Rooted in Peace

By Greg Reitman

For the past 10 years, I have had the opportunity to observe and participate at the International Day of Peace, which takes place September 21 and is celebrated with the ringing of the Hiroshima Peace Bell and the release of the Peace doves at the UN gardens. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. A peaceful society is one in which there is justice and equality for everyone. The idea is that peace will enable a sustainable environment to take shape — and a sustainable environment will help promote peace.

This theme celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948, as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations. The Universal Declaration — the most translated document in the world, available in more than 500 languages — is as relevant today as it was on the day it was adopted. The Universal Declaration states in Article 3, “Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person.” These elements build the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world. Yet, the Universal Declaration does not include a separate article on “Right to Peace.”

This omission is what led me to writing my new book, Rooted in Peace: An Inspiring Story of Finding Peace Within. I ask the reader, what does Peace mean to you? Why is Peace important? Why isn’t Peace celebrated in every classroom, village, town, and city in the U.S. and around the globe? And more importantly, what steps are you taking to create a better world for yourself and the environment?

Having said this, in lieu of our American politics, I hope this year becomes an even more important issue for all of us to begin to create the necessary steps toward achieving a sustainable future and a peaceful world.
 

Greg Reitman is a director, producer, writer, and active member of the Director’s Guild of America. Described by Movie Maker magazine as “one of the top ten filmmakers producing content that impacts our world,” he is the founder of Blue Water Entertainment, Inc., an independent production company.  To order your copy of Rooted in Peace: An Inspiring Story of Finding Peace Within, click here. To access the Introduction to Rooted in Peace, click here.