This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, founded in 1945 to prevent another world war and promote global peace. Melissa Fleming, UN under-secretary-general for global communications, highlights a sobering reality: one quarter of humanity now lives in conflict zones, while 20 percent of children are affected by war, and global military spending far outpaces investment in peace. Amid funding cuts to UN agencies and humanitarian programs, she calls on the world to defend common values, uphold the rule of law and protect the most vulnerable. On this milestone, Fleming reminds us that peace is never guaranteed – it must be built, protected and renewed for today's and future generations.