International Day Of Peace

September 21 is International Day of Peace, a day to promote peace around the world. This year, let’s all come together to celebrate peace in whatever way we can. Whether it’s meditating for world peace, sending good thoughts to people we don’t get along with, or simply doing something kind for someone else, every act of peace counts! So let’s get creative and think of fun ways to bring more peace into our lives and the lives of those around us. Who knows what wonderful things might happen when we all work together towards a common goal of global peace? 🙂

To begin with, you might want to ask;  what is an international day?

An international day is also known as a world day. It is a day of the year dedicated to a specific theme on an international or global scale. The very first of its kind on World Human Right Day which was established on the 10th of December 1950.  The United Nations calendar has more than 140 international (or world) days. Some of these international days were agreed upon before the UN was established, yet the UN has picked them up as strong advocacy tools. 

These days are recognized by the United Nations Organization as special because of certain activities and themes those days represent. These days are set apart to enlighten the populace on core issues of concern in the world, to muster political will and support in order to handle certain global issues that have come to be prevalent. They are also used to recognize, commemorate and support the accomplishments of humanity. 

Some of the international days declared by the UN include World friendship day, International charity day, International culture day, World meteorological day, World Press Freedom day, and World women’s day, to mention but a few. 

 These commemorations have helped bond international communities together and fostered good relationships. It is an avenue for every member of the United Nations to come to realize how human we all are and to de-emphasize the differences between us. 

One of such days is the international day of peace. 

That sounds cool, right? Peace is something everyone wants. With so many conflicts (international and interpersonal) in our world, dedicating a day to peace amidst the chaotic world is a worthwhile endeavor. As we look forward to a peaceful world free of insurgency, racism, bullying and it’s like, it is vital for each of us to be aware of our roles and play our own part. 

History of the world peace day

In 1981, the UN General Assembly declared the international day of peace as a holiday for commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace. However, the commemoration of the day of peace predates this. 

The initial day chosen for this event was the regular opening day of the annual sessions of the General Assembly, which is the third Tuesday of September. It was in 2001 that it was changed to the 21st of September. 

The day is dedicated to world peace, particularly the absence of violence and war. Members of the United Nations obey the temporary ceasefire in combat zones for humanitarian aid access.

In inaugurating this day, the United Nations Peace Bell is rung at UN Headquarters resident in New York City. The bell was a gift given by the United Nations Association of Japan to remind the world of the human cost of war. The inscription on the bell reads, “Long live absolute world peace”. The day was first celebrated in 1981, and today it is observed by several countries, political institutions, military groups, and people.

Importance of International day of peace

According to the dictionary, Peace is a state of tranquility, quiet, and harmony; absence of violence. For instance, a state free from civil disturbance. It is also a state free of oppressive and unpleasant thoughts and emotions. It also includes harmony in personal relations. A state free of war, in the particular war between different countries.

Thus, peace involves understanding each other and working together to find solutions to problems. The absence of peace is chaos. This is why the International Day of Peace was established, it is to facilitate the conditions that can lead to peaceful resolutions. 

Religious Intolerances, racism, xenophobia, and discrimination exist in all societies in the world. These behaviors harm our society, it injures the life of people. Where there is hatred, bigotry, intolerance, distrust, and discrimination, there is potential for destruction and untold hardship. 

It is now our duty to preserve the lives of others by being good people, and by educating people around us. We must come together as one human to fight discrimination and intolerance. 

In interpersonal and international relationships, peace requires respect, mutual understanding, and compassion. We have to let our egos out of the way so that we and other people would not be hurt. 

Every 21st of September, the 24 hours of non-violence and ceasefire are observed by members of the United Nations as devotion to the ideals of peace. But it is not enough to achieve peace. Much more is required to be done. We need to build societies free from discrimination, whether racial or class. To build a nation rooted in equity, people should be treated equally and given the same chance irrespective of their skin color or beliefs.

It is pertinent therefore to know that building a peaceful world is not the work of the government alone, nor can it happen by the declaration of the UN General Assembly. The international day of peace reminds us that we can each contribute our quota towards the building of a peaceful world. You and I can start today from our neighborhood. 

How to participate in the world peace day

One can participate in the Peace Day privately, as part of a group, or as a participant in an event or program. Some of the ways you can participate are listed below. 

1. Join in the PeaceWave 

The PeaceWave is an observation of a minute of silence at 12 noon in all time zones. It started on the 21st of September 1981, which is the first observation of the UN International Day of Peace. The PeaceWave is an act of peace to demonstrate how humans all over the world can contribute to the peacefulness we hope for in the world. 

2. Share your meal with someone from a different country.

Eating together often promotes unity, trust, and peace between people. Invite people as many as you can to one single table. Include food from different cultures. Let’s eat together in the spirit of peace.

3. Make friends with someone of another faith. 

This helps to douse religious intolerance. Eat with, have quality discussions, and have fun together. 

4. Help resolve a disagreement. 

Promote peace by bringing a peaceful resolution to people who have disagreements around you. Help them embrace their similarities and let go of their ego and differences. 

5. Join a service that helps people as a volunteer. 

Helping those in need has a great impact on humanity. It reduces discrimination and promotes peace locally or globally. Be a volunteer today.

6. Post and share peace posters or flyers in your office, school, and neighborhood.  Lend your social media handles to the celebration of World Peace Day to promote widespread participation in movements for peace.

7. Motivate people from your community to commit to an act of service to humanity. To help the needy. To an agent of unity and peace in your community. 

8. Do something creative to promote peace. 

You can write an article about the benefits of having a peaceful society, and individual participation to ensure it. You can make some graphics design, draw, compose a song, and so on, to lend your voice to peacemaking.

9. Teach your children or younger siblings the importance of respect and kindness towards humanity. 

10. Join in a workshop organized by the UN, NGOs, or the government of your country.

11. Donate to peace and fundraising events.

12 . Practice yoga. Yoga promotes inner peace and helps to improve health. Make for a peaceful world by starting with your inner self.