While scientific and technological advancements continue, humanity has also woven a history of conflicts. Recent examples include the Ukraine conflict that began with Russia's invasion in 2022, the Sudanese Civil War that started in 2023 between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and the Myanmar Civil War, which has been ongoing since 2021 between the military and anti-government forces.

There are also numerous long-standing conflicts. The "India-Pakistan Conflict," which began in 1947 with the independence and partition of India and Pakistan, has involved multiple wars and regular military clashes. Similarly, the "Kashmir Conflict" over the status of the Kashmir region between India and Pakistan also erupted in 1947.

The period also saw the emergence of the Gaza conflict. After the establishment of Israel in 1948, three Middle Eastern wars broke out with opposing Arab nations. Even after the 1993 ceasefire, sporadic fighting continues with the emerging Palestinian faction Hamas. Additionally, the "Afghanistan Conflict," which began with the Soviet Union's invasion in 1978, has evolved through internal warfare, Taliban control, and U.S.-led intervention, continuing in various forms.

The backgrounds of conflicts are diverse. They can arise from differences in religion, ethnicity, or culture; dissatisfaction with governments; or disputes over territories and resources. For example, the Ukraine conflict stems from disputes over control of eastern Ukraine and the Crimean Peninsula, the Sudanese Civil War arises from political conflicts and military coups, and the Gaza conflict is rooted in territorial issues and historical antagonisms between the parties involved. The Myanmar Civil War was triggered by conflicts over democratization and the rights of ethnic minorities.

In the case of the "Colombian Civil War," which began in 1964, the conflict was sparked by a struggle between the government and guerrilla groups, as well as peasant movements seeking land reform and social justice. During the Cold War, ideological conflicts also emerged. When conflicts become prolonged, the underlying issues can multiply and become more complex.

Amid ongoing conflicts around the world, there are cases where situations have improved or conflicts have been resolved. The Colombian Civil War ended in 2016 when the Colombian government and the left-wing guerrilla group FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) reached a peace agreement, ending a conflict that had lasted for over 50 years. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2016 for his efforts to end the civil war.

The "Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict," which began during the Cold War in 1988, saw a temporary ceasefire in 2020. However, in 2023, a large-scale military clash led Azerbaijan to fully gain control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, bringing an end to over 30 years of conflict with Armenia.

The "Tigray Conflict," which began in 2020 between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), escalated into a civil war involving various Ethiopian states and neighboring Eritrea. However, in 2022, a peace agreement was signed, marking significant progress toward resolution with an immediate cessation of hostilities as a key element.

When a conflict becomes entrenched, such as turning into a civil war, resolution becomes difficult for the parties involved. In such cases, international mediation and diplomatic efforts play a crucial role in resolving the deadlock. For instance, in the Colombian Civil War, Norway and Cuba acted as mediators, opening new doors for resolution. Similarly, in the Tigray Conflict, South Africa served as a mediator, facilitating significant progress.

The Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict is an example where military action led to an improvement in the situation, but resolving conflicts through force is not advisable. This approach can lead to the involvement of other countries and potentially exacerbate the conflict. Historical conflicts such as the Middle East Wars, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War clearly demonstrate the risks associated with military action as a resolution strategy.

The United Nations has played a central role in the neutral resolution of international conflicts. A core mission of the UN is conflict prevention. In cases where military confrontations are avoided, the International Court of Justice, a related agency, also plays a role in promoting peaceful resolutions.
In 2005, the UN General Assembly and Security Council jointly established the "Peacebuilding Commission (PBC)" with the aim of achieving sustainable peace. The PBC proposes integrated strategies for post-conflict peacebuilding and recovery, providing support in countries like Liberia and the Central African Republic for peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts. We should first look to the activities of such international organizations with hope.

On an individual level, what can be done? Over the past decade, the proliferation of the internet has enhanced the power of personal information dissemination. Voices from citizens and journalists in conflict areas now reach us directly. Individual voices have the potential to influence public opinion and change the course of conflicts. Perhaps starting with small acts of support or information sharing could be a way forward. As a first step, I would suggest listening to global events and learning about conflicts.