International Day of Peace 2021: history, interesting facts

Date in 2021: September 21, Tuesday.

The problem of military action is still relevant for every person on the planet. The Day of Peace holiday calls for stopping violence and aggression, and thinking about the fragility of the planet. On this day, sports competitions are held, for example, football matches, a concert, and exhibitions of photographs and drawings are organized. People must understand that by uniting they can more effectively overcome problems such as poverty and disease.

Nowadays, military conflicts have become commonplace. Almost every day we learn about new terrorist attacks, bombed cities, and armed clashes. Unfortunately, not a single state in the world can protect itself from this, because, according to statistics, wars occur every century, during which up to half of the planet’s population is destroyed.

For half a century, the UN has been working to awaken a conscious way of life among the public, so that all its cells, and each individual person, can unquestioningly provide assistance to anyone who needs it. In order to attract public attention to the socio-political situation in states, to strengthen the peaceful coexistence of all people on Earth, the International Day of Peace was established.

Who's celebrating

This, one might say, is a professional holiday for UN workers, since the activities of this organization are directly related to eliminating the causes and consequences of wars that provoke poverty, a surge in epidemics and fatal diseases.

This celebration is celebrated by all kinds of public non-governmental and government organizations. In the Russian Federation, it falls on the Day of Victory of the united Russian army in the battle on the Kulikovo Field - one of the Days of Military Glory of the Russian Federation, therefore in our state it is a double celebration.

Whose day is it?

World Peace Day is a holiday for each of us who stands for peaceful coexistence and tolerance. This is a special day for those affected by military conflicts: refugees, soldiers who received disabilities, serious physical and mental injuries, families who did not receive fathers, sons, brothers and husbands from the war.

Until explosions are heard in our streets, and we do not hide in bomb shelters at the sound of a siren and wait every second with trepidation for news from the front, we forget about the exorbitantly high price of peace. While we are doing our favorite work, making plans, relaxing, falling in love, having the opportunity to see friends and family, we forget that for some, such a life is now a distant and illusory dream. Peace Day makes one and all remember what we have and what we don't value.

In addition, World Peace Day is a professional holiday of the UN, because the main mission of this organization is to eliminate both the causes and consequences of armed conflicts. The fight against homelessness, epidemics, poverty - everything that, in addition to human sacrifices, rewards the people of war.

How to celebrate

The celebration opens with an address by the UN Secretary General near the Peace Bell. Festive concerts and various charity events are held, and in Russia and the CIS countries, “Peace Lessons” are held in every school, where students are taught about the importance of peaceful coexistence. Lectures and conferences are educational in nature, giving society experience in achieving peace on Earth. All events taking place on this day promote the value of peaceful life and understanding the problems of peaceful coexistence of countries.

Rice. 1. This day unites people all over the world

Since 1986, one of the integral events of this celebration has been the Peace Procession. This event was initiated by the Indian peacemaker philosopher Sri Chinma. Now, every year on Peace Day, people in different countries hold processions expressing commitment to the ideas of peace, uniting with people from different continents and countries, and supporting the UN efforts to achieve and establish peace.

In addition, every year Peace Day is dedicated to a specific theme. Over the years, it was held under different mottos: “Maintaining peace and human rights”, “Together for peace: dignity, respect and security for all” and others.

International Day of Peace

Every year on September 21, the international community celebrates the International Day of Peace

(International Day of Peace). This Day was declared by the UN General Assembly as a day to strengthen the ideals of peace among all countries and peoples - both at the national and international levels.

In 1981, with its resolution 36/67, the General Assembly proclaimed the Day of Peace and established its celebration on the third Tuesday in September, and 20 years later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously adopted resolution 55/282, which decided that since 2002 the International Day peace will be celebrated annually on September 21 as a day of universal ceasefire and renunciation of violence

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For most people on planet Earth, peace is an everyday reality. The city streets are calm, children go to school and kindergarten... Where the foundations of society are strong, the priceless gift of peace may not be particularly noticed by anyone. However, for too many people in the modern world, this gift is nothing more than a fairytale dream. They live in chains, in an atmosphere of instability and fear.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the importance of collective efforts to help each person recover and create a more equal, just, inclusive and sustainable world. The pandemic is accompanied by a surge in stigma, discrimination and hatred that is leading to loss of life. The virus attacks everyone, regardless of nationality and religious beliefs. As we face this common enemy of humanity, we must remember that we are not each other's enemies. To recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic, we must make peace with each other—peace with nature.

Therefore, today's holiday, established by the UN in 1981, covers millions of people, many countries and regions, where various actions and events are held by public and youth organizations. After all, the Day is intended to make people not only think about peace, but also do something for its sake.

