The International Day of Peace dedicated to world peace, is observed annually on 21 September specifically for the absence of war and violence, even a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone for humanity. The peace day was first observed in 1982, and in 2013, the day was also dedicated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon to peace education, the key preventive means to reduce war sustainable.
To inaugurate the day, the United Nations Peace Bell is rung at UN Headquarters, NYC.
The bell, casted from coins which was donated by children across the continents except Africa, was a gift from the United Nations Association of Japan, as “a reminder of the human cost of war”; the engraving on its side reads, “Long live absolute world peace”
Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General said that “The theme of this year’s commemoration is ‘Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All’ highlighting importance of all sectors of society to work together to endeavor peace. The work of the United Nations would not be probable without the initial co-operation of the partnerships and thousands of other partnerships that they partner each year between governments, civil society, the private sector, faith-based groups and other non-governmental organizations that are needed to support the Organization in achieving its future goals.
In a Video address The UN-Secretary General said, “This year’s International Day of Peace comes at a time of deadly violence and destabilizing conflicts around the world. Rather than succumbing to despair, we have a collective responsibility to demand an end to the brutality and impunity that prevail.
I call on all warring parties to lay down their weapons and observe a global ceasefire. To them I say: stop the killings and the destruction, and create space for lasting peace.
Non-governmental organizations, faith-based groups and corporations all have a role to play in fostering social progress, protecting the environment and creating a more just, stable and peaceful world. The value of this collaboration is our theme for the Day: “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All.”
On the International Day, as we mark the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, let us seize the opportunity achieve the Organization’s founding purpose: to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.”
Watch the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon addressing the public here:
By: Archa Dave
