International Day of Peace

The International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981, and the first observance took place in 1982. At first it was linked to the opening period of the General Assembly. In 2001, a later resolution fixed the date permanently as 21 September and called for it to be observed as a day of non-violence and ceasefire. The meaning of the day extends beyond the absence of war: it encourages dialogue, conflict prevention, reconciliation, tolerance and the protection of human dignity. Schools, communities, peace organizations and international institutions use the occasion for education, remembrance and activities that bring people across differences together. The observance is also a reminder that lasting peace requires institutions, justice and cooperation as well as the decision not to use violence. The Peace Bell ceremony at United Nations Headquarters has become one of the symbolic traditions associated with the day.

International Day of Peace is intended to build public awareness and encourage attention to its associated global issue.