Zenite Writing Challenge — November 2023

Give peace a chance: A call for solidarity in a post-pandemic world

Rui Alves
ZENITE
3 min readNov 5, 2023

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Hands painted as a world map with a clouded sky in the back and white doves flying.
Image by NoName_13 on Pixabay

I have been giving a lot of thought to the idea behind this age of infinite loneliness humanity is facing.

So, during the month of November, Zenite invites you to step into a new age marked by unprecedented challenges and global uncertainties. A time when the need for unity and solidarity has never been greater.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our lives and tested our resilience, leaving in its wake not only the physical toll of the virus but also a profound sense of disconnection.

I feel the values of solidarity and humanity have been overshadowed by conflicts and crises, creating an urgent need to rekindle the flames of hope, peace, and unity.

The loneliness of a forgotten humanity

We are living in an era of profound loneliness, but it’s not merely a result of isolation caused by the pandemic.

This is a deeper sense of solitude stemming from the erosion of fundamental values that bind us as a global community.

For me, it’s like somehow the core tenets of humanity, solidarity, and empathy have been overshadowed by conflicts and divisions, leading to a crisis of humanity in the so-called new post-COVID reality.

The current landscape

The post-pandemic world presents us with a disheartening tableau of conflicts and crises that demand our attention and action.

Recent events, such as the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, underline the urgent need to restore the values of peace and solidarity.

Every time I take time to think about it, I realize that while we face different challenges, our shared humanity should always be at the forefront.

November writing challenge: “Give Peace a Chance”

This November, as the United Nations observes a month of solidarity, we invite you to participate in the Zenite writing challenge, “Give Peace a Chance.”

We believe that words have the power to inspire change, and it’s through our collective voices that we can rekindle the spirit of solidarity and peace.

Challenge ideas:

  • The art of inner peace
  • Peacebuilding in a divided world
  • War and peace through the ages
  • Paths to world peace: Diplomacy and conflict resolution
  • The power of words: speeches for peace
  • Personal stories of peace activism
  • Teaching peace: Education and conflict resolution
  • Peace in times of crisis: Responses to global challenges

Contribute your article to the Zenite publication with the tag

Give Peace a Chance.

The power of words

I believe our writing has the potential to ignite conversations, promote understanding, and inspire positive change.

I encourage you to join hands in a writing chain. Join us, and you are contributing to a shared vision of a more peaceful and united world.

As John Lennon once said, “Give peace a chance.”

Help us give peace not just a chance but a resounding voice.

Together, we can make a difference and rekindle the values of solidarity and humanity in a world that desperately needs them.

Join us, and let’s create a better world for everyone.

It’s time to give peace a chance.

Source: YouTube

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Rui Alves
ZENITE
Editor for

Language teacher, linguist, coach, published author, editor, and international nonfiction book awards judge. Digital ronin, musician, and alchemist of sound.