International Day of Peace

In 1981 the International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly for "commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace within and among all nations and people."

Peace Day should be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples...

This day will serve as a reminder to all peoples that our organization, with all its limitations, is a living instrument in the service of peace and should serve all of us here within the organization as a constantly pealing bell reminding us that our permanent commitment, above all interests or differences of any kind, is to peace.

Twenty years later, the General Assembly set 21 September as the date to observe the occasion annually as a "day of global ceasefire and non-violence... through education and public awareness and to cooperate in the establishment of a global ceasefire."

Today, we are still struggling to achieve this vision. Too many conflicts, from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to conflicts in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Darfur, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, cause unnecessary loss of life and have a devastating impact on the structures that maintain societies, such as education, health and justice systems and the maintenance of law and order.

Source: International Day of Peace Website.

If there is to be peace in the world,

There must be peace in the nations.

If there is to be peace in the nations,

There must be peace in the cities.

If there is to be peace in the cities,

There must be peace between neighbors.

If there is to be peace between neighbors,

There must be peace in the home.

If there is to be peace in the home,

There must be peace in the heart.

Lao Tzu

Buddha: Peace Art Print
Available at AllPosters.com

Photo Credit: Japanese Peace Bell. Copyright © 2001 United Nations.

This year to mark the International Day of Peace, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will ring the Peace Bell at United Nations Headquarters in New York on Friday, 19 September, in the company of the UN Messengers of Peace.

UN offices and peacekeeping missions around the world will also be holding events to observe the occasion.

A minute of silence will be observed at 12 noon local time on 21 September, around the world.

Photo Credit: Peace Bell. Copyright United Nations.

Peaceful Prayer Art Print by Flavia Weedn
Available at AllPosters.com

Tree Of Peace Poster by Josephine Wall
Available at AllPosters.com

A description from the artist about the Tree of Peace

As mankind emerges from the mists of time to enter a new millennium, hope abounds that all nations will be united in friendship and love (hidden faces) encircle our fragile and incredibly complex world. The D.N.A. bracelet twines round the "helping hand" guiding the younger hand of humanity that strives to explore and learn so much more.

You will find a number of famous characters that have influenced and shaped our past, present and future e.g. Darwin, Einstein, Beethoven etc.The left side symbolizes nature - while the right symbolizes technology and the future.The dove symbolizes peace and the rainbow hope. The hands either side of the tree symbolize the need for our beautiful world to be protected forever.

Dove of Peace Art Print by Pablo Picasso
Available at AllPosters.com

This lens benefits Global Giving, connecting people with development projects around the world.