“Peace is needed today more than ever. War and conflict are unleashing devastation, poverty, and hunger, and driving tens of millions of people from their homes. Climate chaos is all around. And even peaceful countries are gripped by gapping inequalities and political polarization.” – United Nations Secretary – General Antonio Guterres.
The International Day of Peace, established in the year 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly, is observed on the 21st of September each year. With the declaration of the day as one devoted to “commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples”; the observation of 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire is encouraged.
The theme of 2023, Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals, conveys the responsibility of fostering peace through the recognition and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals which aims towards the creation of an inclusive society, without fear and violence.
The Peace Bell, which was donated by the United Nations Association of Japan in 1954 is sounded on two separate occasions annually; on the foremost day of Spring at the Vernal Equinox, and to signify the International Day of Peace. In accordance with the tradition, the Peace Bell Ceremony was conducted on Wednesday, the 13th of September, 2023 with remarks delivered by the Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, in the presence of the President of the General Assembly.
With the emergence of various new mechanisms of division; the importance of global solidarity in the accomplishment of a peaceful and sustainable world has never before been felt so deeply. As complex adversities are found on the path to achieve peace, no sole nation can overcome these barriers unaccompanied. The collaborative action of each and all countries and individuals are crucial in the schemes of reaching harmony, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals to fabricate equitable and comprehensive communities.
References
- https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-peace
- https://en.unesco.org/events/international-day-peace-0
- https://www.unesco.org/en/days/peace
- https://internationaldayofpeace.org/about/
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