The International Day of Peace is observed every year on 21 September. The United Nations dedicates the day to strengthening the ideals of peace, and asks for a full day of ceasefire and non-violence around the world. In 2027 it falls on a Tuesday.
The short version: on 21 September, stop for a few minutes, pray or meditate for peace, and do one concrete thing for peace where you live. And if one day a year feels too little, join the eight minutes of peace every Sunday at 8 PM.
How the day began
- 1981: The UN General Assembly established the International Day of Peace with resolution 36/67. At first it was held on the third Tuesday of September, the opening day of the Assembly's annual session. It was first observed in 1982.
- 2001: With resolution 55/282, the General Assembly fixed the date permanently on 21 September and declared it a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, inviting all nations and people to cease hostilities for the whole day.
- The Peace Bell: At UN Headquarters in New York hangs the Japanese Peace Bell, a gift of the United Nations Association of Japan in 1954, cast from coins donated by delegates of 60 countries. It is rung each year to mark the day.
The idea behind the day draws on the UNESCO constitution: since wars begin in the minds of people, it is in the minds of people that the defences of peace must be constructed.
Five simple ways to observe the International Day of Peace
- Stop for eight minutes. Sit in silence, pray or meditate for peace. You can use our guided meditation for peace.
- Say a prayer for peace. Choose one from our collection of prayers for world peace or short prayers for peace.
- Make peace with one person. Write the message you have been postponing. Peace in the world is made of many small reconciliations.
- Learn about one conflict. Read about a place in the world you rarely think about, and hold its people in your silence.
- Keep it going. One day a year is a beginning. Every Sunday at 8 PM your local time, people who join Cosmic Peace Prayers pause for eight minutes, wherever they are.
A prayer for the International Day of Peace
On this day of peace
I stop, wherever I am.
I hold in silence the places where there is war,
the people who are afraid tonight,
and the ones who work for peace when no one is watching.
May my part be small and real.
Peace in the universe, peace in me, peace right here.
Questions about the International Day of Peace
When is the International Day of Peace?
Every year on 21 September. The date was fixed by the UN General Assembly in 2001.
Is the International Day of Peace the same as World Peace Day?
"World Peace Day" is often used as another name for the UN's International Day of Peace on 21 September. The Catholic Church also marks a World Day of Peace on 1 January, first celebrated in 1968 under Pope Paul VI.
Who created the International Day of Peace?
The United Nations General Assembly, through resolution 36/67 in 1981. Resolution 55/282 in 2001 set the fixed date of 21 September.
How can I celebrate International Peace Day?
Take a moment of silence, say a prayer or meditate for peace, reconcile with someone, or join a local event. If you want a regular practice beyond the day itself, the Sunday practice offers eight minutes every week.