Word "peace" projected on UNESCO HQ Building - 15 November 2015

International Day of Peace

21 September

The International Day of Peace celebrates the power of global solidarity for building a peaceful and sustainable world.

This has never been so important at a time of unprecedented challenges. New forces of division have emerged, spreading hatred and intolerance. Terrorism is fuelling violence, while violent extremism seek to poison the minds of the vulnerable and young. In the poorest and least-developed parts of the world, climate-related natural disasters are compounding existing fragility, increasing forced migration and heightening the risk of violence.

The barriers to peace are complex and steep - no one country can solve them alone. Doing so requires new forms of solidarity and joint action, starting as early as possible. 

 

Peace Symbol

"Being responsible for peace means acting to overcome the flaws and injustices which continue to prevent us from achieving an egalitarian world. Because a planet eroded by division is a planet which knows no peace."

UNESCO Director-General
Audrey AzoulayDirector-General of UNESCO

Publications

Long walk of peace: towards a culture of prevention
UNESCO
2018
0000262885
The Power of empathy
UNESCO
2017
0000259191
Culture: the bedrock of peace
Oct. - Dec. 2017
0000259765
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly
UN website about this day
Past Edition
All International Days