International Day of Peace on 21 September 2024
The International Day of Peace is a United Nations holiday celebrated annually on September 21. It is dedicated to world peace, and specifically to the absence of war and violence, such as that which can be caused by a temporary ceasefire in a war zone to provide access to humanitarian aid. The day was first established in 1981 and first celebrated in September 1982, and is observed by many countries, political groups, and military groups.
International Day of Peace
The International Day of Peace is a United Nations holiday celebrated annually on September 21. It is dedicated to world peace, and specifically to the absence of war and violence, such as that which can be caused by a temporary ceasefire in a war zone to provide access to humanitarian aid. The day was first established in 1981 and first celebrated in September 1982, and is observed by many countries, political groups, and military groups.
To usher in the day, the United Nations Peace Bell sound at the UN headquarters (in New York City). The bell is cast from coins donated by people from all continents except Africa, and was a gift from the United Nations Association of Japan, as “a reminder of the human cost of war”; the inscription on the side reads: “Long live absolute world peace”.
The Japanese Peace Bell is a bell that was donated to the United Nations headquarters in New York City in June 1954 via the United Nations Association of Japan. It is a bonsho (a Buddhist temple bell) with a diameter of 60 centimeters, a height of 1 meter, and a weight of 116 kg (256 lb). It was designed by Chiyoji Nakagawa. Ceremonies are held at the opening of the United Nations General Assembly in September of each year, as well as on International Peace Day on September 21, when the bell is rung in honor of world peace by the Secretary-General, UN administrators, and other public figures.
Taiwanese commemorative stamp controversy (2004)
A diplomatic stir erupted when Lions Clubs International sponsored a contest for six posters to be used for the International Day of Peace commemorative stamps issued by the UN Postal Administration. A poster by 15-year-old Taiwanese schoolboy Yang Chih-Yuan was announced as one of the winners, but the announcement was withdrawn. Taiwanese media reports, the Taiwan Lions Club, and the government of Taiwan claimed that the decision not to use the poster was the result of pressure from China;
The rejection of the student's painting on political grounds did not reflect the ideals of the International Day of Peace. The UN issued a statement that, although on the shortlist of eight designs, “as a result of an internal misunderstanding and miscommunication, Mr. Yang’s proof was mistakenly published as one of the six stamps intended to be issued.” The government of Taiwan (Republic of China) later issued a stamp featuring the image.
Peace Week takes place annually around September 21. Peace organization PAX has been organizing Peace Week since 1967. Each year features a different theme, based on which various activities are organized throughout the Netherlands. In 2024, the theme is: Together for Peace. Now!
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