International Day of Peace

Context

International Day of Peace is organised on 21st September across the world to create peace among nations and people. 

 

History

• The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly.
• It was commemorated for the first time in 1982. 
• Before 2002, it was observed annually on the third Tuesday in September. 
• Following that, the group resolved to observe the International Day of Peace every year on September 21. 
• The major goal of designating September 21 as the International Day of Peace is to promote collaboration and the preservation of peace on a global scale.
• The United National General Assembly marks the day by promoting ideals of peace among nations and people by observing non-violence and ceasefire for 24 hours. 
• The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.

Symbol of international peace day

• The Peace Bell was donated by the United Nations Association of Japan in 1954. 
• It has become tradition to ring the bell twice a year: 
• On the first day of spring, at the Vernal Equinox.
• On 21 September to celebrate the International Day for Peace.

Theme

• This year’s theme is “End racism. Build peace.”
• Theme of International Day of Peace in 2021 was “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world”. 

Significance 

• The day is celebrated as a period of non-violence and cease-fire. 
• It plays a significant role in promoting peace across the world. 
• The day seeks to promote a green & sustainable global economy which produces jobs, reduces emissions, and builds resilience towards climate impacts.