Essay Writing Guide

4 July 2023

September 21 marks the International Day of Peace (IDP), established in 1981 by the UN General Assembly. The IDPs theme for this year is "Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals." In 2022, the theme focused on "End Racism, Build Peace."

On June 13, 2023, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a 100-Day Countdown Message for the IDP 2023, urging the international community, governments, and especially youth to participate in the 100-day campaign.

2023 serves as the midpoint of the UNs 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs were adopted on September 25, 2015, by the UN General Assembly for a 15-year implementation period from 2016 to 2030. The 2030 Agenda comprises five pillars: economic development, social development, environment, governance, and international cooperation, often referred to as the 5Ps - People, Prosperity, Planet, Peace, and Partnership. The SDGs consist of 17 goals and 169 targets.

The UN will hold its second SDGs Summit in New York on September 18-19, 2023, to assess progress and plan for accelerating the SDGs in the remaining 7/8 years from 2023/24 to 2030 during the week of the IDP. The first SDGs Summit took place in 2019, four years ago, just before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948. Additionally, it commemorates the 25th anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, adopted in 1998 on the 50th anniversary of the UDHR. The UN emphasizes the importance of civic space and the role of human rights defenders, particularly youth, in promoting peace and advancing the SDGs.

Participants of the Youth Peace Challenge (YPC) are encouraged to read the UNSGs 100-Day Countdown message and related documents, and compose an essay reflecting on their actions, plans, and aspirations according to the provided guidelines.

Guiding Questions

-        Between 500 and 2,000 words for each guiding question

Introduction

①      Why did you become interested in the UN International Day of Peace (IDP), specifically the Youth Peace Challenge (YPC), this year and what sparked your interest?

Main Body

②      Select the most pressing challenge or problem related to peace within your community, country, or the global village, and explain why it holds significance.

③      Choose one article from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and discuss the issues surrounding it within your community, country, or the global village.

④      Please select one goal or target from the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets, and explain your personal or collective engagement in working towards achieving it.

⑤      The 2030 Agenda emphasizes the interlinkage and synergy between peace, SDGs, and human rights. Explain how they are interconnected and mutually reinforcing by providing a case study from your community, country, or global village.

⑥      To prepare and practice for the 2023 International Day of Peace (IDP) more meaningfully, suggest concrete and feasible policies or activities for your community, country, or the global village.

Conclusion

⑦      What lessons have you learned and what major findings have you discovered through this essay writing in relation to your understanding and involvement with peace, SDGs, and/or human rights?

Guideline