UN International Day of Peace 2008
The UN's theme for the International Day of Peace in 2008 was "Human Rights and Peacekeeping." For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances, click here.
- Written by: UPF - Italy
Italy - In several cities of Italy, peace trees were planted in public parks and peace conferences took place.
- Written by: Dr. Habib Chirzin, President, Islamic Forum for Peace, Human Rights and Development, Indonesia
Jakarta, Indonesia - At HAMKA University, crowds observed a day of global ceasefire and non-violence.
- Written by: UPF-Indonesia
Jakarta, Indonesia - The video "Quest for Peace" was shown at an Ambassadors for Peace meeting.
- Written by: Dennis Salmon, UPF-Jamaica
Kingston, Jamaica - A UNICEF-trained lecturer spoke about conflict resolution.
- Written by: UPF - Japan
Nagoya & Arakawa, Japan - A prayer meeting was held, and youth volunteers mowed and picked up trash along a river.
- Written by: Kaori Phillips, UPF - Israel
Jerusalem & Haifa, Israel - Enthusiastic volunteers brought a public garden back to life for the sake of the people living nearby.
- Written by: Trevor Jones, Executive Director, UPF-Peru
Lima, Peru - People from all walks of life came to share their hopes and aspirations for peace on the International Day of Peace.
- Written by: UPF - Zambia
Lusaka, Zambia - Repairs were made to the road to the Baralaston Park School on Sept. 21, 2008, prior to a celebration of the International Day of Peace at the 15 Acres Church in Lusaka.
- Written by: UPF - Macau
Macau, China - A keynote speech was given on "The UN Millennium Development Goals: The Role of Civil Society and UPF."
- Written by: Dena Parfait, UPF - Mali
Bamako, Mali - International Day of Peace celebrations began with tree planting and cleaning hospital grounds and culminated with a peace march.
- Written by: UPF-Philippines
Cagayan de Oro, Philippines - Different ethnic groups performed traditional dances at the Global Peace Festival in Mindanao.
- Written by: Mrs. Tanui, UPF-Somalia
Mogadishu, Somalia - Somalis celebrated the International Day of Peace by reading passages about peace from the holy scriptures.
- Written by: UPF - Moldova
Chisinau, Moldova - Participants were inspired by plans for the Global Peace Festival in Moldova.
- Written by: Patrick Jouan, UPF-Monaco
Monaco - A hundred people met to enjoy classical music and listen to leaders of different religions discuss peace.
- Written by: Ray Banegas, Secretary General, UPF-Uruguay
Montevideo, Uruguay - "Building a Culture of Peace" was the theme of the peace celebration at the Uruguay National Garden.
- Written by: UPF - Russia
Moscow, Russia - Nine members of the Russian National Peace Council met to discuss UN peacekeeping missions
- Written by: UPF - Chad
N’djamena, Chad - Ambassadors for Peace planted trees, participated in lectures and discussions, and organized a women's football match in the national stadium in commemoration of the International Day of Peace.
- Written by: UPF-Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya - The International Day of Peace 2008 was celebrated at the Peace House.
- Written by: UPF - Nepal
Kathmandu & Pokhara, Nepal - The International Day of Peace was celebrated with clean-up programs in two cities.
- Written by: UPF - USA
New Jersey, USA - Faith leaders embarked on a "Peace Boat" and offered prayers for peace in front of the Statue of Liberty and the UN.
- Written by: David Butukanga Kwete, Secretary General, UPF-Niger
Niamey, Niger - Ambassadors for Peace attended a peace celebration at the Sofitel Gaweye Hotel.
- Written by: UPF - Norway
Oslo, Norway - Speeches and cultural performances marked the International Day of Peace celebration.
- Written by: Muhammad Tahir Tabassum Founder/Executive Director, Institute of Peace and Development
Pakistan - Two organizations have agreed to work together to promote peacebuilding and peacemaking initiatives.
- Written by: UPF - Palau
Palau - The UN International Day of Peace was celebrated with a soccer tournament among students from several schools.