International Peace Day

30 September 2021

The International Day of Peace is annually celebrated on the 21st of September. It originates from 30th November 1981, when it was begun by the United Nations. Its purpose is to fortify the ideals of peace worldwide, supplying a day for everyone to participate in the development of a culture of peace. Since 2001, it provides a 24-hour break from violence through mandating a global cease-fire. In 2021, the theme of this day is “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world”.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problems caused by violence and led to increased discrimination. To counter this, the UN has passed a resolution urging its members to back a prolonged pause to conflicts. Meanwhile we, as individuals, are encouraged to fight against acts of hate and spread positive values and ideas. Although our own lives are currently very safe, conflicts persist across the world meaning that we must strive to make World Peace a reality.

Mikael Arutyunov