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International Day of Peace 2024, Date, Theme, History

International Day of Peace 2024 is being celebrated on September 21st. Read on to learn about the International Day of Peace 2024 theme, history, and more.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit21 Sept, 2024
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International Day of Peace 2024

International Day of Peace 2024 is a global celebration dedicated to promoting peace, harmony, and understanding among all nations and peoples. Recognised by the United Nations, this day serves as a reminder to all individuals to strive for peace and contribute to a world free from war and conflict.

International Day of Peace is observed annually on September 21, encouraging nations and individuals to pause, reflect, and take action toward building a sustainable, peaceful future. Keep reading to know its theme, history, significance, UN peace efforts, and famous peace prizes .

International Day of Peace 2024 Overview

The International Day of Peace 2024 is being celebrated around the world on September 21. Started by the United Nations in 1981, the goal of the International Day of Peace is to give everyone a chance to think about and work towards a world where peace is more common than conflict. International Day of Peace 2024 is extra special because it marks the 25th anniversary of the UN’s Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. Here is an overview of the International Day of Peace:
International Day of Peace - Overview
Particular Details
Date September 21, 2024
Established by United Nations General Assembly (1981)
Resolution United Nations Resolution 36/37
Date Fixed September 7, 2001 (Resolution 55/282)
Purpose Promote global peace and non-violence
2024 Theme Cultivating a Culture of Peace
International Day of Peace 2024 25th Anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.

International Day of Peace 2024 Theme

The theme for the International Day of Peace 2024 is “Cultivating a Culture of Peace.” This theme highlights the importance of building peace from the ground up, starting with children and spreading to communities and nations. It reflects the idea that peace begins in each person’s mind and needs to be encouraged through education and everyday interactions. Given the current geopolitical tensions and rising conflicts around the world, this year’s theme is a reminder that peace is not just about laying down arms but about encouraging human connection, dialogue, and empathy. International Day of Peace Theme 2024 connects to the 1999 UN call to promote values like human rights, respect for life, and non-violence.

History of International Day of Peace

The International Day of Peace was first established by the UN General Assembly in 1981 through resolution 36/37 . The day was created to highlight the importance of peace and dialogue worldwide. However, for the first twenty years, the day did not have a fixed date . Later in 2001 , the UN made a major change by passing resolution 55/282 , which set the date as September 21 each year and called for a global ceasefire on that day. Since then, the International Day of Peace has emphasized the need for a global pause in hostilities, promoting a day of non-violence and reflection on the importance of peace and cooperation.

Famous Peace Prizes

Several prestigious peace prizes are awarded annually to individuals and organisations for their contributions to promoting peace. Some of the most notable awards include:

Nobel Peace Prize

Established in 1901, the Nobel Peace Prize is the most prestigious award for peace efforts. It recognizes individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to promoting peace and resolving conflicts. So far, it has been awarded 104 times to 141 Nobel Prize laureates, with Narges Mohammadi being the most recent recipient in 2023 .

Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development, established in 1986 by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, honours individuals or organisations for exceptional contributions to peace. Awarded annually, it is one of the highest honours in the field and includes a monetary prize of 25 lakh rupees and a citation . In 2023, it was awarded to Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad.

Gandhi Peace Prize

The Gandhi Peace Prize, established by the Government of India in 1995 to honor Mahatma Gandhi's 125th birth anniversary, recognizes individuals or organizations for their contributions to peace and social progress. The award includes Rs. 1 crore, a citation, a plaque, and a traditional handicraft item. Past recipients include prominent figures like Nelson Mandela, and organizations such as ISRO and the Gita Press, Gorakhpur (2023).

UN Peacekeeping Mission

UN peacekeeping has been operational for over 75 years, with the first mission deployed in 1948. Since then, more than 2 million personnel have participated in 71 operations worldwide, making a substantial impact in conflict-affected regions. To recognize its efforts the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the UN Peacekeeping Forces in 1988 . India is among the largest contributors of troops to the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces, with thousands of personnel having served in missions across countries such as Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan. In 2007, India became the first country to send an all-female Formed Police Unit to a UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia.

International Day of Peace 2024 Significance

The International Day of Peace 2024 is especially significant as it marks the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace by the UN General Assembly. The significance of celebrating International Day of Peace 2024 includes the following:
  • The global observance of the ‘International Day of Peace’ is a critical reminder of the need for peaceful dialogue and cooperation in resolving differences.
  • Emphasizes the importance of cultivating a c ulture of peace through education , human rights, and tolerance, as declared 25 years ago.
  • Encourages nations to address modern challenges to peace, such as geopolitical tensions, climate change, poverty, and discrimination, by working together
  • Serves as a critical reminder of the UN's ongoing commitment to peacebuilding initiatives and observances that prioritize peace worldwide
  • Provides an opportunity to reflect on the relevance of multilateralism in today's world and how it can be more inclusive and responsive to evolving global challenge
For students aspiring to join the civil services, gaining insights into such international initiatives is crucial. Enroll in PW UPSC Courses today to deepen your understanding of international relations and gain the knowledge needed to succeed in the UPSC CSE exam!
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International Day of Peace 2024 FAQs

When is the International Day of Peace 2024?

The International Day of Peace 2024 is being observed on September 21.

Who founded the International Peace Day?

The International Day of Peace was established by the UN General Assembly in 1981.

What is the theme of International Peace Day 2024?

The theme for International Peace Day 2024 is “Cultivating a Culture of Peace.”

Why is International Peace Day celebrated?

International Peace Day is celebrated to promote peace, non-violence, and global harmony, encouraging reflection and action towards a peaceful world.

Why is September 21st chosen as the International Day of Peace?

The UN General Assembly fixed September 21st as the date in 2001 to promote a universal commitment to non-violence, encourage a global ceasefire, and highlight the importance of peace and dialogue.
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