International Day of Peace: World leaders send message of equality and unity

The world is observing the 29th International Day of Peace today to strengthen the ideals of peace and non-violence around the globe. The theme of this year's peace day is 'Shaping Peace Together' and the UN General Assembly is marking this through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. From European Union president Ursula von der Leyen to NATO Afghanistan representative Stefano Pontecorvo, world leaders took to social media to mark the special day. 

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"This year, it has been clearer than ever that we are not each other’s enemies. Rather, our common enemy is a tireless virus that threatens our health, security, and very way of life. COVID-19 has thrown our world into turmoil and forcibly reminded us that what happens in one part of the planet can impact people everywhere," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said to mark the occasion. 

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International Day of Peace

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the UN General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire. Each year the United Nations invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the Peace Day and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness activities on issues related to peace.

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