International Day of Peace: history, meaning, and curiosities

Every year on September 21, the world celebrates the International Day of Peace, established by the United Nations General Assembly to promote the cessation of hostilities and strengthen the values of peaceful coexistence among peoples.

The origins

The Day was established in 1981 by UN Resolution 36/67, at the proposal of Costa Rica and the United Kingdom, and was celebrated for the first time in 1982. It was initially set for the third Tuesday of September, coinciding with the opening of the General Assembly.
Since 2001, with Resolution 55/282, the date has been definitively set at September 21, also becoming a day dedicated to non-violence and a global ceasefire.

Initiatives around the world

Each year, the Day has a specific theme, chosen by the UN, which guides awareness campaigns, conferences, educational activities, and artistic events.
Among the most symbolic initiatives is the traditional ceremony at the Peace Bell in the United Nations Garden in New York, donated by Japan in 1954, which is rung at noon as a universal call to peace.

Many cities around the world organize marches, interfaith events, meetings with students and young people, cultural and sporting activities: moments that combine reflection and concrete action.

Some curiosities

The most used symbol during the day is the dove with the olive branch, a sign of hope and reconciliation.

In 2013, Pope Francis called an extraordinary vigil in St. Peter's Square on September 21, as a gesture of universal prayer for peace in Syria and the Middle East.

In several schools and universities, especially in Europe and America, September 21st is an opportunity for workshops on conflict mediation and peace education.

In some countries, the Day is celebrated with a minute of silence at 12:00, as a collective moment of meditation and remembrance for the victims of war.

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We want to celebrate this day by remembering that the Jubilee 2025 will also be a great event of reconciliation and hope, and our dedicated articles can become concrete signs of memory and peace to be preserved over time.