21 September: International Day of Peace

The International Day of Peace also known as Peace Day is observed worldwide each year on September 21.

Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) augmented for “non-violence and cease-fire” on world peace day in 2001. The United Nations calls on everyone and every country to observe 24 hours of non-violence.

2020 Peace Day Theme is “Shaping Peace Together”.

This year, the UN has changed the focus of 2020 and is calling Coronavirus as a common enemy. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations has been quoted saying, “warring parties to lay down their weapons. These are not normal times, and our responses cannot be routine. The pandemic is not just a health issue. It is having direct and troubling effects on development, peace, and security. Our global ceasefire appeal is resonating in many places and with many different groups. While distrust can make implementation difficult, I have been heartened by the strong support the appeal has received from civil society, which can influence and mobilize people at the grassroots.”

Different countries and cultures have their own symbols of peace but a few are used commonly across the world like the dove and olive leaf. Legendary Spanish artist Pablo Picasso’s ‘Dove of Peace’, was first chosen as the emblem for the First International Peace Conference in Paris in 1949.

Also read: 10 Patriarch Daniel reflections on peace as gift and blessing

Photo: public domain

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