The International Day of Peace

By Rev. Deborah Moldow and Monica Willard

News flash: something good is happening! All over the world, people of all nations, religions and cultures are taking time on September 21st to focus on peace on Earth.

We live in a time of turmoil, when the life-threatening issues of climate change, armed conflict, nuclear arms, and natural disasters are met by the growing inadequacy of our human institutions, such as finance, agriculture, energy, education, and health care. This is a world that is ripe for change on a grand scale, change that must begin with a transformation of consciousness to meet these challenges as one caring community. The good news is that this is what is showing up now – on the International Day of Peace.

Are you part of this movement? The beauty of this day – beyond the fact that it belongs equally to every country of the United Nations – is that there are so many ways to participate. Every observance, from the grandest concert for thousands to the quietest Moment of Silence, is a contribution to the emerging culture of peace.

Each year, the United Nations chooses a different theme. The 2014 International Day of Peace is devoted to the Right of Peoples to Peace, marking the 30th anniversary of a General Assembly resolution of the same name. UN Secretary-General declared, in his message for the start of the 100-day countdown to September 21st, said:

“History has shown that, no matter how fierce, conflict can end, peace can prevail and reconciliation can triumph. [...] I urge every peace-loving person to engage with their friends and neighbours, their community organizations and governments. Together, let us demand the right of peoples to peace.”

You are warmly invited to answer the call and be counted among the global peacemakers celebrating the International Day of Peace on September 21st.  

Since the first observance in 1982, the Minute of Silence has been an important way to unify our hopes for peace. In his 2014 message, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon calls for a Minute of Silence at noon, and asks us “to reflect on peace – and what it means for our human family. Let us hold it in our hearts and minds and tenderly nurture it so it may grow and blossom.”

Join the global wave of peace at 12 noon on Sunday, September 21st and connect with people of every nation to embrace our planet with love.

Include prayers for peace at services throughout the weekend or be a part of Global Meditations designed for Peace Day. People of all faiths are coming together in prayerful celebration.

There are so many ways to participate in the International Day of Peace! See a wide range of actions on the main website (click here) and “like” the Facebook page - click here.

Mother Earth will take center stage in many celebrations, especially with the People’s Climate March in New York City on September 21. Over a million people are expected to take part in the march in New York and other cities throughout the world.

The Summer of Peace free telesummit has been featuring peacebuilders for three months, including a special 11 Days of Global Unity series (Sept 11 -21). It all culminates with the BeThePeace global meditation on the International Day of Peace.

11 Days of Global Unity and Compassion Games will be wrapping up 11 days of activities in over 150 cities. Peace Poles will be planted and rededicated at events throughout the world – and people are gathering around their local Peace Pole for the Minute of Silence. Giant Peace Doves will be part of celebrations in 20 countries through Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program. Peace messages and designs will decorate kites, pinwheels and banners throughout the world. Music and the arts will add to the day by filling stadiums and parks with people gathered to celebrate peace.

The UN International Day of Peace invites us to create global ceasefires and non-violence. How would your day be different by refraining from hostilities or gossip, violent video games or movies full of violence? Are you ready to use gentler language, to stop a bully, to reach out and offer forgiveness? Who will you make peace with?

The International Day of Peace provides the opportunity to take actions to stop violence and to choose a culture of peace. From writing a check for a worthy cause, to calling a legislator to support protecting people and the Earth, to greeting someone new, you are building a global culture of peace. May Peace Prevail on Earth!

Rev. Deborah Moldow is an ordained interfaith minister committed to assisting in the transformation of human consciousness that will lead to a culture of peace. She contributes to this global effort through her ministry, international peace work, interfaith efforts, speaking, writing and singing, all part of the movement of awakening humanity. She is the Representative to the United Nations of the World Peace Prayer Society, which promotes the universal prayer “May Peace Prevail on Earth” and has traveled the globe to conduct Peace Pole dedications and World Peace Flag Ceremonies sending peace to every nation. At the United Nations, she co-chairs the International Day of Peace NGO Committee and facilitates the United Religions Initiative multi-faith cooperation circle.

Monica Willard is the main United Nations Representative for the United Religions Initiative (URI), a grassroots, interfaith organization with members in 86 countries. She is the co-chair for the International Day of Peace NGO Committee at the UN, past president of The Committee of Religious NGOs at the United Nations, and was Chair of the 49th annual DPI NGO Conference at UN Headquarters.