All posts by CPNN Coordinator

About CPNN Coordinator

Dr David Adams is the coordinator of the Culture of Peace News Network. He retired in 2001 from UNESCO where he was the Director of the Unit for the International Year for the Culture of Peace, proclaimed for the Year 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly.

English Bulletin, October 1, 2026

. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE-2026 .

This year I was able to find on the internet 821 events for the International Day of Peace. Most were not written in English, but were in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and Ukrainian.

The largest participation for the International Day of Peace, as usual, was in Western Europe, especially in Belgium (209) France (70), Italy (27) and Spain (14). To a great extent, events took place officially in the city hall of particpating cities. In Italy, the Giro d’Italia per la Pace, which involved several cities on the International Day of Peace, was scheduled to involve 129 cities during its tour over the course of several months. And in France, another similar initiative, the March for the Climate, for the Living World, for Peace and for Justice was celebrated in more than 100 cities and villages on September 26.

All but 4 of the 50 United States and all except 1 of the 10 provinces of Canada held celebrations. This year there were actions protesting the culture of war. Many protested the Israeli genocide of Palestine. Protests targeted the military base in Tucson, Arizona and the Air Force Arms Bazaar in National Harbor, Maryland. In the twin cities of Minneapolis and St Paul, the event included a virtual briefing; “Recovering from the Policy-Based Disaster of Federal Immigration Policy,” In Chicago, Codepink held a teach-in on the impact of the US invasion and occupation of Afghanistan.

Despite the breakup of the Soviet Union and the terrible war between Russia and Ukraine, the celebration of the International Day of Peace, officially encouraged in Soviet Union, has persisted until now. The 121 events included 22 in Belarus, 37 in Russia and 57 in Ukraine, mostly by the students in schools and libraries where they continued the traditions such as the making paper doves or cranes to signify peace. Some events in the Ukraine had to be carried out in bomb shelters where the children were confined durin air raids.

The 93 reports from 17 countries in Asia and Pacific were especially rich. In Japan the day was celebrated with caligraphy, tea ceremonies, bell ringing and concerts, including Japanese drumming and a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. In India it was celebrated by a wide variety of sects and associations, including Brahma Kumaris, followers of Prem Rawat, Girl Guides and Scouts, Rotary Clubs and the National Students’ Union. In China, there were official events in Beijing, Hanchuan City, Hongkong and Wuhan with participants coming from other countries around the world.

Mexico with 29 events led the way in Latin America and the Caribbean where there were 59 events in 14 countries. The Mexican events included a Binational Summit for Peace and Justice in Ciudad Juarez, an International Congress for the International Day of Peace in Guanajuato and the the 7th International Forum on Culture and Education for Peace in Querétero. In Culiacán, the Sinaloa Public Security Secretariat organized a peace march, led by an escort and a marching band in their prison as part of the actions aimed at strengthening culture, sports and social reintegration processes within the penitentiary center.

In Africa, there were celebrations in 19 countries, not counting another 5 that were listed with the Arab states. Four events took place in Cameroon, including a national online forum, a webinar y Wem’Afrika, a service by the Presbyterian Church and a peace march coordinated by the Ministry of Youth. There were three events each in Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya, involving, among others, the Ombudsman Institution of Chad, Synergie des Femmes pour la Paix et la Sécurité in the DRC and Kenyatta University.

We found 22 actions in 12 Arab and Middle Eastern countries. In Bahrain, the event was dedicated to coexistence between different religions and sects and was attended by representatives of Catholic, Evangelical, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist Sikh and Baha’i relgious communities. In Egypt, the Muslim Council of Elders issued a statement saying that peace is the essence of the message of Islam, and the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services called for pratices and initiatives for peace.

Global initiatives for the International Day of Peace included :
11 Days of Global Unity
Creative Nonviolence at Work in the World Today
Global Week Of Action For Peace And Climate Justice
Live Peace
Masterpeace
Peace One Day
Peace Voices Map
United Religions Initiative

The work of searching for, translating, editing and putting the 821 events on line took more than 100 hours of personal labor. Other surveys, previously helpful, such as the UN event map for the International Day of Peace., Montessori schools map, One Day One Choir map, were no longer available and and Campaign Nonviolence website was reduced in scope. At my age (87), the work has become too arduous, so I will not do it next year. I hope others will take up the task.

GLOBAL



What has happened this year: International Day of Peace

UNITED STATES AND CANADA



United States and Canada: International Day of Peace

EUROPE



Europe: International Day of Peace

ASIA AND PACIFIC



Asia and Pacific: International Day of Peace

  

EX-SOVIET COUNTRIES



Ex-Soviet Countries: International Day of Peace

ARAB STATES AND MIDDLE EAST



Arab States And Middle East: International Day of Peace

LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN



Latin America and Caribbean: International Day of Peace

AFRICA



Africa: International Day of Peace

What has happened this year (2026) for the International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION
This year we found 821 actions, including 366 actions carried out in 22 countries of Europe and 121 in 8 countries that were once part of the Soviet Union. We link to 127 actions in 9 of the 10 Canadian provinces and 46 of the 50 states of the United States. There are 93 actions cited in 17 countries of Asia and the Pacific, 59 from 14 Latin American and Caribbean countries, 33 from 19 African countries, and 22 from 12 Arab and Middle Eastern countries. See the CPNN bulletin for October for a synopsis.

Detailed data may be found on the following CPNN articles:

Europe: International Day of Peace

Ex-Soviet Countries: International Day of Peace

United States and Canada: International Day of Peace

Asia and Pacific: International Day of Peace

Arab and Middle Eastern States: International Day of Peace

Latin America and Caribbean: International Day of Peace

Africa: International Day of Peace

Europe: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .

A survey by CPNN

We list here 366 events in 22 European countries that were listed this year in Google during the week of September 21-28 under the key words “International Day of Peace”, “Journée Internationale de la Paix”, “Dia Internacional de Paz”, “Dia Internacional da Paz”, “Internationaler Tag des Friedens”and “Giornata internazionale della pace.”

In France, there were 70 events in 43 departments, almost half of all the departments in the country, and in Belgium there were events in 209 municipalities.

In order to save space, only one event is described in detail for each department in France, while internet links are provided for the others. The Belgium cities flying the peace flag are listed, but not described in detail. In other countries only one event is described in detail for each city, while internet links are provided for the others.

No doubt there were also many events listed on the Internet in the various national languages in Europe other than those for which we searched.

For events in European countries formerly part of the Soviet Union, click here.

Épinal, France

Here are excerpts from the articles, translated into English.

AUSTRIA

VIENNA :For the celebration of the International Day of Peace, an event was organized by the NGO Committee for Peace in Vienna, with the participation and support of the Bertha von Suttner Peace Academy, and was attended by representatives from numerous institutions and organizations concerned with peace, dialogue, and international cooperation. The program included meetings and events that addressed the role of civil society in fostering understanding between peoples and promoting a culture of dialogue. The Peace Message Foundation participated in the event with a delegation headed by Engineer Hossam Bazina, Secretary General of the Foundation’s office in Austria and Eastern Europe. The celebration included symbolic ceremonies in front of the Peace Bell at the International Centre in Vienna, as well as meetings that allowed participants to get to know each other and exchange views on peace issues and prospects for international cooperation.

VIENNA, HUMAN CHAIN

BELGIUM

BELGIUM NATIONWIDE : 209 cities and municipalities responded to the “Peace Day” call to fly the peace flag on their official buildings during the week of September 21, thereby affirming their joint commitment to a nuclear-weapon-free Belgium within a nuclear-weapon-free world: Aartselaar Amay Andenne Anderlues Anthisnes Antoing Anzegem Arendonk Arlon Asse Aubange Aubel Audembourg Auderghem Avelgem Awans Aywaille Beernem Begijnendijk Bekkevoort Beloeil Berchem-Sainte-Agathe Berlare Bierbeek Bilsen-Hoeselt Boechout Boom Bouillon Braine-l’Alleud Brakel Bredene Bruges Buggenhout Chastre Châtelet Chaumont-Gistoux Chimay Clavier Comines-Warneton Courtrai Coxyde Damme Deerlijk Deinze Dessel Dilsen-Stokkem Dinant Dixmude Donceel Engis Erpe-Mere Essen Étalle Etterbeek Eupen Evere Fernelmont Fleurus Flobecq Fosses-la-Ville Furnes Gand Ganshoren Gavre Geel Geer Genappe Genk Gesves Gistel Gouvy Grammont Grobbendonk Haacht Habay Harelbeke Hastière Havelange Heist-op-den-Berg Hélécine Hemiksem Herbeumont Herent Herenthout Herzele Heusden-Zolder Holsbeek Hooglede Horebeke Hotton Huldenberg Ichtegem Incourt Iseghem Jemeppe-sur-Sambre Jodoigne Kalmthout Kapelle-op-den-Bos Kapellen Kasterlee Knokke-Heist Koekelare Koekelberg Kontich Kortenaken Kruisem La Bruyère La Hulpe La Louvière La Panne Lasne Lede Lendelede Libin Libramont-Chevigny Lichtervelde Liège Lierde Lille Linkebeek Lo-Reninge Louvain Lummen Maaseik Maasmechelen Malines Malle Malmedy Manage Meerhout Meise Merelbeke-Melle Merksplas Messines Mettet Molenbeek-Saint-Jean Morlanwelz Mortsel Mouscron Nazareth-La Pinte Nivelles Oosterzele Oostkamp Oostrozebeke Oud-Turnhout Ouffet Pajottegem Paliseul Péruwelz Profondeville Putte Quaregnon Raeren Rendeux Riemst Rijkevorsel Roosdaal Roulers Rouvroy Saint-Laurent Saint-Léger Saint-Nicolas-Waes Saint-Trond Sambreville Schelle Schilde Seraing Sint-Lievens-Houtem Soignies Soumagne Spa Stavelot Steenokkerzeel Temse Ternat Thuin Tielt Tintigny Tournai Tubize Viroinval Voeren Vorselaar Waasmunster Waimes Waregem Wasseiges Wavre Wellen Wezembeek-Oppem Wichelen Wielsbeke Willebroek Woluwé-Saint-Lambert Wortegem-Petegem Ypres Yvoir Zedelgem Zelzate Zemst Zoersel Zonnebeke Zulte Zwalm

BELGIUM RADIO :This Wednesday evening, September 16, 2026, we will host guests in the studio to discuss the inaugural Peace Festival—taking place from September 21 to 26, 2026, in Brussels, Liège, Mons, and other Walloon cities—organized by APLP (Agir pour la paix), the CNAPD (Coordination Nationale d’Action pour la Paix et la Démocratie), and PAC (Présence et Action Culturelles). It will be six days of workshops, discussions, and actions focused on pacifist and anti-militarist struggles, deconstructing military propaganda, and proposing alternatives.

BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

MOSTAR : Pro Peace – Join us on Thursday, 17 September for a full day of activities in recognition of the International Day of Peace. The evening program begins with an interfaith dialogue at 18:00, followed by the Goran Bubalo award ceremony, and ends with a screening of Chris Leslie’s film, The Partisan Necropoli

BULGARIA

SOFIA : Sri Chinmoy. Today, as we do every year, we marked the International Day of Peace together with our friends from the United Nations and representatives of the Bulgarian War Veterans Club. On this meaningful day, we also shared a short selection of Sri Chinmoy’s writings about the role of the United Nations and the personal responsibility each of us has in building a more peaceful and united world. As a sign of respect and remembrance, we laid flowers at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, honoring all those who lost their lives in wars.

CROATIA

OPATIJA : On International Day of Peace many people walked everywhere. This is an account that took place in Opatija, Croatia, where the Peacewalk passed through a few weeks ago. I just got back from Bihac and was truly encouraged by this initiative! From Elisabeth: Thanks everyone who joined us yesterday …we had a Peacewalk circle in Opatija and gave each other: healing for our inner child, an attitude of gratitude, a wish to embrace of the seeds planted throughout the entire peacewalk, acceptance of our differences, and a desire for more peace-loving politicians/leaders.

CYPRUS

NICOSIA : On 20 September, we came together at the Home for Cooperation for International Day of Peace — a day of dialogue, connection and collective action for peace. The day was filled with activities bringing people together through an educational walk, children’s creative activities, the launch of the Imagine Peace Academy, an NGO fair, music, food and opportunities for connection and exchange. A key moment of the day was the panel discussion “From Dialogue to Action: Building a Civil Society Coalition for Anti-Racist Education in Cyprus,” which brought together 16 civil society organisations to sign a shared Commitment for Anti-Racist Education in Cyprus, marking a collective step towards strengthening cooperation and advancing anti-racist education across the island.

UN MISSION : Statement by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNFICYP, Khassim Diagne, on the International Day of Peace. As we mark the International Day of Peace on 21 September, we are reminded that peace is not simply the absence of conflict. It is a shared commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, cooperation and the belief that differences can be resolved through peaceful means.In Cyprus, the pursuit of peace remains a shared responsibility. For more than six decades, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has stood alongside the people of the island, helping to maintain stability, facilitate dialogue and support conditions conducive to a comprehensive settlement.The United Nations remains committed to supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Cyprus. UNFICYP will continue to carry out its mandate in the service of peace and the people of the island.

FRANCE

MARSEILLE (13) : International Day of Peace
Place du Général de Gaulle, La Canebière.After welcoming the demonstrators at 6:00 PM, the march will begin marching towards Les Réformés – Square Léon Blum where there will be a rally with the theme: Let us demand a general ceasefire and cultivate peace. Initial signatories and partners in the culture of peace: Résister Aujourd’hui, Collectif13 DDF, AMFPGN, FSU13, PCF13, MAGPAL, CGT, ANC13, LFI13, The Bouches-du-Rhône Mouvement de la Paix.

MARTIGUES (13)
PORT-DE-BOUC (13)
SAINT-SAVOURIN (13)
SALON-DE-PROVENCE (13)

BLAINVILLE-SUR-ORNE (14) : Official proclamation from City Hall for the International Day of Peace signed by the mayor Lionel Marie.

ANGOULÈME (16) : As part of the International Day of Peace, the Angoulème Mouvement de la Paix committee organized a conference debate on September 10, 2026 on the theme “war economy or peace economy” from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. which brought together around fifty people with the participation of Roland Nivet, spokesperson for the Mouvement de la Paix.

VIERZON (18) : Celebration of the International Day of Peace on September 19 in the Parc de la Noue with food, games, workshops and a concert by the group CED.

USSEL (19) : As it does every year, the Mouvement de la Paix is organizing a full program of ceremonies across the Corrèze department to mark the International Day of Peace. In Ussel on September 21 at 2:00 PM, the Peace Tree ceremony will take place, involving the municipality and local schools.

BRIVE (19)
L’EGLISE AUX BOIS (19)
MEYMAC (19)
SAINT-MARTIN-LA-MÉANNE (19)
TULLE (19)

DIJON (21) : To mark the International Day of Peace, celebrated on September 21, 2026, the Côte-d’Or committee of the Mouvement de la Paix is organizing a conference-debate at the Dijon Bourse du Travail. From 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., three speakers will address issues regarding nuclear disarmament, the militarization of schools, and the building of a culture of peace. The first presentation will be given by Alain Rouy, National Secretary of the Peace Movement and Vice-President of the International Peace Bureau. He will specifically discuss the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), and the French military programming law. The evening will continue with Marine Bignon, a teacher, who will speak on the theme of the “indoctrination of minds” and what the organizers describe as the “accelerated militarization of schools.” The third part of the event will be led by Raphaël Porteilla, a political science professor at the University of Dijon-Bourgogne and a member of the Institute for Peace. His presentation will focus on “the stakes of a culture of peace.” The event will also feature the participation of several associations, trade unions, and political organizations listed in the program, including the CGT departmental union, Les Amis de l’Humanité, ARAC, LSR21, PCF21, La France Insoumise, MRAP, FSU, and ATTAC.

LANNION (22) : Responding to a call from various associations and trade unions for the International Day of Peace, around sixty Trégor residents gathered outside Lannion Town Hall on Monday, September 21 to speak out against the “growing nuclear threat” and “the establishment of a war economy, which translates daily into budget cuts for public services.. Flags of many colors represented the various trade unions, political parties, and associations that had called for the rally: groups such as Mouvement de la Paix), CGT, FSU, Solidaires, PCF, LFI, Les Verts, LDH, AFPS, Sortir du nucléaire, and Attac.

LA COURTINE (23) : To mark European Heritage Days and as a prelude to the International Day of Peace, a gathering was organized at La Courtine—a site shaped by the history of war, soldiers, and the upheavals that swept across Europe in the early 20th century. The event was initiated by ARAC 19, the Corrèze Peace Movement, the Center for the Analysis of Popular Movements (CAMP), and the La Courtine 1917 association. We walked the 2-kilometer “Path of Remembrance,” following in the footsteps of the Russian soldiers stationed at La Courtine who mutinied at the military camp during the summer of 1917. The trail offers a chance to revisit the story of these soldiers—spanning the years 1916 to 1920—and to gain a deeper understanding of this unique chapter in La Courtine’s history. Understanding the history of wars, mutinies, and the suffering and aspirations of peoples allows us to reflect on today’s world and the vital need to preserve peace.

DOUBS (25) : To mark the International Day of Peace on September 21, the Doubs branch of the Mouvement de la Paix is organizing a gathering this Saturday, September 19, in front of the Glacis war memorial. In its statement, the Mouvement de la Paix highlights the “56 armed conflicts currently underway worldwide” and calls for action toward “the elimination of nuclear weapons.”

VASSIEUX-EN-VERCORS (26) : At the Espelines Café-Bookstore, Museum of the Resistance as part of the International Day of Peace, a discussion on Palestine will feature Michel Léon (Human Rights League) and Nicolas Faivre d’Arcier (Diois Palestine Solidarity Collective). Friday, September 25, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

SAINT-MARTIN-EN-VERCORS (26)

DREUX (28) : Three citizens from the Drouais region are supporting the International Day of Peace on September 21. Gisèle Quérité, Martine Couteau, and Nafissa X are calling on local residents to join a gathering at the foot of the belfry in Dreux on Monday, September 21, at 5 p.m., to help make the International Day of Peace a success.

QUIMPER (29) : At the call of the National Peace March Collective—comprising over 200 organizations, including associations, unions, and political parties—the Finistère (Department 29) committee of the Mouvement de la Paix is organizing a rally in Quimper on Monday, September 21, the International Day of Peace. The event will take place starting at 5:00 p.m. at Place Médard. “The international situation is extremely grave. Wars are spreading and directly affecting our daily lives,” the committee stated in a press release. “Military spending is rising sharply. Against this backdrop, the risk of a global escalation of conflict—including the potential use of nuclear weapons—cannot be ignored. We refuse to see social rights, freedoms, human dignity, the security of peoples, and the future of coming generations sacrificed to the logic of war, domination, and militarization.”

BREST (29)

NIMES (30) : Statement by Vincent Bouget, Mayor of Nimes. On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, I am very proud to see Nîmes committing to building a culture of peace. At a time when wars are proliferating across the globe and imperialism is resurging on every continent, we must share this commitment widely—this week and throughout the year. To this end, we are launching several municipal initiatives in support of the International Day of Peace. First, we have appointed a municipal councillor with a specific portfolio for Remembrance, Veterans’ Affairs, and the Culture of Peace. Another initiative is the City of Nîmes joining the “Mayors for Peace France” association; we will pass a formal resolution to this effect at next Monday’s city council meeting. We are also working to establish a town twinning arrangement with a city in the West Bank, with initial actions planned for next year. In this way, the City of Nîmes can embody a commitment to global peace—one that must be lived out daily and is inseparable from our commitments to social justice and the fight against climate change.

SAINT-MARTIN-DE-VALGALGUES (30)

MONTPELLIER (34) : Hérault Federation of the Communist Party of France. To mark the International Day of Peace, Communists in the Hérault department shared their proposals with the people of Montpellier for an end to the war and the triumph of peace!

MONTPEYROUX (34)

RENNES (35) : On Monday, September 21, from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM, a meeting for all organizations, associations, and citizens will be held at the Maison Internationale de Rennes. We will explore the richness of the culture of peace as an alternative to the mindsets of war, power, and violence. The meeting point is in front of Les Champs Libres. This meeting will be open to the press and will serve as an opportunity for a press conference to provide information on the week’s events.

SAINT-MALO (35)

CHAPAREILLAN (38) : “Cultivating Peace Together – 2026” was a gathering held to mark the International Day of Peace. It was organized by the Baha’is of Savoie and Chapareillan on Sunday, September 20, 2026. This was the fifth edition of the event, featuring the theme: “For everyone, everywhere, every day. As usual, the gathering took place in the “Orchard of Unity in Diversity” in Chapareillan. The day offered tools for advancing peace in our daily lives, our families, and our villages. The program included discussion workshops as well as recreational, athletic, and artistic activities.

GRENOBLE (38)

SAINT-ETIENNE (42) : To mark the International Day of Peace, a gathering is scheduled for this Monday, September 21, in the city center of Saint-Étienne. Participants are to meet at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Jean Jaurès statue. Following the gathering, they are invited to form a “peace chain” extending to the corner of Rue Aristide-Briand-et-de-la-Paix.

France, UNIEUX (42)

NANTES (44) :On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, we call to come together for Peace. Gathering Monday September 21 at 6 p.m. at the monuments of the 50 hostages in Nantes, in front of the Prefecture. The world is at war. Not since the Second World War have so many armed conflicts simultaneously bloodied the planet. Faced with this reality, we refuse resignation and the normalization of war. Peace is not a utopia but a political, social and human requirement that is built, organized and defended.

SARAN (45) : For the 4th consecutive year, the City of Saran is marking the International Day of Peace by hosting an afternoon and evening dedicated to peace, dialogue, and exchange. , , featuring Info Jeunes Saran, the Youth Department, Le Mouvement de la Paix, Secours Populaire, Les Mains Tendues, Palestine45, and a musical performance by a young local resident. Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Château de l’Étang Park playground . At 7:30 PM: Screening of the film *La Bombe et nous* (The Bomb and Us), followed by a discussion with director Xavier-Marie Bonnot at Pathé Cinemas, Saran.

ANGERS (49) : We are four weeks away from September 21st, the International Day of Peace. The author of *Un monde à la renverse* (“A World Turned Upside Down”) analyzes and warns against the dangers threatening global stability—including the crisis of capitalism, militarism, and the rise of the far right. He calls for a democratic awakening and renewed international cooperation. Come to this event to discuss the book, and please share this information with your members, union colleagues, and friends: DISCUSSION AND BOOK SIGNING with PATRICK LE HYARIC. Friday, September 18, 2026, at 7:00 PM, Salle du Doyenné (Ground Floor) – Angers. Sponsored by the Angers Committee of Mouvement de la Paix.

CHÂLONS (51) : To mark the International Day of Peace, observed this Monday, September 21, the CGT union and its local Châlons branch are calling for a “united and progressive” rally starting at 5 p.m. at the Grand Jard bandstand. The goal of the event is “to make the voice of peace, solidarity, and fraternity among peoples heard” against an international backdrop “marked by proliferating wars, military escalation, [and] forced population displacements,” the union stated. Local artists Massa & Stef will perform a concert following the speeches.

HENNEBONT (56) : Against a challenging global backdrop, Hennebont (Morbihan) marked the International Day of Peace with an event on Saturday afternoon, September 19. Nearly seventy people listened to an address by Joël Beuglant, president of Mouvement de la Paix: “There are currently 61 active armed conflicts worldwide. War is also big business, and the merchants of death are profiting from a lucrative market.” He called for “citizen action,” emphasizing that “every initiative counts.” After a parade through the town center to the Square de la Paix, led by the Mellionnec marching band, participants shared refreshments at the community center—funded entirely by the association itself this time, as the new right-wing municipal administration had refused to contribute the modest sum of €50.

LILLE (59) : “Resisting War Propaganda” Exhibition at the Philippe Noiret Hall in Lille,. September 21–24, 2026 | Time: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM. The municipality will take part in the exhibition launch on the 21st—a symbolic date! Organized by the Villeneuve d’Ascq and Surrounding Area Committee.

HALLUÍN (59)

STRASBOURG (67) : Peace Day: “My Role in Peace” September 21, 2026, starting at 2:00 PM at the Château de Pourtalès,161 Rue Mélanie, Strasbourg. Organized by PeaceAbility. Workshops: Concrete actions for peace and Practices of social therapy.

LYON (69) : At the Catholic University of Lyon, marking the International Day of Peace (2026 edition) and the Nelson Mandela Decade of Peace (2019–2028)—both established by the United Nations, the UNESCO Chair on “Memory, Cultures, and Interculturality” is organizing a public lecture titled: “Intercultural Dialogue: A Key Issue for International Peace and Security.” The speaker is PROF. ROGER K. KOUDÉ, Professor of International Law at the Catholic University of Lyon and Chairholder of the UNESCO Chair on “Memory, Cultures, and Interculturality”

VÉNISSIEUX (69)

MONTCEAU-LES-MINES (71) : To mark the International Day of Peace, a gathering was held late in the afternoon on Monday, September 21, 2026, in front of City Hall. Nearly 80 people answered the call from the national “Peace Marches” collective to voice their desire to live in peace in a world of solidarity, justice, and fraternity. “There are 130 conflict zones across the globe, affecting 200 million people. Capitalism and imperialism fuel wars,” explained Christian Tramoy, representing the French Communist Party.

