Absence Quote by Noeleen Heyzer
“Peace is the absence of war, but beyond that peace is a commodity unlike any other. Peace is security. Peace is a mindset. Peace is a way of living. Peace is the capacity to transcend past hurts - to break cycles of violence and forge new pathways that say, I would like to make sure we live as a community where there is justice, security, and development for all members. At the end of the day, peace is an investment; it is something you create by investing in a way of life and monitoring where your resources go.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: UN Development Programme, 2018
Peace is portrayed as a multidimensional asset encompassing security, mindset, and societal investment, essential for justice and development.
In simple terms: Peace is a valuable, holistic investment for society.
Invest in peace through inclusive policies.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- national policy
- community building
- post‑conflict reconstruction
- education programs
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can resources be allocated to sustain peace?
- What role does mindset play in peacebuilding?
Peace alone cannot prevent conflict without addressing underlying inequalities.