UN International Day of Peace 2011
The theme chosen by the UN for 2011 was "Peace and Democracy: Make Your Voice Heard." For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances, click here.
- Written by: UPF - Uruguay
Montevideo, Uruguay - UPF-Uruguay organized an interreligious peace summit in commemoration of the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21, 2011, at the Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza Hotel.
- Written by: Johann Hinterleitner, UPF-Estonia
Torva, Estonia - UPF-Estonia organized an International Day of Peace event at a school in southern Estonia on September 21.
- Written by: UPF - New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand - UPF-New Zealand organized a commemoration of the International Day of Peace on September 21 at the Maori Anglican Church meeting hall.
- Written by: UPF - UK
UPF-UK organized forums about peace initiatives in various parts of the world in commemoration of the International Day of Peace: in South London on September 18, at Lancaster Gate in London on September 19, and in the borough of Bromley on September 20.
- Written by: Vitaly Maksimov, UPF-Georgia
Tbilisi, Georgia - UPF-Georgia in partnership with the NGO "Georgia – help for refugees" and the Foundation of Intercultural Relations "Future Stars" organized a program for children of internally displaced people and poor families on September 18 at the Mushtaid Park in Tbilisi.
- Written by: UPF - Venezuela
Caracas, Venezuela - The International Day of Peace was celebrated on September 21 with a walk for peace from the entrance to the Francisco de Miranda Park to the Brión de Chacaíto Plaza and concluding with a presentation about HIV/AIDS and drug abuse prevention.
- Written by: UPF - Russia
Moscow, Russia - Near the Moscow Memorial to the anti-Fascist coalition, UPF-Russia joined other partners and youth organizations a ceremony commemorating the International Day of Peace on September 21. School children offered flowers at the memorial and received special flags as peacemakers from UN officials.
- Written by: M.F. Schmittat, Secretary General, UPF-Cambodia
Phnom Penh, Cambodia - Responding to the UN call for youth to promote peace and democracy at the occasion of International Day of Peace, around 30 young Ambassadors for Peace visited Tuol Sleng <--!Genocide -->Museum on September 18 after they listened to a presentation on the Principles of Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution.
- Written by: UPF - Netherlands
Amsterdam and The Hague, Netherlands - UPF-Netherlands organized International Day of Peace commemorations on September 21 in the Dialogue Center in Amsterdam and on September 22 at Christus Triumfator Church in The Hague.
- Written by: UPF - Marshall Islands
Majuro, Marshall Islands - UPF-Marshall Islands organized commemorations of the International Day of Peace on September 21 at the College of Marshall Islands and at the Peace Embassy in Majuro. Building on the theme "Democracy and Peace," the programs included a ceremony, presentations on the topic, and opportunities for discussion.
- Written by: UPF - Austria
Vienna, Austria - UPF-Austria organized an interreligious service in commemoration of the International Day of Peace on September 18.
- Written by: UPF - Paraguay
Asuncion, Paraguay - UPF-Paraguay organized a program on the Principles of Democracy and Good Governance at the Grand Hotel Paraguay on the International Day of Peace, September 21.
- Written by: Krishna Adhikari, UPF - India
New Delhi, India - UPF-India organized observances the UN International Day of Peace in several parts of the nation including an intercollegiate footbal tournament and an intercollegiate debate on the theme "Non-violence for Sustainable Peace: Is It Relevant Today?"
- Written by: Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General
Every year on the International Day of Peace, people around the world commit to non-violence and to harmony among all peoples and nations.
Peace is our mission; our day-to-day quest.
This year’s theme focuses on the timely issue of peace and democracy.
Democracy is a core value of the United Nations.
It is crucial for human rights.
It provides channels for resolving differences.
It gives hope to the marginalized and power to the people.
But democracy does not just happen; it has to be nurtured and defended.
The world needs you to speak out:
for social justice and freedom of the press;
for a clean environment and women’s empowerment;
for the rule of law and the right to a say in one’s own future.
This year, young people have been on the frontlines for freedom.
I salute the activists and ordinary people for their courage and determination to build a better future.
We at the United Nations will work in common cause to realize our shared aspirations for dignity, security and opportunity for all.
To all those seeking peace, this is your day, and we are with you.
Ban Ki-moon
- Written by: UPF - Indonesia
Jakarta, Indonesia - UPF-Indonesia organized a Leadership Conference on the International Day of Peace on the theme "Peace and Democracy: Make Your Voice Heard" at the Syarif Hidayatullah Islamic State University Jakarta on September 21. The rector delivered the keynote address.
- Written by: UPF - Benin
Cotonou, Benin - Several forums, conferences, and ceremonies were organized in September connected with the UN International Day of Peace.
- Written by: UPF - Ghana
Accra, Ghana - UPF-Ghana commemorated the UN International Day of Peace with workshops for Ambassadors for Peace and youth leaders. A Peace Rally was held on September 21.
- Written by: UPF - Gabon
Libreville, Gabon - UPF-Gabon organized a celebration of the International Day of Peace in the multipurpose room of the ONE on September 21. The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Mombo-Mouelet Camille, Vice President of UPF-Gabon.
- Written by: UPF - Japan
UPF-Japan held a commemoration of the International Day of Peace at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Tokyo on September 28. On September 18, 70 people joined in cleaning up the Wada-Nahama beach on the Miura peninsula in Kanagawa prefecture.
- Written by: UPF - Norway
Oslo, Norway - UPF-Norway organized an International Day of Peace event on September 21 in partnership with Central Jamaat-e Ahle Sunnat, the largest mosque in Scandinavia. The program included political leaders as well as a youth panel with representatives of various faiths.
- Written by: Tomiko Duggan, Director, UPF Office of Embassy Relations, Washington, DC, USA
Washington, DC, USA - The UPF-DC office organized a UN International Day of Peace program under the theme, “Make Your Voice Heard” on September 29 at The Washington Times building.
- Written by: UPF - Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador - UPF-Ecuador commemorated the International Day of Peace at the Hall of the National Union of Journalists in Quito on September 21. The theme of the event was Peace and Democracy.
- Written by: UPF - Ireland
Dublin, Ireland - UPF-Ireland celebrated the International Day of Peace on September 23 in partnership with the Lantern Interfaith Centre in Dublin. The evening program included a speech on the UPF principles of peace, a discussion chaired by a member of parliament, entertainment, and refreshments.
- Written by: UPF - Latvia
Riga, Latvia - The International Day of Peace was celebrated in Riga on Sunday, September 25 with presentations about the International Day of Peace, education as an instrument to uphold peace, and sports as a tool for spiritual growth.