MÂCON (71)

LE MANS (72) : A protest against war, was held on the International Day of Peace: around a hundred people gathered outside the Renault plant in Le Mans at 12:30 p.m. this Monday, September 21, in response to a call from the CGT. They assembled to voice their opposition to the automaker’s plan to manufacture military drones. Other unions, associations, and political parties were represented, including Solidaires, the Human Rights League (LDH), Mouvement de la Paix, Sortir du Nucléaire, the French Communist Party, and Révolution Permanente.

MONTMÉLIAN (73) : This Monday, September 21, marks the International Day of Peace in Montmélian. A march will set off at 6 p.m. from the Peace Tree (Höchst Gardens) for a gathering in the Quartier des Capucins.

ANNECY (74) : The 2nd edition of the Live Peace Annecy festival, organized ahead of the International Day of Peace in collaboration with representatives linked to the Nobel Peace Prize. will take place Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Parc Vignières-Pommaries (Annecy-le-Vieux). Headliners are Imany, Synapson, Chimène Badi. On the Pop, Chanson, and Discovery Stage: Philippine Lavrey, Jules Loewert, Gipsy Fraquito, Araven, Bercé, Leuz Diwane G. On the Electro and Local Stage: DJ Matafan, DJ Ralph, DJ Deal. An official “pre-party” is also scheduled for the night before (Saturday, September 19) at several venues in the Annecy area (Le Cabanon, La Maison, Le Téléphone Rose), featuring local DJ sets.

PARIS (75) : On Wednesday 16 September 2026, LivePeace will be taking over Le Hasard Ludique (Paris 18th arrondissement) for a musical evening to mark the United Nations International Day of Peace. Three artists will take to the stage in succession: Ellé, Maxence Alexandre and FYRS, for an eclectic and socially conscious line-up. LivePeace is a charity supported by 10 Nobel Peace Prize laureates, which organises concerts around the world to mark the International Day of Peace. Our vision: to make music a vehicle for mass mobilisation, until millions of voices call on governments to bring about peace. Free entry, booking required.

PARIS, ROTARY (75)
PARIS, UNESCO

DIEPPE (76) : To mark the International Day of Peace, the City of Dieppe and its partners invite you to two events designed to foster a sense of unity and fellowship. Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at François-Mitterrand Park 2:30 PM: Artists Élisabeth Touchard and Henry Dubos bring the words of children from the Sonia-Delaunay recreation center to life through song and spoken word, with the participation of the Foyer Duquesne. 3:30 PM: Symbolic planting of an olive tree with partner associations and local residents, followed by a release of doves and pigeons by the “La Flèche Neuvillaise” pigeon fanciers’ club. Friday, September 25, 2026, at L’Inattendu (11 Avenue Normandie-Sussex) 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM: International meal and concert, organized with the participation of the CADA (Reception Center for Asylum Seekers), managed by the Information Solidarité Réfugiés (ISR) association. Open to all.

LE HAVRE (76)

MITRY-MORY (77) : Join us on Saturday, September 19, starting at 1:00 PM at the Plaine des Acacias for the latest edition of Live Peace, a free event organized to mark the International Day of Peace. The day will kick off with a barbecue provided by the City, accompanied by a potluck-style meal where everyone is invited to bring a specialty dish to share. It promises to be a friendly gathering, giving participants a chance to get to know one another before the activities begin. At 3:00 PM, the challenges begin! Residents of Mitry will form intergenerational teams to compete in a series of sporting, cultural, and intellectual events. The goal is to allow everyone—regardless of age—to put their talents to use for their team in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. No advance registration is required; teams can be formed on-site on the day of the event.

POISSY (78) : To mark the International Day of Peace, a ceremony organized by the “Amis du jardin de l’Olivier” (Friends of the Olive Tree Garden) will be held this Wednesday, September 23, at 6:30 PM in the Olive Tree Garden!

VERNEUIL-SUR SEINE (78)

AMIENS (80) : Saturday. 10 a.m. September 19. City Hall. Rally for Peace. Sponsored by Mouvement de la Paix, CGT, FSU 80, UNEF, Union etudiants, PCF, France Insoumise, MJCF, AFPS, RESF Somme.

CASTRES (81) : Public meeting in Castres (81) – Monday, September 21, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM for the International Day of Peace. Documentary screening of Paloma 81 by Mouvement de la Paix. Maison des associations de Castres. Followed by a friendly social gathering with drinks

LUCHON (85) : To mark the International Day of Peace, a local collective is organizing a day of gathering and mobilization in Luchon on Saturday, September 26. Participants will meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Casino Park, setting off at 9:30 a.m. for a walk to Cazarilh-Laspènes. This village in the Luchon area pays tribute to soldiers who died in conflicts while also conveying a message of opposition to war. Upon the return, a potluck-style meal will offer a chance for friendly socializing. In the afternoon, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., there will be information stalls, exhibitions, singing, and talks and discussions centered on themes such as peace, solidarity, the arms trade, and the fight against violence and poverty.

CIVRAY (86) : To mark the International Day of Peace. the South Vienne Committee of Moevement de la Paix invites you to three film-and-discussion events, offering a chance to reflect together on peace, humanity, and remembrance. Film & Discussion: *Grave of the Fireflies*. Ciné Malice,

CHÂTELLERAULT (86)
POITIERS (86)
SUD VIENNE (86)

ÉPINAL (88) : To protest against the various wars currently taking place around the world, about twenty people gathered this Sunday morning at the Place des Vosges in Épinal to mark the International Day of Peace.

ORSAY (91) : Two days dedicated to fostering a culture of peace together through meetings, messages, and dialogue in Orsay.. Saturday, September 19 – in front of the Town Hall. Messages and faces of peace: come write your message and share a photo for a more just and united world. Sunday, September 20 at 11:00 AM – Town Hall. Roundtable discussion: “Culture of Peace: A Foundation for the Common Good,” featuring remarks by Mayor Rémi Darmon and the participation of Julia Coulon and Édith Boulanger.

MALAKOFF (92) : From September 19 to 27, 2026, the town of Malakoff will be buzzing with activities centered on the International Day of Peace. For the occasion, several local peace and international solidarity organizations—in collaboration with the “Artists for Peace” collective—have put together a rich and varied program. Featuring artistic creations, exhibitions, film screenings, and discussions, the event invites residents to a week of reflection and dialogue regarding the themes of peace and solidarity.Festivities kick off on Saturday, September 19, at La Tréso (Avenue du Président-Wilson), where artists and organizations will host a free creative workshop as part of the Tréso and Toboggan festival. On Sunday, September 20, starting at 10:00 a.m., art will take center stage at Place du 11-Novembre-1918 and Square de la Paix. Reflection will take center stage at the roundtable discussion “Countering the Logic of War with a Return to Diplomacy,” organized for Tuesday, September 22, at 7:00 PM at the Maison de la Vie Associative On Wednesday, September 23 at 8:30 PM, the Marcel-Pagnol Cinema () will screen the documentary *Cœur secret*. On Friday, September 25 at 7 p.m., at the same venue, the association Femmes solidaires () will pay tribute to Madeleine Pelletier (1874–1939)—a feminist pioneer and the first female psychiatry resident—during an evening featuring a screening and discussion. Cinema: A Mirror of Commitments The week will conclude on Sunday, September 27, with a screening of the animated film *L’Oiseau bonheur* by Seigi Arihara, presented by the Cercle Rouge film club.

NOISY-LE-SEC (93) : Every year on September 21, the International Day of Peace calls upon us to reflect and take action for global peace and ceasefires. To mark the occasion, the City is organizing a gathering on the Town Hall forecourt today, Monday, September 21 at 6:00 PM.

BONNEUIL-SUR_MARNE (94) :On Monday, September 21, the International Day of Peace, at 5:00 PM, residents are invited to join children from local recreation centers and elected officials at the Peace Tree on the Salvador-Allende Promenade. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The program includes readings, speeches, and the laying of branches in tribute to all the children of the world who are victims of war. Today, amidst dizzying instability, the quest for peace may seem insurmountable, yet it has never been more urgent.

VILLEJUIF (94)
VITRY-SUR-SEINE (94)

GERMANY

BERLIN : On 18 September 2026 from 15:00 to 18:00, the “Sommerfest am Zukunftskiez” will take place in the vibrant garden setting of Dammweg 216 in Berlin-Neukölln. This free neighborhood festival warmly invites all generations to come together and enjoy an afternoon filled with live music, community karaoke, and diverse, interactive art and cultural activities. The event proudly supports the Live Peace initiative to foster community spirit, dialogue, and togetherness across generations. This event is organized and hosted by local organizers (Bezirksamt Neukölln).

BERLIN, BERGHOF

BONN : On Monday, September 21, 2026, the local Women Wage Peace & Women of the Sun group invites you to an evening gathering at Mirecourtplatz in Bonn-Beuel. Under the motto “Peace begins with an encounter,” participants can walk in silence along the Rhine, paint peace stones, listen, sing peace songs, or simply connect with others. Everyone is welcome to participate in a way that feels right for them. Please bring a tealight in a glass, and if you like, come dressed in white. Let’s stand together and send a strong signal for peace.

KAMEN On Monday, September 21, 2026,
the International Day of Peace, the city of Kamen is once again participating in the worldwide activities this year, symbolically raising the “Mayors for Peace” flag in front of the town hall to send a clear message for peace and against nuclear weapons. 
”Raising the Mayors for Peace flag is an expression of our commitment to a world without war and nuclear weapons,” emphasizes Mayor Elke Kappen. “Peace is a precious asset for which we must work both locally and globally.”

GREECE

NAFPLIO : On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Greece Tigran Mkrtchyan participated in an event dedicated to the International Day of Peace, which took place in Nafplio, the first capital of the Hellenic Republic. The event was organized by the Argolis Office of UNESCO, the Peloponnese Region, and the Municipality of Nafplio under the motto “Peace, Culture, and Universal Human Values.” The event’s cultural program featured Armenian songs and dances as an expression of the rich cultural heritage, historical memory, and aspirations for peace of the Armenian people.This was followed by a traditional dance performance featuring the Avetis Armenian Dance Ensemble and the Panagia Sumela Union of the Pontian Community of Northern Argolis, which once again underscored the exceptional role of culture in bringing peoples together and strengthening friendship.

IRELAND

CLARE : Clare Local Development Company. Under the theme Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day, this year’s International Day of Peace honours the ‘everyday architects of peace’—people driving local action, laying the groundwork for stability, and building a lasting peace from the ground up. Join us at the West County Inn between 6 and 8pm!

(Ireland continued in the right column)

Question for this article

What has happened this year (2026) for the International Day of Peace?

Rosignano Marittimo, Italy

(continued from left column)

DUBLIN : On the International Day of Peace, STAND launched its exhibition “How Can We Live Together? Reflections on Peace” at University College Dublin. The exhibition features work by Ron Haviv, Stephen Ferry, Paula Bronstein, Jack Picone and more. The exhibition explores extraordinary examples of peacebuilding from Rwanda, Colombia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland drawing on photography and journalism from The VII Foundation’s Imagine: Reflections on Peace. The launch began with a ribbon cutting and featured several guest speakers, including Professor Vincent Durac and Tasman Crowe, Vice President for Sustainability at UCD. Guests also heard music from cellist Henry Bushnell and Palestinian artist Aziz Abushark, who played the traditional qanun, and visited an information booth on the festival and the STAND Global Issues Courses. The exhibition will tour third-level campuses across Ireland this autumn alongside the festival, which incorporates student society events and STAND’s Global Issues Courses.

ITALY

GIRO D’ITALIA PER LA PACE Monday, September 21st is the International Day of Peace. 149 Italian cities are mobilizing with the Giro d’Italia per la Pace. Until September 21st, the Giro will stop in 30 cities, 9 regions and 19 provinces: San Casciano Val di Pesa (FI), San Giustino (PG), Zero Branco (TV), Riva del Garda (TN), Collebeato (BS), Pesaro, Dolo (VE), Treviso, Quinto di Treviso (TV), Cusano Milanino (MI), Arco (TN), Leno (BS), Vaiano (PO), Civitavecchia (RM), Vicenza, Cerea (VR), Soliera (MO), Osio Sotto (BG), Ponte San Nicolò (PD), Provaglio d’Iseo (BS), Iseo (BS), Cuneo, Cologno Monzese (MI), Rovereto (TN), Dro (TN), Drena (TN), Ancona, Modena, Reggio Emilia and Merone (CO). The Giro d’Italia per la Pace is promoted by: the PerugiAssisi Foundation for the Culture of Peace, the National Coordination of Local Authorities for Peace and Human Rights, the National Network of Schools for Peace in collaboration with the Network of Universities for Peace (RUniPace), the Doctorate of National Interest in Peace Studies, the University Centre for Human Rights “Antonio Papisca” and the UNESCO Chair “Human Rights, Democracy and Peace” of the University of Padua. Symbol of the Tour is the Lamp of Peace of Assisi: It is the mobile symbol that travels from city to city. It is symbolically delivered to municipal administrations, schools, and parishes to spark reflection and collective responsibility. Workshops and Schools of Peace: Each stage aims to transform the territory into an active laboratory where peaceful coexistence is studied, planned, and practiced, involving the younger generations and students at the forefront. The individual local stages feature peace marches, official ceremonies to welcome the Lamp, concerts, in-depth discussions, and the presentation of the book *La PerugiAssisi. Quando la pace si fa storia* (PerugiAssisi: When Peace Becomes History). The initiative visits numerous municipalities from north to south—including Padua, Treviso, Civitavecchia, Bra, and Bergamo—leading up to the conclusion of the autumn routes. You can view the full schedule or propose organizing a stage in your own community directly via the official PerugiAssisi Foundation website.

AFRAGOLA :On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, which will be celebrated on Monday, September 21, 2026, all sections of the Aldo Moro Preschool and Primary School, both at the school and at the campus, will be engaged in specific teaching and educational activities aimed at celebrating and reflecting on this anniversary.

ANCONA : September 21. The Assisi Peace Lamp arrived by sea this morning, welcomed in Ancona on the International Day of Peace. This was a particularly significant moment, as part of the Giro d’Italia per la Pace (Tour of Italy for Peace ), which involved institutions, schools, and associations.The lamp arrived from the sea aboard a patrol boat , accompanied by Admiral Massimo Seno, commander of the Ancona Port Authority, and Flavio Lotti, director of the National Coordination of Local Authorities for Peace and Human Rights. (For more details, see Giro D’Italia de la Pace above)

ARGHILLÁ : The “Children’s Peace Relay” took place in the Arghillà Nord neighborhood, a relay organized to celebrate the International Day of Peace 2026. The initiative directly involved local children, who passed a torch through the various housing blocks. Along the way, various associations, cooperatives, and volunteers enlivened the stages with workshops dedicated to emotional expression, street theater, environmental education, and community building. The event, supported by local and international institutions, offered a moment of togetherness and active citizenship for families, concluding with a public meeting attended by representatives of the municipal administration.

COLEGNO : The municipality of Collegno , in the province of Turin , is preparing to celebrate the International Day of Peace with a major awareness-raising initiative focused on the values of acceptance and integration : on Monday, September 21, 2026 , the city will involve local schools in a rich program coordinated by the Social Cohesion and Educational Policies Sector. Students will participate in special educational workshops and expressive installations curated by the Peace Coordination.

CUNEO : Exhibitions, shows, films, conferences, and school activities to mark the International Day of Peace 
between September and December 2026. The “Cuneo for Peace” Roundtable is an initiative of the municipal administration, launched in the fall of 2024 with the aim of encouraging discussion and raising awareness on peace issues.

DESIO : Video of celebration of International Day of Peace in Desio, introduced by the mayor and involving girls practicing rhymic gymnastics.

FOGGIA : On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, FIAB Cicloamici Foggia, the Capitanata Peace Coordination , and EMERGENCY San Giovanni Rotondo are organizing a citywide bike ride dedicated to peace. Along the way, stops are planned at various locations in the city. At each stage, readings and brief reflections will be offered dedicated to peace, nonviolence, solidarity, and coexistence among peoples. It will be a reminder that peace is not just the absence of war. It is also the ability to build inclusive communities, to care for shared spaces, to respect differences, and to reject violence as a means of addressing conflict.

LAMEZIA TERME : On the occasion of the International Day of Peace and as part of the celebrations for our twentieth anniversary (2006-2026), the Soroptimist Club of Lamezia Terme experienced a moment of extraordinary sharing and meaning at the magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Lamezia Terme. We planted an olive tree, a universal symbol of peace and deep roots. Each member of our club and the members of the national clubs present placed on its branches a plaque dedicated to the names of the 20 women who have received the Nobel Peace Prize: a luminous journey that connects extraordinary pioneers like Bertha von Suttner and Jane Addams to more recent voices, passing through iconic figures such as Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Malala Yousafzai, Narges Mohammadi, and María Corina Machado.  Together, let us continue to cultivate peace, one branch at a time.

MILAN : The volunteer organization Different Sizes – Space for Relationships and Thought, under the sponsorship of City Hall, is organizing “Give Peace a Chance, Invest in Peace. For everyone, everywhere, every day,” an initiative in line with the UN International Day of Peace, celebrated annually on September 21. Two days earlier, on Saturday, September 19, starting at 10:30 a.m., the third edition of this event will take place, featuring various activities, at Cava Aurora, on Via Broggini (within the Parco delle Cave). A day of musical performances organized by local schools and bands, featuring installations and presentations on the importance of peace, with the participation of local associations and other groups from the area.

MODENA : The Giro d’Italia per la Pace (Tour of Italy for Peace) stopped in Modena this morning, Monday, September 21st, bringing the Assisi Peace Lamp, a symbol of brotherhood, reconciliation, and dialogue between peoples, to the City Council Chamber. Mayor Massimo Mezzetti welcomed the Lamp along with a group of students from Modena’s Galileo Ferraris, Italo Calvino, and Bilingual Middle Schools. Accompanied by their teachers, the students participated in a moment of discussion and dialogue on the themes of peace and nonviolence with the mayor. (See GIRO D’ITALIA PER LA PACE above for more details)

MONTICELLO CONTE OTTO : On September 21, the International Day of Peace, “yesterday, at the Peace Park in Vicenza, together with other mayors, I participated in the delivery of the Peace Lantern, which is passed from hand to hand and is the symbol of that light we must not let go, which is hope. We protect that light. We tell it to our children. Let it reach far. – Gilberta Pezzin, Mayor of Monticello Conte Otto.

NUGOLA : On Monday 21 September , from  5pm  in the  public gardens of Via degli Ulivi in Nugola (Collesalvetti) , the fifth edition of the Literary Incursion  for the  International Day of Peace will be held , promoted by the  Furore  OdV  association with the collaboration of the  ANPI section of Collesalvetti , the  Circolo Letture ad Alta Voce of Livorno , the  Livorno Group of Emergency , the  Nonviolent Movement of Livorno  and the  Patronage of the Municipality of Collesalvetti . It will be a gathering of texts and testimonies to renew our desire and commitment to spreading knowledge and practices of peace in our communities during this dramatic historical moment.

PERUGIA : On the occasion of the International Day of Peace , the University for Foreigners of Perugia is dedicating an event to Aldo Capitini, philosopher, educator, and promoter of nonviolence, in collaboration with the Aldo Capitini Study Center Foundation. An afternoon of reflection on the values of peace, dialogue, and civil participation through institutional presentations, words, music, and testimonies.

PESCARA : On the occasion of the International Day of Peace (September 21), the Soroptimist International Club Pescara celebrates its twinning with the Ukrainian club of Chernihiv, after years of friendship and sisterhood to build a network of affection and collaboration capable of transcending geographical and cultural borders. Representatives of Soroptimist SIE, Rita Manuela Chiappa, and SIO, Michela Cortini representing Ud’A and Francesca Di Tonno representing Confindustria Abruzzo Medio Adriatico, and the mayor of Pescara, Carlo Masci, will be present to foster possible exchanges and collaborations at various levels.

PISTOIA : An afternoon of color and song to mark the International Day of Peace in the Magnolia Courtyard of Palazzo di Giano. The Peace Run Torch, arriving in Piazza Duomo at the conclusion of the event, was eagerly awaited in a festive atmosphere of discussion and participation, featuring many children from the Cino da Pistoia – G. Galilei Comprehensive Institute and the city. The event, dedicated to the theme of peace, opened with the music of “Imagine,” performed by Giulio Uggiosi on vocals and guitar. Throughout the afternoon, world sounds, courtesy of Gennaro Scarpato’s instruments, accompanied the reflections and words shared on stage by children from Pistoia’s schools.

REGGIO EMILIA : On the occasion of the International Day of Peace , Reggio Emilia joins the Giro d’Italia per la Pace , a national initiative that passes through over 90 cities to promote a new culture of peace, human rights and brotherhood among peoples. On Monday, September 21st, at 10:30 a.m., the Lamp of Assisi, a symbol of peace and brotherhood, was lit in Piazza Prampolini . This was followed by a symbolic march to the Garden of the Righteous in Santa Maria Park, attended by approximately 300 students and associations from the Coordination for Peace and Human Rights.

ROME : On the occasion of the International Day of Peace , the Capital was transformed into the driving force of a universal message of harmony, brotherhood and hope. The Peace Torch’s journey , sponsored by Peace Run and Colors for Peace , began from the Capitoline Hill in Rome . The journey, which will conclude this year in Genoa, was launched by Svetlana Celli, President of the Capitoline Assembly, at the end of a ceremony held in the Aula Giulio Cesare. After the first moment in the Campidoglio, the heart of the day was the Colosseum , where the exhibition “Colors of Peace” was inaugurated along the Via Sacra , with 1,000 drawings made by children from 153 countries , dedicated to the theme of peace. 

ROME, CATHOLIC INSTITUTE FOR NONVIOLENCE
ROME, ILLUMINATION OF PALAZZO MONTECITORIO
ROME, LUIGI DE GREGORI LIBRARY
ROME, MONTESSORI SCHOOL
ROME, UNIVERSITY FOR PEACE

ROSIGNANO MARITTIMO : On Monday, September 21st, the Municipality of Rosignano Marittimo, always at the forefront of peace initiatives, has planted a Tree of Peace grown from the seeds of trees that survived the Hiroshima tragedy. A mid-morning ceremony was followed by a press conference open to the public, presenting the 4th World March for Peace and Nonviolence, which will be held in early October in Cecina, along with other initiatives in our area.  Two special guests were present: Capaci Mayor Pietro Puccio and Emergency’s Simonetta Gola. The Municipality of Capaci is the initiator of the “I Object to War” campaign, and Emergency is promoting a popular legislative proposal to introduce the right to conscientious objection to war and rearmament.

ROVERETO : The 100th toll of the bells of Maria Dolens concluded the celebrations at Colle di Miravalle in Rovereto for the International Day of Peace. The occasion also marked the official launch of “Voices of Peace,” a contest that will involve Trentino schools throughout the school year. In addition to many schools and their many others, students from the Marconi School in Rovereto were present, following the official event via the WeBe Radio set up on site for the occasion. “This is the profound meaning of “Voices of Peace”: giving you a voice through podcasts to share your experiences and question your role in the community. This time, we will be the ones listening.”

SAN MARINO: Kiwanis and Steradiodj. Today, September 21, we dedicated a special episode, on radio and video, to the International Day of Peace , addressing a timely and urgent issue.
With distinguished guests, we opened a discussion on the meaning of peace at a time when public debate seems increasingly focused on weapons, rearmament, and war, risking overshadowing the value and tools of diplomacy, dialogue, and international cooperation. The episode, broadcast on radio and video, was an opportunity to reflect, discuss, and above all, continue to talk about peace and the importance of raising children in a world that isn’t just about war. 
Taviano

TAVIANO : On the occasion of International Peace Day, the children of the Spring Sections of the Taviano High School left their most beautiful mark: a message of color, sharing, and hope. Because peace is learned and built from an early age, one gesture at a time, together. (with photo)

TRIESTE : Trieste is preparing to celebrate September 21st, the International Day of Peace. The program will begin at 5:30 pm at Kaco in Nagasaki, in Franco Basaglia’s former studio in San Giovanni Park. Here, the first reflection will be dedicated to a particularly significant theme for a city steeped in its relationship with the sea, its borders, and Europe: “The Gulf of Trieste and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.” After that, the Peace Walk will continue on foot toward the center of Trieste. A stop is planned in Largo Bonifacio, at the beginning of Viale XX Settembre, where leaflets will be distributed to residents. The day will conclude at 8:15 pm with an international live broadcast connecting Trieste with peace experiences gained directly in the Israeli-Palestinian context. Standing Together , Combatants for Peace , Israelis & Palestinians for Peace and the Waldorf School will participate , organizations united by their commitment to dialogue, coexistence and the search for alternatives to the logic of armed opposition.

KOSOVO

PRISTINA : Video of International Day of Peace celebration at the Shkolla Finlandeze.

