Observed on September 21st each year, the International Day of Peace promotes peace among all nations. Established by the United Nations in 1981, the day “provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences.”
The 2017 theme for International Peace Day is Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All. Drawing on the UN’s Together campaign, which launched in 2016, the theme encourages people to show support and kindness to refugees forced to flee their homeland.
“In times of insecurity, communities that look different become convenient scapegoats,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s statement reads. “We must resist cynical efforts to divide communities and portray neighbours as ‘the other’. Discrimination diminishes us all.” On behalf of the 193 countries that make up the UN, Guterres called for unity. “Together, let us stand up against bigotry and for human rights. Together, let us build bridges. Together, let us transform fear into hope.”
Visit internationaldayofpeace.org for more information and to find out how you can get involved.