INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY SUNDAY 21st SEPTEMBER 2025

This year the theme for the Global Peace Day is: Act Now for a Peaceful World

---

The UN International Day of Peace is a call for everyone to be aware to practise peace in little ways each day, both within oneself and with others, in whatever way possible. Whether in conversation with colleagues at work or with family and friends, volunteering in the community, refraining from perpetuating alienation or bullying, choosing to buy brands that are socially and environmentally conscious, there are many ways to make a difference. In nurturing respect, understanding and fairness we can all inspire each other to build more peaceful, cooperative relations.

This year we are delighted to post this personal perspective from our creative writer Geri Andrews:

Something Good Is Going On
​
Sometimes it isn’t easy to tap into the well-spring of peace that flows within me.
How do I keep my attention on this beautiful place
When my focus is drawn to that which is always shifting shape?
When a neighbour, yet again, is shouting abuse at his wife,
Forgetting his love for her in a tirade of stress and strife.
When along comes yet another soul intent on selling me something I don’t need,
Whilst assuring me it is to my detriment if I don’t agree.

Wars, they say, are started by old men who hate each other,
And fought by young men who don’t know each other.
To find peace in the midst of this battlefield and cease this fruitless fight,
I must retreat from the conflict of, “You’re wrong, I’m right!”
I must use love as my shield and respect as my sword,
And listen to the lullaby of my inner song.

There are people who selflessly work for peace,
Dedicate every waking moment in service of this noble cause.
Sometimes the klaxon of chaos can have such volume
As to drown out all hope that dignity and prosperity may bloom.
Yet there is so much going on that is good and true,
I just need to keep my ear to the ground for the positive news.

It is a freedom to recognise we are all interdependent,
From cradle to grave on acts of caring and kindness reliant.
It is easy to forget under the onus of responsibility
That in truth, my life hangs in a balance of the finest fragility.
Peace is my innate state, my natural fate,
Something simple I can feel now, no need to complicate.

The portal to the garden of peace is in my breath,
Where I can rest in this feeling that flows in my consciousness.
Yes, peace begins with me, this much I see,
As long as the only person who doesn’t give up on me, is me.
But most of all I need a guiding hand,
Someone to inspire me and help me understand.

Time is the great equaliser, all things come to pass,
Each moment a new beginning, each moment is final, the last.
So may I aspire to feel peace each day
And accept this gift as I walk along my way.

This year again on International Peace Day,
People come together to celebrate in a beautiful way.
People who want to make peace a conscious choice,
Relishing the opportunity to speak with one voice.

---

​Finally, Geri has selected some quotations about the vital necessity for peace from a number of differing sources: