The United Nations and people around the world were celebrating the International Day of Peace on Friday, with thousands of different events for peace.
The U.N. established the International Day of Peace in 1981 by a unanimous resolution, and it has been celebrated every year since. This year the theme is "The Right to Peace." The year is dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is where the "Right to Peace" theme comes from.
"Let us act together to promote and defend human rights for all, in the name of lasting peace for all." -- @antonioguterres' on Friday's International #PeaceDay https://t.co/n7PMUp6oQE pic.twitter.com/Xg4ZdG8ZjL
— United Nations (@UN) September 21, 2018
The resolution dedicated the day to "commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples." In 2001, the text of the resolution was changed to permanently make the date September 21, and since that year it has been celebrated on that day.
The resolution also asks everyone worldwide to join in the celebration. It "invites all Member States, organs and organizations of the United Nations system, regional organizations, non-governmental organizations, peoples and individuals to commemorate in an appropriate manner the International Day of Peace, especially through all means of education, and to co-operate with the United Nations in the observance of that Day."
Those looking to participate are asked to do so in a way that is meaningful for them or their group, which means there's no one way to participate in the day.
An interactive map of all of this year's events for International Peace Day is available online from the U.N. Organizers are able to create their own events and submit them to the map so users can find an event happening near them. The map is available online at the International Day of Peace's website.
Each event is classified as meditation, music, march or "multiple," based on what the event consists of. Users can click on the event on the map to see more information about it or be taken to another website for additional information.
There will also be a minute-long moment of silence, which is held at noon in each time zone on the day of peace.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Nina was a breaking news reporter. She previously worked at Business Insider, The Boston Globe, and Boston.com.
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