NETHERLANDS

HAARLEM AND UTRECHT : On Saturday 19 September at PHIL Haarlem and Monday 21 September at TivoliVredenburg Utrecht, we will present a varied programme filled with music, stories and encounters. Joining us as special guests are Bahram Sadeghi, Roufaida and Bahghi, alongside Consensus Vocalis and, of course, the TARAB Choir. This year, once again, we are connecting with musicians in refugee camps supported by the Netherlands Refugee Foundation. We will perform together with musicians in Burkina Faso, Lebanon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In this way, music brings people and worlds together.

THE HAGUE : The Hague is known worldwide as the International City of Peace and Justice and almost every monumental building in the city plays a role in building a more just and peaceful world.
From the Peace Palace to the International Criminal Court, to the Oranjehotel National Monument, the streets of The Hague breathe history! For one special Sunday in September, around the International Day of Peace (21 September), Just Peace The Hague and more than 20 partners will open their doors to you for a look behind the scenes and to hear the stories of the people and history behind each institution.

THE HAGUE, AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY

POLAND

WARSAW : We invite you to participate in the celebration of the International Day of Peace at the Służew Cultural Center. The program includes speeches by representatives from Warsaw, Japan, and the UN, a peace tea ceremony, a gathering at the Peace Bell, and a networking luncheon with guests from Japan.

PORTUGAL

STATEMENT OF THE PRESIDENT : President of the Republic marks International Day of Peace. Excerpt: The motto chosen by the United Nations for this year’s International Day of Peace makes perfect sense: investing in peace – for everyone, everywhere, every day. The goal is to promote a culture of peace, on the part of each of us, at work, at school, at home, and also in politics. Because peace is a way of being with others, which is learned and practiced in small gestures, in respecting those who think differently, in rejecting violence as a way to resolve differences. While many choose war, it is we who create peace.

CASCAIS : Today, September 21, we mark the International Day of Peace, reinforcing that everyone, everywhere, can play their part through concrete, local actions. It is precisely in this spirit of unity and cooperation that we invite you to take this cause even further! On October 10th at 10:00 AM, we will once again dive together at Praia da Conceição in Cascais—and simultaneously in countries such as Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Guinea-Bissau—for the 2nd edition of the *Mergulhão* (Big Dive). Under the slogan “One Sea, the Whole World!”, this free event—open to everyone—serves as a symbolic gesture of empathy and solidarity, standing as a true movement to raise awareness for peace among peoples.

ÉVORA : On September 20 and 21, the Paços do Concelho will illuminate in white, associating Évora with the commemoration of the International Peace Day, celebrated by the United Nations on September 21. Along with the Peace Garden, there also remain the messages of peace given to the young participants in the International Youth Conference for Peace in the Future (IYCPF), an event organized in Évora in the context of the Mayors for Peace network, as proof of the commitment of new generations to the construction of a more peaceful world.

GRÂNDOLA : The International Day of Peace celebrations will take place at the Grândola Municipal Library and Archives on September 21st. The event begins at 5:45 PM with the awarding of certificates to the winners of the local phase of the Peaceful Cities competition, part of the Mayors for Peace network. At 6:00 PM, the “Conversation about Peace” will begin, in its 2nd edition, with the theme “Looking at the past, understanding the present and transforming the future”

GUIMARÃES : Guimarães celebrates this Monday, September 21, the International Day of Peace with an extensive program of activities extending until the next 25th, involving schools, social institutions, associations and parish boards from the whole council. The programme encompasses activities such as planting Peace Trees, themed walks, intergenerational meetings, collaborative murals, thought workshops, moments of music, poetry and theatre, as well as raising awareness of the values of cooperation, respect and dialogue.

PORTIMÃO : On September 23rd, between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, the Municipality of Portimão is hosting a sunset welcome event for the school year at Lugar do Rio – Espaço Jovem Portimão, in the Parque de Feiras e Exposições (Fair and Exhibition Park). The program includes music, with a performance by Gonçalo Rosa (Portuguese guitar and DJ), a social gathering with refreshments, and a participatory activity on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), integrated into the celebrations of the International Day of Peace.

REDONDO : September 19. Celebration of the International Day of Peace at the Montoito Library and Play Center 16:00 Workshop on artistic expression: Preparation of ribbons for the walk
18:00 PM Walk for Peace.

VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTÓNIO : On International Peace Day, September 21st, the Vicente Campinas Municipal Library will organize an intergenerational meeting starting at 10:00 AM, characterized by the sharing and interaction between young people and the elderly, involving poetry and music. This initiative is part of the “Between Stories” project, which is run monthly by the Municipal Library in nursing homes and day centers throughout the municipality. It aims to provide leisure time for the elderly, promoting their well-being through participation in cultural activities that allow them to temporarily leave the institution, thus facilitating their integration into the community.

SERBIA

VIDEO FROM A CHINESE NEWS SERVICE : International Day of Peace: In Serbia, weapons are transformed into musical instruments, sounding a call for peace.

SLOVENIA

CERJA : A national meeting for peace marking International Day of Peace was held on Saturday at the Peace Memorial in Cerje in western Slovenia, with Defence Minister Valentin Hajdinjak noting the importance of peace and investment in defence. “We are not strengthening defence because we want war … but because we know how valuable peace is,” he said.

SPAIN

ALCOBENDAS : To commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace among all nations and peoples of the world, in conjunction with the World Peace Campaign, a minute of silence will be observed at City Hall in memory of the victims of armed conflicts, terrorism, and peacekeeping missions. The church bells will toll. In addition, several students from CEIP Castilla will read a text related to this commemoration, and the Alcobendas Choir will perform. All residents are invited to participate in the event.

BENALMÁDENA  : The Benalmádena City Choir is celebrating International Peace Day with a concert at the Stupa of Enlightenment , the largest Buddhist temple in the world outside of Asia. The event will take place on Saturday, September 19th , and the Benalmádena choir is organizing the performance. The concert is part of the Friendship and Peace Gathering , which this year celebrates its fourteenth edition . Several organizations are involved: the Culture Department provides sponsorship, and the Karma Kagyu Cultural Association and the Peace is Possible Association (Andalusia) collaborate in the organization.

CANOVELLES : The Canovelles City Council commemorates the International Day of Peace on September 21st with a central event in the Parc de la Pau, featuring a manifesto reading, micro-theater, and the distribution of white carnations.

GERNIKA : At the Gernika Peace Museum on 21 September, we celebrate once again the International Day of Peace. The entrance will be free from 10 am to 2:30 pm.

IBIZA : Las Dalias de San Carlos celebrates International Peace Day with a special evening starting on September 21st at 7:00 pm, bringing together in one space a market, music, activities for children and symbolic collective acts. The day also includes a children’s area so that families can enjoy the evening at their leisure, and two more intimate and symbolic moments: the Wishing Tree, where attendees can leave their messages, and a collective candle ceremony at nightfall, as an emotional closing to the celebration.

MADRID : This Monday, the Congress of Deputies will host an official event for the International Day of Peace for the first time, featuring a tribute to Catalan musician Pau Casals, whose 150th birth anniversary will be celebrated in 2026. The ceremony will be attended by the President of the Generalitat, Socialist Salvador Illa, along with other dignitaries. A cellist, conductor, composer, educator, and humanist, Casals is considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century and one of the most universally recognized figures of Catalan culture, celebrated for his steadfast commitment to peace and human rights. The event will begin at 6:00 PM with remarks by the President of Congress, Socialist Francina Armengol. Following her speech, Jordi Pardo, Director General of the Pau Casals Foundation, will take the floor to present the artist’s living legacy. Afterward, journalist Iñaki Gabilondo and actress-singer Ana Belén will engage in a conversation about Casals and his advocacy for peace.

MADRID, FORUM OF THE LEFT
MADRID, LOS MOLINOS

MANZANARES-EL-REAL : Today, September 21st, is International Peace Day, and yesterday Manzanares El Real celebrated the first anniversary of its declaration as an International Zone of Culture of Peace with a day of citizen meeting and participation, focused on the values of peace, coexistence, and solidarity. Participating entities, associations and groups: The Dream Factory, Marisa Tejada; AFA of CEIP Peña Sacra; Los Abetos School; Municipal Theatre Workshop with Javier Nieto; Peña Sirio Association, Music and Culture with David Elorriaga; El Real de Manzanares Cultural Association; Amnesty International; Friends of UNESCO Club of Madrid (CAUM); ARBA Manzanares; Sierra promotes; Hope Palestine; Lament for Palestine; Yamba Project Aid and Development Foundation; The Books of Bad Company Publishing House; Venezuelan Cultural Association, International Dance and Drum; Watani Group – Palestinian Folk Dance Ensemble; Municipal Band and Music School; Anthropology; Sumud Global Fleet.

SAN CRISTÓBAL DE LA LAGUNA, TENERIFE : Women’s Voices. La Laguna, City of Peace. International Day of Peace, Teatro Leal, Discussion with reporters about international information and zones of war.

SANT JOSEP DE SA TALAIA : To mark International Peace Day , the Sant Josep de sa Talaia Library presents the storytelling session ‘Tell Me About Peace’ , with Laura Mandarina . A session of stories and puppets to talk about peace, coexistence, and conflict resolution in an engaging and fun way. It will take place on Monday, September 21st at 5:30 pm and is aimed at children aged 4 to 9.

SANT QUIRZE DEL VALLÈS : Sant Quirze del Vallès marked International Day of Peace on September 21st with an event in Plaça de la Vila, featuring a manifesto reading and a minute of silence, initiating the School of Peace activities. The manifesto, read by citizen Glòria Llorenç and Assumpció Montserrat, a member of Ateneu del Món and recipient of the Dona 2023 Award, highlighted the impact of armed conflicts and advocated for peace, human rights, justice, and universal dignity. It was emphasized that “peace is not just the absence of war: it is defending life, human rights, justice, and the dignity of all people,” calling for non-indifference to violence with slogans like “Enough wars. Enough deaths. Enough impunity.” This day marks the start of activities for the School of Peace, a municipal project driven by the Mesa de Cooperació to foster a culture of peace transversally. Throughout the academic year, the project will involve educational centers, organizations, and citizens, including the perspective of the Consell d’Infants (Children’s Council).

SANTANDER : The NGO Movement for Peace -MPDL- Cantabria celebrates its 18th edition of Cinema for Peace with the screening of the film “Aisha” at the Embajadores Cinemas in Santander.After the screening, we will have a discussion on the right to asylum, migration, and the fight against racist and xenophobic discrimination. This event, which the Movement for Peace will take to thirteen cities in the Spanish State, such as Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, Barcelona, Logroño or Seville, is part of the activities organized by our entity to commemorate September 21, International Day of Peace.

SWITZERLAND

GENEVA AND ZÜRICH : Pax Christi Switzerland: We will showcase non-violent good practices via our website, and to participate with PC CH visibility in the “Geneva Peace March” on 20.09.26.

TURKEY

ANKARA : A fragment of a cuneiform tablet found in Hattusa, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire in central Türkiye, has been identified as part of a copy of the Kadesh Peace Treaty, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said Monday. He said the discovery, announced on Sept. 21, World Peace Day, demonstrates Anatolia’s longstanding role in the history of peace and diplomacy. “The statements concerning the destruction of people’s homes carry a powerful message from thousands of years ago to the present day,” Ersoy said. In his post, Ersoy also referred to the situation in Palestine, saying the ancient heritage reminded people of their responsibility to protect human life and dignity. “We wish for a future in which all people, particularly our Palestinian brothers and sisters, can live in safety, peace and tranquility,” he said.

UNITED KINGDOM

CARLISLE, CUMBRIA : Today is International Day of #Peace, and to highlight the importance of working together towards these goals Multicultural Cumbria , will be installing a temporary art installation at Carlisle Castle of the word “PEACE” made of hundreds of white ribbons containing messages of peace, hope and friendship.More than 300 messages of hope have been written in multiple languages including English, Turkish, Georgian, Arabic, Spanish, Swedish and Persian, by people from across the world from multiple faiths. Messages were written by people from our diaspora groups, Carlisle One World Centre, Cornerstone, Carlisle Refugee Action Group (CRAG) and Carlisle Youth Zone. Interspersed with these messages are blank ribbons, to symbolise those without a voice, either through war or oppression.

CHESHAM : The sixth Peace in the Park took place at Lowndes Park on Saturday, September 19, bringing together stalls, community organisations, charities, faith groups, businesses and performers. It was organised by Chesham Valley Rotary ahead of the International Day of Peace. Mayor of Chesham and organiser Parveiz Aslam MBE said: “Chesham came out in true Chesham fashion and supported the event.

HADLEIGH, ESSEX : Residents of Mulberry Court care home, part of the Runwood Homes group and staff were delighted to welcome the ladies of the Inner Wheel Club of Luton North for a special planting ceremony to commemorate UN International Day of Peace. Together, residents, staff and members of the Inner Wheel Club planted a beautiful peace rose, creating a lasting reminder of the importance of peace, kindness and togetherness.

LONDON : A silent procession stretching through Whitehall created a “peaceful thunder” in central London as more than 600 people joined a Quaker-led Silent Walking Vigil for Peace. On Saturday, 19 September, participants travelled from Quaker meetings and communities across Britain, joined by Buddhists, Mennonites and Lutherans and others for the four-hour vigil.The event began with a meeting for worship in Victoria Embankment Gardens before participants walked quietly through Whitehall. It concluded with a further meeting for worship at St Martin-in-the-Fields, near Trafalgar Square.Vigils and meetings for worship also took place around Britain and online, enabling those unable to travel to London to participate in the witness for peace.

PICADILLY CIRCUS
LONDON, SOUTHWARK

MID WALES : Peace activists from across Wales gathered in Mid Wales outside the Sennybridge Military Training Area ranges gate on the B4520 on Monday, 21 September, to mark International Day of Peace.Many peace groups were represented, including Cor Gorbaith, CND Cymru, Wales Christians For Palestine, Palestine support groups from Builth Wells and Brecon, Lakenheath Alliance for peace, Aberystwyth for peace and Justice, Brecon & Radnor Green Party, and Cardiff stop the war.

NEWTON AYCLIFFE : Children at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Newton Aycliffe marked International Day of Peace. On Monday, Key Stage 2 pupils came together to discuss the importance of peace within their school, homes and wider community. To celebrate the day, the children created a beautiful paper chain, with each link representing a personal promise to promote peace through their words and actions.

RAMSGATE : Video of International Day of Peace celebration, a peace vigil at Ramsgate Town Centre.

RUGBY : On International Day of Peace, I’m thinking about our annual Peace Walk here in Rugby. We came together across the faiths. My thanks to Ramesh, Reverend Edmund Newey of St Andrew’s Church, Imam Omar at the mosque, the Shri Kalyan Mandir, the Sikh gurdwara, and every faith group who walked with us. I was also glad to join fellow parliamentarians for Parliamentarians for Peace 2026, standing together for peace above our differences and for a culture of non-violence.

SHETLAND : Did you know that Monday 21st September 2026 was International Day of Peace? Well, we certainly did here in Fair Isle (where we are very grateful for the peaceful – if not busy – nature of our island). We marked International Day of Peace as part of work as a rights respecting school. It was over to some of our older pupils to lead us in our learning, who planned out the afternoon. They wanted to explore some videos, look at peace symbols and go on a nature “peace” walk to the plantation (where the Bird Observatory keep watch for rare birds) and that was exactly what we did. We found a lovely clip of Fair Isle folk in the past talking about how peaceful our island is, decorated a peace symbol and went on a two mile wander as well, pausing for some peaceful reflection along the way. We even met the rangers who had caught a grey wagtail too.

SWANSEA, WALES : Join us at Down By Here, 
210 High Street, for a very special World Peace Day celebration. We will be celebrating the launch of Peaceweavers international peace anthology. ‘Peaceweavers’ weaves together a mixture of essays, interviews, quotations, poetry and artwork from contributors across the world, together wuth a Foreword by Rowan Williams. There will be readings, live music and more tbc! Sponsored by Culture Matters and The Seventh Quarry Press

TRURO : To mark this International Day of Peace, you’ll find the team from Churches Together on High Cross from 10:00 – 16:00 complete with a gazebo and leaflets, celebrating International Day of Peace.

VATICAN

VATICAN CITY : The Atrium of St Peter’s Basilica will host Sounds of Loss on 21 September, the United Nations International Day of Peace. The audio installation, conceived by German filmmaker Philip Gröning, seeks to draw attention to the human lives lost in wars through a series of irregular clicking and tapping sounds. The initiative is supported by the Holy See’s Dicastery for Culture and Education, the Dicastery for Communication and the Fabric of St Peter’s Basilica.

United States and Canada: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .

A survey by CPNN

Here are 108 actions for the International Day of Peace located in 46 of the 50 United States, as well as 19 events in Canada in 9 of the 10 provinces. In order to save space, only one event is given in detail for each province or state, while internet links are provided for the others.

The events were listed in Google during the weeks of September 17-28 this year under the key words “International Day of Peace,” “peaceday” or “Journée Internationale de la Paix” or were listed on the website of Campaign Nonviolence.


Winnipeg, Manitoba

Here are excerpts from the articles.

* * * CANADA * * *

ALBERTA

ST. ALBERT : This year’s celebration of the International Day of Peace especially meaningful as we also recognize St. Albert as an International City of Peace. Enjoy music, community connection, inspiring remarks, hot dogs, refreshments, and dessert at Rotary Park on Sunday at 12:00–1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.  Bring your family, friends, and neighbours.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

WESTVIEW : At the qathet for Peace weekly Palestine solidarity rally by the Wild Scoop ice cream shop (at the “Clock Square”) Annabelle Tully-Barr is joining us for a couple peace songs. Sat. Sept. 19. Rally starts at noon, singing shortly before 1 pm and then, weather permitting, a picnic!

NELSON

MANITOBA

WINNIPEG : Walk for Peace and Justice 2026 is a mobile, multimedia event organized by Peace Alliance Winnipeg with the participation of many community groups. The event is designed to highlight the growing dangers of world war. Walk for Peace and Justice will bring our message to guests attending Nuit Blanche through music, art and poetry. Gather at westside of City Hall at 7pm.

WINNIPEG ARTISTS FOR PEACE

NEW BRUNSWICK

ST. JOHN : At the New Brunswick Public Libraries in a lead up to the International Day of Peace on September 21, we’re inviting everyone of all ages to leave a message of hope on our Wall of Hope to help spread kindness and to strive for peace and harmony.

NEWFOUNDLAND

ST. JOHN’S : Video: A “peace pole” has been unveiled at Bannerman Park, linking St. John’s to an international movement for peace and inclusion.

NOVA SCOTIA

PEACE WALK : Video of VishwaMitra Yogesh Nova Scotia Peace Walk Sept 2024

ONTARIO

HAMILTON : Mark International Day of Peace TODAY! Monday September 21st 6:30-7:30 PM with a Vigil at Hamilton City Hall Peace Garden, Corner of Bay and Hunter Streets. ALL WELCOME! Bring a blanket, a candle, and a snack. Hear the UN Statement for the 2026 International Day of Peace

AURORA
BANCROFT
OTTAWA
PLYMPTON-WYOMING
SUDBURY
TIMMINS
WHITBY

QUEBEC

SAINTE-EUSTACHE : On the International Day of Peace, at the invitation of the organization Toulesarts, Hélène Courteau hosts sociologist and author André Jacob for a presentation on his activism for peace. A themed open mic session will follow: the Société littéraire de Laval invites poets who have published poems about peace in its literary arts journal, *Entrevous*, to give a 3-minute reading of their work.

MONTREAL

SASKATCHEWAN

SASKATOON : On Monday, September 22, 2026, Grade 8 students from St. Anne School marked the International Day for Peace (celebrated Sept. 21) with their annual Nobel Peace Laureate Brick Celebration at Rotary Park Peace Plaza. Partners from the Saskatoon Nutana Rotary Club and Meewasin Valley Authority joined representatives from the school division to hear what Ms. Johanssen’s Grade 8 class learned about this year’s brick dedication recipient, Jimmy Carter. Students Elliot Krushel, Daniil Pysmennyi and Mya Pilon presented a tribute highlighting Carter’s legacy of working to resolve international conflicts, strengthen democratic institutions and support human rights around the world.

* * * UNITED STATES * * *

ALABAMA

OPELIKA : Pastor Carolyn Morton and the Samford Community Outreach Peace Group will teach and host a youth Nonviolent Solution Group Discussion on September 21,2026, at 4pm central. Location: Christian Care Ministries, Opelika, AL

ALASKA

FAIRBANKS : Come help plan the International Day of Peace, tech, workshops, winter potluck presentations/movies, and more!ccWednesday, September 2, 2026, 7 pm Alaska Peace Center.

SEWARD

ARIZONA

Tucson

TUCSON : Bright and early on the morning of September 22, ten peace activists held brightly-lettered signs in front of the main entrance of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. As military personnel drove into the base and rush hour traffic passed by, the bold, large signs communicated peace messages.

PRESCOTT
QUEEN CREEK

ARKANSAS

LITTLE ROCK : From Sept 20-27, Arkansas Peace Week coordinates 23 actions and events in Little Rock and around the state, including Peace Week at School, peace art contests, a pilgrimage for peace, vigils, peace mural painting, Braver Angels conversations, mutual aid, and much more.

CALIFORNIA

MANHATTAN BEACH : Dressed in white, community members filled the space of Manhattan Beach’s Civic Center Plaza for one purpose: peace. To feel peace, create peace, and spread peace. I looked around and saw kids like me, students, and peers, gathered alongside parents, teachers, and community leaders. Simon Uslaner’s speech especially stood out to me. “One word is only a drop. Peace is a river,” he said. But his next words stayed with me even more: “Be the drop that isn’t scared to change the river’s course.” As the event came to an end, we were left with one final performance. Jack Bos, a senior at Mira Costa High School, sang “Rise Up” by Andra Day, bringing a different expression of peace to the ceremony through music. His voice carried across Civic Center Plaza as doves were released and flew above the crowd. I looked up watching the birds cross the sky while music continued below them. For a moment everything I heard — about community, creating positive change, and what it means to create peace— seemed to all come together. 

ARCADIA
BAKERSFIELD
COTTAGE GROVE
HAYWARD
MANTECA
MORRO BAY
OAKLAND
PALO ALTO
PETALUMA, METTA CENTER
THOUSAND OAKS

COLORADO

BOULDER : TO mark the International Day of Peace, Boulder Rotary Club is sponsoring a walk for peace in the International Peace Garden along the downtown portion of Boulder Creek. Downtown  church bells, including ours here at First Church, will ring between 7:15  and 8 pm to add a prayerful background as the walkers silently contemplate our theme for this year, “Peace Is Possible.” The walk is open to all – the walkers will meet at 7 pm at the Canyon Blvd. side of the library to begin the walk. The Candlelight Walk for Peace is one of a series of activities being sponsored by Boulder Rotary Club under the umbrella “Peace Weeks.”

ASPEN PARK
CENTENNIAL

CONNECTICUT

NEW HAVEN : The City of New Haven Peace Commission invites you to save the date for this year’s Peace Tree planting in observance of the International Day of Peace. This year, the Commission will be planting the tree at Alderwoman Honda Smith’s community center, The Shack. The community center is located at 333 Valley St., New Haven, CT 06515. The date is Sept. 19 and the time is TBA. Come join us and others as we gather to observe the International Day of Peace and to thank Alder Honda Smith for all that she has done for her community and youth, and for being a supporter of the Peace Commission.

NEW BRITAIN

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

WASHINGTON : During Peace Week, the Peace Alliance will schedule Zoom meetings with multiple Congressional offices to educate about and advocate for a cabinet-level Department of Peacebuilding.

WASHINGTON DC PEACE TEAMS
WASHINGTON CHURCH OF CHRIST

DELAWARE

SEAFORD : Nonviolent Seaford will be joining Sing for Unity and people across the world to create a sound wave of hope, unity, peace, and global community that travels across time zones: 20 September, 2:00 p.m., Seaford Community Gardens, 214 High Street, Seaford, DE 19973? Also We will be having special Peace Art editions of Tuesday Morning Art at the North Star Navigation Center on Tuesday, September 22 & 29, 2026. Join us on September 22 as we write group poetry about violence and nonviolence and begin to create our Visionary Peace Art projects, which will be completed September 29.

FLORIDA

MIAMI BEACH : Art, youth voices and a community peace march come together at Miami Beach Botanical Garden in observance of the International Day of Peace. The gathering takes place Friday, September 18, bringing students and community members together around themes of peace, dialogue and collective responsibility. Programming includes a peace assembly, youth discussion and an exhibition of student artwork, followed by a peace march open to participants of all ages. The event centers on the theme “Invest in Peace — For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”

CORAL SPRINGS
MIAMI, MONTESSORI
MIAMI, PATCH
MIAMI BEACH SCHOOL

GEORGIA

SAVANNAH : Peace in the Park 2026, Sunday, September 27, 
Daffin Park. Join hundreds of community members for an incredible day of connection, celebration, and action. The event kicks off with inspiring live entertainment and the presentation of the Peacebuilder Awards, honoring those making a difference in our community. You can look forward to a meaningful Peace Walk, participating in a massive Human Peace Sign, and engaging in Courageous Conversations that bring us closer together. It is an event for all ages, featuring a dedicated Resource Fair, vibrant food trucks, youth art initiatives, and a wide variety of fun family activities.

