UN Education Outreach | Film Your Issue 2008

Video courtesy of UNTV

Illustration courtesy of Norio, Japan

Peace

Peace is a universal quest. The maintenance of peace and security is the raison d’etre of the United Nations. Peace is a common desire for peoples throughout the world. The establishment of the United Nations in 1945, at the end of the most devastating war in human history, was an embodiment of this universal desire. Keeping peace and developing friendly relations among nations are among the main objectives of the United Nations.

To commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace both within and among all nations of the world, The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations as an annual observance of global non-violence and ceasefire and was first celebrated in September 1982. It is observed each year on the opening day of the regular session of the United Nations General Assembly. In its resolution, the General Assembly invited all Member States, organs and organizations of the UN system, non-governmental organizations, peoples and individuals to observe the Day in an appropriate manner.

People in all parts of the world honour peace in various ways on 21 September. The day provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of Peace on a shared date.

The Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) is dedicated to assisting the Member States and the Secretary-General in their efforts to maintain international peace and security. The Department’s mission is to plan, prepare, manage and direct UN peacekeeping operations, so that they can effectively fulfil their mandates under the overall authority of the Security Council and General Assembly, and under the command vested in the Secretary-General.

Create films on peace in your community

Additional Information:
UN Peace and Security website