Can we end war and violent conflict? People fight for many reasons. Some fight for political,

economic, or social change. Others fight to gain control over land and natural resources. Many conflicts

are fueled by long-standing ethnic or religious differences.

What is being done to stop the fighting and to achieve peace?

Can we expect these efforts to succeed?

The picture shows a torn photograph of construction workers in a building that is under construction,

discussing the project.

Economic Development workers in a building that is under construction, discussing the project. Economic development.

Goal. Improve the quality of life for people.

This can help eliminate or reduce economic inequality, which can be a key driver of conflict.

Limitation. Requires governments to change their spending

priorities. In 2022, an estimated $34.1 billion U.S. was spent worldwide on peace building and

peacekeeping. However, that was only 0.4% of military spending for that same year.

We spend much more money and resources managing conflicts than on preventing them and building peace.

Antonio Gutierrez, Secretary General of the United Nations.

What the Bible says,

The world's governments and institutions can help the poor,

but they will never be able to eliminate poverty completely.

Deuteronomy 1511 and Matthew 2611.

The picture shows a torn photograph containing two hands shaking in agreement.

Diplomacy

Goal. Prevent or settle disputes peacefully through dialogue and negotiation to the mutual advantage of both sides.

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