International Day of Peace
Date: 21 September
The intention of the resolution is to have the entire world observe a day of peace and nonviolence. All peoples and organizations were invited to commemorate the day in an appropriate manner. People and organizations around the world have committed to the task of working with other like-minded individuals and groups for an International Day of Peace Vigil with the following objective:
“To encourage the observation of a worldwide, 24-hour vigil for peace and nonviolence on the International Day of Peace, Saturday, 21 September in every house of worship and place of spiritual practice, by all religious and spiritually based groups and individuals, and by allmen, women and children who seek peace in the world.”
This global 24-hour Vigil is meant to demonstrate the power of prayer and other spiritual observances in promoting peace and preventing violent conflict. These worldwide spiritual vigils will also help raise public awareness of the International Day of Peace and directly support the establishment of a peace. Individuals and groups are invited to support this worldwide initiative by committing to hold a 24-hour vigil on 21 September.
Around the world, people will be planting Peace Poles, rededicating their Peace Poles, conducting world peace prayer ceremonies, and observing the day with a focus on the power of prayer for peace. You are encouraged to commemorate the day in whatever way you feel appropriate, whether that means organizing a large program with thousands of others, or silently taking a moment for peace by yourself. Please register your commitment on the website of the International Day of Peace Vigil so that the world can know the power of prayer in manifesting peace on earth.
For more information please visit everlastingpeace.net, internationaldayofpeace.net and un.org/events/peaceday/2005/
MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan
New York, 21 September 2005
Dear friends around the world,
Peace is the paramount United Nations mission.
It is the basis of our existence. The essence of our identity. The cause that animates everything we do.
September 21, the International Day of Peace, is a day on which we reaffirm our commitment to this quest.
It is an opportunity to consider how to strengthen our system of collective security.
And it is meant to be a day of global cease-fire. I call on all countries and all people to stop all hostilities for the entire day. I also urge all people around the world to observe a minute of silence at 12 noon.
Twenty-four hours is not a long time.
But it is time enough for combatants and political leaders to consider the destruction they are visiting on their people, and on their lands.
It is long enough to look over the barricades, and through the barbed wire, and to see if there is another path.
On this International Day of Peace, let us all honour those who have suffered from violence. Let us hold in our hearts the ideal of peace.
Thank you.
