International Day of Peace 2018

The dove is a symbol often associated with the International Day of Peace ©iStockphoto.com/Sue McDonald

The United Nations' (UN) International Day of Peace is celebrated on September 21 each year to recognize the efforts of those who have worked hard to end conflict and promote peace. The International Day of Peace is also a day of ceasefire – personal or political.

On the International Day of Peace, also known as Peace Day, people around the world take part in various activities and organize events centered on the theme “peace”. Events vary from private gatherings to public concerts and forums involving large audiences. Activities include:

• Interfaith peace ceremonies.
• A toast for peace.
• A peace choir.
• Lighting candles.
• Peace prayers.
• A peace convoy of vehicles.
• Tree planting for peace.
• Art exhibitions promoting peace.
• Picnics for peace.
• Peace walks.

Organizations such as Roots & Shoots, an international environmental and humanitarian program for youth, show their support for the event on an annual basis. Young people involved in Roots & Shoots may engage in activities such as crafting giant peace dove puppets from re-used materials and flying the doves in their communities. People from diverse religious and spiritual backgrounds also commit to organizing an International Day of Peace Vigil. Some groups observe a minute of silence at noon in every time zone across the world on Peace Day.

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