The International Day of Peace is a United Nations-sanctioned global observance held annually on September 21st, established in 1981 by unanimous UN resolution to provide a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences. Also known as World Peace Day, this UN initiative is dedicated to world peace and specifically the absence of war and violence, including temporary ceasefires in combat zones for humanitarian aid access.
The 2025 theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World” calls for concrete action to mobilize for peace in times of turbulence and uncertainty, encouraging everyone from peacekeepers to community members to students to speak up against violence, hate, discrimination, and inequality. To inaugurate each Peace Day, the UN Peace Bell is rung at UN Headquarters in New York City, cast from coins donated by people from all continents except Africa as “a reminder of the human cost of war.” The day invites participation through education, arts, social justice, sports, health, environmental action, and community service, encouraging both public and private activities related to peace.
