Your Statement for the International Prize of Westphalian Peace
Peace is a big word, but it begins with small, concrete things: in our attitudes, our decisions and the way we treat one another. Especially in times of global uncertainty, every individual voice matters, every voice that speaks out about what truly counts. That includes yours.
What does peace need today from your point of view and from your perspective?
Become part of an international collection of voices for peace and understanding.
Partner of the Award of the Peace of Westphalia 2026
Statements on Peace
Kamil, 45
Slowakei
I believe that peace needs respect above all else. Respect is the foundation of living together in harmony. It does not mean that everyone must think the same way or share the same opinions. Differences will always exist. What matters is that we treat each other with dignity and keep moving towards a common goal: a better future for everyone.
Peace is not about always agreeing with one another. It is about respecting one another. When respect is present, we can find common ground, build cooperation, and learn from different perspectives. Even when people or nations choose different paths, mutual respect allows them to coexist without conflict. In my view, respect is the first step towards peace – in families, communities, and relationships between nations.
If we learn to listen, understand, and value one another despite our differences, peace becomes possible.
Peace is not about always agreeing with one another. It is about respecting one another. When respect is present, we can find common ground, build cooperation, and learn from different perspectives. Even when people or nations choose different paths, mutual respect allows them to coexist without conflict. In my view, respect is the first step towards peace – in families, communities, and relationships between nations.
If we learn to listen, understand, and value one another despite our differences, peace becomes possible.
David, 18
Deutschland
Peace is not only about countries and wars for me. For me it’s more about including people and giving them the opportunity to feel the joy of love. Also, not to exclude someone because of ethnicity or age. Peace is a powerful word; you can have peace with yourself, and you can give people the peace of making life worth it.
Maya, 18
Polen
What the world lacks most is tolerance, respect, and equality. Peace needs these values the most. People who think that their opinion and way of thinking are the most important and the only correct one often interpret these values in a wrong way. The world is becoming a place where peace of mind is very difficult to reach, and without it, a person cannot live in peace with others.
Darleen, 24
Deutschland
Peace to me means an absence of violence.
Wojciech, 22
Polen
For me, peace is firstly the state of the human soul. Without peace in the heart, one cannot bring peace into the world. Peace needs to be treated with respect - we must strive to maintain and cherish it. People nowadays lack internal peace, which leads them to create conflicts in societies and nations. If people would take care of their souls, then many of their conflicts would be easier to resolve.
Barbora, 18
Slowakei
Peace means to me the ability to find good in hard times and hold onto it. What peace needs today is people who are not seeking perfection but those who love and embrace imperfection and diversity. Because those are the ones who connect us. Peace is the ability to love unconditionally.
Angelina, 25
Deutschland
For me, peace begins with an open mind and seeing the whole person. An understanding of each other and helping people find their way in life. Being empathetic and trying to be the best version of yourself every day.
Claudiu, 24
Rumänien
As one seminarian said, „The world needs peace today because human prosperity can only be reached through peace. For me, peace isn't the absence of war, but a society based on justice and freedom. We need a global society that will respect the dignity of everyone.
Nina, 18
Kroatien
Peace is essential for humanity because it supports our mental health, well-being, and personal growth. A peaceful world is built on respect, trust, love, and understanding. Today, we need more kindness, mutual respect, and quiet so that everyone can live and grow together.
Markus, 53
Deutschland
Frieden braucht Demut — vor sich selbst und seinen Fähigkeiten. Und Frieden braucht auch Respekt anderen gegenüber.