Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. The first official observance of the day was in September 1982.
The theme for 2018 is “The Right to Peace: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70.”
The theme celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948, as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations. The Universal Declaration—the most translated document in the world, available in more than 500 languages—is as relevant today as it was on the day that it was adopted.
Ways to Participate
Minute of Silence/Moment of Peace
In 1984, in commemoration of the annual International Day of Peace and in solidarity with the United Nations, the NGO Pathways To Peace inaugurated the Minute of Silence at 12:00 Noon in each time zone, resulting in a “Peace Wave” around the world. Individuals, organizations, communities, and nations are invited to participate in this shared and practical act of peacebuilding on September 21.
See more ideas for getting involved by visiting the International Day of Peace website.