Countdown starts for UN’s International Peace Day

The countdown to the United Nations International Day of Peace (IDP), observed worldwide each year on Sept. 21, has begun.
Peace comes from within, and each person must seek to find his/her inner harmony in order to be able to achieve a peaceful and balanced society, asserted Mohammad Bakhrieba, the founder of Call of Culture. He elaborated further by saying parents need to endorse a comprehensive understanding of peace among their children and work together to foster notions of goodwill through educational channels.
“Our religion Islam advocates peace and the phrase Islam means to surrender to God and live in peace; this is what Islam is all about. Despite the disturbing events taking place in our region every day, we must still envision and work toward establishing peace,” he said.
Bakhrieba explained that the theme for this year’s International Day of Peace is ‘Education for Peace’, inspired by the UN Secretary General’s ‘Education First’ initiative and the growing efforts of educators to integrate peace-building and global engagement in school curriculums for students of all ages.
“It is not enough to teach children how to read, write and count,” says UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, “Education has to cultivate mutual respect for others and the world in which we live, and help people forge more just, inclusive and peaceful societies.”
Thousands of organizations and schools in many cities across the world have pledged their active commitment to the IDP 2013 “Education for Peace” theme, including, Chicago, Hong Kong, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Kampala, Katmandu, Manchester, Montreal and Sydney.
The IDP will be observed at the United Nations on Sept. 18, beginning with the Secretary-General ringing the peace bell and a flag ceremony, followed by a student conference with celebrity messengers of peace and live satellite connections to UN Peacekeeping sites internationally.
On Peace Day, the world will celebrate and promote peace in diverse and meaningful ways. Activities will include a wide range of educational and peace building programs for all ages; arts and intercultural events; yoga, meditation and prayer gatherings; marches, walks and vigils; community feasts and festivals; planting of peace poles and peace gardens; and, sports activities. In addition, Pathways To Peace, the World Peace Prayer Society, the United Religions Initiative, as well as the Culture of Peace Initiative, will encourage people worldwide to observe a minute of silence at noon on Sept. 21.
The 31st celebration of the UN International Day of Peace offers people worldwide the opportunity to participate in envisioning and taking practical action toward establishing a culture of peace.