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International Day of Peace 2020 - Shaping Peace Together.

Sep 21, 2020

Image: International Day of Peace Poster - un.org
 
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
 
This year, it has been clearer than ever that we are not each other’s enemies. Rather, our common enemy is a tireless virus that threatens our health, security and very way of life. COVID-19 has thrown our world into turmoil and forcibly reminded us that what happens in one part of the planet can impact people everywhere.
 
In March, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on all warring parties to lay down their weapons and focus on the battle against this unprecedented global pandemic. While the message is intended for armed parties, solidarity and cooperation across borders, sectors and generations are also needed to win this new fight against the worst public health crisis of our time.
 
For the United Nations, 2020 was already meant to be a year of listening and learning. To mark its 75th anniversary, the UN has invited millions of people worldwide to join UN75, the largest and furthest-reaching global conversation on building the peaceful and prosperous future that we want.
 
As we struggle to defeat COVID-19, your voice is more important than ever. In these difficult times of physical distancing, this International Day of Peace will be dedicated to fostering dialogue and collecting ideas. The world will be invited to unite and share thoughts on how to weather this storm, heal our planet and change it for the better. Even though we may not be able to stand next to each other, we can still dream together.
 
The 2020 theme for the International Day of Peace is “Shaping Peace Together.” Celebrate the day by spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic. Stand together with the UN against attempts to use the virus to promote discrimination or hatred. Join us so that we can shape peace together.
 
Background
 
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.
 
The United Nations invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.
 
Counting down to the International Day of Peace:
What you can do to help
 
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has it as a 24-hour period of non-violence and cease-fire. The 2020 theme is “Shaping Peace Together.”
 
This year, it has been clearer than ever that we are not each other’s enemies. Rather, our common enemy is a tireless virus that threatens our health, security and very way of life. That is why UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for a global ceasefire.
 
But there is also more to peace than putting aside arms. True peace depends on societies being inclusive, healthy and economically stable. It requires a predictable climate, an unpolluted environment and solidarity across community lines.
 
In this new era of social distancing, we may not be able to stand together physically. But there are still things you can do from home to promote the ideals of the International Day of Peace.
 
1) ORGANIZE A UN75 DIALOGUE
 
To mark its 75th anniversary, the UN has invited people everywhere to join UN75, the world’s largest  global conversation on building the peaceful and prosperous future we want. As we struggle to defeat COVID-19, your voice is more important than ever. The UN wants to hear your thoughts on how to weather this storm, heal our planet and build peace.
 
So, take our one-minute survey and share it widely. Check out the UN75 toolkit to learn how to set up  your own online dialogue. And don’t forget to register it, so that your ideas can be heard by UN officials. The toolkit contains framing questions to get your conversations started. And here are some additional ones directly related to the International Day of Peace:
 
• How can the UN best promote the Secretary-General’s
call for a global ceasefire?
• What role can you play in that regard?
• What does peace mean to you?
• When you envision a peaceful world, what do you see?
• What actions are needed to make your vision a reality?
• How can the UN help you to meet your peace goals?
 
3) ENGAGE IN ACTS OF KINDNESS AND SOLIDARITY
 
COVID-19 has exposed the fault lines in our societies, as marginalized communities suffer more than others from the pandemic’s effects. COVID-19-related hate speech and discrimination are on the rise, and even medical workers are being stigmatized. But you can speak up on social media -- using #UN75 and #PeaceDay – to challenge misconceptions and express support for those who need it. You can research volunteering opportunities – to assist the most vulnerable members of society. And you can tell your political leaders to keep peace and human dignity front and center as they fight the pandemic.
 
Past Observances
 
2019 - Climate Action for Peace
2018 - The Right to Peace: Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70
2017 - Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All
2016 - The Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace
2015 - Partnerships for Peace - Dignity for All
2014 - The Right of Peoples to Peace
2013 - Education for Peace
2012 - Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future
2011 - Peace and Democracy: Make your voice heard!
2010 - Youth for Peace and Development
2009 - Disarmament and non-proliferation
2008 - Human Rights and Peacekeeping
2007 - Peace is the United Nations' highest calling
 
 



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