What is Peace Day?

The International Day of Peace is observed each year on the third Tuesday of September. Its observance coincides with the opening of the regular session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. This day was proclaimed as the International Day of Peace by the General Assembly in 1981.

In its resolution, the General Assembly invited all its Member States, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to observe the Day in an appropriate manner. Although peace is commemorated by various organizations and groups on other dates, the International Day of Peace is the only official commemoration declared by the United Nations.

How is the Day observed at the United Nations?

At United Nations Headquarters, the Day of Peace is marked each year with a special ceremony near the Peace Bell. The Bell, cast from coins donated by people from some 60 countries, is a gift to the United Nations by the United Nations Association of Japan. Each year, at 10:00 am local time (14:00 GMT), the United Nations Secretary-General delivers a special message before ringing the bells and calls upon the people throughout the world to reflect for a moment on the universal goals of peace. Following the moment of silence, the President of the Security Council makes a statement on behalf of the members of the Council.

Later in the day, the regular session of the General Assembly begins its work. During the opening ceremony, at 3:00 pm local time (19:00 GMT), the President of the Assembly invites the delegates to stand for a minute of silence in observance of the Day.

This year, a number of school students will be coming to the UN to commemorate the Day of Peace with a flag raising ceremony and a minute of silence at 12:00 local time.

How is the Day observed outside the United Nations?

The most common way of commemorating the Day is observing a moment of silence. In many countries, local civic groups and schools hold special events and ceremonies to mark the Day. Town hall meetings and peace marches are also common.

The true significance of the Day lies in the participation of people around the world gathering together to think about the meaning of peace and their commitment to its realization.