In 1981, the UN General Assembly declared an International Day of Peace.

This coincided with the opening of the UN assembly. The day calls on all nations to observe a day of ceasefire and nonviolence worldwide. The aim is to make people honour a cessation of war and hostility.

“Peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding.” Albert Einstein

Member states, UN bodies and NGOs therefore assist in commemorating the day and promote awareness of the importance of peace. In 2002, September 21^st  was declared by the UN as the day on which Peace day would be permanently commemorated.

During the resolution in the 1980s about Peace day, the UN commented,

Peace day should be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples… a constantly pealing bell reminding us that our permanent commitment, above all interests or differences of any kind, is to peace’.

Peace day now marks our progression towards peace for all nations. It includes millions of people across the world, celebrating and commemorating Peace events. Concerts and public forums discussing peace with thousands of people in attendance have been seen.

What does a global ceasefire mean to our world?

In calling for a global ceasefire, the UN is hoping that it can get emergency medical supplies to people who really need it in war zones such as Afghanistan or Somalia. It also promotes the ideal of peace that is so desperately needed in our world that has so much conflict.

How can I celebrate Peace day?

One way for individuals to celebrate International Peace Day is to light candles and sit in silent meditation reflecting on peace.

In some parts of the world people get together with their colleagues, friends and family, or on a wider scale with the local government/ local MP to organise larger events promoting Peace.

The following are ideas for International Peace Day celebrations: arts and crafts, drawing and writing competitions, photography, films and documentaries, and music events. Some individuals even get politically active, create a petition calling for ceasefire in a particular region and spread to friends and family, encourage a minute of silence, become a member of organisations promoting peace.  There are many ways to celebrate this wonderful day!

The role of International Peace Day is very significant because it  brings millions of people together from around the world under one shared goal: peace. As the Peace day website says and John Lennon famously sang: Imagine.

‘Imagine what a whole day of ceasefire would mean to human kind’.

Also in Septemeber:

Also in September:

UN International Literacy Day – 8th

International Day of Democracy – 15th

International Ozone Day – 16th

Yom Kippur – 26th

UN International Day of Languages – 26th

World Tourism Day – 27th

Rosh Hashana: Jewish New Year – 28th

Tags: International Day of Peace, UN

This entry was posted on Friday, September 21st, 2012 at 10:00 am and is filed under days of significance, General, other interesting stuff . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.