International Day of Peace

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by a resolution of the UN General Assembly. In 2001 the date was fixed on September 21, and declared as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.

The 2023 theme is Actions for Peace. It's a call to action that recognizes our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace, and contribute to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); achieving these will create a culture of peace for all.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, "Peace is needed today more than ever. War and conflict are unleashing devastation, poverty, and hunger, and driving tens of millions of people from their homes. Climate chaos is all around. And even peaceful countries are gripped by gaping inequalities and political polarization."

Peace Day Agenda:

1. Journal queries

2. Raise awareness

3. Make Peace Stones

4. Peace vigil

1. Journal queries: Consider and list ways I can work for peace this fall and winter. 

How can I teach peace? 

How can I celebrate peace?  

How can I express peace in my art and writing? 

How can I live peace? 

2. Raise Awareness: 

2023 marks the mid-point in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. (Goals such as No Poverty, Zero Hunger, and so on). The SDGs aim to bring us closer to having more peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, free from fear and violence. The UN site says, "We invite you to join the United Nations’ call to take action for peace: fight inequality, drive action on climate change, and promote and protect human rights."

3. Make Peace Stones:

Each year I choose a project for Peace Day. One year we made peace flags; once I invited friends to watch a video about Peace Day; and once we made a peace poster in my art class. A couple of years ago I found the website for Pinwheels for Peace, and I was inspired to make pinwheels with one of my students. (That project is described here.)

This year I decided to repeat what I've done the last 3 years: Make Peace Stones to give away.

Supplies: Round rocks and glass stones, paint pens, spray varnish (optional)

Washing stones (photo from 2021)

1. Clean stones and let dry.

2. Draw peace signs with paint pens and seal with spray varnish, if you want.

3. Leave on a sidewalk with a sign! "Today is the International Day of Peace. Please take a Peace Stone."

4. Peace vigil at noon today:
Whatever you choose to do, please pause at 12 Noon local time and join people all across the globe in a Minute of Silence / Moment of Peace.

Minute of Silence / Moment of Peace - In 1984, in commemoration of the annual International Day of Peace and in solidarity with the United Nations, the NGO Pathways To Peace inaugurated the Minute of Silence at 12:00 Noon in each time zone, resulting in a “Peace Wave” around the world. Individuals, organizations, communities and nations are invited to participate in this shared and practical act of peacebuilding on September 21.