Every May 16, the world is invited to take a collective deep breath. The International Day of Living Together in Peace is about more than just lighting a candle or reposting a quote on Instagram. It’s a call to reject division, celebrate diversity, and build a future where working together doesn’t feel like wishful thinking.
And while “tech” and “peace” don’t always show up in the same sentence (looking at you, algorithm-induced doom scroll), there’s a growing corner of the digital world that’s focused on doing some real good. This blog is our shoutout to the creators, platforms, and innovations proving that tech can, in fact, be a force for unity.
Let’s talk about the tech for International Day of Peace—and how you can actually get involved.
What “tech for peace” really looks like
No, we’re not talking about just muting notifications or setting your Slack to “away.” Tech for International Day of Peace goes deeper. It’s about using innovation to create spaces for empathy, resolve conflict, share resources, and amplify voices that usually get drowned out.
Some of our favorites include:
- Build Up – A nonprofit that works with communities to use technology, arts, and dialogue to prevent conflict and foster social cohesion—both online and offline.
- Amnesty International’s Decode Surveillance project – A citizen-powered research effort using tech to uncover global surveillance abuses.
- Shared Studios – Think Zoom meets diplomacy. Their “Portals” project connects people across countries to have face-to-face conversations in immersive, gold shipping containers. It’s weird. It’s beautiful.
These platforms aren’t just “nice ideas.” They’re solving real problems—whether that’s reducing online hate, increasing civic engagement, or helping displaced communities tell their stories.
Ways to celebrate this day, with a tech twist
The National Day Calendar site offers suggestions on how to celebrate like hosting a book club or listening with compassion, but let’s take it a step further and bring the spirit of peace into your screen time:
- Host a cross-border video hangout. Invite friends or coworkers from other cities or countries to share stories, playlists, or even just coffee over Zoom. Peace starts with connection.
- Try a digital detox—together. Get a small group to log off for 24 hours. Replace doom scrolling with journaling, a long walk, or literally staring at clouds.
- Use AI to learn instead of lurk. Ask ChatGPT to summarize a book on nonviolence or generate a list of peacebuilding organizations (locally or globally) to research and support. Let tech fuel your curiosity, not your burnout.
- Contribute your skills. Sites like Tech for Good or Catchafire match volunteers with nonprofits who need help—from data visualization to UX design. Perfect for GA grads. (Pssst. Check out our upcoming event with Catchafire on May 20.)
Why this matters (and why tech needs to step up)
Let’s be honest: the tech world has its issues. Bias in algorithms. Burnout culture. Platforms that somehow make us feel more alone. But tech also has the power to amplify movements, democratize knowledge, and build bridges in ways humans alone couldn’t scale.
This International Day of Peace is a reminder: we’re not powerless. Whether you’re coding, designing, analyzing, or just exploring what’s next in your career, you’re part of the future being built right now.
At General Assembly, we believe tech should work for all of us. That’s why we teach more than just hard skills. We teach ethical AI. Inclusive design. Responsible data use. Because peaceful tech doesn’t just appear—it’s created intentionally, by people who give a damn.
Want to be part of the change? Start here.
If today’s got you thinking about your impact, we’ve got some ideas. General Assembly offers hands-on, human-centered learning experiences to help you build tech skills that actually matter.
Start small with little to no cost:
Go deeper with:
- UX design short courses
- Data and coding bootcamps
Whether you’re training to design tools that foster connection or analyzing data to make communities safer, there’s a spot for you here.
Final thought: Peace isn’t passive
Peace isn’t just the absence of conflict—it’s the presence of justice, equity, and access. The best tech doesn’t just avoid harm. It actively works to repair, uplift, and connect.
So today, ask yourself: how can I use tech to show up for peace? And then, do that. And if we can help, we’d love for you to get in touch.