Is Positive Peace Possible? Exploring the Path to Lasting Harmony

When we think about peace, we often picture a world without war, without conflict. But is positive peace really possible? Is it more than just the absence of violence, or can we achieve a deeper, more meaningful peace in our communities and within ourselves? Let’s dive into this fascinating and crucial question.

What Is Positive Peace?

Before we jump into whether it’s possible, let’s first understand what positive peace means. Most of us are familiar with the idea of negative peace, which refers to the absence of violence or conflict. But positive peace goes a step further. It’s not just the absence of war; it's the presence of justice, equality, human rights, and the ability to resolve conflicts constructively.

Key Aspects of Positive Peace

Positive peace isn't just about ending wars or violence; it's about creating systems, relationships, and structures that foster well-being. Some of the key aspects include:

• Social justice: Equal access to resources, opportunities, and rights for all people.

• Economic stability: Fair distribution of wealth and resources, reducing the gap between rich and poor.

• Environmental sustainability: A focus on the health of the planet and its ecosystems.

• Strong institutions: Government and civil institutions that are transparent, accountable, and work for the public good.

I had a conversation with my friend Alex, who works in international development, and he said something that stuck with me: "Positive peace is the foundation of any long-term success. You can't build prosperity on injustice." That really hit me because it goes beyond just avoiding wars or violence—it's about actively creating conditions where people can thrive.

Can Positive Peace Be Achieved Globally?

You might be thinking, “That sounds amazing, but can we really achieve positive peace on a global scale?” Well, it’s a complicated issue. There are certainly many barriers, but there are also some encouraging steps forward. Let’s break it down.

The Global Challenges to Positive Peace

There are many challenges standing in the way of achieving positive peace worldwide. Some of these include:

• Inequality: As long as there is massive inequality in wealth, opportunities, and resources, true positive peace is almost impossible to reach.

• Corruption: In many parts of the world, corrupt governments and institutions perpetuate injustice and keep people trapped in poverty and conflict.

• Cultural and ideological differences: While these differences can be a source of beauty and richness, they can also lead to misunderstandings, tension, and even violence.

That said, it’s hard not to feel frustrated when you see so much injustice in the world, right? It can feel like an uphill battle, but the good news is that positive steps are being made in many places.

Examples of Success Stories

Despite the challenges, there have been some positive peace successes around the world. Countries like Costa Rica, which abolished its military and invested heavily in education and healthcare, have become models of peace and prosperity. The European Union is another example, where former adversaries built strong, peaceful relationships over decades, creating economic ties and shared values.

These are not perfect examples, but they show that progress is possible. After all, it wasn't so long ago that Europe was torn apart by two world wars, and now, it’s home to one of the most successful peace projects in history.

Positive Peace at the Local Level: Is It Possible?

While achieving positive peace globally is incredibly challenging, there is more hope when we think about it at the local level. Can communities and individuals work toward creating a peaceful, just environment in their everyday lives?

Building Peace in Communities

Positive peace starts with individuals and communities. Imagine neighborhoods where people actively work together to solve problems, create opportunities, and help each other. In many places, local peace-building initiatives are already showing how this can happen. Community-based projects focused on resolving disputes, providing education, and offering healthcare can go a long way in building positive peace.

I had an experience with a community project in my city, where local groups came together to help displaced families. The sense of cooperation, understanding, and mutual support created a peaceful environment that had a lasting impact. People from different backgrounds, religions, and economic statuses worked together to make their community a better place. It was a small-scale example, but it left me hopeful about what can be achieved when people genuinely care about each other.

The Role of Individuals in Positive Peace

On a personal level, you can contribute to positive peace through your actions. Simple things like being kind, standing up for justice, and helping others can create ripple effects. It may seem small, but when enough individuals act with empathy, fairness, and compassion, it adds up.

The Road Ahead: Can We Get There?

The road to positive peace is long, but it’s not impossible. There are countless organizations, communities, and individuals around the world working tirelessly to create a world where justice, equality, and peace flourish. Achieving positive peace requires not just the absence of conflict but a commitment to making the world better for everyone.

The Importance of Hope and Action

When I think about the future, I can’t help but feel a mix of hope and skepticism. The challenges are immense, but the power of collective action should never be underestimated. It's easy to get overwhelmed by the scale of the problem, but every small action counts.

I was talking to my friend Clara, who works with refugees, and she said something that resonated with me: "We might not see the world change overnight, but every person we help, every community we empower, is a step toward that bigger dream." And that’s what it comes down to, doesn’t it? Small steps, together.

Conclusion: Is Positive Peace Possible?

So, is positive peace possible? Yes, but it requires continuous effort, commitment, and collaboration from all of us. Whether on a global scale or in our local communities, building positive peace is about creating systems that support justice, equality, and well-being. It’s about making small changes that collectively add up to something much bigger.

The journey to positive peace may be long, but it's a journey worth taking. Are you ready to take that first step?

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.