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and others. For migrants, every message from home evokes mixed feelings — sadness and gratitude, pain and hope.
May this day, September 21, remind us that peace is a joint effort and worth every effort.
I gratefully accompany this article with a collage by Ukrainian artist Viktoria Bartosh, which reflects our reality: war in some places, peace in others — a contrast that makes you think.
Autor: Maryna Bets
