Peace One Day

PEACE DAY 21 SEPTEMBER

- What will you do to make peace?

In 1999 filmmaker Jeremy Gilley launched Peace One Day to document his efforts to establish an annual Peace Day.

In 2001, UN member states unanimously adopted the first ever annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence on the UN International Day of Peace, fixed as 21 September – Peace Day.

The Peace Day resolution (UN GA 55/282) calls on governments, the UN system, NGOs and most importantly individuals – you – to commemorate 21 September.

On 21 September 2006 there were activities in 200 countries, directly involving 27.6 million people. There were life-saving activities by humanitarian organisations such as aid drops and immunisation programmes. In the UK, 2.2 million young people sang ‘No Wars Will Stop Us Singing.’ People marched, partied, danced and debated. Or they simply said sorry.

If we are to move from a culture of war to a culture of peace then we will have to unite around the most fundamental issue that humanity faces – the protection of each other and our environment. 21 September is the starting point. Individuals can make a difference. By working together there will be Peace One Day.

» Peace Day videos

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The message is that individuals can do a great deal to contribute to positive and compassionate change, both at a personal and collective level. We need to start to value humane and alternative means of conflict resolution. Warfare should be avoided at all costs. The ancient machismo culture of bloodshed and killing should be regarded as the barbarity it is, and prevented wherever possible. "Peace" needs to be valued and respected above anything else.

-Annie Lennox

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