International Day of Peace - 21st September

[Deepak Kiran]

The International Day of Peace also known as Peace Day is observed worldwide each year on September 21. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) augmented for “non-violence and cease-fire” on world peace day in 2001. The United Nations calls on everyone and every country to observe 24 hours of non-violence

This International Day of Peace, the world body will celebrate by spreading a word about compassion, kindness, and hope in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Body is urging people to stand against attempts to use the virus to promote discrimination or hatred.



Last year, the UN has changed the focus of 2020 and is calling Coronavirus as a common enemy. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations has been quoted saying, “warring parties to lay down their weapons. These are not normal times, and our responses cannot be routine. The pandemic is not just a health issue. It is having direct and troubling effects on development, peace, and security. Our global ceasefire appeal is resonating in many places and with many different groups. While distrust can make implementation difficult, I have been heartened by the strong support the appeal has received from civil society, which can influence and mobilize people at the grassroots.”

 

[Deepak Kiran]

Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world​

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.

In 2021, as we heal from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are inspired to think creatively and collectively about how to help everyone recover better, how to build resilience, and how to transform our world into one that is more equal, more just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and healthier.

The pandemic is known for hitting the underprivileged and marginalized groups the hardest. By April 2021, over 687 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered globally, but over 100 countries have not received a single dose. People caught in conflict are especially vulnerable in terms of lack of access to healthcare.

In line with the Secretary-General’s appeal for a global ceasefire last March, in February 2021 the Security Council unanimously passed a resolution calling for Member States to support a “sustained humanitarian pause” to local conflicts. The global ceasefire must continue to be honoured, to ensure people caught in conflict have access to lifesaving vaccinations and treatments.

The pandemic has been accompanied by a surge in stigma, discrimination, and hatred, which only cost more lives instead of saving them: the virus attacks all without caring about where we are from or what we believe in. Confronting this common enemy of humankind, we must be reminded that we are not each other’s enemy. To be able to recover from the devastation of the pandemic, we must make peace with one another.

And we must make peace with nature. Despite the travel restrictions and economic shutdowns, climate change is not on pause. What we need is a green and sustainable global economy that produces jobs, reduces emissions, and builds resilience to climate impacts.

The 2021 theme for the International Day of Peace is “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world”. We invite you to join the efforts of the United Nations family as we focus on recovering better for a more equitable and peaceful world. Celebrate peace by standing up against acts of hate online and offline, and by spreading compassion, kindness, and hope in the face of the pandemic, and as we recover.

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.

 

[Deepak Kiran]

In India, Mahatma Gandhi has been a torchbearer of non-violent movements, harmony, peace, and brotherhood throughout his life. He dedicated his life towards world peace, his philosophy Ahimsa or non-violence spoke highly about peace and solidarity.

In today’s time when violence and hatred have taken over our lives and peace and solidarity is the need of the hour- here are few famous quotes which make you ponder and might lead you to the path of peace in life.


“Peace will not come out of a clash of arms but out of justice lived and done by unarmed nations in the face of odds.”- Mahatma Gandhi

“Peace is not the absence of conflict. It is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” – Ronald Reagan

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – Jesus Christ

“Peace is more important than all justice, and peace was not made for the sake of justice, but justice for the sake of peace.” – Martin Luther

“An India awakened and free has a message of peace and goodwill for a groaning world.”- Mahatma Gandhi

 

[URum]

Peace be with you