UK & Ireland: Celebrating the International Day of Peace

Every year on the 21^st of September the United Nations invites people from all over the world to celebrate the International Day of Peace. Around the world communities of all kinds organize, or take part in, activities which promote peace or create awareness about issues related to peace. There will also be various activities and events across the UK and Ireland. Here are a few examples of planned activities -

The Muslim Council of Britain

At a time when Muslims and the West are seen as enemies rather than allies, mosques across the world will invite visitors to join Muslim communities during or after their Friday prayers to exchange messages of peace. In London the London Central Mosque and East London Mosque have already agreed to take part in this initiative. Some Islamic centers in the UK are pairing up with a nearby church, religious community or school and linking their observance of the International Day of Peace to similar pairs overseas.

For more information: http://londonpeacenetwork.wordpress.com/friday-21-september/

Peace One Day Concert in Wembley Arena

The last in the trilogy of Peace One Day concerts in the UK in celebration of the Global Truce will be held on 21 September at Wembley Arena and led by Sir Elton John. The Global Truce calls the world to action on Peace Day 2012 and is as much about non-violence in our schools, our homes, workplace and local communities as it is about a ceasefire on the international stage.

For more information: http://festival.london2012.com/events/9000970321

International Peace Weekend

Dublin will host various activities during the weekend of 21-23 September. The International Peace Weekend will open with a “circle of peace” - 1,000 people will hold hands for one-minute in silence at Dubhlinn Gardens in Dublin Castle.

On Saturday there will be a Peace Conference at Mansion House, and the Closing Ceremony will be held at the Westin Hotel on Sunday.

For more information: http://www.peacebeginswithme.eu/

History of International Peace Day

Costa Rica and the UK sponsored the International Peace Day which was adopted by the General Assembly in 1981. One year later, in 1982, the first International Peace day was observed. Since then activities related to peace have been organized in countries all over the world on the third Tuesday in September, coinciding with the opening session of the General Assembly. In 2001 the General Assembly adopted a resolution which set 21 September as the day to celebrate international peace. This year’s theme of International Peace day is “Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future”.

For more information: http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/background.shtml