NEWTON

HAWAII

HANAPEPE : Jerry Hirata of the Kauai Soto Zen Temple said Peace Day 2026 is going to be very different. Sponsored by the Storybook Theatre, the Interfaith Round Table of Kauai (IROK) and the Kauai Soto Zen Temple, the Peace Day observance on Kauai will start from 4 p.m. and end at twilight. Professional festival artist Cary Valentine will host the stage events, which feature something for everyone. Thespian Mark Jeffers will be teaching Peace Games in the Storybook classroom, and a video of “Warrior Poet,” written and performed by Alton Takiyama-Chung, will be playing. Paper cranes will be made, and burned in the name of peace. A gold foil crane will become part of the 1,001 cranes with Kauai prayers that will be made into a dove of peace and given to the Kauai Council Chamber.

IDAHO

BOISE : Today is the International Day of Peace! It reminds us that even small acts of kindness, understanding, and respect can help create a more peaceful world. At our Montessori Academy, we nurture these lessons every day

ILLINOIS

NORTH CHICAGO : Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr. recently issued a Mayoral Proclamation recognizing the International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21. The City of North Chicago will commemorate the International Day of Peace with a “Bring Peace to Our Streets–Walk for Peace” throughout the city. Mayor Rockingham encourages all residents, businesses, schools, community organizations, healthcare providers, faith-based organizations, neighborhood groups, and public agencies to participate in activities that promote peace, support a 24-hour period of non-violence and ceasefire, strengthen community partnerships, and reaffirm our collective commitment to building safer, healthier, and more united communities.

CHICAGO

INDIANA

EVANSVILLE : On International Peace Day. Veterans For Peace in Evansville invites you to join us and people of good will the world over as we uphold and celebrate the desire for peace, the deepest desire of humanity. Peace Concert and Art Exhibit on the evening of Sep. 21 at The Barn

IOWA

DAVENPORT : On September 24, join Riverside Interfaith at the Putnam Museum for a free film screening and discussion of the Emmy-nominated documentary “The Sultan & the Saint” which explores how, during the Crusades, Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil and St. Francis of Assisi crossed enemy lines to meet as people of faith. Their extraordinary encounter shows how respectful dialogue can overcome fear, build trust, and inspire peace across religious differences. After the screening, a panel discussion and discussion will be held with Sr. Jan Cebula of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, IA; and Dr. Bachir Djehiche, Imam and Religious Director at ICQC, Moline, IL.

CLINTON

KENTUCKY

LOUISVILLE : 12th Annual Celebration of Twelve Days Toward Peace hosted by Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion and Nonviolent Louisville. Actions between Sept 21-Oct 2, include Chalk It Up for Peace with local students, a 12-hr Vigil For Nonviolence, a peace pole planting, daily meditations and reflections, a film screening, a book discussion, rally against gun violence, international youth exchange on nonviolence between Caicedo, Colombia, and local students, and much more.

MAPLE MOUNT

LOUISIANA

BATON ROUGE : People from different faiths gathered Sunday at 14 churches and houses of worship across the Baton Rouge area for a pray-for-peace vigil focused on unity in a community organizers say is increasingly divided.

MAINE

NORWAY : Nonviolent Action Days. September 26. Restorative Community Training. 9AM – 12PM. Here you will learn skills to help group decision-making be more effective. This workshop will be hosted by Katey Branch, Elizabeth Hartford, Angela Todd. –Connecting Without Agreeing: Nonviolent Community Training. 1PM – 4PM. This workshop will emphasis the importance of cultivating curiosity about the needs beneath differing viewpoints. It will be Facilitated by Leah.

BELFAST
GRAND ISLE

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Question for this article

What has happened this year (2026) for the International Day of Peace?


National Harbor, Maryland

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MARYLAND

NATIONAL HARBOR : On September 16th, peace activists held a nonviolent witness in demonstration against the Air Force Association (AFA) Arms Bazaar in National Harbor, Maryland. This witness, organized by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker and co-sponsored by Pax Christi Metro DC- Baltimore and Pax Christi USA, was held in solidarity with all who are participating in the upcoming Campaign Nonviolence and the Catholic Days of Action (Sept. 21st–Oct. 2nd). They also acted in solidarity with an interfaith coalition, including Priests Against Genocide and Doctors Against Genocide, who are unveiling today (Sept 16) a 330-foot memorial “Gaza Children’s Shroud” with the names of 20,000 children killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since October 7, 2023, at the Church Center for the United Nations across from U.N. (See the photo above)

FREDERICK
LEXINGTON PARK

MASSACHUSETTS

BOSTON : More than 1,800 people from across Greater Boston and New England are expected to gather on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Boston Marriott Copley Place for An Evening with Gurudev: On Power, Presence & Peace. The evening will feature internationally known humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in a live program of wisdom, guided meditation, music, and audience Q&A. The event is open to adults of all backgrounds, and no prior meditation experience is needed. The City of Boston is also marking the occasion with a proclamation from Mayor Michelle Wu declaring September 25 “Power, Presence & Peace Day” in recognition of the humanitarian work of Gurudev and the Art of Living Foundation. Event details: Friday, September 25, 2026, 7–9 PM at Boston Marriott Copley Place, 110 Huntington Avenue, Boston.

EVERETT
NEWTON
SPRINGFIELD

MICHIGAN

ANN ARBOR : Ann Arbor International Day of Peace 2026: Live Stream w/ Alan Haber | Music & Community Rally. Organized by the Community Commons Initiating Committee, this event brings together local artists, activists, historians, and musicians under the theme “INVEST IN PEACE is a GLOBAL THEME — DIVEST FROM WAR is a LOCAL ACTION”. Many Featured Guests & Performers. Event Highlights: MUSIC for PEACE, WORDS for PEACE, ART for PEACE. Open community participation: Bring your own words, art, music, or tell a poem!

DETROIT

MINNESOTA

MINNEAPOLIS AND ST PAUL : September 20 through October 3, 2026 Please join Twin Cities Nonviolent, our partners, and the global community as we celebrate Twelve Days Free from Violence. We hope you find many experiences listed below to take part in during the Twelve Days Free from Violence.
September 20: Hands Across Mississippi River; Twin Cities Veg Fest; protest 200 Days of War on Iran; Theatre de Facto presents: It Can’t Happen Here
September 21: Special screening of The Last Wintercount; Brass Solidarity plays at George Floyd Square
September 22: Peace Concert; Recovering from the Policy-Based Disaster of Federal Immigration Policy, a virtual briefing; film , SHIFT: Do What Moves You
September 23: Vigil to End War; Peace Talks Webinar Series: Sisters Transforming Education Worldwide;Climate Superfund Orientation: Who should pay for MN’s rising climate costs? a discussion
September 24-October 2: See link for details.

ROSEVILLE

MISSOURI

KANSAS CITY : Join the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council for an afternoon of music, storytelling, poetry, prayer, conversation, art, and community at the International Day of Peace Festival.

KANSAS CITY MONTESSOPRI SCHOOL

MONTANA

BOZEMAN : Today at Bozeman Montessori, we paused to celebrate the International day of Peace. Together as a community, our children gathered, lit a candles, and raised their voices to sing, “Light a Candle for Peace.”

NEBRASKA

LINCOLN : Nebraskans for Peace 2026 Annual Peace Conference on Sept. 26th at The Unitarian Church of Lincoln. The morning portion of the conference will feature authors and contributors from Roots of Justice: A History of Race and Racism in Nebraska, exploring important chapters of Nebraska’s history and the experiences of communities that have often been overlooked. The afternoon will feature three workshops connected to the three priority areas of Nebraskans for Peace: Anti-War “Civil Dialogue as a Tool for Peacebuilding”; Social Justice “Voting: A Right for All, Accessible to Some, Impactful for All;” and Environment “AI, Datacenters, and Energy Democracy”.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

CONCORD : On September 19, New Hampshire Peace Action set up microphones on the State House Lawn and held a teach-in on nonviolence with games, music, and speakers. What a great way to get the word out! Listen to student intern Hazel speak about how nonviolence actively works for change, challenging systems that cause harm while refusing to cause harm ourselves.

NEW JERSEY

TEANECK : Peace Islands Institute NJ warmly invites families, friends, neighbors, and community organizations from across New Jersey to the 7th Annual Peace Festival at Milton A. Votee Park in Teaneck. The Peace Festival is a welcoming, family-oriented cultural celebration that brings people together through music, dance, food, creativity, healthy activity, and meaningful community connection. It is a nonpartisan community program centered on friendship, mutual respect, and the belief that peace grows when people meet and celebrate together.

NEW MEXICO

ALBUQUERQUE : Lutheran Peace Fellowship film and Discussion for the International Day of Peace — “An Ordinary Insanity” is a 29-minute documentary directed by Oscar nominated filmmaker Judith Ehrlich that features former U.S. nuclear war planner and whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg delivering an urgent call to action on the dangers of nuclear weapons.

ALBUQUERQUE
SANTA FE

NEW YORK

NEW YORK CITY : Concert for the International Day of Peace, Times Square on the UN International Day of Peace. 12 noon Moment of Silence Meditation led virtually by Ringo Starr. Then Concert to 4pm with 27 LIVE PEACE PERFORMANCES AND MESSAGES,

BROOKLYN, HEARD NATION
BROOKLYN, SOAP BOX GALLERY
BUFFALO
KINGSTON
NEW YORK CITY, SERVAS
OLEAN

NEW YORK – UNITED NATIONS

SECRETARY-GENERAL’S MESSAGE : Excerpt from Secretary-General’s message on the International Day of Peace: Around the world, people are showing that we are not powerless. Volunteers, advocates, civil society leaders, peacekeepers and peacemakers are bridging divides, uniting communities and pushing for dialogue. Action by action, they are building peace from the ground up.  Like this year’s theme — “Investing in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day” — these champions of peace are showing us that achieving peace is not passive or automatic. It’s an active and deliberate choice to invest in a better future.  

NORTH CAROLINA

RALEIGH : International Day of Peace at William Peace University? The festivities will start at 3:30 p.m. on the Main Lawn, where students can see an African drumming group and hear a spoken-word piece by Dasan Ahanu, North Carolina’s Piedmont poet laureate and a teacher at Peace. Instructor Ana Teresa Galizes will also lead students in making paper cranes, a symbol of world peace.  The event will continue in Leggett with a talk given by Lisa Yebuah, a peace and justice advocate, on what Peace might look like in our communities. 

GREENSBORO
SOUTHPORT

NORTH DAKOTA

FARGO : Peace Academy Fargo. Today we celebrated the International Day of Peace! One of our Peace Academy traditions is to sing “Light a Candle for Peace” school-wide. From infants and toddlers to our pre-k students, we all gathered in the gym to sing for peace. Students also read books about peace, played peace games, and wrote and drew pictures about what peace means to me.

OHIO

CLEVELAND : Celebration of International Day of Peace with Taizé Prayer. Sunday, September 20, 2025, 6:30 pm, St. Joseph Center Chapel. In partnership with: Centering Space; Congregation of St. Joseph; Sisters of the Humility of Mary

OKLAHOMA

OKLAHOMA CITY : The Brahma Kumaris Oklahoma warmly invites you to a special program on peace and nonviolence held at the Oklahoma State Capitol Senate Chamber on:Saturday, October 3rd.

OREGON

NEWBERG :Oregon Peace Fest. Sunday, September 20, 2026 | 2:00 – 6:00 PM, Chehalem Cultural Center: Peace Pole Dedication & Walk begins at 2:00 pm; Live Music 3:00 – 6:00 pm; Carnival Games 2:00 – 5:30 pm. Oregon Peacefest brings the community together through music, food, and educational fun – connecting residents with local nonprofits and the valuable resources they offer.

BEAVERTON
PORTLAND
SALEM

PENNSYLVANIA

PHILADELPHIA : Peace Day Philly is the local initiative for the UN International Day of Peace, September 21  
7:00 – 8:15 PM, VIRTUAL . For over 15 years, Peace Day Philly has offered and encouraged activities and programs related to personal, local and global peace. Listen to inspiring speakers on topics of global peace, local peace organizing and ways to bring non-violence ideas and skills into everyday life. Mindfulness and compassion meditations, a special guest, and a change to share ways you will practice for peace in your world. Please invite your local and global peace networks! Featured speakers are Dot Maver, Jennifer Kim and Samuel Chawla-Rios.

MONROEVILLE
PHILADELPHIA
PITTSBURGH
PITTSBURGH

RHODE ISLAND

EAST GREENWICH : Happy International Day of Peace! Our Montessori School Primary children celebrated with a peace parade and pinwheels singing “Light a Candle for Peace”. We share a peace curriculum with children. Maria Montessori truly believed we could have world peace through her method. She was nominated for the Noble Peace Prize the three consecutive years before her death.

CHARLESTON

SOUTH CAROLINA

COLUMBIA : Carolina Peace’s annual festival-style event celebrating the International Day of Peace. Join us for 3 hours of Peace, Love & Music at Peace Day at the State House, Saturday Sept 19th. Enjoy live music plus poetry.

TENNESSEE

CHATTANOOGA : Join us for our annual Community Sing in celebration of International Day of Peace! Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 5:30pm‐6:30pm, Second Presbyterian Church.

CORDOVA

TEXAS

IRVING : Join the Interfaith Alliance of Irving for our annual International Day of Peace Celebration on Saturday, September 26, from 4:00–6:00 PM at DFW Family Church in Irving. This FREE, family-friendly community event brings together Irving’s diverse faith and cultural communities to celebrate peace, unity, friendship, and understanding. Enjoy children and youth performances representing different faith traditions, interactive faith and cultural booths, an Interfaith Passport activity for children, games, cultural foods, and fun activities for the whole family.

AUSTIN
EL PASO
HOUSTON

UTAH

SALT LAKE CITY : Celebrate International Peace Day & Parade of Flags! Join the United Nations Association of Utah for an evening celebrating peace, cultural connection, and our diverse global community. The program will feature: a Peace Proclamation; highlights from the Utah Indonesian Association: a Parade of Flags Drumming performance; networking and an opportunity to meet members of the United Nations Association of Utah

PARK CITY

VERMONT

BURLINGTON : Join the Vermont Council on World Affairs on Wednesday, September 23rd for the 2026 State of the World Summit, a full-day gathering designed to help Vermonters better understand the forces reshaping the global landscape and what they mean for our future. Held in alignment with the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, the Summit will bring together leaders and voices from across diplomacy, international affairs, media, business, sports, technology security, and civic life for a day of thoughtful conversations that explore how global trends connect to our local communities.

VIRGINIA

CHARLOTTESVILLE : Charlottesville Center for Peace and Justice held a rally at the Downtown Mall on Monday, marking the International Day of Peace. The rally was moved under the Charlottesville pavillion due to rain. A focus was CCPJ’s petition urging the City Council of Charlottesville to pass a resolution opposing current wars. Devon Sproule led the rally in song. Speakers included Lena Seville, Virginia Rovnyak, Alexandra Kedrock, David Swanson, and Jeff Fogel. Following the rally, participants attended a City Council meeting. Among those who spoke to the City Council in support of a resolution were David Swanson, Lena Seville, and Joanie Freeman.

LYNCHBURG

WASHINGTON

TACOMA : The International Day of Peace is set for September 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Thea’s Park, marking the fifth year of the event and its largest expansion to date. For the first time ever, organizers are hosting a full-day program, featuring music, dance, storytelling, speakers, art, and community activities. The main ceremony will highlight local leadership as Thomas Heavey Sr. introduces the Greater Tacoma Peace Laureate Program. Next, 2025 Greater Tacoma Peace Prize Laureate Carol C. Mitchell will deliver the keynote address, “Compassion: Passing Peace Through Community,” followed by an original song and guitar performance, “When We Are We,” by Rachelle LaNae.After a solemn moment of silence led by the Reverend Matthew Brecht, the morning ceremony will close with a performance of Cat Stevens’s “Peace Train” by The Peacemakers, a group comprising Lambert, LaNae, Lloyd, Castro, Christina Brewer, and Jim Valley.Afternoon activities include local food vendors, interactive exhibits such as the Peace Bus and the Schoolie Foundation, tai chi and qigong sessions, a Children’s Arts & Crafts Peace Zone, and Circle of Trees Peace Circles led by Anjali Silva at 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m., and 2 p.m.

WEST VIRGINA

MORGANTOWN : The Native American Studies Program in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences will hold its annual Peace Tree Ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, next to the West Virginia University Peace Tree near Elizabeth Moore Hall. Cedric Woods, a citizen of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, will deliver the annual Peace Tree lecture, “Making Relatives, Making Peace: A Path to Wellness,” at 6:30 p.m. in the Mountainlair, Gluck Theatre. The annual ceremony commemorates Indigenous Peoples Day and continues a WVU tradition that began with the planting of the University’s first Peace Tree by Chief Leon Shenandoah, Tadodaho of the Grand Council of the Haudenosaunee Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy.

WISCONSIN

JANESVILLE : International Day of Peace is coming to Rotary Gardens on Sunday, September 20, and we have a full afternoon planned. Here’s what’s happening: 11:00 AM, Atrium: Free program on Japanese Maples with Miles Minter, followed by a walk to the Japanese Gardens 12:30 PM, North Pointe Gardens: Opening Peace Ceremony 12:30-3:00 PM: Guided tours through our International Gardens (Japanese, Scottish, English Cottage, and Italian), led by Dale Griffa

WVOMING

CHEYENNE : A fall freedom rally marking the International Day of Peace is planned for Sept. 26 at the Wyoming State Capitol.

Ex-Soviet Countries: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .

A survey by CPNN

The following 121 actions in 8 countries formerly part of the Soviet Union were listed in Google during the weeks of September 17-28 this year under the key words “Международный день мира”and “Міжнародний день миру”, as well as “International day of peace”. These include 22 events from Belarus, 37 from the Russian Federation and 57 from the Ukraine.


Oryol, Russian Federation

Here are excerpts from the articles, translated into English.

* * * BELARUS * * *

BELYNKOVICHI : An educational hour entitled “Belarus – a Country of Peace and Friendship” was held at Belynkovichi Secondary School, which became the first “School of Peace” in the Kostyukov region. At the event, the children reflected on what they associate with the word “Belarus,” discussed the concept of “tolerance,” and explored the ethnic composition of our country’s population. The young peacemakers answered quizzes, recited poems in Belarusian, and sang songs. A beautiful epilogue to the event was a reflection, when the children attached paper doves – a symbol of peace – to a map of Belarus.

BERAZOVSKY : Schoolchildren congratulated residents of Berezovsky on International Day of Peace.

BOBRUYVK : How the Bobruysk Leisure and Creativity Center celebrated International Peace Day.

BORISOV : On September 21st, four babies – two boys and two girls – were born at the Borisov Maternity Hospital. Their birth on this day became the occasion for the kind and symbolic “Child of Peace” campaign, held annually by the Belarusian Peace Foundation. Tatyana Chuykova, head of the district executive committee’s department of ideological work and youth affairs and chair of the Borisov district organization of the Belarusian Peace Fund, members of the peace fund, Bishop Ambrose of Borisov and Maryinogorsk, and clergy from the Borisov diocese came to congratulate the young mothers on this joyous occasion. For young mother Anna Zakharevich, this day will now have an additional special meaning: her son Vladislav was born on International Peace Day. The family learned that the baby had become one of the “children of peace” in the maternity hospital. “We didn’t expect anything. It just happened. We found out about it when someone came to congratulate us, and we were very pleased. Now this is a truly significant event for our family, one we will celebrate and remember every year,” the young mother shared.

BREST : Secondary School No. 9 (named after A.F. Naganov) has officially joined the network of “Schools of Peace” in Belarus; the Brest Regional Branch of the Belarusian Peace Foundation granted this status to the institution. Today, 15 students were inducted into the peacekeeping squad. Peacekeepers from School No. 8 (named after V.N. Karvat) also came to congratulate the students on their new status. It is significant that this took place on September 21—the International Day of Peace.

CHASHNIKI : Video: Today, on the International Day of Peace, an induction ceremony for peacekeepers took place at Secondary School No. 4 in Chashniki.

GOMEL : Phtos from Peace on Earth ceremony at Gomel Secondary School No. 75. September 21st marks International Day of Peace . On the eve of this holiday, students at Gomel Secondary School No. 75 hold class hours.

GORKIV : Under the sign of harmony and memory: Gymnasium No. 1 celebrated International Peace Day. A touching moment of the celebration was the performance by the soloists of the Asaloda ensemble, led by Irina Filiptsova . They performed the legendary song “Solnechny Krug,” which has long become an international symbol of kindness, a happy childhood, and hope. The familiar melody united the audience and resonated with every listener. Members of the UNESCO Meridian Gymnasium Club also actively participated in the event. Their presence highlighted the global, international dimension of the celebration. Being part of the global UNESCO movement is a great honor and a profound responsibility for our students, who promote the ideas of intercultural dialogue.

GRODNO : The “Child of Peace” campaign has been ongoing in Belarus for several years now. Ivan Kolbasko, Chairman of the Board of the Grodno Regional Branch of the Belarusian Peace Foundation, noted that it has become a good tradition across the country: “In the Grodno Region, we congratulated 13 women who gave birth on International Peace Day. The birth of babies on such a festive day is filled with symbolism: a new life is always a continuation of peace and creativity.”

GRODNO : On September 21, 2026, a unified information hour, “International Day of Peace!”, was held at the Educational Institution “Grodno State College of Consumer Services”.

IVATSEVICHY : Today, on the even of the International Day of Peace, an event was held in kindergarten No. 5 in Ivatsevichi with the participation of representatives of the Belarusian Peace Fund.

KLICHEW : On September 21, the educational institution held a ceremonial assembly dedicated to International Peace Day.
 During the assembly, the students participated in the “Message to the World” campaign. They wrote good wishes, words of support, and appeals to people around the world. The children also prepared poems and songs about peace, kindness, and hope. The event’s symbol was a white dove—a symbol of purity, harmony, and the human desire for a peaceful life.

KOSTYUKOVSHCHYNA : A significant event dedicated to International Peace Day took place at Secondary School No. 2. The Belarusian Peace Foundation recently awarded the school the honorary status of “School of Peace.” Fifth- and sixth-grade students attended the celebratory event,

LIDA : The region celebrated women who became mothers on International Peace Day. On September 21st, two babies, a boy and a girl, were born at the Lida Maternity Hospital. Viktor Mirantsov, Chairman of the Lida District Organization of the Belarusian Peace Foundation, and Galina Gonchar, Deputy Head of the Ideological Work and Youth Affairs Department of the Lida District Executive Committee, came to congratulate the young mothers on this joyous occasion. As part of the national “Child of Peace” campaign, they presented the women with gifts from the Lida Food Concentrates and Lidakhleboprodukt companies, as well as financial assistance totaling three basic units. The newborns, in turn, were awarded the honorary status of “Child of Peace.”

MALORITA : On International Peace Day, the central district library held an informational hour entitled “Peace Day – a Celebration of the Whole Earth” for students of grade 11B of the district gymnasium. The main message of the meeting was simple: peace begins with each of us, with a small kind deed that, on a national scale, translates into great support. At the end of the meeting, each participant received a piece of kindness – a paper dove.

MINSK : On the International Day of Peace , activists of the Moscow District Organization of the City of Minsk, the Belarusian Peace Fund, and the Schools of Peace took part in the third Minsk city event, the Peace Line , at the site near the Holy Spirit Cathedral. 820 peacekeepers from 72 educational institutions in the capital, representatives of diplomatic missions, government agencies, public organizations, and clergy took part in the large-scale “School of Peace” project.

MINSK : SEPTEMBER 21 – INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE. Today, a class hour dedicated to the International Day of Peace was held in the 7th “A” class of Middle School 172. Everyone made a paper dove with their own hands and wrote their wish for peace on it.

MOGILIEV :Vvideo of International Day of Peace celebration at: School 20, Mogiliev.

ROGACHEV : Rogachev residents joined the marathon of commemorative events timed to the International Day of Peace: a rally organized by the district center for children and youth creativity took place at the memorial sign “To the Children of War – Victims of the Fascist Genocide” on the Alley of Remembrance.

SLONIM : On September 16 at 11:00 a.m., a thematic program dedicated to the International Day of Peace will be held in the small hall of the Slonim District Cultural Center. The event is entitled “Where There’s Kindness, There’s Warmth.

VITEBSK : Students of the 6th grade of the High School No. 38. Vitebsk participated in an open information hour dedicated to this important date. The guys learned about the history of the holiday, discussed what the world means to each of us, and shared their thoughts on the importance of preserving peace, friendship and harmony.

IN EXILE : Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, President-elect of Belarus. On this International Day of Peace, I think of those who defend it, often at great personal cost. Peace cannot be built on repression, occupation or fear. It must be built on justice. Investing in a democratic Belarus is an investment in lasting peace and security in Europe.

* * * GEORGIA * * *

TBILISI : On 21 September 2026, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Khatuna Totladze participated in the high-level event “Youth for a Better Future,” dedicated to the International Day of Peace and addressed the attendees. The Deputy Minister spoke about Georgia’s policy of de-occupation, as well as its policy of reconciliation and confidence-building between people divided by occupation lines. The event was organized by the Office of the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality and was attended by representatives of the government and international organizations.

