Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. It was also established as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire. The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Partnerships for Peace - Dignity for All” which aims to highlight the importance of all segments of society to work together to strive for peace.

On this day, in the lead-up to the Day of Peace, I am asking all partners to lend their voices to this call for a laying down of arms, and to work non-stop in the days to come to bring about a 24-hour cease fire on September 21st.

Let’s make this International Day of Peace a day without violence, and a day of forgiveness. If, for one day, we can live in a world without aggression and hostility, we can imagine how much more is possible.