The International Day of Peace is commemorated on the 21st of September every year, in order to observe 24 hours of non-violence and to spread the ideals of peace on a global scale, adhering to the sustainable goals developed by the United Nations.

This year, bearing the theme “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world”, the International Day of Peace is specifically celebrated by drawing the attention of people as to how world peace has been affected by the deadly pandemic as it has been used as a transmitter in promoting discrimination and hatred, especially among the marginalized societies. 

Being established under a unanimous resolution passed in the General Assembly of United Nations in the year 1981, the International Day of Peace was formalized to enhance peace among the people both internationally and locally.

Traditionally, the Peace Bell will have rung on this day resonating waves of peace into the air. The significance of this Peace Bell is that it has been cast using coins and medals received from all over the world and was donated by the United Nations Association of Japan to the United Nations headquarters at New York as a beacon of spreading peace and equity within the globe, along with the inscription on the side of the bell; “Long live absolute world peace”. It will have rung only twice a year, the International Day of Peace is one occasion. 

Previously, the day was devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace. However, in the year 2001 with the incident happened in the United States of America, also referred to as 9/11, where thousands of people lost their lives from the terrorist attack initiated by the Al- Qaeda- an Islamist terrorist group; the day was started to be observed bearing the intention of promoting world peace by eradicating war and violence. This intention was carried out by temporarily ceasing fire in a combat zone to provide humanitarian aid.

However, the commemoration of the International Day of Peace has turned a new page this year, with the rise of the Covid- 19 pandemic. The coronavirus has been identified as a new enemy which promotes vulnerability among the underprivileged communities in addition to the ongoing conflicts.

As people all over the world have been equally affected by the novel virus, it has paved the way for a surge in discrimination and hatred with the unequal distribution of resources among the countries. Although several countries have been able to provide vaccine doses to over 687 million people, still there are countries that were unable to receive a single dose, highlighting the lack of access to health care.

The need for vaccinations and treatments even for the people who are caught in conflicts is a fact that should be given priority, and with this year’s theme, it has taken steps to ensure equal opportunities and resources for the people who live in underprivileged and marginalized communities stuck in the middle of political and racial conflicts. Along with this intention, the need to keep peace with people and nature is also emphasized highlighting the need for a green and sustainable global community.

While celebrating this day in harmony, let us keep in mind to ensure peace among the community while working towards equal opportunities for the people around us, in order to recover from the pandemic as one family.

Written by Rtr. Malithi Fernando