The International Day of Peace, sometimes officially known as World Peace Day, is a United Nations-sanctioned holiday observed annually on 21 September. It is dedicated to world peace, and specifically the absence of war and violence, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone for humanitarian aid access.

The day was first celebrated in 1981, and is kept by many nations, political groups, military groups, and people. In 2013 the day was dedicated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to peace education, the key preventive means to reduce war sustainably.

To inaugurate the day, the United Nations Peace Bell is rung at UN Headquarters (in New York City). The bell is cast from coins donated by children from all continents except Africa, and was a gift from the United Nations Association of Japan, as “a reminder of the human cost of war”; the inscription on its side reads, “Long live absolute world peace”.

Peace Day provides one globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.

Look for Peace Day activities in your own community and around the world:  In recent years, a searchable map of events has been published at un.org. Some examples of events might be:

*Minute of silence at 12 noon (all timezones)

*Peace education events

*Intercultural and interfaith dialogues

*Workshops on the UN Peace Day theme

*Meditation and prayer *Planting peace poles

*Community gatherings

*Vigils

*Concerts and festivals

*Soccer/football matches in the spirit of peace

*Service to others

*Feasts for Peace

*Writing peaceful poetry

*Yoga

*Marches, parades and flag ceremonies

*Public programs with government officials

*Engaging youth in peace-building activities.

Engaging in Peace Day can take place privately, as part of a group and/or as a participant in an event or program. We invite you to engage in this global day in whatever way is meaningful for you/your organization. Get inspired and create your own activities!