In 1981, the General Assembly declared that the opening day of its regular session in September “shall be officially proclaimed and observed as the International Day of Peace, and shall be devoted to the celebration and strengthening of the ideals of peace both within and between nations and peoples”.
Since 2007, Grains of Peace has been marking World Peace Day with events in Geneva, and since 2009, in collaboration with the NGOs of the Collectif Paix et Non-violence.
On September 7, 2001, the Assembly decided that, from 2002 onwards, the International Day of Peace would be observed each year on September 21, a day that should be widely publicized as a day for celebrating and observing peace.
She said:
“The International Day of Peace will be observed as a global day of ceasefire and non-violence, during which all nations and peoples will be invited to cease hostilities”.
The Assembly also urged “all Member States, the United Nations system and regional and non-governmental organizations to commemorate the International Day of Peace in an appropriate manner and to work with the United Nations towards the establishment of a global ceasefire”.
International Day of Peace – Site de l’ONU
NGOs around the world have taken note of this vision with interest, and are busy proposing actions and events to highlight the importance of peace.
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Grains of Peace activities to celebrate World Peace Day
2013 – to date
Feature articles on social networks.
Participation in Geneva Peace Week in November when relevant.
2012: Geneva
- 28.9.2012 – Information session on the past and present significance of this Day, organized by Graines de Paix
- 21.9.2012 – Attendance at two UN events in Geneva
- Official commemoration, organized by the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the UN, Geneva, the AEDIDH and the UN in Geneva (UNOG).
- Placing inclusiveness at the heart of peacebuilding? Limits and opportunities organized by the Geneva Peacebuiding Platform and the UN in Geneva.
2011: Geneva
- Verrée on the machine deck.
2010: Geneva
- Day at the UN – for classes of 12-16 year-olds (Cycle d’orientation) with workshops and activities leading some seven young people to define “What is my peace?” and formulate how they propose to contribute to peace in their daily lives. With the participation of UN Communications Director Corinne Momal, NGO Liaison Officer Ricardo Espinosa, diplomats from the embassies of 5 countries, and NGO representatives.
2009: Geneva
- A fortnight for peace and non-violence, with a varied program of festivals, conferences, workshops and films.
- Conference-debate :“The place of peace in Geneva’snew constitution “, co-organized with expert Christophe Barbey.
- Fête au Parc Alfred Bertrand
Speakers: the Mayor of Geneva, Ricardo Espinosa, UNO, Laurence Deonna, UNESCO Peace Education Prize, André Castella, Geneva State Integration Office, Delia Mamon, President of Graines de Paix. Numerous entertainment stands for children and young people: awareness-raising games, storytelling, giant painting, clown-orchestra. Several associations invited.
2008: Geneva
- Party in the Parc des Bastions, in collaboration with several NGO partners, with information stands and world music peace concerts (Emmanuel Jal, Theresa Rhodes, UTN1, Danglers).
- Major concert at Victoria Hall (Rossini’s Petite Messe solonelle), with various interventions.
- A network of some twenty associations , each contributing to peace in its own way (Collectif Paix et Non-violence, co-founded by Graines de Paix with Eirene, CENAC and Peace Watch).
2007: Geneva
- Party in Parc des Cropettes, a small family event in a working-class neighborhood with entertainment (balloons and messages) and cooperative games (based on parachute games).