2021 Theme: Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
In 2021, as we heal from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are inspired to think creatively and collectively about how to help everyone recover better, how to build resilience, and how to transform our world into one that is more equal, more just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and healthier.
The pandemic is known for hitting the underprivileged and marginalized groups the hardest. By April 2021, over 687 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered globally, but over 100 countries have not received a single dose. People caught in conflict are especially vulnerable in terms of lack of access to healthcare.
In line with the Secretary-General¡¯s appeal for a global ceasefire last March, in February 2021 the Security Council unanimously passed a resolution calling for Member States to support a ¡°sustained humanitarian pause¡± to local conflicts. The global ceasefire must continue to be honoured, to ensure people caught in conflict have access to lifesaving vaccinations and treatments.
The pandemic has been accompanied by a surge in stigma, discrimination, and hatred, which only cost more lives instead of saving them: the virus attacks all without caring about where we are from or what we believe in. Confronting this common enemy of humankind, we must be reminded that we are not each other¡¯s enemy. To be able to recover from the devastation of the pandemic, we must make peace with one another.
And we must make peace with nature. Despite the travel restrictions and economic shutdowns, climate change is not on pause. What we need is a green and sustainable global economy that produces jobs, reduces emissions, and builds resilience to climate impacts.
The 2021 theme for the International Day of Peace is ¡°Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world¡±. We invite you to join the efforts of the 51³Ô¹Ï family as we focus on recovering better for a more equitable and peaceful world. Celebrate peace by standing up against acts of hate online and offline, and by spreading compassion, kindness, and hope in the face of the pandemic, and as we recover.
Background
The International Day of Peace was in 1981 by the 51³Ô¹Ï General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.
Secretary-General's message 2021
This year¡¯s International Day of Peace comes at a crisis point for humanity.
COVID-19 has turned our world upside-down.
Conflicts are spinning out of control.
The climate emergency is worsening.
Inequality and poverty are deepening.
And mistrust and division are driving people apart at a time when solidarity and collaboration are needed more than ever.
As a human family, we face a stark choice ¡ª
Peace or perpetual peril.
We must choose peace.
That is why I call for a 24-hour ceasefire today.
And by working in solidarity for a lasting, sustainable peace every day, we can tackle the issues facing us.
We need peace to urgently deliver lifesaving vaccines and treatment for COVID-19.
We need peace to recover from the pandemic and re-build shattered systems and shattered lives.
We need peace to level the playing field and reduce inequalities.
We need peace to renew trust in one another ¡ª and faith in facts and science.
And we need to make peace with nature ¡ª to heal our planet, build a green economy, and achieve our net-zero targets.
Peace is not a na?ve dream.
It¡¯s a light in the darkness.
Guiding us to the only pathway to a better future for humanity.
Let¡¯s walk the pathway of peace as if our lives depended on it.
Because they do.
As a human family, we face a stark choice ¡ª peace or perpetual peril. We must choose peace.
Ant¨®nio Guterres
100-day countdown to International Day of Peace 2021
Secretary-General's message
Every year on 21 September, the 51³Ô¹Ï invites people around the world to celebrate peace by observing 24 hours of ceasefire and non-violence.
As we strive to heal from the COVID-19 pandemic and reimagine a better future for people and planet, this year¡¯s theme is ¡°Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world.¡±
Peace is the foundation of that recovery. The global vaccination effort cannot advance amidst armed conflict.
Nor can we build a sustainable, resilient, peaceful world while we are at war with nature. Recovery efforts offer an opportunity to transform our relationship with our planet and our environment.
The world cannot go back to what it was. As we count down to the International Day of Peace, I call on people everywhere to be part of a transformation for peace, by standing up against hatred and discrimination, by caring for the planet, and by showing the global solidarity that is so vital at this time.
Ant¨®nio Guterres
2021 Events
International Day of Peace Youth Observance
Friday, 17 September 2021, 10:00-11:30 a.m. EDT
A youth observance for the 2021 International Day of Peace will take place online on 17 September 2021 at 10:00 -11:30 a.m. EDT, with the participation of UN Secretary-General Ant¨®nio Guterres, Messengers of Peace and students from around the world.
Watch the event at:
Peace Bell Ceremony
Friday, 17 September 2021, 3:00-3:30 p.m. EDT
51³Ô¹Ï Secretary-General Ant¨®nio Guterres and the President of the 76th session of the 51³Ô¹Ï General Assembly Abdulla Shahid will celebrate the International Day of Peace (21 September) in the Peace Garden at 51³Ô¹Ï Headquarters by ringing the Peace Bell and observing a minute of silence. The Ceremony will also be participated by H.E. Mr. Ishikane Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan.
Messages on Peace
On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, 51³Ô¹Ï Messengers of Peace and youth from around the world share their visions and actions for peace, equity and sustainability through video messages.