Celebrating unity and peace 
With Saudi National Day on Sept. 23 and International Peace Day on Sept. 21 occurring so close to each other, we have a unique opportunity to reflect on Saudi Arabia’s role in fostering peace both within its borders and on the global stage.
Saudi National Day commemorates the unification of the Third Saudi State by King Abdulaziz in 1932, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. This day celebrates the themes of unity, stability, and peace that have become hallmarks of Saudi society.
The consolidation of diverse regions into a cohesive nation has not only brought internal stability but has also contributed significantly to regional peace. By fostering a strong, unified country, Saudi Arabia acts as a powerful force for growth and development throughout the Middle East and North Africa region.
Meanwhile, International Peace Day, established by the UN, serves as a global call to non-violence and peace-building activities worldwide. This day resonates deeply with Saudi Arabia’s national values, encouraging cooperation and dialogue among equal partners.
As we observe both Saudi National Day and International Peace Day, we are reminded of the shared ideals of unity and peace. These observances encourage a continued commitment to fostering harmony within nations and across borders, offering hope for a more peaceful future for all.
Historically, Saudi Arabia has played a crucial role in facilitating peace through dialogue in the region. A notable example is the Taif Agreement of 1989, which effectively ended the Lebanese Civil War, the historic Red Sea Accord signed in Jeddah in 2018 between Ethiopia and Eritrea, mediated through Saudi Arabia’s peacemaking efforts, and most recently, the Riyadh Accord in 2019.
Saudi Arabia has time and again acted as a force against extremism and worked with international coalitions and multilateral organizations against violent groups and actions.
The Kingdom has also provided substantial humanitarian aid to conflict zones and fragile states and actively collaborates with international organizations dedicated to promoting peace and stability.
As we observe both Saudi National Day and International Peace Day, we are reminded of the shared ideals of unity and peace. These observances encourage a continued commitment to fostering harmony within nations and across borders, offering hope for a more peaceful future for all.
In honor of these important occasions, I encourage all to consider the intertwined themes of national unity and international harmony!
• Abeer S. Al-Saud is an op-ed writer for Arab News, exploring development, peace and cultural topics. The views expressed in this piece are personal. X: @abeeralsaud.
