We celebrate the International Day of Peace every year on 21 September across the world. World or International Peace Day is also known as Peace Day, established in 1981 by the United Nations with a unified resolution. The day is dedicated to creating the ideals of peace among all countries and peoples.
The date initially chosen was the usual opening day of the annual sessions of the General Assembly, the 3rd Tuesday of September. This was changed in 2001 to the current annual celebration on 21 September each year.
Peace is not just absence of conflict, it provides the needed conditions for people to live in harmony without hostility. Peace is also a prerequisite for the full enjoyment of human rights for sustainable development and hope for the future. And to achieve it, we need to stop weaponizing of religions, which gives rise to terrorist acts and wars.
Theme 2025– End RACISM, Build PEACE
“Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life in every society. It continues to be a driver of persistent inequality. And it continues to deny people their fundamental human rights. It destabilizes societies, undermines democracies and erodes the legitimacy of governments,” says António Guterres, United Nations Secretary General.
Humanity is at a turning point. As a global community, we’re facing urgent existential challenges. Like catastrophic climate change, finite resources, habitat and biodiversity loss and others but it’s racism that is our focus for the 21st September for the elimination of racial discrimination.
International Day of Peace activities for class:
- For a creative activity, write a letter to a member of the UN or an MP with a list of peaceful requests or suggestions.
- Get your children to make posters which will encourage people to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
- Make an International Day of Peace display that’s inspired by cultures from all over the world.
- Learn about the history of a current conflict.
- Do a role-play activity where children protest for peace or resolve a conflict peacefully.
- Come up with a list of ways children can practise the values of International Day of Peace and try to achieve as many as possible in one day. Source- twinkl