International Day of Peace
The International Day of Peace (or World Peace Day)
celebrated annually on September 21 is devoted to strengthening the ideals of
peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
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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 authorized by the UN
Security Council to proceed.
This year the global momentum will bring together more
than 1000 young change
leaders from all over the world. Pop-up Peacerooms
on 6 different continents will be linked together by a central Peaceroom on Youth
Island in Denmark – a former sea fortress located a short sailing trip from
the UN-City in Copenhagen. A special taskforce will map, track and connect
actionable solutions proposed by the Peaceroom participants. The
actionable solutions will be presented to the world leaders on United
Nations Day 24 October.
At a time when war and violence often monopolize our news
cycles, the International Day of Peace is an inspiring reminder of what we can
create together. Peace. Let’s give it a chance!
Compiled by Hetika Kathuria
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