International Day of Peace 2024
Annually, on 21 September, the world marks the International Day of Peace. Established by the United Nations, this day epitomises our joint aspiration for a world devoid of discord and turmoil. This year, attention is particularly directed towards the crucial role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Grasping the Significance
More than just a single day of commemoration, the International Day of Peace represents a rallying cry for individuals, communities, and nations. Our SDG Resources event is tailored to heighten our awareness of how sustainable development can act as the cornerstone for lasting peace.
Cornerstones of Peace
In the lead-up to the International Day of Peace 2024, it's pivotal to recognise how each SDG contributes to the aspiration of a harmonious world. Resources at the event will provide comprehensive insights into the interrelation between SDGs and peace.
No Poverty & Zero Hunger: A core understanding of the International Day of Peace is the connection between economic stability and conflict prevention. By eliminating poverty and hunger, we address some primary causes of wars.
Good Health, Education & Gender Equality: Societies in good health are peaceful ones. Advocating for well-being, education, and gender balance, we shape societies that stand resilient to conflict. Explore these topics at our event to grasp their interconnectedness.
Clean Water, Energy & Economic Growth: Sustainable resources translate to reduced conflicts over limited supplies. Our 2024 event will elaborate on how ensuring access to essential resources can dispel tensions.
Institutions, Justice & Partnerships: A cornerstone of the International Day of Peace is advocating for robust institutions. At our SDG event, discover how justice and partnerships at all echelons cultivate an ethos of peace.
2010 - 2023: Evolving Themes Each year, the UN set a distinctive theme for the International Day of Peace:
2010: Youth for Peace and Development
2011: Peace and Democracy: Make Your Voice Heard
2012: Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future
2013: Focus on Peace Education
2014: Right to Peace
2015: Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All
2016: The Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace
2017: Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All
2018: The Right to Peace – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70
2019: Climate Action for Peace
2020: Shaping Peace Together, focusing on the impact of COVID-19
2021: Recovering Better for an Equitable and Sustainable World
2022: End racism. Build peace.
2023: Actions for peace: Our ambition for the #GlobalGoals
Each year's theme serves as an inspiration for peace observances and activities around the world, encouraging global citizens to reflect upon and champion the cause of peace in diverse ways.
Event Highlights
Tthe International Day of Peace offers participants a wide array of activities:
Interactive Workshops: Grasp the nuances of each SDG and their relevance to fostering peace. Learn how you can play a part in actualising these objectives. Panel Discussions: Specialists will converse on the role of SDGs in sustaining peace. The International Day of Peace 2024 is your chance to engage with leading figures in this endeavour. Exhibitions: Delve into a variety of materials, from multimedia displays to textual resources, all centring on the International Day of Peace and the SDGs.
Forging a Path to a Serene Tomorrow
The International Day of Peace represents more than a date on the calendar; it's a movement. By aligning efforts with the SDGs, we move towards not only prosperity but also lasting peace. The 2024 event is another step towards that vision.
Let's use the International Day of Peace as a beacon of our collective mission. Together, equipped with the right resources and steadfast dedication, we move closer to a world where every day embodies peace.
Each year, the International Day of Peace is marked globally on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has proclaimed this day dedicated to fortifying the principles of peace, highlighted by 24 hours of non-aggression and ceasefire. Now, more than ever, our world cries out for peace.
This year, the theme is "Actions for Peace: Our Commitment to the #GlobalGoals", a summons that underscores our joint and individual duties to nurture peace. Nurturing peace aids in the actualisation of the SDGs, and achieving these goals fosters a universal culture of peace.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres remarked, "The demand for peace today is unparalleled. Conflict and warfare wreak havoc, breed poverty and starvation, and displace countless individuals. The turmoil of climate change is omnipresent. Even peaceful nations face significant disparities and divisive politics."
Sustainable Development Goals
2024 denotes a significant milestone in the execution of the Sustainable Development Goals. The 2024 observance of the International Day of Peace is synchronised with the SDG summit (18 – 19 September).
Aiming to foster more peaceful, just, and inclusive societies devoid of fear and violence, the SDGs can only succeed with the engagement and contributions of a vast array of stakeholders, notably the 1.2 billion youth worldwide. We extend an invitation to heed the United Nations’ plea for proactive peace actions: combat inequality, champion climate action, and advocate for human rights.
Historical Anniversaries in 2024
2024 also marks the 76th anniversaries of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. The 2024 International Day of Peace urges all young individuals to be proactive, positive societal agents, joining the movement to achieve the SDGs and thereby building enduring peace. United, we can guide our world towards a future that is greener, fairer, just, and secure for all.
