The International Day of Peace
What is the International Day of Peace?
The International Day of Peace, as decided by the fifty-fifth session of the General Assembly (A/RES/55/282) shall be observed on 21 September each year, with this date to be brought to the attention of all people for the celebration and observance of peace.
Peace is a common desire of people 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 United Nations General Assembly in 1981 proclaimed the opening day of its regular session as the International Day of Peace. In its resolution the General Assembly invited all Member States, organs and organizations of the UN system, non governmental organizations, people 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 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 from the United Nations Association of Japan. The Peace Bell is located in the west Court Garden on the front lawn of the UN Secretariat building.
Each year, usually
at 10:00 a.m. local time (14:00 GMT), the United Nations Secretary-General
delivers a special message before ringing the bell and calls upon people
throughout the world to reflect for a moment on the universal goal of peace.
Following the moment of silence, the president of the Security Council
also makes a statement on behalf of the members of the Council.
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 had special events and ceremonies to mark
the day. The true meaning of the day lies in the participation of the people
around the world, gathering together to think about the meaning of peace
and their commitment to its realization.
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At 12 noon, the principal, a teacher or a student announces to everyone in the school:
"We will now take
a Minute of Silence to join with the United Nations in support of the International
Day of Peace. Please visualize a world of peace and justice enjoyed by
all who share our beautiful planet."
What else can you do?
Organize a peace walk.
Raise the UN flag
and flags of the countries of the world.
Sing a peace song.
Have a group meeting.
Visit a hospital or
nursing home.
Volunteer at a recycling
center.
Plant a tree.
Make a new friend.
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Did your School celebrate the International Day of Peace last year? If yes, we would like to know how. Send a short report - not exceeding 50 words - to the United Nations by 24 October (UN Day). Best reports and the list of participating schools will be posted on the UN website (www.un.org/pubs/CyberSchoolBus). Include the name and address of your school and have your report approved by a teacher/supervisor.
Mail your reports to:
Public Inquiries, GA-57, United Nations, New York, NY 10017; fax: 212-963-0071
or
email them to : cyberschoolbus@un.org
Prepared by Public
Inquiries Unit, Department of Public Information, United Nations, in
association with the Peace Day Committee (www.worldpeace.org/peaceday)