Peace March for the New Year: Würzburg starts a sign of hope!

Peace March for the New Year: Würzburg starts a sign of hope!

In 2025 it will be that time again: The Community of Sant'Egidio in Würzburg invites you to the traditional peace march on January 1st on the occasion of World Peace Day. The 59th edition of this important event comes at a time of global uncertainty, with many people concerned about the geopolitical situation. The peace march, whose main aim is to send a strong signal for peace and to reach out to the suffering countries, begins at 3 p.m. on the market square in front of the Lady Chapel. From there a procession runs through the city center, ending with an appeal for peace read out. In recent years, over 100 people have always taken part in this important event, showing their solidarity and commitment to peace in the world.

This makes it all the more important to raise voices for peace in a time characterized by trouble spots and armed conflicts. In addition, the international NGO HWPL also pursues the mission of developing a global culture of peace. The 11th annual commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace took place in May 2024, for which HWPL organized activities in around 50 countries that stood for more tolerance and reconciliation. A central motto of the event was: “Communication for a global citizenship of reconciliation and tolerance”. The variety of activities, from tree planting events to peace demonstrations, demonstrates how committed participants around the world are to supporting peace initiatives and promoting dialogue that transcends borders. The memorable event opened at the Peace Gate of the Seoul Olympic Park and called on people to actively work for peace, in line with the 2013 Declaration that emphasized the role of each individual.

The need for peace

The current global context is characterized by deep conflicts and armed conflicts that have taken hold in all regions of the world. The analysis of these conflicts clearly shows that they often affect the basic needs of the affected population. In peace education analyses, a distinction is made between positions, interests and needs. This makes it clear that sustainable peacekeeping requires a comprehensive understanding of conflict dynamics. The so-called conflict tree illustrates the causes and effects of the conflicts, while the conflict onion delves deeper into the interests of the parties involved.

The world is facing urgent challenges these days that demand solutions. Against this background, the peace march in Würzburg becomes an existential act of protest and hope. One can only hope that such movements will raise awareness of the need for peace. It remains to be hoped that the New Year's March will mobilize many people and encourage them to actively participate, not only in Würzburg, but also in other cities.

A careful look at current conflicts can help to better understand the dynamics and causes of suffering. The peace-promoting approaches and initiatives that are taking place in Würzburg and around the world make a contribution to reconciliation and promoting conversation that should not be underestimated. For all those who take part in Würzburg on January 1st, both as a sign of solidarity and as a contribution to promoting a more peaceful world, the Community of Sant'Egidio looks forward to many participants who want to make an example in this new year.

For more information you can visit the article Radio gong, Berlin news and Peace education BW read up.