The International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) is observed around the world each year on 21 September. 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.
For 40+ years the United Nations (UN) has observed International Day of Peace to raise awareness, educate people and promote peace through cessation of acts of war and violence over a 24-hour period. On September 21st, the International Day of Peace will be celebrated under the theme "End racism. Build peace.".
This year is particularly significant: It is the 20th Anniversary of the UN Resolution on the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. A/RES/53/243 B
Auspiciously, Promoting Peace is one of Rotary's seven areas of focus with Rotarians around the world dedicated to the goals of building international relationships, improving lives and creating a better world.
But achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms. It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race.
As conflicts continue to erupt across the globe, causing people to flee, we have seen race-based discrimination at borders. As COVID-19 keeps attacking our communities, we have seen how certain racial groups have been hit much harder than others. As economies suffer, we have seen hate speech and violence directed at racial minorities.
We all have a role to play in fostering peace. And tackling racism is a crucial way to contribute.
We can work to dismantle the structures that entrench racism in our midst. We can support movements for equality and human rights everywhere. We can speak out against hate speech – both offline and online. We can promote anti-racism through education and reparatory justice.
The 2022 theme for the International Day of Peace is “End racism. Build peace.” Join the efforts of the United Nations and Rotary as we work towards a world free of racism and racial discrimination. A world where compassion and empathy overcome suspicion and hatred. A world that we can truly be proud of.
GET INVOLVED
From education to the arts, social justice to sports, health to the environment, neighborhood issues to service for others, there are many ways to participate in Peace Day!
There are a number of UN-recommended activities that our membership in District 7030 can do to commemorate this year's International Day of Peace and a wide array of areas such as Children & Youth, the Arts, Nonviolence, Environment, Health, Social Justice, etc. to explore and fit your community needs.
Create a public or private activity related to peace, spread the word about Peace Day and/or attend an event in your community.
PeaceWave
The PeaceWave began on the first observation of the UN International Day of Peace- 21 September 1982, and has continued to spread throughout the world in multiple ways. The PeaceWave is for Humanity to use as a unitive act of Peace on Peace Day & every day.
Whatever you choose to do, please pause at 12 Noon local time on 21st September and join people all across the globe in a Minute of Silence/Moment of Peace.
#PeaceDay