The International Day of Peace is a yearly worldwide celebration of peace and unity for the world’s population. Learn about the idea and history behind this day, and join us in partnering for peace this year.

The International Day of Peace is a yearly worldwide celebration of peace and unity for the world’s population. Those who celebrate it also know the global holiday simply as “Peace Day”, and it allows countries, individuals, and organizations alike the chance to host peaceful events on the same day each year.

International Peace Day first began in 1982. The year before, the United Nations issued a resolution the established the holiday simultaneously with the creation of the General Assembly. The date changed each year until 2002, when the General Assembly announced that September 21 would be the new permanent date for the holiday around the world.

The Philosophy Behind International Peace Day

The idea behind International Peace Day is that the world should come together to embrace the idea that peace among all nations is the best thing for humanity. The day was established to remind all the world’s citizens that the United Nations itself is an instrument of peace. The day is designed to reinforce the idea that the organization should be a constant reminder of the world’s pledge to global peace.

Since Peace Day was first established, the holiday has signified humanity’s work toward worldwide peace. What started as a small idea has propelled into an event celebrated by millions around the world. In dozens of countries, large-scale celebrations are hosted. There are concerts, private events, and all sorts of other celebrations. Even the virtual world gets involved – everyone from the personal finance blogosphere to government websites honor the day.

Peace Day 2012

International Peace Day 2012 takes place on a Friday, and the date includes a range of celebrations, festivals, and activities that will take place all over the world. This year, there’s even a “Peace Wave” planned in which a moment of silence in honor of peace will be observed when the clock strikes noon in every time zone.

The Culture of Peace Initiative (CPI) is a worldwide organization dedicated to building peace and uniting people based upon their strengths along diverse pathways. CPI encourages all people to find, promote, and attend events for the holiday in their local area. The organization’s website even includes a list of celebrations taking place globally. If you want to do something but you can’t find an event in your area, simply stop and observe a moment of silence with friends and family at noon in your time zone. There’s even a live global broadcast of the festivities on the CPI website on September 21.

It’s important to note that International Peace Day doubles as a day of personal and political ceasefire. That’s why all people should stop and observe the holiday on behalf of their country as well as for their interpersonal relationships. Peace starts on a personal level after all, and it snowballs from there. If people thought about what a massive impact 24 hours of peace would mean for the world, they may consider extending the movement to a yearlong celebration – just think about what that would mean for the world!

 

Learn more and share with us on Wiser’s Peace Day group.

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