CELEBRATE THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2022

Peace Day - Wednesday 21st September 2022

As the autumn equinox comes around again, it is time to be reminded of the noble goals and work of Peace One Day, the non-profit organisation set up by actor and film-maker Jeremy Gilley in 1999. Due to his work and that of others, in 2001 the United Nations adopted the first ever annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence with a fixed date of 21st September. 

The purpose of the day was, and continues to be, to strengthen the ideals of peace around the world and to inspire organisations and individuals to reduce violence at home, work, school, in the community and towards nature and our environment. The film The Day after Peace chronicles the struggle and effort to finally realise this day several years later. The UN International Day of Peace theme for 2022 is: End Racism : Build Peace. 

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Read our selected Poem for Peace Day here

Sadly, this year started with a particularly bleak outlook following the war between Russia and Ukraine. Never has Peace One Day been more relevant. Can a ceasefire for 21st September be negotiated? Do the people who initiated this terrible abuse against goodwill and humanity know or even care about Peace One Day?  It is easy to feel despondent and discouraged in the face of such hostility, but nevertheless, it is incumbent on all people who love peace and aspire to practise peace in their life to plumb the inner wellspring of strength and resolve to pursue these noble goals. 

An inspiring example of such resolve is the World Central Kitchen project, whose work rests on the belief that 'a plate of food is more than just nourishment, it's hope and a sign that someone cares'.
 
You can find out about the Peace One Day live programme for 2022 here.
 
 
Words: Geraldine Andrews

With the launch of the Global Peace Education Network there is now a campaign to establish Peace Education Day the day before Peace Day. Find out more about this here.