United Nations International Day of Peace

by | Sep 20, 2016 | Compassion Relay, Unity Games

peaceday-logo-1The International Day of Peace, sometimes unofficially known as World Peace Day, is observed annually on 21 September. The day was first celebrated in 1982, and is kept by many nations, political groups, military groups, and peoples. It was decided that Sept. 21st would be a day of “commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.”  In 2013, for the first time, the Day was dedicated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to peace education, the key preventive means to reduce war sustainably.

last-daytorchSeptember 21 was the last stop on the Compassion Relay Route for the 2016 Global Unity Compassion Games.  The Compassion Torch was passed from the United Religions Initiative to Compassionate Louisville who then passed it to United Nations for the International Day of Peace. 
un_sdg_logoThe Sustainable Development Goals is a plan of action for people, planet, and prosperity. It also seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom. We recognise that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. All countries and all stakeholders, acting in collaborative partnership, will implement this plan. We are resolved to free the human race from the tyranny of poverty and want and to heal and secure our planet. We are determined to take the bold and transformative steps which are urgently needed to shift the world onto a sustainable and resilient path.

facebook-logo-png-2-0Since so many of us express our ideals and connect to one another on Facebook, it makes sense that the social network would do something special to mark the occasion.  In a statement, Facebook urged: “Peace begins with love. If each and every one of us comes together and gives love and positivity, we can help create a little more peace in the world.”

The world’s largest social network is turning its attention to the International Day of Peace. Facebook just unveiled a new feature for the occasion, which first started 35 years ago. When you use the “Love” reaction on Facebook Wednesday, the heart will come to life, displaying a message of thanks for showing love on the social network.