Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21st of 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.
All the peoples of our planet have a sacred right to peace. Humans have not been programmed to kill. The role of education is primordial to strengthen acceptance of diversity and to foster a culture of peace.
The International Day of Peace is an opportunity to raise awareness, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems and key issues. The International Day of Peace is an invitation to think differently on peace and conflicts issues. The International Day of Peace is a reminder to develop alternatives to violence and conflicts, as well as to build sustainable common grounds.
The International Day of Peace is supported by several UNGA resolutions, such as resolution 75/26 on The role and importance of a policy of neutrality in maintaining and strengthening international peace, security and sustainable development; resolution 75/258 on Promoting a culture of peace and tolerance to safeguard religious sites; resolution 75/177 on Promotion of peace as a vital requirement for the full enjoyment of all human rights by all; and resolution 75/26 on Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace. Beyond this the International Day of Peace reminds us that in order to achieve peaceful coexistence and harmony worldwide, there is a need for active, empathetic engagement from each and every one of us.
Recalling the UNGA resolution 75/25 following-up the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, which should serve as the basis of any understanding and reflection upon a given conflict situation, CD4Peace emphasizes the need to promote and protect expressions of cultural diversity and draws attention to how acceptance of cultural diversity is a powerful tool to build long-lasting peace and social cohesion, as well as political stability. CD4Peace further draws attention to the necessity to protect cultural heritage from any damages in time of crisis and conflict, as it plays a crucial role in national cohesion and social fabric.
