INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

On 21st September, different nations celebrate the International Day of Peace. The day was established in 1981 by the United Nations. The holiday is a day for humanity that ensures peace and stability across all the nations of the world. Each year the day gets a specific theme revolving around peace.

History of the International Day of Peace

The International Day of Peace as explained in its official website, is a day that provides a globally approved date for humanity to commit to peace as the main focus. The United Nations moved a Resolution for declaration observing the International Day of Peace in Costa Rica and the United Kingdom in the years 1981.

In the past, the day was celebrated on the third Tuesday of September. It was not until 2001 that the date changed to 21st September.

In the year 2015, the United Nations saw the need to uphold people’s rights. It organized different features to help ensure that this ‘rights’ are achieved. They adopted seventeen development goals that are associated with the International Day of Peace.

How to observe the International Day of Peace

On this day, people in all time zones observe a moment of silence at 12 pm as they pray for peace in the world. The day also features educational events on peace, interfaith, intercultural dialogues, plus some workshops on the theme of the day.

All around the world, some events do occur, this includes, the sacred cycle of 108, the Global Mala project that mixes the Yoga with service and the collective actions forming ‘mala’ around the earth.

Different organizations such as the Compassion Game International offer some recreational activities for kids during this day.

A popular event during this holiday is The Global Feast for Peace. During the feast, people gather around the dining table and discuss issues about peace in the local and the global community. The discussions are meant to enlighten and expose the parties present on the matters pertaining peace.

There is also an online forum and meditation that occurs on September 19th to 21st where the slogan titled, ‘Be the peace’ is embraced by the online community.