The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Peace is annually observed across the globe on September 21st to strengthen the idea of peace both within and among all nations and people by observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
The theme of the International Day of Peace 2021 is “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world”.
- The 2021 theme focuses on the efforts of the UN on recovering better for a more equitable and peaceful world.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/36/67 in 1981 and declared that the 3rd Tuesday of September, the opening day of the regular session of the UNGA as the International Day of Peace.
ii.The first ever International Day of Peace was observed on 14th September 1982.
iii.In September 2001, the UNGA adopted the resolution A/RES/55/282 and proclaimed the 21st September of every year as the International Day of Peace and the resolution also declared the International Day of Peace (September 21) as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.
Japanese Peace Bell:
i.In 1954, the United Nations Association of Japan donated the “Peace Bell” to the United Nations(UN).
ii.The bell was cast from the coins donated by the delegates of 60 nations at the 13th General Conference held in Paris in 1951.
iii.The bell is rung twice a year: on the first day of spring, at the Vernal Equinox, and on 21 September to celebrate the International Day for Peace.
