International Day of Peace

Painting by children

International Peace Day Concert @ Amsterdam Ziggo Dome - 21 Sep 2014 - Photo by Persian Dutch Network

International Peace Day ceremony, Gandhi Bhawan, Bhopal

Toretsk after shelling on 2022-09-22 (01)

International Day of Peace, also known as Peace Day, is observed around the world on September 21. The day is dedicated to promoting peace among nations and peoples and recognizing the efforts of those who have worked to end conflict and promote peace. It is a day of ceasefire and non-violence through various means, including education and public awareness on issues related to peace.

History

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 36/67. The resolution declared that the International Day of Peace would be observed on the third Tuesday of September each year, coinciding with the opening session of the General Assembly. In 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire and changed the date to September 21, making it a fixed date.

Observance

The day is observed by many nations, political groups, military groups, and peoples. To commemorate the day, various events are organized worldwide, including educational talks, conferences, workshops, concerts, and a minute of silence at noon across all time zones. The United Nations plays a significant role in coordinating events for the day and often has a theme for each year's observance to highlight specific areas of concern or interest in the realm of peace.

Themes

Each year, the International Day of Peace is marked with a specific theme chosen by the United Nations. These themes reflect the organization's focus on fostering peace in various contexts, such as economic growth, social equity, environmental sustainability, and more. Past themes have included "Climate Action for Peace," "Shaping Peace Together," and "Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All."

Significance

The International Day of Peace serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to work towards a world where everyone can live in freedom and prosperity. It emphasizes the importance of peace as the foundation of community, societal, and global well-being. The day also provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to take action towards achieving peace and to reflect on the progress and challenges in peacebuilding efforts around the world.

See Also

• United Nations Peacekeeping
• Nobel Peace Prize
• Nonviolence
• Conflict resolution