International Day of Peace 2020

The International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) is observed around the world each year on September 21. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace.

Here are some ideas of things you can do individually or as a small group on International Day of Peace.

  • Take part in the Catholic Nonviolence Days of Action, beginning today and ending on October 2, the International Day of Nonviolence.
  • Join the Maryknoll Sisters in observing a minute of silence each day at 10:30am EST
  • September 26 is the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. Support nuclear disarmament by joining local community efforts to voice opposition to nuclear weapons through the Back from the Brink campaign.
  • Take a vow of nonviolence written by Pax Christi USA.
  • Share this prayer “A call to prayer and solidarity” from the Nonviolence and Just Peace conference.
  • Add your name as a supporter of the “Appeal to the Catholic Church to re-commit to the centrality of Gospel nonviolence” from the Nonviolence and Just Peace conference.
  • Learn about Maryknoll Sisters Giang Nguyen, Sia Temu and Teresa Hougnon and their “peace building team” in Kenya. 
  • Organize a prayer service with the theme “Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace.”
  • Imagine something you could do to help make for a more peaceful world… and then do it.
  • Learn or retell the story of Sadako Sasaki and her One Thousand Paper Cranes and fold a paper crane in her memory.
  • Construct a Peace Pole. A Peace Pole is a monument that displays the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” usually in a different language on each side.
  • Share a version of the “Golden Rule“ in a faith tradition other than your own.
  • Hold a prayer vigil for disarmament and light a candle with some friends or neighbors.
  • Learn to say and write the word for “peace” in another language.
  • Play a cooperative game with children at Little Friends for Peace.
  • Play a game at trainingforchange.org.
  • Since this day is also a “day of ceasefire,” try making peace with someone you have a conflict.