Wars have somehow always led to pathways of peace in the world. When World War I ended and the Paris Peace Conference was held, it yielded the League of Nations, which would then pave the way for the founding of the United Nations at the end of World War II.
Therefore, it was only natural that the United Nations celebrate the very cause it was founded to champion: Peace. This is believed to be the seed of the idea that would go on to become the worldwide observance that the International Day of Peace -- sometimes also called World Peace Day, but only unofficially -- is today. It is celebrated on 21 September every year.
When is International Day of Peace celebrated?
When it was first established in 1981, and for a few years after that, International Day of Peace was celebrated on the third Saturday of every September, to coincide with the opening day of the annual sessions of the UN General Assembly.
However, the date was changed to a more fixed 21 September in 2001, so that it would be observed on that day from 2002, and that is when it is celebrated every year now. The change enacted in 2001 also saw more connotations being attached to the International Day of Peace, thereby adding to its significance.
Why is it celebrated?
When it was introduced in 1981, International Day of Peace was to be observed to celebrate and strengthen the ideals peace stood for. However, when a resolution was brought and passed in 2001 to fix its date on 21 September, the day also became one of worldwide ceasefire and overall non-violence.
International Day of Peace hs since come to be celebrated for any point of time when there is absence of war in any region so people are ate relative peace and receiving humanitarian aid.
The day also has a fixed them. This year it is: "The Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace." UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has said of these goals: "The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are our shared vision of humanity and a social contract between the world's leaders and the people. They are a to-do list for people and planet, and a blueprint for success."
You can find out more about the International Day of Peace on the official website of the United Nations.
