What is the International Day of Peace?

The International Day of Peace may not be an awareness day that you are familiar with but this year is extra special as it marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.

The Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace stands as a cornerstone of the culture of peace—a piece of the United Nations' legacy, akin to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It vividly outlines the path for the UN to fulfil its original mission: the abolition of war while inspiring us to replace conflict with collaboration and harmony.

Here is what you need to know about this International Day of Peace!

Backstory

This day was established by the United Nations in 1981, with the aim to promote peace and non-violence around the world. It serves as a reminder for individuals, communities, and nations to work towards resolving conflicts and fostering harmony.

The day is marked by various events and activities, including educational programs, peace marches, and discussions aimed at raising awareness about the importance of peace and the need for global cooperation. Each year, the UN designates a specific theme to highlight particular aspects of peace, encouraging people to reflect on and take action towards achieving a more peaceful world.

2024 Theme

The theme for 2024 is ‘Cultivating a Culture of Peace’ which ties in nicely with the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.

Main objectives 

1. Promote Peace and Non-Violence: The primary goal of the International Day of Peace is to encourage individuals and nations to engage in peaceful dialogue and to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. 
2. Raise Awareness: The day aims to raise awareness about the various forms of violence and conflict that exist globally, including war, terrorism, and domestic violence. By highlighting these issues, the International Day of Peace seeks to inspire action and advocacy for peaceful solutions.
3. Encourage Global Cooperation: The observance emphasises the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, which can contribute to conflict.

Additionally, the day aligns with the broader goals of the United Nations, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable institutions at all levels. Find some charities that adhere to SDG 16 below:

Charity check-in

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article. 

Amnesty International UK. Amnesty International UK. This is an international NGO focused on human rights. They work to expose abuse and injustice around the world. Find out more.

Refugee Action. This charity helps refugees build safe, hopeful and productive new lives in the UK. Learn more here. Find out more here.

Ash Den. This charity has the goal to accelerate transformative climate solutions and build a more just world, specifically working in the UK and Global South.  Support them here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Peace, Justice And Strong Institutions.