International Day of Peace

In 1981, United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Peace. The International Day is an occasion to educate the public on issues of concern, address global problems, and celebrate and reinforce the achievements of humanity. September 21st provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences and contribute to a peaceful world.

The theme of the International Day of Peace is to cultivate a culture of peace. The Declaration and Program of Action on a Culture of Peace recognizes that peace “not only is the absence of conflict, but also requires a positive, dynamic, participatory process where dialogue is encouraged and conflicts are solved in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation.”

In 1999, the UN General Assembly came together and laid out the values needed for a culture of peace, including: respect for life, human rights, and fundamental freedoms; the promotion of non-violence through education, dialogue, and cooperation; commitment to the peaceful settlement of conflicts; and adherence to freedom, justice, democracy, tolerance, solidarity, cooperation, pluralism, cultural diversity, dialogue, and understanding at all levels of society and among nations.

The International Day of Peace urges us to lay down weapons and observe a ceasefire to recognize each other’s humanity, assuring our survival as a global community.