INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIVING TOGETHER IN PEACE, 16th May
The UN established May 16 as the International Day of Living Together in Peace with a General Assembly resolution adopted on December 8, 2017. The day builds on earlier efforts to promote a culture of peace—2000 was declared the International Year for a Culture of Peace, and 2001-2010 the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for Children of the World. Since the end of WWII, the UN has made advancing world peace one of its core missions.
Each year, UNESCO organizes events around the world to mark the day, and world leaders share messages of hope and peace. It’s a reminder that peace starts with how we treat ourselves, our neighbors, and people we disagree with.
How to participate
1. Learn from examples
Study countries consistently ranked among the most peaceful, like Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal, Canada, Switzerland, Norway, and Singapore. Look at the policies and social norms that make that possible.
2. Get familiar with peacemakers
Read about people who have worked to bridge divides, such as Tegla Loroupe from Kenya, Benazir Bhutto from Pakistan, and Susan B. Anthony from the U.S. Their approaches show different ways to push for justice and reconciliation.
3. Read for perspective
Books that explore peace and resilience can shift how you see conflict and cooperation. Start with _Long Walk to Freedom_ by Nelson Mandela, _World Peace: The Voice of a Mountain Bird_ by Amit Ray, and _The Alchemist_ by Paulo Coelho.
4. Commit and share
Make a personal commitment to practice patience, dialogue, and understanding in your own circles. Then spread awareness online using #InternationalDayOfLivingTogetherInPeace.
Peace isn’t abstract—it shows up in daily choices. This day is a prompt to act on that.
0 Comments