The International Day of Peace is celebrated on 21 September, every year, by the United Nations. On this day, the UN sends invites to nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the Day, also to commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace. This day is also called World Peace Day.
As UPSC surprises aspirants with questions linked with what usually is assumed to be trivia; it is advisable that one must scroll through the facts about International Day of Peace to get the basic information. It can be asked in UPSC Prelims from the section of current affairs, if at all asked.
Facts about International Day of Peace
Read the below-mentioned facts and aid your IAS Exam preparation along with other competitive exams’ preparation.
| Observed On | 21 September |
| Theme of 2021 | Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world |
| Established | By the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 |
The topic can be asked as a Current Affairs Question in IAS Prelims. Visit the attached link to attempt practice quizzes on current affairs.
To read more about the other Important International and National days click on the link. Such days and events become very important for UPSC Prelims.
About International Day of Peace, 2021
- The idea behind observing International Day Of Peace is to strengthen the ideals of peace by observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. The day promotes global solidarity to build a peaceful and sustainable world for future generations.
- Theme of International Day of Peace in year 2021 was “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world”.
- The focus of the theme was to help everyone build resilience, to recover better and to transform the world into a place which is more just, equal, equitable, inclusive, sustainable & healthier.
- In the digital age the day also aims to celebrate peace by standing up against acts of hate online and offline. During the pandemic it becomes even more significant to observe peace by spreading compassion, kindness and hope.
Background of International Day Of Peace
- The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly.
- Then two decades later, in 2001 the UN General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire by adopting Resolution adopted 53/243 B – Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.
Also, read in detail about the UN General Assembly in the linked article.
Significance of International Day of Peace
- The International Day of Peace plays a significant role in promoting peace across the world, by observing a period of non-violence and cease-fire.
- The day also seeks to promote a green and sustainable global economy which can create jobs, build resilience towards crimes and reduce emissions for lowering climate impacts.
- International Day of Peace is dedicated to fostering dialogue and collecting ideas to build a peaceful world.
Also, read about The International Day of Non-Violence which is observed on 2nd October to celebrate the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.
Challenges of Keeping Peace
- Global Unrest and wars have disturbed the world-peace. According to the World Population Review the wars have resulted in the loss of many lives in 2019, 8 countries i.e. Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Turkey, Somalia, Iraq, Mexico and Libya suffered over 1000 deaths each.
- The armed conflicts and persecution have led to the Refugee Crisis. According to the UN Refugee Agency, because of these reasons alone 79.5 million were displaced at the end of 2019.
- Global Powers like USA, Russia and China have been fueling instability in order to quench the thirst of achieving geopolitical hegemony. E.g. Yemen Crisis, Afghanistan Instability.
- Also, the Covid-19 Pandemic has impacted global peace through lack of access to resources, health and education.
Way Forward
In order to gain a world free of conflict, we must strive for bringing a change in structure and nature of world politics, which is not a child’s play. In the current pandemic, there is a need to stand together with the UN against attempts to use the virus to promote discrimination or hatred. Intellectuals, social movements and responsible states should prioritise struggling for an equitable world order. Nothing less will suffice to silence the guns.
Note: As UPSC 2023 approaches, use BYJU’S free Daily Video Analysis of The Hindu Newspaper to augment your preparation.
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