International Day of Peace will be celebrated on September 21, as it is every year.
This year’s theme will focus on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was drafted and adopted by the United Nations 70 years ago. The document, presented in Paris in December 1948, contained the first fundamental human rights protections.
In observance of International Peace Day, a two-minute silence will be held at 12 pm in every time zone. There will also be peace education events, intercultural and interfaith dialogues, workshops on the UN Peace Day theme and more.
What is International Day of Peace?
International Day of Peace, or Peace Day, is a globally-observed awareness day established by the United Nations in 1981.
According to the official website dedicated to the day, it ‘provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences’.
International Day of Peace activities
Everyone observing International Day of Peace can observe a shared minute of silence at 12pm in all time zones.
Peace Day events will take place all around the world. Here are a few you can participate in:
Global Mala (yoga) project
The Global Mala project combines yoga, service and collective action to form a ‘mala around the Earth’. It’s based upon the sacred cycle of 108.
Compassion Games International
Compassion Games International provides fun ways to get young people excited about International Peace Day. Check out the many kid-friendly peace day activities offered.
11 Days of Global Unity
The 11 Days of Global Unity have a goal of strengthening the ideals of unity and equality, diversity, oneness, harmony and compassion.
Roots and Shoots
Roots and Shoots groups from all over the world gather to celebrate Peace Day each year. As part of their celebrations, Dr Jane delivers a message of peace to the UN, as she has since 2002.
Global Feast for Peace
To participate in the Global Feast for Peace, simply gather a group of people together around your dining room table to share food and engage in peace-focused, intercultural or interfaith dialogue.
Be the Peace
Be the Peace is a synchronised online meditation taking place from September 19 to September 21.
Peace Crane Project
The Peace Crane Project sees those participating share paper peace cranes with people around the world.
One Day One Goal
This particular campaign aims to use the unifying power of sport to connect people on Peace Day.
International Day of Peace for kids
There are a number of ways to get kids involved on International Peace Day. Teachers can find colouring pages, talking points, video suggestions and more here.
The International Peace Day website also contains a peace breathing activity, a peace pledge template and more.