International Day of Peace

April Dykes
9月21日
読了時間: 8分

Peace is something that we all want but can’t summarize with one single definition. One definition is “freedom from war and violence, especially when people live and work together happily without disagreements” (Cambridge). Another is “a state of tranquility or quiet: such as (a) freedom from civil disturbance (b) a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom (Merriam-Webster). While peace is all of those things, it is also a state of being. One without internal peace will strive to destroy the peace around them. Today, on International Day of Peace, let’s focus on peace and consider our role in how it can be achieved.

The United Nations was created with 4 purposes in mind; peace was one of them.

To maintain international peace and security, and to that end: to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace, and for the suppression of acts of aggression or other breaches of the peace, and to bring about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace;
To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace;
To achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion; and
To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of these common ends (United Nations Charter, Chapter I: Purposes and Principles)

In 1981, through resolution 36/67, the United Nations decided to create International Day of Peace, also known as Peace Day. “...through the declaration and proper celebration of an International Year of Peace and an International Day of Peace, it would be possible to contribute to strengthening such ideals of peace and alleviating the tensions and causes of conflict, both within and among nations and peoples” (Resolution 36/67. International Year of Peace and International Day of Peace).

This resolution designated the third Tuesday of September as International Day of Peace, as it is the opening day of the General Assembly’s regular sessions. In 2001, resolution 55/282. International Day of Peace, designated September 21st as International Day of Peace. Since 2002, International Day of Peace has been accompanied by a theme chosen by the United Nations that reflects current issues and hopes for peace. This year's theme is Act Now for a Peaceful World.

Act Now for a Peaceful World

2025 has been a year of continued conflict and loss of life, as well as some unprecedented events we thought would never happen, making the chosen theme for the year even more important. Oftentimes, we feel powerless and like nothing we do can make a true difference, but the bleaker the world seems, the more light we need to create. These sentiments are shared through the UN’s description of what this theme means to them.

“In a time of turbulence, tumult, and uncertainty, it is critical for everyone to take concrete action to mobilize for peace. From peacekeepers on the front lines of conflict, to community members, to students in classrooms around the world, everyone has a role to play. We must speak up against violence, hate, discrimination, and inequality; practice respect; and embrace the diversity of our world” (United Nations).

Promoting peace

Even peace can be started with a simple spark and shouldn’t just be limited to a single day. If you’re feeling lost and don’t know where to start or what changes you can make to your life to become an agent of peace, the UN offers ways that we can act now:

Speak up for peace

In today’s divided world, our clarion call for peace should echo louder than ever. There are many ways to speak up for peace, and everyone can be part of the conversation. Spark conversations off-and-online about the urgent need for understanding, non-violence, and disarmament. Use your voice and words to challenge hate and champion peace. Join the UN's Peace Begins with Me movement and share inspiring stories of hope, using the hashtag #PeaceBegins.

Educate yourself about peace

Conflict prevention, mediation, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, and disarmament are essential tools the United Nations uses to foster lasting peace worldwide. Given the interconnected nature of conflicts and crimes in our globalized world, understanding these tools and their impact is crucial for everyone. Knowledge is power, and by sharing this information with friends, family, and communities, we empower ourselves and others to contribute to a more peaceful future. Discover how these UN initiatives work, share the knowledge, and spread the word.

Say no to violence

Change starts with us. Strive to resolve differences and conflicts at home, work and in your communities peacefully through dialogue and compassion. Treat others with respect, practice empathy, and promote understanding. Join campaigns and movements that bring people together to stomp out aggression - such as the UN’s UNITE to End Violence against Women initiative and its civil society-led 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign. Support the Break the Silence movement that aims to create a safer world for the LGBTIQ+ community.

Practice understanding and solidarity

More unites us than divides us; people everywhere have similar dreams for peace and prosperity. We also face common challenges that are not bound by borders, such as cybercrimes, climate change, and trafficking. Voice your support for the United Nations as the only place where all countries can convene and engage with each other. Take part in local and national dialogues where people can share different perspectives, even if they disagree. Join interfaith efforts for peace. And support people or organizations that promote dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation.

