The International Day of Peace, also known as World Peace Day, is observed every year on September 21. This day is dedicated to bolstering the values of peace within all nations and peoples, as well as between all nations and peoples. The International Day of Peace is a motivational reminder of what we can do when we work together, which is especially important at a time when war and violence so frequently dominate our news cycles. Rest assured. Let’s give it a shot and see how it goes!
WHEN IS THE NEXT INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE, WHICH WILL BE IN 2023?
The 21st of September is observed as the International Day of Peace in countries all around the world.
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
The General Assembly of the United Nations designated the third Tuesday of September as the “International Day of Peace” in the year 1981. This day also marked the beginning of the yearly sessions of the General Assembly, which were being held concurrently. The day’s primary objective was, and continues to be, to bolster efforts towards achieving peaceful objectives on a global scale.
In 2001, exactly twenty years after this day of commemoration was first established, the assembly decided to change the date so that it is now celebrated annually on September 21. Therefore, September 21 is now not only a time to discuss how to promote and sustain peace among all peoples, but it is also a 24-hour period of global ceasefire and nonviolence for parties that are actively engaged in violent conflict. This tradition began in 2002.
There is a chance for peace. Throughout most of human history, the majority of societies have spent the most of their time living in peace. We face a mortality risk in conflict that is a fraction of what it was for our parents and grandparents. Since the founding of the United Nations and the drafting of the Charter of the United Nations, governments have been bound by the obligation to refrain from using force against other nations, with the exception of situations in which they are acting in self-defense or have been given permission to do so by the United Nations Security Council.
Life is better in a world where peace exists, and today, we look to individuals who have been peacemakers and peacekeepers to understand what each of us can do individually to make the world a more peaceful place. Life is better in a world when peace exists.
THE CULTURE AND ROUTINES OF THE DAY
The United Nations General Assembly decided to celebrate the International Day of Peace in order to raise awareness about the need of maintaining peaceful relationships. The day is devoted to the observance of a cease-fire and non-violence for a period of twenty-four hours.
It is more necessary than ever before in today’s world to promote peace and open-mindedness for the purpose of acceptance across gender, ethnicity, and territorial boundaries. People from all walks of life and representatives of a wide variety of organisations from all corners of the globe collaborate on projects and organise gatherings revolving around an annual topic. There are a variety of activities, ranging from private gatherings to public observances, festivals, and concerts, all with the goal of spreading the message of peace to big audiences.
Educational institutions also take the lead by organising art exhibitions and lessons for students to study how various cultures celebrate peace. This is done in order for pupils to understand about conflict and war in history so that the same mistakes are not repeated in the future. People take part in activities on an individual level such as planting trees or releasing caged animals free because they recognise that even the smallest acts contribute to the propagation of the message of love and peace.
ACCORDING TO THE DATA
The economic cost of violence in 2015 was estimated to be $13.6 trillion.
By September of 2015, the number of terrorist websites that featured graphic depictions of violence had reached 9,800.
Between the years 1992 and 2019, the percentage of women who negotiated contracts was 13%.
Between the years 1992 and 2019, the percentage of women who signed up to be signatories in major peace processes globally was 6%.
11% is the percentage of ceasefire agreements reached between 2015 and 2019 that includes measures pertaining to gender equality.
It is estimated that 15.9 million people in Yemen’s population are currently suffering from the largest food crisis that the world has ever seen.
135 million people are estimated to be struggling with severe hunger in the year 2019.
Acutely hungry individuals make up sixty percent of the population of countries currently experiencing armed conflict.
By October 2020, the number of nations that have women, peace, and security incorporated into their national action plans was expected to reach 88.
417 is the total number of different policy responses that national governments have implemented in light of the COVID-19 situation.
In 2016, it was estimated that there were 408 million young people living in regions that were experiencing armed conflict.
HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL DAY OF PEACE AND INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
Participate in the “Minute of Silence” observed around the world.
The non-governmental organisation Pathways to Peace was the one that came up with the idea for the Minute of Silence and it was started in 1984. This moment of silence observed at twelve o’clock in each time zone contributes to the “Peace Wave” that travels around the world. Everyone from individuals to organisations to communities to nations is cordially invited to take part in this collaborative and action-oriented act of peacebuilding.
Organise a feast for world peace.
Gather people together by hosting a ‘global’ potluck and asking your friends and neighbours to bring a dish that is representative of their home country or culture. One of the most time-honored and time-tested practises for fostering harmony in a community is the act of sharing a meal together. Discussions between people of different faiths and cultures can make the evening even more enriching.
Education should be used to promote peace.
Let the pursuit of peace start with you and your family at home. Teach your children fundamental ideas that contribute to the promotion of peace, such as how to resolve conflicts, engage in peaceful dialogue, construct consensus, and make the decision to not resort to violence.