2013 Day Poster - Education for Peace

The UN invites all countries and peoples to cease all hostilities on this Day and celebrate this Day by holding educational and public information events on peace issues. It also uses the celebration of the International Day of Peace to draw attention to its wide-ranging work in support of peace and to encourage individuals, groups and communities around the planet to understand the problems of peace, exchange information and practical experience in achieving it.

Thus, every year, UN events dedicated to the Day traditionally begin with a ceremony at the Peace Bell at the UN headquarters in New York - first, an address by the UN Secretary-General is heard, after which he strikes the bell, then, after a minute of silence, the chairman makes an address UN Security Council.

Each year, Peace Day is dedicated to a specific theme. Thus, over the years it was held under the mottos: “Human rights and maintaining peace”, “Disarmament and non-proliferation”, “Youth for peace and development”, “Peace and democracy: have your say”, “Sustainable peace for a sustainable future”, “Education for Peace”, “Peoples’ Right to Peace”, “Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace”, “Together for Peace: Respect, Security and Dignity for All”, “Right to Peace: 70 Years of the Universal Declaration” human rights”, “Fighting climate change for peace”, “Shaping the world together”, “Building back better to create a just and sustainable world”, etc.

The events of recent years - war, terrorism, military spending, deep contradictions dividing nations and individuals around the world, the climate crisis, viruses - have given the International Day of Peace an unprecedented relevance today.

history of the holiday

Since 1981, the holiday has been celebrated every year on the first day of the UN session (3rd Tuesday in September). However, on September 7, 2001, the UN General Assembly decided to expand its meaning and called on parties to military conflicts around the world to renounce violence on the annual World Ceasefire Day. Since 2002, International Day of Peace has been celebrated on September 21.

In 2015, 193 UN member states selected 17 sustainable development goals to be achieved by 2030. Their essence is to protect peace, eradicate poverty and thereby ensure shared prosperity.

History and traditions of the holiday

International Day of Peace dates back to 1981. The event was established by the United Nations General Assembly. It was originally celebrated annually on the opening day of the UN session (the third Tuesday of September each year), but in 2001 September 21 was chosen as the official date.

This is a kind of professional holiday for the UN, since the organization’s field of activity is related to eliminating the causes and consequences of military conflicts, which in turn provoke poverty, a surge in diseases and epidemics.

Celebrating an event has a variable meaning. That is, every year it is dedicated to different problems and is held under different mottos (from the past ones - “Peace and Democracy: Express Your Opinion”, “Education for Peace”, “Youth for Peace and Development”, “Disarmament and Non-Proliferation”.

Have an interesting day

Task for today: Refuse aggression and violence on this day.

Every 100-150 years, a large-scale military campaign takes place on the planet. And military conflicts break out in every 5th state. After each large-scale war, an evolutionary round begins lower than the previous one. Peace Day is a reminder that war is bad.

But it is also a holiday for the UN, whose activities are related to eliminating the causes and consequences of military conflicts. And for the Peace One Day organization, which strives to achieve the implementation of the annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence.

Refuse aggression and violence on this day.

How interesting is it to spend this day?

Try to completely abandon any manifestations of violence and aggression on this day. War breaks out in every 5th country. After each large-scale military conflict, a round of evolution begins an order of magnitude lower than the previous one. The holiday reminds us of the value of peace and what a terrible thing war is. The non-profit organization Peace One Day wants to achieve an annual day of global non-violence and ceasefire. On this day, concerts and football matches are held, which allow you to release energy in a peaceful way.

You may be interested in: When is Youth Day celebrated?

Interesting Facts

Every year, the holiday ceremony begins at exactly 10 o'clock near the Peace Bell, which Japan presented to the UN in 1954. The Peace Bell is installed in New York. It was cast using coins collected by children from 60 countries, as well as various awards from people: medals, orders.

The ceremony lasts about 15 minutes. First, the UN Secretary General strikes the bell and makes a speech in which he addresses the peoples of the entire planet and calls on them to think about the invaluable importance of peace. Then there is a minute of silence, after which the Chairman of the Security Council speaks.

The white dove of peace is one of the most recognizable symbols of peace. The drawing was drawn by the famous artist Pablo Picasso in 1949.

Congratulations in prose

I cordially congratulate everyone on the International Day of Peace! May this September day warm your souls, fill them with kindness and love! Let the autumn wind take away all insults and grievances from your heart! And the autumn rain will wash away all bad thoughts! I wish you all health, happiness and peaceful skies above your heads!

Rice. 2. Happy Peace Day September 21st!

Traditions

This wonderful holiday is traditionally celebrated with educational lectures, seminars, and round tables. The number of people involved is growing every year. On September 21, it is customary to do everything possible to preserve a calm life on the planet. For example, in 2013, the theme of the holiday was enlightenment and youth education. It was celebrated by holding public events related to current issues. The purpose of the event was students of schools, colleges, and universities. Targeting youth is a top priority for the UN. They must be involved, well informed and motivated. Thematic lectures are held in educational institutions, the true history of humanity is told, and monstrous numbers of war victims are announced.

