“Today peace faces a new danger: the climate emergency, which threatens our
security, our livelihoods and our lives. That is why it is the focus of this year’s
International Day of Peace. And it’s why I am convening a Climate Action
Summit.” – UN Secretary-General António Guterres
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September.
The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of
peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
The United Nations Member States adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in
2015 because they understood that it would not be possible to build a peaceful world if
steps were not taken to achieve economic and social development for all people
everywhere, and ensure that their rights were protected. The Sustainable Goals cover a
broad range of issues, including poverty, hunger, health, education, climate change,
gender equality, water, sanitation, energy, environment and social justice.
The International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) is observed around the world each year
on 21 September. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution 36/37, the
General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to “commemorating and
strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.” For
the text of the U.N. Resolution,
Furthering the Day’s mission, the General Assembly augmented the original resolution in
2001, fixing the date on 21 September. For the text of this second unanimous UN
resolution,
Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all
differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.