International Day of Peace

HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

In 1981, the United Nations General Assembly declared the third Tuesday of September as International Day of Peace. This day coincided with the opening day of the annual sessions of the General Assembly. The purpose of the day was and still remains, to strengthen the ideals of peace around the world.

Two decades after establishing this day of observance, in 2001, the assembly moved the date to be observed annually on September 21. So, beginning in 2002, September 21 marks not only a time to discuss how to promote and maintain peace among all peoples but also a 24-hour period of global ceasefire and non-violence for groups in active combat.

Peace is possible. Throughout history, most societies have lived in peace most of the time. Today, we are much less likely to die in war than our parents or grandparents. Since the establishment of the United Nations and the creation of the Charter of the United Nations, governments are obligated not to use force against others unless they are acting in self-defense or have been authorised by the UN Security Council to proceed.

Life is better in a world where peace exists and, today, we look to those who have been peacemakers and peacekeepers to learn what we can each do individually to make the world a more peaceful place.

HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

Observe the global “Minute of Silence”

In 1984, the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Pathways to Peace inaugurated the Minute of Silence. At noon in each time zone, this observance of silence creates a “Peace Wave” around the world. Individuals, organisations, communities, and nations are invited to participate in this shared and practical act of peace-building.
Host a global peace feast

Bring people together with a ‘global’ potluck, encouraging your friends and neighbours to share a unique dish from various countries or cultures. Breaking bread together is one of the oldest yet most effective ways to bring peace into your life. Interfaith and intercultural discussions can make the evening even richer.
Foster peace through education

Let peace begin at home with you and your family. Teach your children key concepts that promote peace such as conflict-resolution, peaceful dialogue, consensus-building, and the choice of non-violence.

WHY INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE IS IMPORTANT

It connects us to each other

Nations and communities around the world struggle with poverty and disease, education, and healthcare. The International Day of Peace reminds us that regardless of where we come from or what languages we speak, we are more alike than we are different.
It reminds us to believe in something bigger than ourselves

We can get caught up in the day-to-day of work and family. But sometimes, it’s healthy to reflect on how communities and nations need to get outside our comfort zones. We can have peace when we make an effort to see someone else’s perspective or, put another way, to “walk a mile in their shoes.”
It demonstrates that small actions can make big impacts

We can all contribute to the worldwide culture of peace be that through prayer, advocacy, education, and respecting others. If each of us did one small thing to bring about peace, even each week, think of the global impact this would have!