International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the U.N. General Assembly resolution UN/A/RES/36/67 http://www.un.org/documents/ga/res/36/a36r067.htm
On the 20th Anniversary of its establishment in 2001, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a new resolution 55/282 http://www.un-documents.net/a55r282.htm declaring 21 September of each year as the permanent date for International Day of Peace.

The new resolution, a living instrument in the service of peace "declares that the International Day of Peace shall henceforth be observed as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, an invitation to all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities for the duration of the Day...it invites all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, and non-governmental organizations and individuals to commemorate, in an appropriate manner, the International Day of Peace, including through education and public awareness, and to cooperate with the United Nations in the establishment of the global ceasefire.”

Every year on the morning of International Day of Peace at United Nations Headquarters the Peace Bell is rung by the Secretary General of the UN. This bell was a gift by Japan. It is cast in coins donated by children on all continents, and considered a symbol of global solidarity to “reminder of the human cost of war.” The inscription reads: “Long live absolute world peace.”

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon recently said: “Peace is one of humanity’s most precious needs. It is also the United Nations highest calling.”

Everyone is welcome to participate in and celebrate this global day by joining in peace with millions of people from around the world. Celebrations now take place in every country. If you wish to join an event in your region or create your own event link to: http://internationaldayofpeace.org/participate/find_an_event.html

Remember you can commemorate International Day of Peace in a personal way as well by spending time on September 21st to reflect and meditate on how to cultivate more peace in your life…both inner and outer peace…through peaceful thoughts, words and actions.

May Peace Prevail on Earth.

Submitted by Diane Williams

Thanks for signing in, . Now you can comment. (sign out)