When the New Year came back in 1815 there was hope for an end to a war between the United States and Great Britain. Nobody in America knew at the time, but their wish would be coming true as a peace treaty was on the way by ship. The Treaty of Ghent, signed on Christmas Eve in Belgium, had ended the War of 1812.
When news of the treaty did arrive many weeks later it sparked relief, joy and major celebrations. The Connecticut Courant reported that in Boston there were bells rung, decorations along the streets and grand illuminations including the words “Peace on Earth, and Good Will towards Men.” The war had caused immense suffering for families especially along the border of the United States and Canada. Think of how terrified children must have been when forced from their homes during the war.
The Treaty of Ghent ultimately ended wars between Great Britain and the United States. Within several years the Rush-Bagot agreement between the two nations led to disarmament of warships on the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain.
As this New Year begins millions are hoping for peace in Ukraine, Sudan, Congo, Gaza, Burkina Faso and other conflicted affected areas. The toll of war is hardest on the children. One of the shocking tragedies of 2025 was that eight million babies were born into conflict and climate disasters.
“Every day, on average, an estimated 23,000 babies make their entry into this world in some of the world’s worst crises, born in under-equipped hospitals in health systems shattered by attacks and restrictions in places such as Gaza and Sudan, while mothers in places hit by floods and heatwaves are forced to make perilous journeys to seek a safe place to deliver, a huge risk during emergencies,” said Abraham Varampath of Save the Children.
Children in war zones are in danger of starving to death as there are extreme food shortages. In war-torn Sudan there is famine declared in many parts of the country.
We have to do more to stop wars that put children in danger, but also provide more humanitarian aid. One of the biggest tragedies of 2025 was the cutting back of humanitarian aid at the same time conflicts were escalating. The UN World Food Program, UNICEF, Save the Children and other charities do not have enough funding to reach all children in need.
Back in 1946, in response to the global famine threat left by World War II, a special effort was led by America to provide food for infants and mothers and school lunches for kids. One of the best American foreign policy achievements was how The Greatest Generation battled famine in the war devastated countries. We need to remember what it takes to build peace in this world and it starts with food aid for children.
Save the Children is asking leaders “to take urgent political action to address the conflicts and climate disasters that decimate health systems, uproot families and disrupt children and their mothers’ access to food, health and nutrition services.”
It’s important too that people realize that they can make a difference in building peace in this coming year. The key is speaking out about an injustice even if it is far removed from you. Children starving to death are often thousands of miles away. But you can do something about it when you speak in favor or humanitarian aid funding or hold a food drive. Tell your elected officials to increase funding for global food aid, especially for children. Funding should be increased for the Food for Peace program, which includes life-saving nutrition for children.
We hope and pray for peace in 2026. We can save many children and families from the horror of war and it starts with speaking up for the victims. Each of us can play a role in building peace.
William Lambers is the author of The Road to Peace and partnered with the UN World Food Program on the book “Ending World Hunger.” His writings have been published by the Washington Post, Newsweek, History News Network and many other news outlets.