Creating Tolerance and World Peace

Posts Tagged ‘United Nation’

The International Day of Peace was created in 1981 when the United Nation resolved to observe Sept. 21 each year for the purpose of fostering peace throughout the world through focusing on common goals, alleviating tensions and recognizing causes of conflict. The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has used the International Day of Peace to call for a nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. UN member states have also been urged to commemorate the International Day of Peace with a global ceasefire in any sort of warfare that they’re engaged in.

However, there are plenty of activities that regular citizens, from children to adults, can engage in to celebrate the International Day of Peace. One of the most popular options are a moment of silence at noon on Sept. 21. A minute of silence is a powerful sign of unity for participants but it’s also easy to implement in schools, homes, offices and places of worship as a non-intrusive message that peace is important. Some people, instead, will ring a bell or light a candle – each has their own connotations of bringing the message of peace.

Schools and other organizations have had significant successes with Peace Poles or with a World Peace Flag Ceremony to proclaim their allegiance to the idea of peace. Children and youth respond especially well to a concrete idea like creating a pole or having a ceremony to commemorate peace instead of an abstract moment of silence. Parades, parties or making pinwheels for peace are other activities that are popular with young people.

Local government officials often use proclamations to spread the message about the International Day of Peace. Vigils for war victims and others that have fallen in the quest for peace are also popular on Sept. 21. Vigils can be celebrated on the local level with an event at a local park or lake. Spread the word about your vigil or find one of your own on www.idpvigil.com.