Celebrating Peace

The first International Day of Peace was observed at the United Nations Headquarters on September 21 1982, the opening day of the 37th session of the General Assembly. At the start of the session delegates stood for the traditional minute of silence in observance of the Day. In 2002, a new resolution passed by the General Assembly, gave Peace Day the fixed calendar date of the 21st September. The resolution also declared it as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence.


The particular focus for Peace Day 2013 is Peace Education. In a message marking the 100-day countdown to Peace Day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon said, “Education has to cultivate mutual respect for others and the world in which we live, and help people forge more just, inclusive and peaceful societies.”


Many local interfaith organizations will be planning special observances during September to honor Peace Day 2013; several are listed below. Check the ICP interreligious calendar listings for additional events as we have the information.

​Learn more about Peace day at www.internationaldayofpeace.org/, or at the International Day of Peace page on Facebook.