International Day of Peace (21 September)

The International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. This year - on its 30th anniversary - the Day’s theme is “Peace and Democracy: make your voice heard”.

Peace and democracy are inextricably linked. Together, they form a partnership that promotes the well-being of all. Embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, democracy supports an environment for a host of political rights and civil liberties.

There are many ways to participate in democratic practices, including taking part in dialogue on constitutional processes, advocating for civil society empowerment, joining the struggle for gender equality and against discrimination, engaging in civic education and promoting voter registration.

This year, the UN is inviting you to listen to the Hibakusha testimonies and share your feelings through the Poetry for Peace contest. From a haiku to a sonnet, please post your own poem for peace on the Peace Day facebook wall.

The International Day of Peace offers people globally, a shared date to organize events and undertake deeds celebrating the importance of peace and democracy in realistic and useful ways.

The Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 to coincide with its annual opening session in September. In 2001 the General Assembly decided to fix the date annually on 21 September as a day of non-violence and ceasefire.

Useful links:

Video Message by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

International Day of Peace 2011 website

Peace Day in 2012 initiative - A Day of Global Truce

For Peace Day 2012, the Peace One Day (POD) team is calling for and working towards a Global Truce - a day of ceasefire and non-violence observed by all sectors of society globally.

Visit the website and join the call for a Global Truce in 2012