* * * KAZAKHSTAN * * *

DIMASH FAN CLUB : Every year on September 21st, we celebrate the International Day of Peace! It just so happens that, exactly around this time in September four years ago, we all heard that stunning piece created by our beloved Dimash—or rather, by his very soul and heart!!! We invite you all to visit the Dimash Official YouTube Channel today to watch the incredible music video “The Story Of One Sky” —written by Dimash himself—which also showcases his wonderful, multifaceted acting talent!

* * * LATVIA * * *

LĪDUMNIEKI : September 21, 2026. A new Peace Pole has been installed at the Līdumnieki War Museum in Latvia, a place where the history and human cost of war remain deeply remembered. Līdumnieki—formerly known as Aizpūre and, before that, Zabolotje—was a crossroads during the Second World War. Families in the area faced heartbreaking decisions about whether to flee East or West, and the memories of those years continue to shape the community today.

* * * MOLDOVA * * *

BENDER : The importance and value of peace were discussed today at Bender School No. 18. An event dedicated to International Peace Day was held there. Yuri Kara, a deputy of the Supreme Council of the PMR, addressed the Suvorov cadets, young army cadets, and school students present in the hall and noted that the Transnistrian people, like no one else, know and value the importance of peace. They also talked about the uniqueness of the peacekeeping mission on the Dniester. At the end of the event, participants laid fresh flowers at the Eternal Flame at the Heroes’ Square memorial.

* * * RUSSIAN FEDERATION * * *

ACHKHOY-MARTAN : On September 21, the International Day of Peace, the S. Khachukayev Secondary School No. 4 in Achkhoy-Martan held themed events aimed at fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, respect for one another, and rejection of any form of violence. During the event, students participated in themed discussions and class hours, discussing the importance of peace in everyone’s life, friendship, mutual assistance, and responsibility for their actions.

ADYGEA : An origami workshop, “Dove of Peace,” was held near the “Giant” community center in Maykop to mark International Peace Day, celebrated on September 21. At the master class, participants learned the technique of origami and, under the guidance of instructors, folded a dove, a symbol of peace, out of paper.

ALTAI KRAI : September 21st is International Peace Day! On this special day, volunteers from Pervomaiskaya Secondary School visited elementary school students to talk about the most important holiday—Peace Day! The children learned what peace is, why it’s so important to cherish it, and how each of us can make the world around us a better place.

CHEREPOVETS, VOLOGDA OBLAST A museum lesson dedicated to International Peace Day was held for students of group 862-o. Teacher Antonina Ivanovna Sizova spoke about the history, symbols, and significance of this important day.

CHERTKOVO : Librarians at the Inter-Settlement Central Children’s Library organized an educational event for young readers to mark the International Day of Peace. N.A. Rodnishcheva held a discussion with the young members of the “Magic Chest” club, titled “How Good It Is to Live Under a Peaceful Sky.” The celebration continued with a creative workshop, “Dove of Peace,” where the children, under the guidance of artist and designer A.V. Nosikova, created their own little symbol—a reminder of peace, of our work, since from childhood we learn to live together in one big country, in one world, and to cherish it.

DONSKOY : September 21 marks International Day of Peace for preschoolers from the “Little Train” preparatory group at Education Center No. 4 in the Severo-Zadonsk microdistrict.

KALUGA : At the Kaluga Regional Children’s Library on September 21st, we celebrate International Peace Day. The lesson will begin with important questions: What does the word “peace” mean to children, and what associations does it evoke? The children will learn why the dove became a symbol of peace and will listen to a biblical story about peace. At the end of the lesson, we will draw a dove of peace.

KAZAN : On the International Day of Peace at the Moskovsky Cultural Center, members of the Pozitiv social ballroom dance studio use small bells and pass their ringing on, accompanying it with good wishes to one another.

KILDEYEVO : Staff at the Kildeevsky Rural Community Center held an informational hour for children and teenagers, titled “Let There Always Be Peace!”, to mark International Peace Day.

KOLCHUGINO : September 21 marks International Day of Peace. To mark this important date, the Kolchugino Central Library hosted a literary and creative hour, “Peace for the Planet – Happiness for Children,” attended by fifth-graders from School No. 5.

KOSTROMA : September 19 In the evening, Zavolzhye Park will host the musical program “We Are for Peace.” The concert is timed to coincide with International Peace Day. Popular songs and original compositions will be performed. Performances will include Dmitry Sobolev, Alena Belobrova, the “Voice” vocal studio, and the “Sansara” vocal school.

KRASNODAR : On September 22, 2026, third-year Economics students at the Krasnodar Cooperative Institute participated in a roundtable discussion dedicated to the International Day of Peace. Participants recalled the events of 1945 surrounding the nuclear strikes on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and engaged in a discussion on key issues including a culture of peace: a conversation about the values ​​and principles underpinning peaceful coexistence and how to foster such a culture within society; how to cultivate respect for other cultures and a rejection of violence across society as a whole;

KRASNODAR : To draw students’ attention to the importance of maintaining peace on the planet and fostering kindness and goodwill toward others, an assembly dedicated to International Peace Day was held at the Berezan Boarding School on September 21, 2026. Teacher A.V. Azarov and 10th-grade students introduced the children to the history of Peace Day. Just as a single bell rings across the planet on this day, a single ring of the school bell also rang at the assembly, symbolizing the call for universal peace on Earth.

KRASNOKAMSK : On the International Day of Peace, Aan information session titled “Everyone Needs Peace” was held at the Nikolskoye Village Library. In the run-up to this event, the Library hosted an information session titled “The World Needs Peace.” To conclude the event, the children crafted their own dove figures—symbols of peace.

LAPLAND VILLAGE, MURMANSK DISTRICT : The “Laplandia” Educational Center hosted the regional “Dove of Peace” campaign, dedicated to the Day of Solidarity in the Fight Against Terrorism and the International Day of Peace.

MOSCOW : The World Public Assembly “New World: Values That Unite,” will take place on September 18–19, 2026, in Moscow at the World Trade Center, timed to coincide with the International Day of Peace. It will be the central event of the international program “Towards the 10th Anniversary of the Assembly of the Peoples of the World.” Representatives of international intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, government bodies, the diplomatic corps, the scientific and expert community, the cultural and educational sectors, youth organizations, socially responsible businesses, traditional religions, and the media from around the world will participate in the work of the World Public Assembly. The program will include plenary sessions, panel and expert discussions, thematic platforms, a Business Forum, and youth, cultural, and humanitarian events.

MOSCOW : Students from the GUU State University of Management participated in the Second World Public Assembly “New World: Values That Unite.” The forum, held September 18–19 at the World Trade Center in Moscow, brought together approximately 5,000 participants from over 150 countries. Our university was represented by second-year doctoral student Nguyen Thi Hai Anh, fourth-year undergraduate student Maria Mashkova, and second-year master’s student Ashurov Safarali.

NESHKAN, CHUKOTKA : International Day of Peace. Staff at the Neshkan Social Services Center held an event called “We Are for Peace Throughout the Planet ” for fellow villagers, handing out informational brochures.

NOVOSHAKHTINSK : On International Peace Day, social service recipients from the Center for social services for senior citizens and disabled people of the city of Novoshakhtinsk took an active part in the Dove of Peace Campaign. They handcrafted doves, a symbol of peace and hope, and then went out into the streets to give their crafts to passersby and share the meaning of this holiday.

ORENBURG : “Scenario for the kindergarten to introduce the international holiday “Peace Day.”

ORYOL : Oryol ballerinas created a peace symbol with their own hands. A thematic class session entitled “Everyone Needs Peace” was held for third-graders at the choreography school. The girls learned about the history of the date, the origin and meaning of the symbols of peace—the dove and the crane—as well as the story of Sadako Sasaki and the Japanese tradition of “senbazuru.” At the end of the class hour, the young students of the Oryol Children’s Choreography School watched the video “Japanese Crane,” then made white paper doves and colored them

PENZA : Every year on the International Day of Peace Penza School No. 58, named after G.V. Myasnikov and a UNESCO Associated School in the Russian Federation, traditionally holds thematic events to honor all those who lost their lives and ensured our peaceful childhood. The themed assembly began with a peace bell. Educational advisor Irina Gromova led the ceremonial rally, and First Rybakov (Grade 8 B) activist distributed themed leaflets.

PROKHLADNY, KABARDINO-BALKARIE : On September 19, 2026, the façade of the Children’s Art School (102 Svobody Street) was transformed into a veritable open-air gallery. A vibrant and inspiring art exhibition, “Flower of Peace,” opened here to commemorate International Peace Day. The students used a variety of techniques, including watercolor, gouache, and graphic art. Each drawing was unique in its own way, filled with sincere emotions, fresh colors, and a unique, childlike vision of a world without borders.

SARATOV : On the eve of the International Day of Peace, an educational event, “Peace Day Today, What Does It Mean?”, was held for preschoolers at the Children’s Library No. 16. The children learned about the history of the holiday, its main symbols and traditions, and the meaning of the word “peace.” They understood that peace is not only the absence of war, but also friendship, kindness, the ability to live together, and respect each other. The children took part in a game: holding a white paper dove in their hands, each said a kind word of wish for all children on Earth. At the end of the event, the children performed the song “Let There Always Be Sunshine,” and then completed the creative task “Dove of Peace.”

SHATKI : On the International Day of Peace the Service Department of the Model Central Library held the “Dove of Peace” campaign, which involved residents of the village of Shatki.

SHUMYACHI : On the International Peace Day the head of the legal information center at the Shumyachskaya Central Library organized a patriotic event called “Living in Peace is…” Participants learned about the history of the holiday and why it is so important to maintain harmony. White doves—the embodiment of faith and will—were held by schoolchildren. On their wings, everyone could leave a wish for peace and share their innermost thoughts.

SKOPIN : Third-graders from Skopin Avtogregat school participated in an educational event called “The World is Created for Good,” dedicated to the International Day of Peace on September 21.

ST. PETERSBURG : On September 21 at 6:00 PM, the Small Hall of the Moskovsky Cultural and Leisure Center will host a theatrical concert, “Let There Be Peace Throughout the World,” dedicated to International Peace Day.

ST. PETERSBURG : September 21st marks International Peace Day. On the eve of this event, the St. Petersburg Central Railroad Museum held a “Bridges of Peace” workshop for children aged 6-9. The event was organized by the #PatriotTeachers online community. The children and their parents learned about the holiday’s symbols, created doves of peace, wrote wishes on a shared poster, and built one large bridge of friendship. 

STAROTIMOSHKINO : On International Peace Day att the Starotimoshkino Secondary School, the educational advisor organized informational breaks and a creative workshop. The children learned about the significance of this day, discussed how everyone can contribute to preserving peace, and then expressed their thoughts and feelings through creative works. The children created collages about friendship and mutual understanding.

TOSNO : The Fyodorovskaya Village Library hosted an educational hour entitled “How Good It Is to Live Under a Peaceful Sky,” organized by Librarian Elena Abramova. The event, timed to coincide with International Peace Day, aimed at developing children’s understanding of the meaning of peace and the importance of participating in public life. During the meeting, the second-graders discussed the meaning of the word “peace,” recalled Russia’s main symbols, and learned about the working principles of the State Duma through a fairy tale about a toy state. The event concluded with a fascinating quest game, “About Our World – Russia.” The children eagerly completed the tasks, demonstrating their resourcefulness and creativity. At the end of the game, the children wrote their kind and sincere wishes on peace symbols.

(Russian Federation continued in right column)

Question for this article

What has happened this year (2026) for the International Day of Peace?

Shepetivka, Ukraine

* * * RUSSIAN FEDERATION, continued * * *

TYMOVSKOYE : On this day, a librarian from the Kirov Rural Library held an informational hour, “Peace in the Heart – Peace on Earth,” for recipients of social services at the Yantarny Social Services Center. Guests learned that Peace Day was established by the UN General Assembly, and its main symbol is a white dove with an olive branch.

VARNA On September 21st, as part of International Peace Day, the Varna V.I. Savin Museum of Local History hosted a personal opinion hour, “I Am for Peace Throughout the World,” prepared by museum staff for students of the Kartli branch of the multidisciplinary technical school.

VELIKOLEPETIKHSKY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT : On September 21, Branch No. 1 of the Velikolepetihsky Municipal District Cultural and Leisure Center hosted a themed event, “Peace in the Palms,” dedicated to International Peace Day. During the event, participants learned about the history of International Peace Day, the significance of the Peace Bell, which bears the inscription “Long live universal peace throughout the world,” and the holiday’s symbol, a white dove with an olive branch. At the end of the event, each participant received a symbolic paper dove, a reminder of the value of peace, kindness, and human compassion.

VLADIVOSTOK : To mark the International Day of Peace, the Vladivostok library is hosting a book exhibition, ” We Need Peace, You and Me .” Everyone is invited.

YEKATERINBURG : Our school, Yekaterinburg School No. 1, held a number of events for the International Day of Peace: * A school-wide assembly dedicated to the history of this day, its importance, traditions and symbols. * Creative workshop “We are for Peace!” Children from each class collaborated to create posters and drawings reflecting the importance of peace. * Creating “Doves of Peace” – symbols of peace – to decorate the school. While creating the doves, the children learned that this image carries a message of kindness and hope.

ZEMLYANSK : On International Peace Day, celebrated on September 21, the Zemlyansky library branch will host a book exhibition. The shelves will feature books that will help us see the themes of friendship and tolerance in a new light. Visitors will be able to see works of world literature, folk tales from around the world, as well as encyclopedias and publications telling the history of humankind and the importance of maintaining harmony between people and countries.

* * * TADJIKISTAN * * *

KHUJAND : A.P. Chekhov Secondary School in Khujand (Republic of Tajikistan). International Day of Peace. What does peace mean to you? Students from Class 9A share their thoughts.

* * * UKRAINE * * *

BILA TSERKVA : Photos of children celebrating the International Day of Peace at the Bila Tserkva Educational Complex “Kazka” 

BUSK : To mark the International Day of Peace., an event dedicated to peace and Ukraine will take place on September 21 at 10:30 AM at the Busk City People’s House. The program includes a joint prayer for peace and Ukraine, a “Doves of Peace on the Tree of Hope” workshop, and a “Peace Over Ukraine” dance flash mob.

CHERKASY : At Cherkasy Specialized School No. 3, students of grade 2-B took part in an educational hour dedicated to the Day of Peace. The children watched an educational presentation, discussed life situations related to friendship and mutual assistance, and also enjoyed coloring thematic coloring pages. Students in grades 1-B and 1-I talked about peace during the thematic educational activities “Peace Begins with Us.” Students of grade 4-A held a conversation about peace and completed a thematic puzzle “What can we do for peace?”. In the 1st grade, an educational event “What color is the world?” was held. The children discussed how they imagine the world, and shared their thoughts and dreams. And the students of grade 3-B made a symbolic “Journey to Planet Peace”, where interesting tasks, reflections, and discoveries awaited them.

CHERKASY : The main event for the International Day of Peace in the Cherkasy Regional Library for Children was thematic master classes on making paper doves that is associated with peace all over the planet. In particular, employees of the student service department for grades 5-9 held an educational video lesson with a master class “In our palms – a dove of peace” for 5th grade students at Secondary School No. 29.

CHERNIHIV : To mark the International Day of Peace, teachers at Chernihiv Gymnasium No. 27 wore white—the international symbol of peace, hope, and unity. Students also joined the initiative: they wrote their heartfelt wishes for peace and attached them, on yellow-and-blue ribbons, to the Dove of Peace. May this symbolic bird carry children’s dreams, kind words, and faith in a peaceful future across the globe.

CHERNIVTSI : Chernivtsi Industrial Professional College held educational events dedicated to the International Day of Peace. Teachers held educational hours, involving students in the preparation of video projects on the theme “Let there be peace on earth!”. Students of the TD-11 group under the leadership of Melnyk Nadiya and the ET-11 group with the group leader Dudiy Nadiya prepared a video in which they expressed their dreams of a peaceful sky over Ukraine.

CHERNIVTSI : TikTok video from the user Chernivtsi Lyceum No. 20 (@chelyceum20): “Students prepared a flash mob for the International Day of Peace.

DROHOBYCH : The Unyatitsa Gymnasium of the Drohobych City Council of the Lviv Region traditionally holds thematic events on the International Day of Peace aimed at developing students’ understanding of the importance of peace, tolerance, mutual respect, and non-violent conflict resolution. Students participate in thematic conversations, educational hours, creative activities, and events, during which they talk about how peace begins with each of us – with a kind word, support, mutual understanding, and willingness to help others. The dove of peace is especially symbolic —an international symbol of peace and hope. Children’s drawings, paper doves, and sincere wishes from students remind us that even a small act of kindness can be part of a big cause.

DROHOBYCH : Video of International Day of Peace celebration at Vyacheslav Chornovil Lyceum No. 3 (DMR).

DYKANSKA : On the International Day of Peace at the Dykanska Secondary School 1st-3rd grades, the students completed the creative exercise “Dove of Peace”. Each one created their own white dove and wrote their wish for peace on it. We placed all the doves on the symbolic “Tree of Peace”

HALYTSKE :
The Halytskyi PAK celebrated Peace Day with a patriotic flash mob.
The organizers emphasized that peace is of particular importance for Ukraine today. The event participants remembered those who gave their lives defending Ukraine and those who continue to defend it today.

KALUSH : Photo of posters prepared by students at Dmytro Bakhmatiuk Kalush Science Lyceum for the International Day of Peace. Today, our students are sharing their vision of peace through their drawings. Sincere childhood dreams, vibrant colors, and simple yet profound words remind us: peace begins with each of us.

KALUSKA : SOVA” Youth Club. Discussion Hour: “May There Be Peace in Our Native Ukraine!” (September 21 – International Day of Peace).

KAMIANETS-PODILSKYI : Video. Students and the teaching staff of the Kamianets-Podilskyi Professional College of Food Industry (NUFT) join in marking the International Day of Peace and express sincere gratitude to everyone who brings peace closer and defends our state every day.

KAMIANSKE : For the International Day of Peace, a warm family event was held in the Kamensky Veterans’ Space. Families joined in creative activities, common tasks and interesting communication: they created their own symbols of peace and shared thoughts about what the world in which they want to live should be.

KHARKHIV : At the Municipal Institution “Preschool Educational Institution (Nursery-Kindergarten) No. 375 of the Kharkiv City Council” on the International Day of Peace, teachers dedicated their activities to the theme of peace with our “Little Cossacks” group: they discussed what a peaceful world should look like, played games, engaged in creative work, and crafted their own symbols of peace.

KHMELNYTSKYI : Video of the International Day of Peace celebration by the students of the Khmelnytskyi Professional Economic and Technological College and the University of Economics and Entrepreneurship.

KHUST : An informational moment dedicated to the International Day of Peace was held at the Khust Special School – a day that has special significance for each of us today. Together with the children, we talked about the most important values: peace, kindness, sincere friendship and mutual support. Our students happily performed an energetic movement and took part in a touching activity – passing the warmth of their own palms to each other. Our joint creative composition became a true symbol of unity. Each child left a handprint, and snow-white doves flew nearby.

KOVEL : To mark the International Day of Peace, students from Kovel Lyceum No. 11 prepared a video sharing their vision of peace and their wishes for Ukraine.

KREMENCHUK : Kremenchuk School No. 3. We celebrate the International Day of Peace in our gymnasium, where children joined the creative action “Peace in our hands.” Students made palms of yellow and blue colors, on which each wrogte one word that means peace to them.

KROLEVETS : Photos of International Day of Peace celebration at the Krolevets Gymnasium No. 5.

KRUPA Photos of International Day of Peace celebration at the Krupiv Educational and Rehabilitation Center

KRYVYI RIH At the Nathennya Special School International Day of Peace was marked by vibrant and meaningful activities. Students and teachers explored the history of this day, crafted peace symbols—doves—and took part in quizzes and interactive games. (video)

KYIV : On the International Day of Peace, an international press conference “Peace from Today and Forever” will be held in Kyiv. The central topic of the conference is the creation of the Peace Institute of Ukraine – a national institute of international level at the intersection of peacekeeping, diplomacy, security, research and practical implementation of peace initiatives. The Peace Institute of Ukraine will combine research and diplomacy, mediation, educational programs, and practical peacebuilding projects. Participants will also discuss the role of civil society, international organizations, business, and diplomacy in shaping a long-term culture of peace.

KYIV : Students of the Vocational College of KROK University joined the public movement “Children – Ambassadors of Peace”, which is implemented with the support of the World Peace Federation in Ukraine in educational institutions that are members of the UNESCO school network. Within the framework of the XIII Congress of Young Messengers of Peace “All over the world — for peace!” (organizer — Lyceum No. 85 of Kyiv), activists of the movement from the College held a number of actions. In particular, during the action “I vote for peace” they created a drawing as an aesthetic message and emotional expression of hope for peace and love for Ukraine. Within the framework of the action “My postcard for peace!” they addressed the world with words-wishes to stop wars and remember the main value — human life.

KYIV : Educational institutions in the Dnipro district held thematic classes, creative events, and activities, during which children talked about peace, mutual understanding, humanity, and goodness, created thematic drawings and crafts, and shared their dreams for a peaceful future. Some of the activities took place in shelters during air raids. Even in such conditions, the children continued to learn, communicate, and work creatively.

KYIV : Video of children celebrating the International Day of Peace at Level Up School 71.

KYIV : Video of children celebrating the International Day of Peace at the Ukrainian Physics and Mathematics Lyceum of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.

KYIV : Video of children celebrating the International Day of Peace at the Lyceum “Dialogue.”

KYIV : Video of children celebrating the International Day of Peace at the Kiev Lyceum 47. We invite educational institutions to join in, film their own videos, and show what peace means specifically to their students.

KYIV : At Kyiv school 115, for the International Day of Peace,,we had meaningful conversations with our first-graders about the value of peace, friendship, mutual respect, and kindness. We spoke in simple words about what is important – that every person can make the world around them a little kinder.

KYIV : At the Zmina Art Lyceum in the Dniprovskyi district of Kyiv, the International Day of Peace became a special day when the most important words came from the lips of children. The students talked about what peace means to them, shared their own thoughts and dreams, sang songs, and wrote letters to a future in which they want to live peacefully and without fear.

LESKY : Video of children celebrating the International Day of Peace. At Leskivskyi Lyceum, this day provided another opportunity to talk with children about kindness, mutual respect, humanity, support, and the value of life.

LUTSK : On the eve of the UN International Day of Peace, the historic Lubart’s Castle was transformed into a space where children, families, educators, representatives of government, the diplomatic community, clergy, the public sector, culture, and socially responsible businesses united around a common value: the right of every child to development, care, security, creativity, and a peaceful future. Participation in the festival was free. Throughout the day, children and families enjoyed creative, educational, sports, social, interactive, and informational areas, workshops, safety events, competitions, and a large concert stage. Over 12,500 guests attended the event.

LVIV : On the International Day of Peace at Lviv Gymnasium Yevshan an installation was created by the Student Self-Government (UPH) and teacher-organizer @magical_time16. (with photos of the installation)

LVIV : “Some of the people buried here were younger than me—21 or 22 years old. And I’m already nearly 34. It’s very hard to wrap my head around that.” Swiss ultra-endurance runner Frédéric Splendore said this in Lviv—at the Field of Mars honorary burial grounds, where he paid tribute to fallen Ukrainian defenders. This marked the finish line of his charity run, *Beyond Borders*. Over the course of 60 days, Frédéric ran 4,200 kilometers across 13 countries—from Monaco to Lviv. He started on July 24, crossed the Alps, traversed Europe, and finished in Lviv on the International Day of Peace, September 22. His goal was to draw Europe’s attention to Russia’s war against Ukraine and to gather humanitarian aid. More than 4,200 kilometers. And every single one of them was for Ukraine. Thank you, Frédéric, for your voice, your endurance, and your love for Ukraine.

MUKACHEVO : At the Humanities and Pedagogical Professional College of Mukachevo State University, The head of the academic group of the 4th year of group B, Lizanets N.V. held a thematic lesson on the International Day of Peace.

MYKOLAIV : The morning of September 21 at Mykolaiv Gymnasium No. 52 began with a Lesson of Kindness and a National Minute of Silence. Reflecting on the topics “How is kindness born?” and “We are one good family,” students sought answers to the most important questions: how to preserve humanity in difficult times and become a support for those around them. And then, during breaks, an amazing “White Wave” swept through the corridors of the institution. It was not just an action, but a real manifesto of purity and hope. Students from grades 1-9 dressed in white clothes — the color of light that dispels any darkness. Holding hands, the children formed a “Living Wave,” which pulsated with unity, cohesion, and the indomitable energy of youth. (See also their Youtube video.

ODESSA : A series of thematic classes dedicated to the International Day of Peace, was held at the Odessa ETC “Afalina”, during which the children learned about the history and traditions of celebrating the Day, the symbolism of the Peace Bell, and also talked about the value of peace, unity, and mutual support. The head of the “Young Nature Conservators” group, Kateryna Cheban, introduced the students to the symbols and traditions of the holiday, and the head of the “Folk Art” group , Larisa Amelkina, organized a creative activity during which the children made paper crafts “Dove of Peace” and “Heart” using the papier-mâché technique.

