International Peace Day is celebrated on September 21 and this year the theme will be the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
What is Peace?
Peace, strictly speaking, can be defined as a state of well-being, tranquility, stability and security that is opposed to war and has a positive connotation. The term has its origins in the Latin word pax.
Peace is universally desirable and we know that to maintain it, it is necessary to be tolerant and open to dialogue, regardless of our cultural values. It is something that all societies value.
How did the International Day of Peace arise?
International Day of Peace was originally established in 1981 through the United Nations General Assembly (UN) to coincide with the opening of its session each September, but it was not until 2001 that the Assembly declared that September 21 would be the date assigned to celebrate and observe peace.
The UN, in its effort to strengthen the ideals of peace by relying on the tool of democracy, has promoted the preparation of activities and projects around the world that defend the spirit of this day.
How is this day commemorated?
Since 2001, September 21 is a day of cease-fire throughout the world, since the fundamental characteristic of this date applies, at least that is the invitation the UN makes to all the peoples of the world.
It may seem like just a day without shots, without crying and without the echo of the bombs, but from the unanimous decision of the Assembly something bigger started: A brighter perspective of the world linked to non-violence and that we hope will produce every day of the year.