4 Ways to Observe International Day of Peace

The International Day of Peace is observed every year on September 21st. The purpose of this day is to globally encourage humanity to participate in activities for 24-hours that contribute to the creation of a more peaceful, compassionate, knowledgeable, and unified world. 

International Day of Peace was established in 1981 when the United Nations General Assembly declared the third Tuesday of September as the official day of observance. In 2001, the assembly moved the date to be honored annually on September 21st. The purpose of the day is to think about and discuss how we can promote and maintain peace among ourselves and with others. Everyone is encouraged to span 24 hours of global ceasefire and non-violence for groups in active combat. We can also educate, celebrate and recognize the efforts of those who have and are working to end conflict and promote peace.

RECOVERING BETTER FOR AN EQUITABLE AND SUSTAINABLE WORLD is this year’s Global Peace Day theme. According to UN.org, the topic “Hopes to inspire us all to think creatively and collectively about how to recover better from the COVID-19 pandemic, how to build resilience, and how to transform our world into one that is more equal, more just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable and healthier.“

Since this year’s International Day of Peace falls on a weekday, many will be busy with full-time jobs, getting the kids to school, or other daily commitments. However, there are a few ways you can take a moment to learn and teach others what can be done to make the world a more harmonious place.

Scroll down for four suggestions on how to observe, and contribute to, International Day of Peace:

Meditate, Pray or Observe the Minute of Silence

Meditate – Take a moment to set yourself at peace internally, or focus on what you can do to help contribute to the efforts of creating a more equitable and sustainable world.

• Getting Started with Meditation: https://www.mindful.org/meditation/mindfulness-getting-started/
• How to Meditate: https://www.mindful.org/how-to-meditate/
• Local Tampa Meditation Resource: https://meditationintampabay.org/ 

Observe the Minute of Silence – In 1984, the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Pathways to Peace inaugurated the Minute of Silence. At noon in each time zone, this observance of silence creates a “Peace Wave” worldwide. (https://www.facebook.com/MinuteOfSilenceMomentOfPeace/)

Foster Peace through Education

Learn about democracy and human rights

• Why Learn About Human Rights: https://www.humanrightscareers.com/issues/10-reasons-why-human-rights-are-important/
• What are Human Rights: https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/human-rights 

Seek to understand – Understand and value the differences you find in the people you meet and cultures different from your own. (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-waves/201702/how-do-we-learn-appreciate-each-others-differences.) 

Teach our Children and Others

Respect everyone – No one group is better than another. Teach children that it is wrong to ridicule differences. Try to instill empathy for various people and find ways children can interact with diverse kids. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/no-bullying.html 

Advocate for equality – Oppose violence in your community against women, girls, race, gender, sexual preference, and more. Promote peace and open-mindedness. These 16 people and groups are fighting for a more equal America: https://time.com/5783951/equality-activists/. 

Sustainability – Discuss ideas on how we can work together to make a difference towards a more sustainable world. In Tampa Bay, here are some sustainability resources: https://sustany.org/links/ 

Perform an Act of Sustainability or Kindness

• Plant a tree
• Pick up litter
• Hold the door open for someone.
• Say hi to a stranger.
• Give to a local charity or volunteer.

The International Day of Peace is an excellent reminder that we are more alike than different no matter where we live, where we originated from, or the language we speak. Taking the time to educate ourselves and our children, participate in meditation or prayer, use our voice for advocacy, or performing an act of kindness or sustainability, can make a considerable difference within ourselves and our communities. What if we regularly did one thing each week? Think of the impact it could have! 

Do you agree? Disagree? Do you do things to educate yourself, your children, or those close to you to help create a more peaceful world for others? If so, we want to know! Comment below, share on our social media pages or contact us for comments.