By Mabel Pais

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

– Nelson Mandela

2019 Theme: “Climate Action for Peace”

The International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) is observed around the world each year on 21 September. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.

On June 13, 2019, UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, delivered his 100-day countdown to the International Day of Peace message. “Today, as we mark the 100-day countdown to the next International Day of Peace, I invite global reflection on this year’s timely theme: “’Climate Action for Peace’”

Message on 13 June 2019 for the 100-day countdown to the International Day of Peace

Every year on 21 September, the United Nations calls on all nations and people to put down their weapons and reaffirm their commitment to living in harmony with one another.

In his speech on June 13, 2019, António Guterres reiterated, “Today, as we mark the 100-day countdown to the next International Day of Peace, I invite global reflection on this year’s timely theme.

“Climate Action for Peace”brings a clear message: the global climate emergency is a threat to security and stability. Urgent climate action is a global imperative.”

“To mobilize the ambition we need, I am convening a Climate Action Summit on 23 September, at UN Headquarters in New York. I have asked world leaders to come with concrete and realistic plans to rapidly accelerate action to implement the Paris Agreement, and to make a pivotal shift toward a cleaner, safer and greener future.  In this endeavor, they will be backed by the passionate voices of young women and men around the world, who understand their future is at stake.”

“This is the battle of our lives, and a race against time. We can win — and we must.  Solutions are in our hands: tax pollution, not people; stop subsidizing fossil fuels; stop building new coal plants by 2020; focus on a green economy, not a grey economy. I count on your continued support as we strive to build a world where we can live every day in harmony with the environment and with each other.”

What can youth do to get involved?

Young people are stepping up to the challenge – close to half a million youth around the world have taken action on climate change in their homes, schools and communities. According to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCCC), they are key actors in raising awareness, running educational programmes, promoting sustainable lifestyles, conserving nature, supporting renewable energy, adopting environmentally-friendly practices and implementing adaptation and mitigation projects.

“Our common humanity demands that we make the impossible possible.

– World Leaders at Nelson Mandela Peace Summit, September 2018

Events

On 20 September 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., the Secretary-General will celebrate the Day in the Peace Garden at United Nations Headquarters by ringing the Peace Bell and observing a minute of silence. United Nations Messengers of Peace will participate in the ceremony.

The ceremony will be followed by a Student Observance at 9:30 a.m. organized by the Education Outreach Section of the Department of Global Communications. Approximately 700 high school and college students will have an opportunity to interact with UN Messengers of Peace, along with youth participating via videoconference from the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Selected students will be able to share the peace projects they have been involved in over the last year. The events will be live streamed at webtv.un.org.

Individuals, organizations, communities and nations are invited to participate in this shared and practical act of peacebuilding on September 21.

“Today peace faces a new danger: the climate emergency, which threatens our security, our livelihoods and our lives. That is why it is the focus of this year’s International Day of Peace. And it’s why I am convening a Climate Action Summit.”

—António Guterres

Let us all create Peace Day everyday!

Get Involved

Join with people around the world by observingthe International Day of Peace!  Here are some ways:

People in cities, communities and villages worldwide have engaged in the International Day of Peace in diverse and meaningful ways.

Look for Peace Day activities in your own community and around the world:

*Minute of silence at 12 noon (all timezones)

*Peace education events

*Intercultural and interfaith dialogues

*Workshops on the UN Peace Day theme  *Meditation and prayer*Planting peace poles

*Community gatherings

*Vigils

*Concerts and festivals 

*Soccer/football matches in the spirit of peace

*Service to others

*Feasts for Peace

*Writing peace poetry

*Yoga

*Marches, parades and flag ceremonies

*Public programs with government officials

*Engaging youth in peace-building activities.

Engaging in Peace Day can take place privately, as part of a group and/or as a participant in an event or program. The pages in this section – Children & Youth, the Arts, Nonviolence, Environment, Health, Social Justice, etc. offer diverse ideas for observing this global day shared with all humanity.

–“May Peace Prevail On Earth!”– Include this universal statement  – perhaps around a local Peace Pole – to begin and/or end a program or gathering.

– Global Feast For Peace -Gather people together with food in the spirit of peace – include interfaith or intercultural dialogue if you wish.

–Roots and Shoots– Each September, “Roots & Shoots” groups from around the world celebrate “Roots & Shoots” and honor the International Day of Peace. Dr. Jane has been a UN Messenger of Peace since 2002 and she inspires us all to live in harmony with nature and each other.

– II Days of Global Unity– The 11 Days of Global Unity aims at strengthening the ideals of unity and equality, diversity and oneness, harmony and compassion and, above all, at advancing the culture of peace.

– Compassion Games International– offers fun and creative ways to ignite and catalyze compassionate action in communities around the world.

– Global Mala (Yoga) Project – Unites yoga, service and collective action, forming a “mala around the earth” based upon the sacred cycle of 108 (108 Surya Namaskar, Mantra, Kriya, Meditation).

– Be the Peace – From Sept. 19 – 21, join the synchronized meditation on-line.

– Peace Crane Project – Create and share peace cranes with people in different parts of the world.

– One Day One Goal – Peace One Day’s campaign using the power of sport to bring people together.

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.

 

Nelson Mandela Decade of Peace (2019-2028)

On 24 September 2018, nearly 100 world leaders gathered at United Nations Headquarters in New York for the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit. Recognizing the period from 2019 to 2028 as the Nelson Mandela Decade of Peace, the Declarationsaluted Mr. Mandela for his humility, forgiveness and compassion, acknowledging as well his contribution to the struggle for democracy and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.

Recognizing that peace and security, development and human rights are the pillars of the United Nations system and the foundations for collective security and well‑being, the Declaration reaffirmed the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“We resolve to move beyond words in the promotion of peaceful, just, inclusive and non‑discriminatory societies,” leaders pledged, as they stressed the importance of the equal participation and full involvement of women and youth.

They also declared that racism, xenophobia and related intolerance represent the very opposite of the purposes of the United Nations and emphasized their resolve to protect the rights of children, especially in armed conflict.  “Protecting children contributes to breaking the cycle of violence and sows the seeds for future peace,” the Declaration said.

They also welcomed the example set by South Africa in unilaterally dismantling its nuclear‑weapon programme and recalled the firm plea made by Mr. Mandela in favour of the total elimination of nuclear weapons.  They further recommended “in the spirit of Nelson Mandela’s legacy” that the United Nations explore means to consider the needs of present and future generations in its decision‑making processes.

(Excerpted from un.org)

(Mabel Paiswrites on Social Issues, Spirituality, the Arts and Entertainment, and Health & Wellness.  She can be reached at mabelep1406@gmail.com)