September 21 is the date of the International Day of Peace, which is observed worldwide. On September 21, 1981, the United Nations General Assembly declared Tuesday, September 21, as the International Day of Peace. The day coincided with the opening day of the annual General Assembly sessions.

Its purpose is ‘to create a worldwide date for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences and to help construct a culture of peace.’ In 2001, the assembly moved the day to be observed annually on September 21. On September 21, 2002, the day was not only a time to discuss how to promote and preserve peace among all peoples but also a 24-hour period of global peace and nonviolence for groups in combat.

Every year, the International Day of Peace has different themes. For example, the theme of 2020 was ‘Shaping Peace Together,’ whereas 2021’s theme was ‘Recovering Better for an Equitable and Sustainable World’.

For International Day of Peace 2022, the theme is ‘End Racism. Build Peace.’ The United Nations states that this is a date dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace through a non-violent period of a 24-hour cease-fire. The United Nations also wants to address hate speech and violence directed at racial minorities. They aim to speak out against hate speech and promote a message of anti-racism through education. 

Life is better in a world where peace exists, and today, we look to those who have been peacemakers and peacekeepers to learn what we can each do individually to make the world a more peaceful place.