Basic Information
International Day of Peace is an annual event observed on 21 September to recognize the efforts to end conflict and promote peace.
Observed on: 21 September
Organized by: UN
Introduced in: 1981
Observed: Worldwide
About International Day of Peace
The International Day of Peace is observed annually on 21 September. UN General Assembly in 1981 decided to celebrate third Tuesday of September each year as International Day of Peace and continued to observe on the same day from 1982 to 2001. The assembly decided to fix the date as 21 September in 2001 and started to observed from 2002 onward.
The United Nations (UN) is observing this day to recognize the efforts of individuals, organizations and governments to end conflict and promote peace. The Day of Peace is also a day of ceasefire – personal or political.
Activities and Programs on Day of Peace
Millions of people around the world participate in various activities, events, concerts and festivals to celebrate Day of Peace. At noon in every time zone, a moment of silence will be held, sending a Peace Wave around the world. Media called it “A silence heard around the world”.
Many people participate with the celebration by different ways like lighting a candle at noon, sitting in silent meditation, doing a good deed for someone, involving with organizations, sharing thoughts and messages through social media etc.
To mark this day people around the world participate in various activities like, peace prayers, a peace choir, tree planting for peace, peace walks, a peace convoy of vehicles etc.
Theme for International Day of Peace
International Day of Peace 2020 Theme is “Shaping Peace Together”
Peace Day 2019 Theme was “Climate Action for Peace“
Peace Day 2018 Theme was “The Right to Peace – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70“
2017 Theme: Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All
2016 Theme: The Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace
2015 Theme: Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All
2014 Theme: The Right of Peoples to Peace
2013 Theme: Education for Peace
2012 Theme: Sustainable Peace for Sustainable Future
2011 Theme: Peace and Democracy: Make Your Voice Heard
2010 Theme: Youth and Development
2009 Theme: Disarmament and Non-proliferation
2008 Theme: Human Rights and Peacekeeping
2007 Theme: Peace is the United Nations Highest Calling