ODESSA : September 21, today in our Odesa Gymnasium No. 11 we talked about what peace means for each of us: calm, safety, kindness, friendship, mutual respect and the opportunity to study and dream under a peaceful sky. During thematic events, children created their own symbols of peace, drew, worked together, shared thoughts and joined joint class compositions. Every child’s hand, every dove and every kind word became a small reminder of how important support, unity and humanity are.

OLEXANDRIA : Video of International Day of Peace celebration at the Olexandria Pedagogical College.

POLTAVA : Celebration of the International Day of Peace at Poltava Gymnasium No. 27. On the occasion of this day, our gymnasium held thematic educational hours, informational moments and educational events, during which students talked about the meaning of peace, friendship and tolerance, expressed their own thoughts and wishes for a peaceful future.

POLTAVA : The Department of Public Health, Management and Medical Expertise of Poltava State Medical University held an event dedicated to the International Day of Peace, with the participation of 5-year students from Groups 1 and 11 of the Faculty of Dentistry. During the event, participants discussed their personal associations with the word “peace” and shared their views on its meaning in the modern world.

POSTIINE, RIVNE RAION : Video of children celebrating the International Day of Peace at Postiianne Lyceum.

RAKHIV : Video of celebration of the International Day of Peace at Rakhiv General Secondary Education Institution No. 2 (Levels I–III).

RIVNE : In Rivne Lyceum No. 22, the International Day of Peace became special: full of creativity, sincere emotions, and good deeds. On this day, a charity master class on painting gingerbread cookies “With Ukraine in the Heart” was held — students happily created their own sweet masterpieces and donated them to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The quiz was also interesting and informative, during which participants tested their knowledge, learned new facts, and reflected on what peace means to each of us. Making paper birds — symbols of peace, freedom, and hope — became especially symbolic.

ROVANTSI : Video of celebration of the International Day of Peace at Zagalocvitnia School C. Rovantsi, Luss’kiyi district.

SAMAR, DNIPROPETROVSK OBLAST : International Peace Day: On this occasion, a community police officer together with a human rights inspector of the Samarovsky District Police Department visited a kindergarten, where they held a thematic event for children. During the meeting, the young participants made a symbol of peace — white doves — with their own hands, and also created a poster “We are for peace.”

SHEPETIVKA : A charity art marathon was held in the Shepetivka City House of Culture on the occasion of the International Day of Peace . Creative groups and soloists of the community united to support Ukrainian defenders through song and dance and raise funds for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine .The event under the slogan “My palms are yellow and blue – we are for peace and Ukraine!” gathered many residents and guests of the city. The best creative groups and soloists of the Shepetivska community participated in the marathon; During the event, we managed to collect 9,440 hryvnias , which will be used to meet the urgent needs of the Ukrainian military. (See photo above)

SHEPTYTSKY : Today, in our Gymnasium No. 5, we talked about the fact that peace is not just a word. It is an opportunity to wake up in your home, study, dream, hug your loved ones and build a future. Throughout the day, students participated in thematic events, creative activities and conversations about the importance of peace, mutual respect, kindness and support for each other. A special symbol of this day was the white dove – a symbol of peace, hope and freedom.

SMILA : Video of celebration the International Day of Peace at Smila Educational Complex No. 13.

SUMY : Video of children wishing peace at the “Perlyna Ditynstva” Preschool.

TERNOPIL : Video: A symbol of unity and hope: students and teachers of Ternopil General Education School No. 23 joined in the observance of the Day of Peace.

TERNOPIL : Today, students from class 4-I of the General Education School No. 27 joined in marking the International Day of Peace and shared their thoughts on what peace means to them.

UMAN : Video: To mark the International Day of Peace, students from our Uman Gymnasium No. 11 joined a flash mob, uniting around one important wish: peace for Ukraine.

ZHYTOMYR : Zhytomyr Automobile and Highway Professional College of the National Transport University. On September 21, the world celebrates the International Day of Peace — a date designed to remind us of humanity’s desire to end war and violence. A class hour in group 4TT-1137, class teacher Natalia HRYNEVYCH, was dedicated to this topic.

ZVENYHORODKA : Video of children celebrating the International Day of Peace at Zvenyhorodka Lyceum No. 1.

Asia and Pacific: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .

A survey by CPNN

We have found 93 events in 17 Asian and Pacific countries. They were listed in Google during the weeks of September 17-28 this year under the key words “International day of peace”, “Peace Day”, 国际和平日 (Chinese) 国際平和デ (Japanese) and अंतर्राष्ट्रीय शांति दिवस (Hindi). No doubt there were also events listed on the Internet in languages other than those for which we searched.

India, Jalandhar

Here are excerpts from the articles, translated into English.

AUSTRALIA

BALLARAT : Let’s Talk Peace Ballarat is hosting the Ballarat Week of Peace, featuring meditation actions, artwork, conversations, peace pole planting, a peace walk, and more.

PORT ADELAIDE AND SOUTHPORT : On September 21, protesters took to the streets to demand the Labour government sever military ties with the United States and Israel. There was a festive atmosphere at the rally in Yartapuulti (Port Adelaide). Speakers called for an end to AUKUS and militarism and urged the Australian government to support Palestine by severing ties with Israel. The protest was organized by Port Adelaide Community Opposes AUKUS. Highlights included performances by two choirs, a giant inflatable submarine, kayakers, drummers, music, and street performances. Another memorable event was the arrival of the Peacewalkers Against AUKUS, who walked over 400 kilometers from Port Augusta to Port Adelaide to say “No to AUKUS.” Amnesty International hosted an event in Southport, Kombumerri/Gold Coast Region. Speakers included Helen O’Sullivan, a Gaza Flotilla activist, Halikl Keretas of Amnesty International, and Ofure Agbon, a high school student, who spoke about the war in Sudan. The Sydney Anti-AUKUS Coalition (SAAC) and Stop the War on Palestine (SWOP) co-organised the protest which attracted up to 300 people to Sydney Town Hall, Gadigal Country ,

QUEENSLAND : September 19, 2026. What an exciting day for the Rotary Club of Loganholme! This morning, we were warmly welcomed to Daisy Hill State School to witness the installation of two Peace Poles that our club was proud to donate to the school community.

SYDNEY : The Australian city of Sydney witnessed a public march and a massive demonstration today, Sunday, on the occasion of the International Day of Peace. The event lasted from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, and started in front of the Sydney City Hall, before turning into a march that toured a number of the city’s streets, with the participation of crowds of citizens, activists and representatives of a number of bodies and organizations. The march came as part of what was called a “National Day of Action,” which focused on issues of peace, justice, and anti-war action, calling for an end to foreign military alliances, as well as discussing issues related to military bases, espionage and wiretapping bases, and the arms industry.

BANGLADESH

DHAKA : Today, the students of Crans Montana International School celebrated the International Day of Peace with enthusiasm and a strong spirit of togetherness. Throughout the past week, our students participated in a variety of meaningful and educational activities that helped them understand the importance of peace, kindness, respect, empathy, and harmony.

KHULNA : The Sundarbans Organization will coordinate three actions during Campaign Nonviolence Action Days 2026: a peace and healing gathering, a youth/community workshop on nonviolent solutions and climate justice, and a climate cleanup and advocacy action focused on building peaceful, resilient coastal communities in Bangladesh.


COX’S BAZAR ROHINGYA REFUGEES CAMP
: Three actions for Peace week: 1. Organize a safe gathering for Rohingya youth to reflect on their experiences, share hopes, and promote solidarity and community healing. 2. Conduct an educational session for young people on human rights, peacebuilding, dignity, and the importance of preventing hate and discrimination. 3. Organize a community-based action such as a climate/environmental cleanup and youth advocacy activity to raise awareness about challenges facing refugees and encourage collective responsibility.

BRUNEI

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN : Princess Hafizha, President of the Brunei Girl Scouts Association, visited the association’s headquarters yesterday to attend and preside over the International Day of Peace celebrations. During the event, the five finalists for the 2026 Brunei Girl Scouts Association Day of Peace Speech Contest took to the stage to deliver inspiring speeches

CAMBODIA

Prime Minister Hun Manet has called on Thailand to honour agreements reached between the two countries and work with Cambodia to resolve their border issues peacefully and in accordance with international law, as Cambodia marks today’s International Day of Peace.

CHINA

BEIJING: On the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Peace, the UNESCO International Experts Conference was solemnly held today at the Beijing Heyuan Peace Festival. This conference was jointly hosted by UNESCO, its official partner, the Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation, and the China Federation of Radio and Television Social Organizations. Experts and representatives from China, Jordan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, and other countries gathered to conduct thematic discussions on two key projects: the “International Youth Short Video Competition” and the “Silk Road Historical Dialogue Sites Network,” aiming to promote international sister city cooperation and protect and disseminate world cultural and intangible cultural heritage.

BEIJING: UN International Day of Peace: World Youth Photography Art Exhibition serving not merely as an artistic celebration but as a cross-border dialogue on peace. From the quiet memories of the Weixian Internment Camp for Western expatriates to the vibrant lives captured through the lenses of today’s youth, this exhibition uses light and shadow as a vessel to traverse history and the present, carrying humanity’s shared longing for tranquility.

HANCHUAN CITY : The 2026 International Day of Peace commemorative event was held in Hanchuan City, Xiaogan. Attendees included Jazlan, Deputy President of the Senate of Malaysia; Trenkova, former Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria; and Kari, a member of the National Assembly of Mauritania and Chair of the Mauritania-China Friendship Group. Lu Kang, Vice Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, and Chen Ping, Vice Governor of Hubei Province, delivered speeches.

HONGKONG : We cordially invite you to celebrate the International Day of Peace through the power of rhythm! In your busy lives, put down your screens and fatigue, and join the drumming circle at the Fringe Club on September 22nd to connect with others. A large selection of drums and percussion instruments will be available, welcoming beginners and experienced musicians alike to join in and experience the joy of musical expression. Every month, the event brings together 80-90 people to drum, sing, and dance, injecting positive energy, unity, and harmony into the heart of Central. The event aims to allow participants to experience the healing power of collective drumming, de-stressing, boosting immunity, and inspiring inner joy. The event is professionally guided by Japanese percussionist Masunaga Kagemi and the Qi Gu Le team.

HONGKONG : The “Bridge of Peace” International Forum was launched in Hong Kong, bringing rare footage of the Weifang Concentration Camp to Hong Kong for the first time. In response to the United Nations International Day of Peace on September 21, the Li Ka Shing Institute of Professional and Continuing Education at Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU LiPACE) recently held its first international forum and thematic photo exhibition, “Bridges of Peace: Celebrating the International Day of Peace Through Humanitarian Legacy.” The event brought together diplomats, scholars, and educators from various countries, with over 200 participants both online and offline, to discuss peace building and heritage preservation.

JUYONGGUAN GREAT WALL : On September 21, the United Nations International Day of Peace, the “We Came from the Great Wall” cultural initiative was officially launched at the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall. With the slogan “World Peace Bound by Shared Destiny, Peace Forever,” the event used music as a bridge and calligraphy and painting as a medium to bring together artists and culture enthusiasts from home and abroad to jointly advocate for world peace and promote cultural exchange and mutual learning.

NANJING : September 21 marks the 45th International Day of Peace. On September 20, the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders hosted an educational event themed “From Memory to Action—International Day of Peace 2026” at Peace Park. Approximately 150 Chinese and international representatives—including inheritors of the historical memory of the Nanjing Massacre and “Violet Grass” international volunteers—gathered at the venue. Through activities such as multilingual recitations, the writing of peace messages, and the sowing of peace seeds, they conveyed to the world Nanjing’s firm stance on remembering history and cherishing peace.

WUHAN : The commemoration of the 2026 International Day of Peace opened in Wuhan, Hubei Province. The event, themed “Facing Challenges Together and Building a House of Peace Together,” was attended by approximately 300 people from various fields, including political figures and senior figures from over 60 countries. Friends from Brazil, France, and other countries shared their interpretations of ancient Chinese wisdom on peace and the concept of “harmony,” which calls for cooperation and coexistence. Flying Tiger veterans and witnesses of Operation Doolittle also shared touching stories of solidarity and mutual support between the Chinese and American peoples.

INDIA

AMBALA : On the occasion of International Peace Day, a Humanity and Peace Message Program was organized at the Government Postgraduate College, Ambala Cantonment. Students and staff members participated in the program. During the program, a video message from International Peace Ambassador Prem Rawat was shown. For more than six decades, Prem Rawat has been spreading the message of humanity, inner peace, and a true understanding of life across the world.

AMRITSAR : BBK DAV College for Women. An awareness activity, Essay Writing Competition of the students on the occasion of international day of peace to sensitize students about the importance of peace,harmony,tolerance,non-violence and peaceful coexistence.

BHILAI : Brahma Kumaris: On the occasion of International Peace Day, under the aegis of Prajapita Brahmakumari Ishwari University, Vishwa Vidyalaya organized a grand women’s conference on the theme “Women empowered by inner strength – architects of world peace” in the Peace Auditorium, Sector 7.

TIRSKUND PANCHAYAT : World Peace Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm on Monday at Samaul Sankuladhin Primary School, Adivasi Tola, Madhura, Tirskund Panchayat, Forbesganj Block. On this occasion, the school children gave the message of peace by forming a human chain.

CHANDIGARH : On this International Day of Peace, we at Yuvsatta Ngo renews our commitment to nurturing young people as agents of peace, inclusion and positive change. And this year, the message becomes even more meaningful as Chandigarh prepares to welcome young people from India and around the world for the 19th Global Youth Peace Fest (GYPF 2026), 30 September – 2 October 2026

GWALIOR : Video of address at a program organized by the Kushwaha community at Bela ki Baodi in Gwalior for the International Day of Peace .

HATHRAS : International Peace Day was celebrated in Hathras on Monday. Several events were held in the city to promote world peace, non-violence, and mutual harmony. The main event took place at SSD School on Agra Road. Children and teachers lit candles and prayed for world peace and the well-being of humanity.

JALANDHAR : The International Day of Peace was celebrated with great enthusiasm and commitment by the students of the various school branches of St. Soldier institutions. The students carried posters and emblems of doves and the earth, symbols of brotherhood and non-violence. The programme concluded with a collective pledge by the students to promote peace and kindness in their daily lives.

KODERMA : The campus of PVSS DAV Public School, Jhumritilaiya, was filled with messages of peace, non-violence, tolerance, and universal brotherhood on Monday. The school celebrated International Peace Day in a dignified and enthusiastic atmosphere. Students gave the message of peace through speeches and poems. Akriti Singh of Class IX-A expressed her views on the need for peace through an English speech. Samridhi Verma of Class IX-B presented a Hindi speech. Aarohi Gupta of Class VII-A expressed her sentimental views on peace and harmony through an English poem and Aarvi Verma of the same class through a Hindi poem.

KOLKATA : On the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Peace, Pragyan Foundation celebrated International Day of Peace with a seminar dedicated to promoting peace, unity, harmony, and collective well-being at Pragyan Bhavan.

KOLKATA : International Peace Day was celebrated at Agrasen Balika Shiksha Sadan. Girl students took out a peace march. Under the Bharat Scouts and Guides umbrella, eighth- and ninth-grade students from the Agrasen Balika Shiksha Sadan Guide Group enthusiastically participated in the peace march. During the rally, the students raised awareness about peace, non-violence, unity, and brotherhood through posters, slogans, and various messages.

MIRZAPUR : At KBPG College in Mirzapur on International Peace Day, the program began with a prayer to Goddess Saraswati and a welcome song. Students from the Music Department presented a beautiful musical performance. Brahma Kumari Dr. Sunita Didi addressed the students on the topic, “Stay Positive, No Matter What.” She explained that life circumstances don’t always go our way, but with positive thinking and a strong mindset, one can face even the most difficult situations.

MUSAFFARPUR : A seminar was held under the auspices of the National Students’ Union (NSS) at RDS College on Monday to mark International Peace Day.

MUZAFFARPUR : ORGANIZATION: GIRL UP SONY. “She Creates, She Leads” will be a youth-led campaign in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, combining 3 offline and 5 online sessions during Campaign Nonviolence Action Days. Through conversations, storytelling and interactive activities, we will promote women’s empowerment, gender equality and women’s entrepreneurship, while encouraging young people to support peaceful and nonviolent solutions to discrimination and barriers faced by women. The campaign will also highlight women entrepreneurs as role models of leadership and positive change.

NEW DELHI : Video of International Day of Peace event at Gandhi Smriti, where Gandhi spent his last days.

ORAI : On the occasion of World Peace Day, the Maun Sadhna Parivar organized a peace march to spread the message of love, peace, and global unity. Practitioners of Maun Sadhna from various parts of the country participated in the march. Following this, an interfaith conference was held at the Lodhi Dharamshala on Kuiyan Road from 2 p.m. It conveyed the message of universal love, human unity, and world peace.

POONCH : PM Shri Girls High School, Degwar, organized an inspirational program to mark International Peace Day.

RAMGARH :International Peace Day was celebrated on Monday under the auspices of the Shantidhara Foundation, Ramgarh. A prayer meeting was held at Gandhi Chowk in support of a world free of war. The program began with a two-minute silence for the souls of those killed in various wars over the past year. This was followed by candlelight tributes. A collective prayer for world peace was then recited.

JHARKHAND : World Peace Day was celebrated on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Swami Vivekananda College of Education, Salbani. The program began with the lighting of a lamp in front of the portrait of Swami Vivekananda and the late Dr. Subrata Kumar Biswas, the founding president of the college. College professor Sanjeev Kumar Tiwari, who conducted the program, said that World Peace Day reminds us that peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of love, respect, tolerance, and humanity.

TALIKPARAMBA : ACTION DETAILS: community prayer circle and silent vigil for global peace and harmony; interactive film screening, open-forum workshop, and seminar on nonviolent conflict resolution; local tree-planting initiative, community cleanup drive, and public advocacy meeting promoting environmental sustainability and social justice.

TARUN : A three-day training camp for the Bharat Scouts and Guides began on International Peace Day at PM Shri Composite School, in the Tarun education zone. Subhash Chandra, the new Block Education Officer, inaugurated the camp by planting a sapling on the campus along with the school family. The officer explained the importance of International Peace Day to the children. He delivered the message of love, harmony, tolerance, and brotherhood.

TRIVENIGANJ : NSS (National Service Scheme) volunteers conducted an awareness program on International Peace Day at Anuplal Yadav College in Triveniganj. They explained to villagers the importance of peace, harmony, and brotherhood.

UTTAR PRADESH : A grand program was organized at Maharishi Vidya Mandir on International Peace Day with the aim of world peace, goodwill and welfare of humanity. School teacher Subhash Chandra presented a detailed introduction of the outline and objective of the program. On this occasion, the school’s Principal RL Singh delivered the message of Veda Vidya Martand Brahmachari Dr. Girish Chandra Verma to the students and teachers present.

VARANASI : On the occasion of the International Peace Day, a special prayer was held at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham n Sunday to pray for world peace, harmony and brotherhood.

INDONESIA

JAKARTA : Video of celebration at Beacon Academy.

JAPAN

AMAGASAKI CITY : International Peace Day Tea Ceremony

FUJISAWA CITY : September 21st is International Peace Day. The student council has designated this day until the 25th as International Peace Week, and the assembly committee has planned a high-five event to spread smiles and peace. The rules are very simple: say hello and high-five when you pass someone. We hope that everyone’s high-fives will bring peace to our school, our community, and the world.

FUKUSHIMA CITY : Calligraphy expressing a wish for peace offered at Fukushima Prefectural Gokoku Shrine on International Peace Day by the Fukushima Higashi High School Calligraphy Club.

HAKODATE : Calligraphy Club of Hakodate Nishi High School dedicates calligraphy with the inscription “Harmony and All Nations” as a prayer for peace.  The event was organized by “Wa Project TAISHI” (Representative: Tatsuhiko Miyamoto), which works on regional revitalization and peace activities both domestically and internationally, mainly by calligraphers. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the event. This year, 26 calligraphers and high school calligraphy clubs, among others, wrote calligraphy at 49 Gokoku Shrines nationwide, including Hiroshima and Nagasaki Peace Parks and Yasukuni Shrine (Tokyo), praying for world peace and the recovery of disaster-stricken areas.


HIKONE CITY : To coincide with International Peace Day on September 21st, a dedication calligraphy event expressing prayers for world peace was held at the Shiga Prefectural Gokoku Shrine in Osumi-cho, Hikone City. Members of the calligraphy club at Omi High School participated, powerfully writing words expressing their wishes for peace, including the character for “prayer.”

HIROSHIMA : International Peace Day event held in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome: Calligraphers express their wishes for peace through calligraphy.

(Japan is continued in the right column)

Question for this article

What has happened this year (2026) for the International Day of Peace?


Japan, Ikoma City

JAPAN – continued from left column

IKEDA : Up until now, our school has conducted peace education on August 6th, the school day. However, starting this academic year, we have decided to hold “Hosogou Peace Day,” a school-wide initiative to deepen our understanding of peace, in conjunction with “International Day of Peace” on September 21st. In the second period, the sixth graders visited the classrooms of the first through fifth graders and conducted lessons that they had planned and prepared themselves. In the fifth period, we invited a representative from the Cabinet Office’s Headquarters for International Peace Cooperation to give a lecture to students in grades 6-9 on the theme of “Japan’s International Peace Cooperation Activities.”

IKOMA CITY : A prayer for peace entrusted to calligraphy: Calligrapher from Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture, and junior and senior high school students create calligraphy at the Nara Prefectural Gokoku Shrine on “International Peace Day”. (See photo above).

KAGOSHIMA CITY : On the 21st, International Peace Day, an event was held at the Kagoshima Prefectural Gokoku Shrine. Sixteen members of the calligraphy club from Shonan High School (Kagoshima City) performed calligraphy accompanied by gagaku (ancient Japanese court music), depicting Emperor Meiji’s way of life and autumn scenery.

KANAZAWA CITY : On the 21st, at Gokoku Shrine in Kanazawa City, 13 high school students from Komatsu Otani and Aviation Ishikawa performed calligraphy, also praying for the recovery of Noto.

Among them, the students from Aviation Ishikawa wrote the characters for “peace and tranquility,” representing a peaceful and calm world. The students from Komatsu Otani expressed the importance of connecting people, with the theme of “bonds.”

KOBE CITY : 21st is “PEACE DAY.” To coincide with this day, cinemo is designating September 17th (Thu) to 23rd (Wed/Holiday), 2026 as “Peace Day Week” and will be holding the “PEACE DAY Film Festival 2026” nationwide, featuring screenings of films with a peace theme. Through film, we aim to help people understand the current state of the world and inspire them to think about and act on peace. Amusesta! KOBE also sympathizes with the spirit of this initiative and will be holding screenings as part of the “PEACE DAY Film Festival 2026” on September 21st and 22nd.

KUMAMOTO CITY : In conjunction with the United Nations’ International Day of Peace; “Let there be peace; let us build a world without conflict.” Calligraphy by Shokei Junior and Senior High School (Kumamoto City).

MIYAZAKI CITY : In conjunction with International Peace Day on the 21st of this month, high school students in Miyazaki City created calligraphy expressing their wishes for world peace. 

On the 25th, four members of the Miyazaki Omiya High School Calligraphy Club visited the Miyazaki Prefectural Gokoku Shrine in Miyazaki City and created a work on a 1.5-meter-high by 3-meter-wide sheet of paper, expressing their wishes for world peace and the recovery of areas affected by disasters such as the Kumamoto earthquake.

MORIOKA CITY : High school students from Morioka City have dedicated calligraphy, expressing their wishes for peace, to a shrine. Eight members of the Morioka Second High School calligraphy club from Iwate Prefecture took part. The students wrote phrases such as “Peace without disaster,” “Peace for the future,” and “Prayer” on a sheet of paper measuring 1.6 meters high and 3.1 meters wide. The artwork will be displayed at Iwate Gokoku Shrine for one year.

NAGASAKI : On the 21st, the International Day of Peace, Approximately 50 people, including members of the Nagasaki Prefecture Atomic Bomb Survivors’ Handbook Association, local residents, and foreign tourists, participated in ringing the “Bell of Nagasaki.” Precisely at noon, they all pulled on the rope together, creating a sound that symbolizes a wish for peace. In front of the Peace Memorial Statue, calligrapher Yoshie Koshihara presented a work themed “Prayer for World Peace.” She wrote the words of the late atomic bomb survivor physician, Tatsushiro Akizuki: “Let us leave our minor differences aside and gather together for the greater good.”

NAGASAKI : On September 21st, the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 will be held at the Benex Nagasaki Brick Hall in Nagasaki City. The orchestra will consist of approximately 90 members and a chorus of about 160, with participation from Kwassui High School, Shimabara High School, and Nagasaki University. The project’s overall director is world-renowned conductor Leona Ito.

NANTO CITY : On the 21st, the “International Day of Peace” designated by the United Nations, a Japanese taiko drum performance was held in the Taira area of Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, to pray for peace.

NARA CITY : On the 23rd, a ceremonial calligraphy dedication took place at the Nara Prefecture Gokoku Shrine (Chief Priest: Shigeto Kitamori) in Furuichi-cho, Nara City. Calligrapher Mizuha Yamanaka (33), a resident of Ikoma City, and six students from the calligraphy club of Nara Gakuen Tomigaoka Junior and Senior High School took up their brushes for the event.