Report bullying and harassment

No one should be bullied or suffer any forms of harassment on the basis of gender, race, nationality or other parameters. Today, one in three students between the ages of 13 and 15 have experienced bullying. While bullying and harassment remains widespread, in public and private places, online and offline, more laws to stop it are in place in many institutions and companies. Online, restrict information shared on social media accounts and use privacy and security settings. In some settings, police forces have cybercrime units that can help you stay safe. Learn about mechanisms to report these crimes - here is a UNICEF guide to report cyberbullying.

Protest inequality and discrimination

Inequality and discrimination often breed resentment and mistrust, sowing the seeds of misunderstanding and conflict in every society. Pick your favorite cause and join a rally for justice. Mobilize your community to mark the World Day of Social Justice. Other internationally recognized days offer chances to join hands against gender discrimination, racism, and homophobia, among a variety of concerns. Above all, make respect for the rights of others part of how you live.

Embrace inclusion and diversity

Examine how you think about different groups of people, and question assumptions and stereotypes. Consider joining a group, online or in a community, that brings people together across faiths, ethnicities, gender identities, or other categories to better understand each other. Be more open to learning from others and changing how you think. Join the UN’s Say No to Hate campaign and find out how you can help to end hate speech and embrace human diversity.

Support peace advocates

There are many peace advocates among us - from activists, community leaders, thought leaders, social media influencers to celebrities. The UN works with a committed group of Messengers of Peace and Goodwill Ambassadors such as activist Malala Yousafzai, writer Paulo Coelho, and actors Michael Douglas and Charlize Theron to promote non-violence and tolerance. It also supports the work of many inspiring people who are making a difference in their communities - from promoting women’s rights to serving as peacekeepers in the world’s most fragile places. Learn more about their work, read their stories, and get inspired.

Follow reliable news sources

Confused about what to believe and whom to trust? You are not alone. The volume of incorrect information has exploded. Sharpen your skills to detect who may or may not be telling the truth. Are you getting facts from a reputable news organization? Or from texts or emails that arrive unsolicited? How much evidence backs up what they say? What’s missing and why? Are diverse perspectives apparent – or is everyone saying the same thing? Cultivate your skepticism and your intuition. If something feels off, investigate more.

Post with care on social media

Next time you want to like or share a social media post, pause for a moment. Will doing so cause any kind of harm to anyone? If you are feeling angry about an issue, wait 24 hours to see if you still want to post about it. While social media brings people together, it can also drive hate and division, influenced by algorithms that reward people for having the same extreme views. Beyond monitoring your own posting habits, see if you want to join one of the emerging national and regional neutral, non-profit fact-checking organizations, especially around important events like elections. Check out the UN’s Verified campaign that shares tips on how to tackle misinformation and encourages people to take care before they share information!

(The United Nations)

Peace isn’t only about talking about non-violence, being kind, and not engaging in violence. Peace starts internally, and the biggest differences are made through actions that create a cycle of peace. I would like to add the UN’s list by encouraging you to learn about Nonviolent Communication (NVC). “NVC describes a communication framework that aims to create a safe space for all parties involved, where people can express themselves freely and with empathy.

It is based on the notion that all humans have the capacity for compassion, and that it can be taught and improved upon with the right guidance” (CultureAlly). This communication focuses on empathy and teaches you how to address issues without assumptions, focuses on facts, and uses ‘I’ language to express thoughts and feelings. In a world where it can feel difficult to express thoughts and feelings without offending, learning and implementing different communication styles could be beneficial.

Peace Day Celebrations

In addition to making changes in our personal lives, ranging from small to massive, you can also celebrate International Day of Peace by:

Joining the peace wave at 12 PM

On the 21st at noon, take a full minute of silence in honor of peace. You can pray, think of the people in need of peace, etc.

Attend a peace day celebration/ activity in your area like PEACE DAY 2025 @Osaka Kansai Expo
Listening to Peace Day playlists on your preferred music platform

Inner peace

While the positive changes you can make in the world through peaceful actions are important, so is ensuring that you have internal peace. Peace looks different to a lot of people, so choose what makes you feel calm, happy, and keeps you healthy.

While therapy is always the first thing that is recommended, and I agree with that, it isn’t always feasible due to various reasons. I’m no health care provider, just a girl who is also trying to prioritize inner peace, and here are some things that I do or imagine would be helpful:

Journaling
Exercising, going for walks, doing yoga, anything that is physically possible for you
Joining a club or a class
Starting a new hobby or picking up an old one
Eating balanced meals
Prioritize getting enough sleep
Spending time in nature