The UN's Peace Bell was cast with coins and medals collected by people and children from 60 different countries and was donated by the U.N. Association of Japan.
It has become tradition to ring the bell twice a year: on the first day of spring, at the Vernal Equinox, and on 21 September on the International Day of Peace.
UN'S INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2017 THEME:
Together for Peace: Respect, Safety, and Dignity for All
Ban Ki-moon Ringing Peace Bell at UN
Children in Zataari Camp in Jordan. Photo credit UN/Sahem Rababah
The theme honours the spirit of TOGETHER, a global initiative that promotes respect, safety and dignity for everyone forced to flee their homes in search of a better life. TOGETHER unites the organizations of the United Nations System, the 193 Member States of the United Nations, the private sector, civil society, academic institutions and individual citizens in a global partnership in support of diversity, non-discrimination and acceptance of refugees and migrants. It was initiated during the United Nations Summit for Refugees and Migrants on 19 September 2016.
The United Nations International Day of Peace (Peace Day) is a worldwide day observed on September 21. It provides a shared date for for all humanity to take part in activities that contribute to the creation of a more peaceful and unified world. In cities across the world, Peace Day is a global day of local opportunity.
As per the 1981 unanimous UN resolution, Peace Day should be “devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.” Peace Day observances across the world have grown to involve hundreds of millions of people from every corner of the world. Activities involve humanitarian aid and service, education, the arts, projects for the environment, spiritual and faith gatherings, non-violence forums, intercultural dialogues, walks and vigils, sport for peace events and a wide array of community-building events and celebrations. Peace Day can be observed individually or as part of a group or organization, as well as on personal, local and/or global level.
Each year, the United Nations (New York) hosts the student observance of the International Day of Peace. This program is webcast. For more information about this event, CLICK HERE
“When we all work together, we can make peace possible, starting with 24 hours of peace on 21 September,” Mr. Ban said.
— Ban Ki-moon