UN International Day of Peace
Each year on September 21, the UN invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities and commemorate the International Day of Peace through education and public awareness on issues related to peace. In the quest for peace, UPF and its Ambassadors for Peace around the world organize commemorations of the International Day of Peace each year.
- 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.
- Written by: UPF - International
Readings for interfaith ceremonies
- Written by: UPF - Barbados
Bridgetown, Barbados - The Barbados National Peace Council organized a week of activities in commemoration of the International Day of Peace commencing on Sunday, September 18, with a church service at the Bethel Evangelical Church in Grazettes.
- Written by: UPF - Peru
Lima, Peru - UPF-Peru held a meeting in the Peruvian Congress on September 21 to celebrate the International Day of Peace. Three days earlier, a march for peace took place in the Comas district of Lima.
- Written by: UPF - Germany
Observances of the International Day of Peace 2011 took place in Bonn, Dusseldorf, Munich, and Stuttgart, the latter culminating with the inauguration of a “House of Religions."
- Written by: UPF-International
The International Day of Peace 2011 comes at a time when peoples and nations around the world are facing challenges of dramatic proportion. At such a time, the cry for peace seems to be drowned out by the noise of polarized political battles, and our hopes for peace dampened by everything from catastrophic financial crises, famine in the horn of Africa, to violence in our streets; and these are but of few of the sad realities that dominate today's headlines.
- Written by: UPF-Argentina
Buenos Aires, Argentina - UPF-Argentina celebrated the International Day of Peace on September 21 with an artistic, cultural and interreligious program which included awards for the winners of the annual International Poetry Competition, which was organized this year in adherence to the International Year of Youth. The theme of this year's poetry contest was "Global Family: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding."
- Written by: UPF - Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand - The Interreligious Peace Council of Thailand was inaugurated in Bangkok on the International Day of Peace, Sept. 21, 2011.
- Written by: Carolyn Handschin, UPF-Switzerland
Geneva, Switzerland - As a continuation of the series of conferences held at the United Nations in Geneva and New York, as well as in London, Bergamo, and Fribourg, Switzerland on interreligious/intercultural peacebuilding since 2008, a full-day symposium was held to commemorate the International Day of Peace in Geneva on September 23.
- Written by: Dr. T. Ashok Chakravarthy, D.Lit.
Hyderabad, India - It is with utmost delight I take the opportunity to attach my poem in commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Peace, September 21, 2011.
- Written by: UPF International
A number of UPF chapters organized celebrations of the UN International Day of Peace, Sept. 21, 2010, in conjunction with local UN offices.