NIIGATA : Female calligrapher, Saisui Shimoda: I will once again be offering calligraphy at Niigata Prefectural Gokoku Shrine this year on Wednesday, September 23rd. This year marks my 10th year participating in this activity. Wielding my brush in the hope of peace.This year, from Shimoda Calligraphy Association, Ayami Shimoda, Koki Shimoda, and four students will be doing the calligraphy. Additionally, nine students from the calligraphy club at Niigata Daiichi High School will be participating.

OITA CITY : September 21st is the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. At the Oita Prefectural Gokoku Shrine in Oita City, a prayer for world peace was expressed through calligraphy.

OKAYAMA : Video of high school students showcasing calligraphy at a shrine to pray for peace and disaster recovery, coinciding with the UN’s “World Day of Peace”.

OMIYA : In conjunction with the United Nations’ International Day of Peace (September 21), a votive calligraphy offering of prayers for peace, was held at the Saitama Gokoku Shrine in Omiya Ward, Saitama City. Four calligraphers, including Kaori Sekine, and two students from the calligraphy club of Saitama Prefectural Omiya Commercial High School, offered their calligraphy, and participating citizens also contributed characters such as “peace” and “love.”

OSAKA : On September 21st, the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, a bell was rung in Osaka as a symbol of hope for peace. The World Peace Bell

 was rung in Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park in Osaka. The bell was made by casting coins from around the world that were donated at the 1990 International Garden and Greenery Exposition.

SAGA CITY : [Video] In conjunction with the United Nations’ International Day of Peace (21st), a calligraphy dedication event expressing wishes for peace was held at the Saga Prefectural Gokoku Shrine in Saga City. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the event, and 13 students from the Saga Commercial High School Calligraphy Club took to the helm, expressing their hopes for world peace and the recovery of areas affected by the Kumamoto earthquake and heavy rain disasters. The students powerfully inscribed a message beginning with “Praying for world peace” on a piece of paper measuring 1.5 meters high and 6 meters wide. They included phrases such as “Connecting our thoughts and illuminating the future” and “Accepting differences and supporting each other,” concluding with “Towards a tomorrow where all lives can smile.

SENDAI : (Video) Today is the International Day of Peace, and a prayer for world peace was held at the Miyagi Gokoku Shrine. The performance, by the calligraphy club of my alma mater, Sendai Ikuei Gakuen—infused with prayers for peace, was truly spectacular.

TAKARAZUKA CITY : Today is International Peace Day. I participated in the “Peace Bell” event held at Suehiro Central Park and rang the bell in prayer for lasting world peace. In 1989, Takarazuka City declared itself a “Nuclear-Free Peace City,” and has been carrying out various peace-related events with the aim of realizing a peaceful society, while passing on to future generations the horrors of war, the importance of peace, and the preciousness of life.

TAKAYAMA CITY : In conjunction with “International Peace Day” on the 21st, the Hida Takayama High School Calligraphy Club powerfully displayed their calligraphy expressing their hopes for world peace at Hida Gokoku Shrine in Horibata-cho, Takayama City.

TOKUSHIMA CITY : To commemorate International Peace Day, high school students performed a calligraphy demonstration at a shrine in Tokushima City on the 22nd, expressing their wish for world peace. At the Gokoku Shrine in Tokushima City, calligrapher Yukako Okachi , a native of Tokushima Prefecture, and five members of the Jonan High School Calligraphy Club each performed a calligraphy demonstration. The students powerfully wrote the words “Keiō Kairai,” meaning to inherit the past and forge a path to the future, on a large sheet of paper measuring 2 meters high and 3 meters wide. Rinno Yamashita, Head of the Jonan High School Calligraphy Club said “We chose this calligraphy to express our desire to continue carrying on the spirit that our predecessors have passed down to us.” “We would be happy if people feel inspired to work together to build a peaceful world.

TOKYO : On September 20th, coinciding with Peace Day (September 21st), Human Trust Cinema Shibuya will host the “PEACE DAY × International Peace Film Festival 2026”.

TOKYO : Regarding “PEACE DAY 2026 @ Yoyogi Park,” which was scheduled to be held at Yoyogi Park on Monday, September 21st (national holiday), 
after repeated discussions among the organizers and related parties in light of the weather conditions due to the approach of Typhoon No. 25, we have decided to cancel the event
, prioritizing the safety of all attendees, performers, exhibitors, staff, and everyone involved in the event . Although the event at Yoyogi Park has been cancelled, on September 21st (Monday, public holiday), we will be holding a live streaming event from 13:00 to 17:00, featuring talks
, as an opportunity to send a message of PEACE DAY, together with the performers, staff, and organizations working on peace activities .The broadcast will be available on the
 YouTube Live platform, as originally planned.

UTSUNOMIYA CITY : On the 21st, “International Peace Day,” high school students held a calligraphy performance at a shrine in Utsunomiya City.

UWAJIMA : International Peace Day: Bell-ringing ceremony held in Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture, the birthplace of the “Peace Bell.” This initiative is held annually at Taiheiji Temple in Uwajima City to coincide with International Peace Day. Approximately 50 citizens and others gathered to ring the temple bell.

MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR : Diverse local communities gathered at the Church of the Sacred Heart on Jalan Peel to celebrate thr International Day of Peace. The occasion featured a symbolic Peace Walk, a dedicated Peace Pole Planting Ceremony, and vibrant cultural performances showcasing Malaysia’s rich diversity

MONGOLIA

ULAANBAATAR : The United Nations in Mongolia organized a special ceremony to celebrate International Peace Day, celebrating world peace, harmony, and human well-being. Representatives from various religions and spiritual organizations gathered together to express their deepest condolences and prayers for peace and the well-being of humanity. Held at the Peace Bell in front of Sukhbaatar Square, the ceremony was attended by representatives from various organizations, including the UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia. The Brahma Kumaris’ participation in the ceremony brought a message of spiritual peace and spiritual awakening. All delegates lit peace lamps and participated in the collective ringing of the Peace Bell.

NEPAL

KATHMANDU : Photo of World Peace Day celebration at Bouddhanath, the largest spherical Buddhist stupa in Nepal and a major spiritual center.

PULCHOWK : (Poster) Inner Wheel District 350 Nepal. Please join us in celebrating the international day of peace and be part of this meaningful program.

RUPANDEHI : September 23, 2026. The 17th World Peace Forum program has been organized in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. This three-day international program, which will run from Monday to Wednesday, is being organized for the first time in South Asia. Previously, this forum has been held in Barcelona, Spain, and South Africa. The main theme of the program is ‘Reimagining Peace in the 21st Century’. Discussions are focused on climate justice, sustainable development, and tourism development. According to Basudev Gautam, founder and chairman of the Lumbini World Peace Forum, the program has the presence of renowned personalities at the national and international level. International speakers and representatives include Vicky Hansen, President of International Schengen Peace Foundation (Luxembourg), Steve Keely AM, Founding Executive Chairman of the Institute for Economics and Peace (Australia), Dacho Dorji Dhadul, Director of Bhutan Tourism Council, and Dr. Wolfgang George Allt. Additionally, Andre Phillippe, Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union from Geneva, conveyed good wishes through a video message.

PAKISTAN

PRESIDENT AND PRIME MINISTER : President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to international peace and a strong, effective and inclusive multilateral international system with the United Nations at its core. In their separate messages on International Day of Peace being observed today (Monday), they said Pakistan supports peaceful settlement of disputes and a comprehensive approach to conflict prevention and resolution based on dialogue, diplomacy and collective action. The Prime Minister said that strengthening a culture of peace is a shared responsibility of government institutions, civil society, religious leaders, teachers, the media, communities, and families alike.

BAHAWALPUR : The Islamia University of Bahawalpur organized a Cultural Peace Walk to mark the International Day of Peace at the Baghdad ul Jadeed Campus. A large number of students from The Islamia University of Bahawalpur representing various provinces, ethnicities, and linguistic backgrounds of Pakistan articipated in the walk.

ISLAMABAD : Islamabad Peace Club.
We are designing a session to introduce NVC through interactive activities and reflections.

RAWALPINDI : World Peace Day was observed in Rawalpindi like elsewhere across the world with various activities organized by government, educational, social and cultural institutions to promote peace, tolerance, mutual respect and dialogue in society. As part of the observance, an exhibition of paintings and posters prepared by artists was held at the Punjab Arts Council Rawalpindi, highlighting messages of peace, human values, brotherhood and social harmony through art. Speakers at different events emphasized that sustainable peace was not limited to ending conflicts and wars but also required promotion of tolerance, justice, equal opportunities, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence in society.

SHINKIARI MANSEHRA : I educate the class 7th student about non violence and I will arrange a documentary session for these students, there are 15 students participated in this activity and these students also draws awareness charts.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

PORT MORESBY : The W.K. Kiddie Peace & Gutpela Sindaun Foundation Inc, again took the lead to host the World Peace Day celebrations in Port Moresby on Monday, September 21, 2026. Video: Here are some highlights of the event.

PHILIPPIINES

MAKATA CITY, METRO MANILA : 153 members gathered at the International Inner Whee (IW) Philippines Headquarters to celebrate the International Day of Peace, entitled “Imagine Peace in Our Hands.” National President Jeisala urged members to stand united, while NR Amelia shared her vision of IW Philippines as a powerful force for friendship, service, peace, and positive change. International Board Director Donna R. Jiao emphasised celebrating global sisterhood all year round, and Past International President Zenaida Yungco-Farcon shared a touching message on forgiveness, reminding everyone to serve with boundless compassion.
A special highlight featured video messages of peace and greetings from sister clubs across the globe, symbolising One World of Peace. The celebration concluded in inspiring harmony as members joined voices to sing John Lennon’s Imagine.

SOUTH KOREA

JEJU : Reflect on the meaning of “peace” in daily life through performances and experiences! The 2026 Jeju Peace Culture Festival will be held at the Jeju International Peace Center! The event includes a ceremony commemorating the United Nations International Day of Peace, as well as celebratory performances by the Bliss Children’s Choir, the Tanner Chamber Orchestra, and singer Jung Soo-jung. In addition to peace-themed exhibitions and artist lectures, various cultural experiences will be offered, including a peace sticker collection challenge, making peace message badges, creating recycled plaster air fresheners, and making tomato dolls.

SEOUL : On the occasion of the International Day of Peace celebrated in Korea, the International Peace Forum was held to strengthen the value of peace in the face of ongoing conflicts, humanitarian crises, and climate threats. The forum was attended by Mr. Ban Ki-moon, who delivered the main speech.

THAILAND

BANGKOK : Video from International School Bangkok. · , our ISB community came together to reflect on a simple but powerful idea: peace is something we all have a part in creating. It can begin with how we listen, how we include others, how we show kindness, and how we choose to treat one another each day. Because peace is not only something we hope for around the world. It is something we can practice right here, in our classrooms, across our campus, and throughout our community.

BANGKOK : Bangkok Patana School. Throughout the week, classes discussed what a peaceful school looks and feels like. Students shared which spaces around campus help them feel calm and happy, and reflected on moments when school feels less peaceful. They also considered how simple actions, from including someone in a game to offering a kind word or helping a younger student, can make a positive difference to others. To mark the International Day of Peace, students wore blue and learned about the paper crane, an internationally recognised symbol of peace and hope. Buddy classes came together to teach and learn the art of origami, creating cranes that will be collected and displayed as a reminder that even small actions can have a lasting impact.

VIETNAM

HO CHI MINH CITY : In response to the United Nations International Day of Peace, at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, the program was organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Peace Committee (HPC) and the Ho Chi Minh City Peace and Development Fund (HPDF) in collaboration with the Global Flagship of Peace. In her speech, Ms. Ton Nu Thi Ninh, President of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Defense Forces and the Ho Chi Minh City Peace Committee shared with international friends her reflections on Vietnam’s history, its diplomatic identity , and its path to reconciliation. She emphasized that a painful yet resilient history is a sacred part of national memory, not something to be erased or forgotten. However, our approach to history should be forward-looking: remembering to understand, understanding to reconcile, and reconciling to build the future together. Also, the War Remnants Museum (Ho Chi Minh City) inaugurated a new exhibition space with three themes: “Remembrance.” The message of peace continued to spread through the arts program featuring Vietnamese artists. The program opened with a performance by the group Orange Happiness, composed of Agent Orange/Dioxin victims from Ho Chi Minh City, who sang the songs “Take Me to Brooklyn,” “You Raise Me Up,” and “Nối Vòng Tay Lớn” (Joining Hands in a Large Circle).

QUANG TRI PROVINCE : An international seminar titled “From Memory to the Future: The Value of Peace” was held in Quang Tri Province as part of the activities leading up to the 2026 Festival for Peace marking the 45th anniversary of the International Day of Peace. Pham Quang Vinh, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, former Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States, and President of the Vietnam-USA Society, said, “The aspiration for peace—the desire to bring peace to the world and cooperate for shared development—is a common human longing. It is a goal that the entire world has joined hands to pursue for years. From the suffering caused by war, we have drawn lessons and insights on how to make peace a reality and ensure its sustainability.” Delegates discussed “The value of peace in today’s volatile world” and “Building a culture of peace for a sustainable future.” Over 120 domestic and international delegates signed a message addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres: “We stand here, joining hands in a shared wish: Peace for every person, every household, and every nation. No war against anyone, anywhere, or for any reason.”

Latin America and the Caribbean: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .

A survey by CPNN

The following 59 actions in 14 Latin American and Caribbean countries include those listed in Google during the weeks of September 17-28 this year under the key words “International day of peace”, “Dia Internacional da Paz” and “Día Internacional de la Paz”


Honduras, San Pedro Sula

Here are excerpts from the articles, translated into English.

ARGENTINA

CHUBUT, PATAGONIA: The community of School No. 179 experienced a special day commemorating the International Day of Peace, a date of profound significance for the school as it marks a decade since its designation as Ambassadors of Peace. Throughout the month, the institution promoted intensive work involving students, teachers, administrators, support staff, and families in activities designed to encourage reflection on and the practical application of values such as empathy, solidarity, and inclusion in daily life.

ESQUEL: On Monday, September 21, the Esquel Rotary Club will hold an event at 10:00 a.m. in Paul Harris Square and, at noon, will inaugurate an exhibition at the Bus Terminal. This year, the initiative involved ten kindergartens and more than 700 families in activities related to peace.

GOYA: This Monday, September 21st, at the roundabout on the eastern access road to the city, along Mazzanti Avenue, the flag of Peace was raised. It will remain there for several more days, greeting those entering the city. Present at the ceremony were Mayor Mariano Hormaechea, Councilor Gabriela Refojos, and María Lilia Urquijo, Ambassador of Peace and the driving force behind Goya’s declaration as a City Committed to Peace. Also in attendance were other leaders of the Mil Milenios de Paz (One Thousand Millennia of Peace) movement, such as Alicia Gómez and Graciela Lowles, as well as members of the public.

JUJUY: Tomorrow, September 21st, is International Peace Day, and in Jujuy, the Aves Foundation invites the community to participate in the raising of the Peace Flag at the Government House, starting at 8:00 AM. It is a symbol of unity and a commitment to dialogue, respect, and peaceful coexistence. Later, the official ceremony will take place at the Culturarte Cultural Center (Sarmiento and San Martín). It will be a space for meeting and reflecting together, “because peace is built by everyone, and every encounter is an opportunity to make it flourish.”

MALARGÜE: Week of Peace: PEACE UNITES US. From 14-21 September. Friday, September 18, 09:00-19:00 Work of sculptors, Plaza San Martin and Health Stand. 20:00 Music by Daniel Donaire, Dance by Studio Isadors

MENDOZA: The VI Festival for World Peace and Non-Violence arrives in Maipú, Mendoza, within the framework of the International Day of Peace.

PUERTO MADRYN : This Monday, September 21, at 11:30 a.m., the Flag of Peace will be raised on the auxiliary flagpole at Plaza San Martín in an event open to the entire community. Activities will continue next week with an open talk on life, mental health, and peace at School No. 150, led by the Instituto Superior de Psicología Social Argentina as part of Suicide Prevention Month. The commemoration involves the participation of the Municipality of Puerto Madryn and Carisa Domínguez Bonazzi, Ambassador of Peace for Madryn.

SAN JOSÉ : Video of International Day of Peace event at the city of San José

SANTA FE : Santa Fe celebrated International Peace Day. Local institutions and social leaders met to renew their collective commitment to a culture of dialogue, the peaceful resolution of everyday conflicts, and civic empathy.

BOLIVIA

LA PAZ: On this International Day of Peace, the interfaith meeting entitled “Building a Culture of Peace” was held in the Interpellation Hall of the Plurinational Legislative Assembly of Bolivia. The initiative brought together various spiritual traditions of the country through the Bolivian Interreligious Dialogue, which gathered representatives from the Jewish Community, the Catholic Church through the Bolivian Episcopal Conference, the Islamic Community Association, the Sikh Dharma Community, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Bahá’í Community, Zen Buddhism, the German-Speaking Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the National Christian Council. During the event, the Interreligious Declaration for Peace was presented , a document that emphasized that peace is a garden to be cultivated and a bridge to be crossed.

BRAZIL

FOZ DE IGUAÇU The event will begin this Saturday, the 19th, in Foz do Iguaçu, and continue until the 27th, to mark the International Day of Peace and Tree Day. On the 19th from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, there will be a conversation on “Dialogue for Peace and Planetary Responsibility.” The event will continue next Saturday, the 26th, starting at 2:30 PM, with the activity “Human Library of Peace with Nature,” in which participants will engage in dialogue with a person in charge of connecting with individuals who have peaceful experiences with nature, as if they were reading a book.

SÃO FRANCISCO DE PAULA : “Welcoming means more than just providing shelter.” With this theme, the Walk for a Culture of Peace reaches its 25th edition this Monday (21st); however, this marks the first time it has been institutionalized by municipal law in observance of the World Day of Peace. The initiative involves both public and private schools and seeks to strengthen dialogue, social harmony, and cooperation among diverse groups in society.

SÃO PAULO : The Casa de Portugal, in São Paulo, was the setting for a noble celebration of the International Day of Peace, promoted by ABRASCI – the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, Arts, History and Literature. The ceremony, marked by great prestige and high cultural content, featured a keynote address by Ms. Ângela Gandra, Municipal Secretary of International Relations of São Paulo, who brilliantly addressed the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and culture in building a more peaceful and just society.

COLUMBIA

BELLO: Cultural Walk for the International Day of Peace, leaving from the Choza Marco Fidel Suarez at 4:00 PM and going to the Central Park of Bello. Published with colorful poster.

BOGOTA : This September 25, Santander Park will be the stage of the Festival for Peace 2026, a day that, from the commemorative strip, recognizes artistic expressions as tools of memory, resilience and reconstruction of links with the territory. The day will feature presentations by Culture Embera Wera, Taky Suyo, Kinesis, Tepichikua, Vallenato Fredy Carrillo, Runa Taky and @desordensocialrap as well as a space to promote the emerging economy of the center of Bogota.

CAICEDO : Caicedo-Louisville Youth Exchange On Nonviolence. Friday, Sept 25, via Zoom (not open to the public) This extraordinary event begins an ongoing conversation on nonviolence between young people in Caicedo – the first nonviolent municipality in Colombia – and 8th Grade students at Newburg Middle School in Louisville, who are making a commitment to nonviolence.

CALI : Video of Peace Week at Unicatolica (Fundación Universitaria Católica Lumen Gentium)

GIRARDOT : The Government and Institutional Development Secretariat led an event in commemoration of International Human Rights Day, held within the framework of the 2026 Peace Week. The event brought together the general public, officials, schools, and the Municipal Victims’ Committee to strengthen social cohesion and harmony in the municipality. The program included very meaningful and reflective sessions, such as a talk led by Pastor Juan Carlos Moreno, a member of the Municipal Committee for Religious Freedom, and a presentation by the National Police’s territorial group on protecting citizens’ rights. In addition, the valuable participation of the Our Lady of Pilar Brotherhood and the Mahatma Gandhi collective was also present.

LA VICTORIA, VALLE DE CAUCA : Today, Septemberr 21, the Municipal Administration of La Victoria, Valle del Cauca, invites our entire community to continue building a territory where dialogue, solidarity, and harmonious coexistence take center stage.

MEDELLÍN: Medellín is preparing a large collective song for peace during Peace Month. Victims, signatories of peace agreements, and citizens will come together for a concert that aims to transform music into a space for reconciliation and remembrance. The main attraction of the day will be the Reconciliation Choir of the Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra, an initiative created in 2019 as a meeting place for victims of the conflict and people involved in peace processes . The event will take place on September 18th at Belén Library Park.

COSTA RICA

PUNTARENAS: This Monday, September 21, we were present at the celebration of the International Day of Peace, held at the Casa de la Cultura in Puntarenas. We thank the Ministry of Justice and Peace for organizing this valuable event. During the day, we shared with different companies, entrepreneurs, including our affiliates, who presented with their stands and products. The event was filled with cultural activities and socializing: music, cimarrona, a cheerful parade, stage performances, and meeting spaces with the entire community.

CUBA

PINAR DEL RIO : The themes of the International Day of Peace inspired primary school children to express their ideas and aspirations in the “Children Write and Paint for Peace” contest, organized by the Pinar del Río provincial branch of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) in western Cuba. This act of love for humanity was supported by the Provincial History Museum, which hosted the event and honored the winning schoolchildren—known as “pioneers”—as well as the “Salvador González Delgado” Primary School and the “With Love and Hope” (Con amor y esperanza) sociocultural project.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

SANTO DOMINGO : In a joint effort to inspire society to become an active agent of social transformation, the Association for Social, Ecological and Cultural Aid (Adasec) and the International Federation of Associations for Social, Ecological and Cultural Aid (Fiadasec) announced the concert on the theme “United for Peace: Be the peace you wish to see in the world”. The activity commemorates the International Day of Peace. The event will feature artists José Antonio Rodríguez, Frank Ceara, Adalgisa Pantaleón, Roger Zayas, Mariela Mercado, Carolina Hernández, Dichens Salcedo, Herodys Ureña and Omar Morillo, who will create a live mural during the event.

ECUADOR

LATACUNGA : Video of Walk for Peace

GUATEMALA

COBÁN, ALTA VERAPAZ : As part of the commemoration of International Peace Day, a civic act was held at the Plaza del Parque Central La Paz, with the participation of educational institutions and authorities. The event was accompanied by poems, presentations, and dedications to peace, creating a space for expression and reflection on the importance of respect, dialogue, and coexistence.

HONDURAS

SAN PEDRO SULA : As part of the commemoration of the International Day of Peace, the New Millennium Evangelical Christian University (UCENM) became the venue for the 4th World March for Peace and Non-Violence in San Pedro Sula this Monday, September 21. The event brought together students, university authorities, and special guests committed to this cause. The keynote address was delivered by MSc. Elvia Matute , Academic Vice-Rector of UCENM. She shared a message focused on institutional reflection and the university’s ongoing commitment to ethical values ​​and the development of peace. The UCENM Folklore Dance Group from the Santa Cruz de Yojoa campus graced the day with their artistic participation. As a symbolic act of unity and civic commitment, the attendees organized themselves to form the human figure of the peace symbol, highlighting the fundamental role of each individual in creating harmonious environments and mutual respect. The commemoration concluded in front of the UCENM San Pedro Sula Campus facilities with the release of balloons into the sky, a symbolic gesture of hope and of the institutional premise that peace is a collective construction based on daily actions.

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Question for this article

What has happened this year (2026) for the International Day of Peace?


Mexico, Jiutepec

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HONDURAS, COSTA RICA, AND GUATEMALA

WEAVING PEACE, An open virtual event : What began two years ago as an initiative led by young people from Central America now connects voices from around the world. This September 21st, International Day of Peace, we are coming together to share experiences, hear about different realities, and discuss something that unites us: how are we building peace within our own communities? Because peace isn’t built from the outside in. It is woven from our voices, our experiences, and our actions.

MEXICO

BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR : On the occasion of International Peace Day, participate in the free community event for women “Peace Begins with Us: Building Free Communities from a Place of Violence.” Monday, September 21, at 10 AM, at the LIBRE Center for Women in Ciudad Constitución.

CIUDAD JUÁREZ : This Sunday, September 20, the Binational Summit for Peace and Justice 2026 concluded , an unprecedented event that for three days brought together more than 250 activists and representatives of organizations from Mexico, the United States and Canada, and in which Greenpeace Mexico accompanied the ¡Aquí no! Collective
Convened by the People’s Movement for Peace and Justice and Global Exchange , representatives of communities affected by megaprojects, groups of searchers, human rights defenders, indigenous and Afro-descendant leaders, migrant organizations, survivors of armed violence, unions and social movements. Together with the International Tribunal of Conscience of the Peoples in Movement, the activists presented and denounced the serious situation that the region faces from each of its spheres with the aim of agreeing on joint actions.

CIUDAD MIGUEL ALEMÁN : Video of International Peace Day celebration at the Eagle College.

CULIACÁN : Through poems, songs, and traditional games, students from the María Díaz Olivas Elementary School in the Prados del Sur neighborhood commemorated the International Day of Peace, marking an occasion that highlighted the importance of harmonious coexistence, respect, and dialogue within the classroom. During the event, the children took part in various artistic activities before an audience of teachers, parents, and municipal and state officials.

