The International Day of Peace is observed every year on the 21st of September. The United Nations declared the 21st as a day devoted to “strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.” This year, to mark the 30th anniversary of the Declaration of the Right of Peoples to Peace, the theme of International Day of Peace is the “Right of Peoples to Peace”. The Declaration, which was approved by the UN in 1984, recognizes that “the promotion of peace is vital for the full enjoyment of all human rights.”
To inaugurate the day, the United Nations Peace Bell is rung at UN Headquarters in New York City. The bell is cast from coins donated by children from all continents except Africa.
World Peace Day is celebrated around the world by thousands of communities. There are several concerts taking place, a global synchronized meditation hour, and more.
If you are interested in participating in an event on World Peace Day, you can visit this website to find an event near you.
This year, the UN has set up Facebook page dedicated to International Peace Day that you can “like” to stay up to date with their efforts. They are asking people to post “Peace selfies” to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram on Sunday (9/21) using the hash tag #PeaceDay. Make sure to visit their website to find out other ways you can participate!
Do you have any plans for International Peace Day? Let us know below!
“Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
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