In 2021, Peace Day was dedicated to the theme of combating climate change. Natural disasters and catastrophes claim no less lives than wars. People are losing their homes and property. Global environmental problems (soil salinization, pollution of land, air, water resources) can cause irreparable harm to the global balance. Every year the amount of arable land decreases, and an increasing amount of land becomes unsuitable for food and life. Reducing the number of resources

is fraught with the resumption of many already resolved military conflicts. Added to this list are the problems of refugees, migrants, and people who have lost their home.

In light of such large-scale problems, the UN calls on us to do at least a little on the eve of the next day of peace. For example, turn off the lights, walk, use environmentally friendly transport. An excellent option would be to conduct educational work with your relatives, friends, and children. Various flash mobs have been announced on the Internet with the hashtag #PeaceDay.

International Day of Peace 2021 and its relationship with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The new 15-year agenda to 2030 calls on participating countries to take action to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and promote shared prosperity. Goal 16 is to promote and build peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, ensuring universal access to justice and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels.

This year marks 70 years since the birth of the historical document called the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It was adopted by resolution 217 A of the UN General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948, as a document in which all peoples and countries must obey the principles set forth. For the first time in the history of mankind, a document was adopted that proclaimed the need to protect fundamental rights

Everyone has the power to promote and protect human rights in order to achieve change in society.

Story

In 2021, Pope Francis announced that the theme would be "Good Politics in the Service of Peace," but past themes have included everything from women's rights to the right to life to caring for migrants and refugees. Popes use the annual World Day of Peace message as a tool to set their priorities for the year.

In his Message of 1 January 2021 for World Peace Day, “Migrants and Refugees: Men and Women in Search of Peace,” Pope Francis calls on all Christians to see global migration as an opportunity to build peace. Calling on each of us to welcome all those forced to leave their homelands for social, economic, cultural or environmental reasons, he calls on individuals, governments and institutions to welcome, protect, encourage and unite all who come to our countries in search of peace.

No matter the theme of the year, we can all use this day to pray for peace in our world and do our best to make global peace a reality.

Mother Teresa said that “Peace begins with a smile” - in other words, we can strive for a peaceful world in small ways, the way we treat the people around us.

Who celebrates and how.

All states of the Earth are represented in the UN, so absolutely everyone can take part in its activities. Usually on September 21, various anti-war protest events take place around the world: rallies, demonstrations, marches.

Various historical and educational seminars are held for the younger generation, where all the terrible consequences of the war are clearly shown.

New monuments, steles and memorial plaques are being opened everywhere.

Documentary and humanistic materials are broadcast on television, radio and Internet resources, calling on all of us, even in the most controversial and conflict situations, to resolve matters through violence, but in a peaceful, constructive way.

Celebration in Russia

In Russia, Peace Day is celebrated with a number of official and public events. In our country, the memory of the horrors of the Great Patriotic War is alive, because then there was not a single family left in the country whose life was not scorched by the war.

It is very important that young people think about how destructive and merciless the power of war is. After all, it is young people who will determine the life of our planet in the future. Therefore, on Peace Day, Russian schools conduct lessons on the topic of preserving peace. Students and working youth are invited to participate in conferences and seminars. In addition, entertainment events are always held - concerts, performances, encouraging people to be more tolerant and kinder to each other.

Every person can make their small contribution to preserving world peace; we just need to stop being indifferent and not consider that these global problems do not concern us.

Only through joint efforts can we defeat violence and establish peaceful coexistence of all people living on planet Earth.

Fun facts:

• Despite all the humanistic activities of international structures, over the post-war years since the global conflict, in every fifth state on the planet, a direct armed conflict has arisen at least once;
• Today, open civil confrontations are taking place in more than 10 countries (Syria, Libya, Ukraine, Sudan, Chad, Somalia, Afghanistan, etc.). About 30 more countries suffer from “frozen” conflicts”, ready to move into the active phase at any moment;
• A generally accepted symbol of peace today is the image of a white dove. Previously, the emblem of a “quiet life” in different regions of the world was a laurel crown, an olive branch, a white linen, a blue fan, pearls, an orange and a tobacco pipe.
• Antarctica is the only region of the Earth where any military conflicts are officially prohibited. In addition, any armed confrontation is unacceptable on the territory of objects falling under the category of World Cultural Heritage, as well as on the International Space Station (ISS);
• The most militaristic state in the world today is the United States of America. They have the largest military budget, and also have more than 200 different military bases scattered throughout the planet;
• About 20% of states today do not have an army at all, and its functions are performed by police units or volunteer brigades.