International Day of Peace

The dove is a symbol of peace!In 1982, the UN General Assembly proclaimed the International Day of Peace as a day of universal ceasefire and non-violence. It has since been celebrated at the United Nations on 21 September. It is designed to make people not only think about the world, but also do something for it.

The United Nations uses the Day of Peace to draw attention to its multifaceted work in support of peace and to encourage individuals, groups and communities around the world to reflect on the challenges of peace and to share information and practical experiences to achieve it.

In his message to mark the day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for an end to all hostilities on September 21 and a minute of silence at noon local time to be observed in all countries. In his address on the occasion of this year’s Peace Day, the UN Secretary-General stressed that “peace is one of the urgent needs of humanity, and it is the highest mission of the United Nations.” “It determines our mission. And it brings together all of our work across the planet, from peacekeeping and preventive diplomacy to the promotion of human rights and development.

This year, the celebration of Peace Day will begin with a ceremony in the garden of the UN headquarters in New York. The UN Secretary General, in the presence of UN Goodwill Ambassadors Michael Douglas, Jane Goodall and Eli Weisel, will strike the Peace Bell. Ban Ki-moon will then name two new UN Goodwill Ambassadors.