The United Nations (UN) International Day of Peace, also known as World Peace Day is annually observed across the globe on 21 September to strengthen the ideals of peace by following 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
- The theme of International Day of Peace 2022 is “End racism. Build peace”.
Background:
i.The day was declared by the UN General Assembly in 1981, by which it declared that the 3rd Tuesday of September and observed during the inaugural session of the annual General Assembly. The 1st International Day of Peace was celebrated on 21 September 1982.
ii.In 2001, the UN General Assembly declared 21 September as an official date for the International Day of Peace. The Day will henceforth be observed as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence.
iii. During the International Day of Peace, the UN invites all nations and people to honour an end of hostilities.
iv.The UN Peace Bell is rung at UN headquarters to remember World Peace Day.
Factors that promote a Culture of Peace:
- Seek to understand
- Promote economic and social stability
- Respect all human rights
- Advocate for equality
- Choose democratic principles
The UN’s Peace Bell:
i.In 1954, The ‘Peace Bell’ in the headquarters of the United Nations was donated by Chiyoji Nakagawa, the former counsellor of the United Nations Association of Japan. It is known as the ‘Japanese Peace Bell’.
ii.The bell rings twice a year:
- On the 1st day of spring at the Vernal Equinox.
- On 21 September to celebrate the International Day of Peace.
iii. The bell was cast from coins and medals donated by the representatives of the Member States, the Pope, and people, including children from over 60 different nations who supported the idea.
About the United Nations (UN) General Assembly:
President- Csaba Kőrösi(77th President of the General Assembly).
Headquarters- New York, United States.
Establishment- 1945.