CULIACÁN : Inmates at the Aguaruto Penitentiary Center commemorated International Peace Day with a series of activities focused on coexistence, respect, and the promotion of values, in addition to concluding a week of sports and cultural events. The activities were organized by the Sinaloa Public Security Secretariat as part of the actions aimed at strengthening culture, sports and social reintegration processes within the penitentiary center. The day began with a peace march , led by an escort and a marching band made up of people deprived of their liberty, who paid honors and raised the flag alluding to peace.

DOLORES HIDALGO INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY COMMEMORATED IN DOLORES HIDALGO. At the “Álvaro Obregón” park, better known as the Alameda, authorities, teaching staff, and students from educational institutions participated in the crime prevention program “Exchange of war toys for educational toys,” which aims to promote good behavior and healthy recreation among the residents of Dolores Hidalgo.

GUANAJUATO : Video: The University of Guanajuato invites you to the International Congress for the International Day of Peace as part of its commemorative events September 21 and 22.

JIUTEPEC : On the occasion of International Peace Day, we participated in the University Forum held at the Polytechnic University of Morelos (UPEMOR), in Jiutepec. These gatherings provide spaces for dialogue and participation for the youth of Morelos.

MEXICO CITY : In observance of the International Day of Peace, come visit the Community Culture Pavilion from September 22 to 27, starting at 11:00 AM. It features cultural and artistic activities that promote dialogue, social harmony, and the strengthening of bonds that build community.

MEXICO CITY : Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Penales. Be part of the Peace Culture Week! We invite you to experience something unique, open to the general public and free admission. Join us to enjoy conferences, preventive talks, and cinema-reflection to inspire and build peace together. Don’t miss this great day of learning and dialogue!

MEXICO CITY : We celebrate International University and Peace Day! The UNRC (Universidad Nacional Rosario Castellanos), through #DeporteUNRC and the Peace and Healthy Life Department, held a day full of energy, participation, and camaraderie. During the event, various activities were enjoyed, creating a space for meeting, fun, and participation among our #ComunidadChayito.

MEXICO CITY : We invite you to the next #NochedeMuseos at the Archivo General de la Nación de México. To commemorate the end of World War II and International Day of Peace, we present “Scorbix”, a butoh dance piece that embodies memory, ash, and reconstruction. A ritual of movement to never forget why we chose peace.

MEXICO CITY IZTAPALAPA :
Video: To mark the International Day of Peace, I visited the “Manuel Alcalá Martín” elementary school to share with the children the importance of building a community based on respect, dialogue, and solidarity. This school is part of “De la A a la Z Trazaremos la Meta”, a program through which we continue to transform educational spaces in Iztapalapa.

MEXICO CITY SAN RAPHAEL : Universidad del Valle de México (UVM), In commemoration of the International Day of Peace, we invite our entire Lince Community to attend dressed in white this Monday, September 21. With this symbolic action, we reaffirm our commitment to respect, empathy, inclusion, and the construction of a culture of peace. Join us and let’s make our desire to live in a more united and supportive community visible! White unites us, peace inspires us.

NACAJUCA : Video of International Day of Peace celebration by city hall of Nacajuca

NUEVA LEÓN : Secretaría de Igualdad e Inclusión Nuevo León and Subsecretaría de Prevención y Seguridad Humana. From September 14 to 21, we will observe the Week for a Culture of Peace—seven days of community activities, artistic expressions, and actions to promote respect and better coexistence.

NUEVA LEÓN : Today, we celebrated the International Day of Peace at the Ignacio J. Allende Elementary School (afternoon session). The Río Bravo Pan American Round Table (MRP), led by Dr. Diana García Salinas, thanks the school’s principal, Martín Leija Rodríguez, for all the assistance provided in making this celebration possible—an occasion where we reaffirmed that peace is built every day through respect, empathy, and dialogue.

NUEVA LEÓN : Fundación Marcelíno Muñoz. Let’s celebrate the International Day of Peace together! Join us for this special conference with Dr. Marcelino Muñoz.

PARAÍSO, TABASCO : Video of International Day of Peace celebration.

PUEBLA : Universidad Tecnológica de Puebla. Within the framework of the International Day of Peace, the university community participated in the activity “Mural for Peace,” a space for expression and reflection to express the value of respect, empathy, and coexistence. Because peace is also built with our hands, our words, and our actions.

QUERÉTARO : Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro. On the occasion of International Peace Day, the Faculty of Law hosted the 7th International Forum on Culture and Education for Peace, which this year took the theme “Youth and Education for Peace: actions for the transformation of conflicts”.

SAN LUIS POTOSI : Within the framework of the International Day of Peace , which is commemorated every September 21 , the College of San Luis, COLSAN , hosted the presentation “The construction of peace in the Mexico of the Fourth Transformation” , a space in which the importance of addressing the causes that generate violence , strengthening the community fabric and promoting the participation of society in the search for solutions was highlighted. During the meeting, the Mexican government presented its vision for peacebuilding, based on addressing the root causes of violence, the presence of institutions in the field, and the active participation of communities.

SAN LUIS POTOSI : To mark the International Day of Peace on September 21, the Faculty of Medicine opened a space for reflection with the university community through the event “Beyond the Scalpel: Peace as a Diagnosis and Medicine as a Social Tool.”

SAN MIGUEL DE COZUMEL : As part of the International Day of Peace, which is celebrated every September 21, the children of CENDI 3 participated in various commemorative playful activities, while the teachers shared with them the message and the importance of this date.

SINALOA : In the context of the International Day of Peace, the Universidad Autónoma de Occidente opened a space to reflect on “Tools to build peace from the university: inner peace and community peace”, a reflection meeting aimed at the Lince Community. The Rector, Dr. Pedro Fores Leal, pointed out that the University is committed to strengthening the culture of peace through the exercise of rights, freedom, and coexistence based on respect.

TLAXCALA : Lecture Series on Peacebuilding. Held as part of the International Day of Peace. Casa de loa Saberes Juridicos, Tlaxcala.

TOLUCA : To mark the International Day of Peace, the 50+1 State of Mexico collective, in collaboration with Ágora: International Consultancy for Education, Development, and Peace, held a forum and presentation titled “Commitment to a Culture of Peace and the Rights of Women and Girls,” featuring the participation of women from various municipalities and sectors. The event was led by Mónica Álvarez Nemer, President of 50+1 State of Mexico.

XOCHIACA : At Jaime Torres Bodet Middle School on the occasion of International Peace Day, the school community experienced a very special ceremony where students performed the National Anthem in Mexican Sign Language, accompanied by the National Guard and the Municipal Police Band, demonstrating that inclusion strengthens our national identity. Because civic duty and patriotism are lived and built every day!

XOCHITEPEC : As part of the commemoration of the International Day of Peace, dozens of families and visitors enjoyed a colorful cultural show by the Symphony Orchestra and the Folkloric Ballet of the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) , presented in the esplanade of the zócalo of Xochitepec .

PANAMA

PANAMA CITY Centro de Orientación Infantil Tu Guía. Video of children with balloons celebrating the International Day of Peace.

PARAGUAY

ASUNCIÓN : September 24, The Minister of the Minestry of the Economy and Finance, Andrea Picaso, participated in the opening of the Regional Meeting of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP) of LatinAmerica and the Caribbean, organized by the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace, held at the National Congress. The event was attended by numerous delegations and international representatives.

URUGUAY

CIUDAD DEL PLATA : The Uruguay Climate Reality Project offered the first of two unique gatherings called “Town Hall COP”. Instead of traditional powerholders discussing climate action, they brought together community members to present and discuss nonviolent solutions for environmental justice.  Organizer Leonina Arismendi chose to hold the Town Hall COP on Wetlands, Biodiversity, and Resilient Communities on September 21, the International Day of Peace, for a specific reason. She says that: the solutions we need to confront the climate crisis are also solutions for peace. 

Arab and Middle Eastern States: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .

A survey by CPNN

The following 22 actions in 12 Arab and Middle Eastern countries were listed in Google during the week of September 17-28 this year under the key words “International day of peace” “peace day”, “journee internationale de la paix” and اليوم الدولي للسلام .


Bahrain, Riffa

Here are excerpts from the articles.

BAHRAIN

Video: Bahrain Celebrates the International Day of Peace, Report: Hanan Osama, Filming and Editing: Ali Hussain

BAHRAIN

Video: Bahrain News Center: Bahrain Society celebrates the International Day of Peace 09/23/2026

BAHRAIN, MANAMA

On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance organized the “Shared Ground” event , with the participation of representatives of a number of religions and sects in the Kingdom of Bahrain, at the Isa Cultural Centre. The session was attended by Reverend Father Anthony Carnes Almazan, representing the Catholic community; Reverend Isaac Enayat, representing the National Evangelical Church; Mr. Ibrahim Nono, representing the Jewish community; Mr. Vijay Kumar Balkrishna, priest of the Shri Krishna Hindu temple; Dr. Praful Vaidya, representing the BAPS Shri Swami Narayan temple; Mr. Jagir Singh, representing the Sikh community; Ms. Wasuntara Pitakurachai, representing the Buddhist community; and Dr. Badi Jaberi, representing the Baha’i community. The discussions confirmed that the diverse religious communities in Bahrain have contributed over a long period of time to shaping and enriching the social fabric of the Kingdom, and that such meetings are an opportunity to talk about coexistence between different religions and sects in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and to review their experiences and contributions to serving society.

BAHRAIN, RIFFA

Our students came together to celebrate UN Peace Day by leaving their handprints — a colourful reminder that peace starts with each of us. Together, let’s make our mark on a kinder, more peaceful world. Founded in 2008, Riffa Views International School (RVIS) is a non-profit school offering a personalized learning experience, Nursery – Grade 12

DJIBOUTI, BALBALA

On Saturday, September 19, 2026, the King Fahad Complex buzzed with the energy of the International Day of Peace celebrations. Centered on the themes of unity, dialogue, and sustainable development, the event was brilliantly co-organized by the State Secretariat for Sports, the Ministry of Youth and Culture, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and UNESCO. pectators enjoyed an impressive sporting showcase that highlighted diversity and inclusion—featuring football, handball, pétanque, athletics, and volleyball, as well as adaptive sports competitions—demonstrating, if any proof were needed, that sport serves as a universal vehicle for integration and peace. Official speeches followed, beginning with remarks from the Mayor of Balbala, Mr. Mohamed Hassan Said. Youtube Video

EGYPT, CAIRO

On the International Day of Peace , the the Forum for Dialogue of Cultures at the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services emphasizes that investing in peace begins with individuals—with their ability to listen, understand differences, manage dialogue, and collaborate with others—and to translate these skills into concrete practices and initiatives that contribute to building more cooperative and cohesive societies.

EGYPT, EL GHANAYEM

As part of the activities of the General Authority for Cultural Palaces, headed by artist Hisham Atwa, the Al-Ghanayem Cultural Palace organized a library seminar entitled “International Day of Peace,” presented by Musab Abdel Qader, at the headquarters of the One Classroom School in Al-Ghanayem East, with the aim of introducing the importance of peace and its role in building a society characterized by stability and tolerance.

EGYPT, GIZA, MOHANDESSIN

The Muslim Council of Elders, headed by His Eminence the Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, issued a statement on the occasion of the International Day of Peace. The statement said that peace is the essence of the message of Islam and an authentic objective of its goals, and that its tolerant teachings call for the preservation of human life and the protection of its dignity, and the promotion of the values of mercy, mutual understanding and coexistence, and the rejection of violence, hatred and intolerance, stressing that true peace is based on justice and respect for human dignity, and the promotion of dialogue, understanding and human fraternity.

EGYPT, LUXOR

The General Authority for Cultural Palaces, headed by artist Hisham Atwa, organized a number of diverse cultural, artistic, and awareness-raising events at the Luxor Cultural Center, as part of the Authority’s agenda and the Ministry of Culture’s programs. The Austrian Library hosted a lecture titled “International Day of Peace,” delivered by Abu Al-Makarem Abdel-Galil, former Director of Education in Luxor. He spoke about Egypt as an oasis of peace and security and a meeting place of religions, noting that the first documented peace treaty in human history was the Treaty of Kadesh between the Egyptians and the Hittites in 1258 BC.

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Question for this article

What has happened this year (2026) for the International Day of Peace?

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Egypt, Sohag

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EGYPT, SOHAG

In celebration of the International Day of Peace, students from Al-Ula Modern Private Schools presented a meaningful humanitarian message, highlighting the importance of peace and its role in building a world defined by security, love, and coexistence.

EGYPT YOUTH COUNCIL

In conjunction with the celebration of the International Day of Peace, the Regional Relief Team of the Egyptian Youth Council carried out a field campaign to distribute food aid and meat to a number of families from the most vulnerable groups, as part of the Council’s efforts to promote the values of social solidarity and support the most needy families. The campaign included distributing parcels of basic food items and quantities of meat to a number of targeted families in different areas, with the aim of contributing to meeting some of their basic needs and alleviating their living burdens. The campaign highlighted the important role that young people can play in supporting social peace through participation in humanitarian and community initiatives, and by transforming the values of solidarity and mutual support into field practices targeting the most vulnerable groups.

IRAQ, DUHOK, KURDISTAN

Video | Duhok: Commemorating the International Day of Peace in the governorate of Kurdistan

LIBYA, ZAWIYA

On the International Day of Peace, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Stephanie Tetteh, visited the city of Zawiya. According to a statement by the UN mission, Tetteh met with representatives of local youth councils in the area to discuss ways to engage young people in the political process and listened to their aspirations to contribute to peacebuilding and development in Libya.

MAURITANIA

Mauritania commemorated the International Day of Peace on Wednesday in Nouakchott, under the slogan: “Investing in peace: for everyone, everywhere, every day.” On this occasion, Mauritania, in cooperation with the United Nations and its partners, is organizing a week of mobilization in the districts of Nouakchott, Bassikounou and Rosso, with the participation of institutions, local communities, youth, women, media and local actors, with the aim of promoting a culture of peace and strengthening social cohesion.

MOROCCO, CASABLANCA

Jardin d’Enfants Caramel. On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, our students become Architects of Peace.

OMAN, SEEB

Video of paper doves prepared by students at Al-Salam School
International Day of Peace | September 21

PALESTINE, RAMALLAH

This video from Baccalaureate Schools showcases its students celebrating the International Day of Peace

SUDAN WOMEN’S NETWORK

video: Sudanese Women’s Network and Sikka Tasamuh Network celebrate International Day of Peace

SUDAN SEMINAR

Video: To mark the International Day of Peace, the Radical Change Forces Alliance invites you to a seminar titled: Sustainable Peace in Sudan: Conditions, Prospects, and Challenges; Time: Monday, September 21, at 7:00 PM (Sudan time); Speakers: Kamal Karrar, Malaz Essam; Moderator: Hussein Saad

SYRIA, ALEPPO

video: On the occasion of International Day of Peace.. Aleppo Culture Directorate organizes an event for children titled “Syria, Land of Peace”

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, ABU DHABI

Baraem Alain Private School. Photos of student celebration of International Day of Peace

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, SHARJAH

GEMS Cambridge International Private School – Sharjah. LET’S WEAR WHITE FOR PEACE! Let’s fill GCS with white and stand together for peace, unity and hope.

Africa: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .
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A survey by CPNN

The following 33 actions in 19 African countries include those listed in Google during the weeks of September 16-28 this year under the key words “International day of peace” and “Journée internationale de la paix.” The events also include some listed on the facebook page for the International Cities of Peace and the website of Campaign Nonviolence.

For events in North Africa see the page of actions in the Arab States .

Cameroon, Yaoundé

Here are excerpts from the articles.

AFRICAN UNION

Addis Ababa, 21 September 2026: The Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), H.E. Amb. Hervé D. DJOKPE, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Benin to the African Union and Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council for the Month of September 2026, on behalf of the PSC, joins the international community in commemorating the International Day of Peace under the theme “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.” The Chairperson of Council expresses its deep appreciation to UNESCO for convening the commemoration of the International Day of Peace and to the Government of Angola for its enduring partnership in advancing the Pan African Forum for the Culture of Peace – the Luanda Biennale. The PSC seizes this opportunity to encourage all Member States to redouble their efforts to promote peaceful, diverse, tolerant and inclusive communities and societies. The PSC also encourages Member States, political parties, civil society organizations, the media, community and faith leaders, women and youth groups, academia, professional bodies. to embrace and promote the culture of tolerance and appreciation of the value of unity in diversity within the letter and spirit of Ubuntu.

BURUNDI

On this International Day of Peace, the First Lady of Burundi, HE. Angeline Ndayishimiye participated, on 21.9.206, in the high-level event on Women, Peace and Security, co-organized by the African Union Office of the Special Envoy on WPS

CAMEROON

Held under the theme “Investing in peace for all, everywhere, every day,” the 45th edition of the International Day of Peace was launched on September 16, 2026, via a national online forum bringing together government agencies, defense forces, civil society, and the diaspora to reflect on peacebuilding in Cameroon. Each agency outlined its specific area of ​​action. The Ministries of Secondary Education (MINESEC) and Basic Education (MINEDUB) are focusing on civic and moral education in schools, extracurricular activities, and the strengthening of civic-mindedness. The National Gendarmerie and National Police highlighted their mission to ensure the safety of people and property, a role supported by awareness-raising campaigns against violence. The National Youth Council (CNJC) showcased its dialogue platform, where young people are consulted on issues such as femicide and various forms of violence. Representing civil society, Local Youth Corner presented the Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda and its “N’a We We Jamboree” concept, which is set to expand to all ten regions. NewSETA highlighted its work promoting peace and democratic values ​​since 2013, while Women in Alternative Actions cited its national peace camp and “Queens for Peace” program.

CAMEROON

To mark the International Day of Peace, the NGO Wem’Afrika is organizing a webinar on: Silencing the Guns in Africa: Responding to Armed Conflicts, Military Coups & Emerging Security Threats Join us as we discuss peace, security, conflict prevention, and what we can do to contribute to a more peaceful Africa.

CAMEROUN, BUEA

Hundreds of congregants from the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) gathered on Sunday, September 13, 2026, to celebrate the International Day of Peace. Meeting in Buea at the PC New Town Airport congregation—part of the East Mungo South Presbytery—the Christians transformed the traditional Sunday service into a vibrant platform advocating for non-violence and social cohesion.

CAMEROUN, YAOUNDE

To mark the 45th International Day of Peace, celebrated on September 21, 2026, various civil society organizations and government representatives took part in a citizens’ march in Yaoundé on Saturday, September 19, 2026, to promote peace and living together.
Coordinated by the Ministry of Youth and Civic Education (MINJEC), the citizens’ march for peace and living together brought together civil society organizations, youth movements, and public authority representatives. Combating femicide and infanticide was a central theme of the event. Organizers called for a collective effort to protect women, girls, and children, and to fight against the violence targeting them.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, BANGUI

On Friday, September 18, 2026, MINUSCA held a press briefing in Bangui to announce the upcoming International Day of Peace, scheduled for September 21. This year’s theme is: “Investing in peace in the Central African Republic: diverse perspectives on achievements, challenges, and future outlooks.” During the event, journalists and bloggers engaged in a discussion regarding the media and the culture of peace. The session was led by the President of the High Council for Communication, who highlighted the media’s social responsibility regarding the prevention of hate speech, the fight against disinformation, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence. For his part, Souleymane—MINUSCA’s Civil Affairs representative and principal coordinator of field offices—reiterated the mission’s support for national peace priorities, as well as its backing of dialogue and conflict prevention mechanisms.

CHAD, N’DJAMENA

On Monday, September 21, 2026, the Ombudsman Institution, in cooperation with the United Nations, celebrated the International Day of Peace at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The 2026 session, held under the theme “Investing in Peace for All, Everywhere, Every Day,” was dedicated to discussing issues of peace, reconciliation, and social cohesion. The opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Ambassador Lamai Halina, along with officials from republican institutions, members of the government, and representatives from the United Nations and partner organizations. In his speech, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Chad, Dr. Francois Batalingaya, stressed that peacebuilding is not the responsibility of one institution alone, but requires the combined efforts of the state, local groups, communities, traditional and religious authorities, civil society, the media, the private sector, and international partners. Video on YouTube

CHAD, N’DJAMENA

On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, celebrated on September 21, 2026, the Chadian Socialist Intellectuals for Evolution (PISTE) called for strengthening dialogue, social cohesion, and appeasement in Chad. During a press conference in N’Djamena, the party advocated for the consolidation of peace, which it considers essential for the country’s socio-economic development and the well-being of its people. PISTE welcomed the presidential pardon granted to several political figures and called for further appeasement measures. On the political and institutional front, the party calls for the payment of subsidies to political parties, the restructuring of the CPDP (National Political Dialogue and Democracy Committee), and the establishment of a unity government that includes the country’s various political and social components.

CHAD, SARH

On the occasion of the International Day of #Peace, observed this Monday, September 21, 2026, the Préfixe Tchad Association calls upon the citizens of the Moyen-Chari province to make peace a shared responsibility. Its coordinator, Ndilabaye Ngarmadji, issued a statement at the organization’s headquarters, located in the Gardolet neighborhood of Sarh’s 5th municipal district.

COTE D’IVOIRE, SÉGUÉLA

To mark the International Day of Peace—observed annually on September 21 by the United Nations—the Youth Sounding Board Côte d’Ivoire, supported by the European Union, is organizing a regional meeting in Séguéla. The event focuses on issues of peace, conflict prevention, and social cohesion within the Worodougou region. Format: An in-person meeting at the Séguéla Regional Prefecture, featuring official addresses, thematic discussions, and sessions to present the commitments made by participants. The event is free and open to all, reflecting the spirit of inclusion that characterizes the Youth Sounding Board Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to empower young people as agents of peace and local development.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, CONGO, BUKAVU

On this day of commemoration, La Prunelle RDC ASBL [Non-Profit Association] calls upon the entire population and socio-political stakeholders to make peace a collective responsibility: prioritizing listening over division, dialogue over violence, fact-checking over rumor, and strict respect for human dignity.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, BUTEMBO-BENI

This year, National Justice and Peace Day is being celebrated on the eve of the International Day of Peace. This prompted the Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission (CDJP) of Butembo-Beni to organize a conference-debate in the conference hall at its offices, located at the Procure. In light of the nationally selected theme, the sub-themes “Terrorist ideology versus faith: the case of the ADF,” “Deterioration of the security situation and prospects for inclusive dialogue,” and “Extrajudicial conflict resolution and its role in harmonious coexistence: the experience of CDJP Butembo-Beni” will be explored between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, KINSHASA

To mark the 2026 International Day of Peace, the Synergie des Femmes pour la Paix et la Sécurité (SFPS) is organizing a two-day event in Kinshasa on September 21 and 22, 2026, dedicated to recognizing the role of women and girls in conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Held under the theme “Women and girls: investing in peace, recognizing those who build it,” this initiative aligns with the international theme “Investing in peace – For everyone, everywhere, every day.” The SFPS, which brings together more than 150 women’s organizations and networks, also aims to renew its commitment to implementing the National Action Plan (NAP) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

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Question for this article

What has happened this year (2026) for the International Day of Peace?

Democratic Republic of the Congo

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GHANA, CAPE COAST

International Peace Day serves as a global reminder of the importance of peace and the value of non-violence. The CRPC marked this day at the Police Hall in Cape Coast. It was attended by the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Prison Service, Ghana Fire Service, Religious leaders, Traditional Leaders, and students from secondary.

KENYA, KENYATTA UNIVERSITY

Kenyatta University has positioned university sport as a platform for peacebuilding, inclusion and social cohesion, bringing together more than 500 members of the University community and partners for a 10-kilometre walk to mark the International Day of University Sports and the International Day of Peace. The initiative brought together KU, UNESCO, the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, the Association of African Universities and other partners in a shared demonstration of how sport can promote dignity, dialogue, inclusion and peaceful coexistence.

KENYA, KISUMU

Moyo Connect LGBTQ Group will host a peaceful community dialogue and awareness session in Kisumu focused on nonviolence, inclusion, mental health, and human rights. The event will encourage peaceful action, mutual support, and community engagement while promoting respect and dignity for all.

KENYA, KITUI

New Hope Community Initiative will coordinate three nonviolent campaign actions: (1) a community healing and dialogue circle to promote reconciliation, (2) a nonviolence education workshop for youth and community members, and (3) an advocacy campaign engaging local leaders to strengthen peaceful conflict resolution, active bystander intervention, and community safety. These actions will encourage collaboration, reduce violence, and build a culture of peace in Kitui County.

LIBERIA, MATADI

This year’s celebration will focus on the importance of safe, inclusive and responsible digital spaces, particularly for women, girls and young people. The Network will promote the message: PROTECT PEOPLE. PROTECT“ VOICES. PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP.” The program will include a peace parade, keynote remarks, a panel discussion, youth and women’s reflections, and media engagement.
Expected guests and participants include representatives of the Government of Liberia, United Nations and development partners, civil society organizations, youth and women’s groups, media, community and religious leaders, and CPS Network partners. The President of the Press Union of Liberia, Mr. Julius Kanubah, has been invited as Guest Speaker.

MALI, BAMAKO

The International Day of Peace is scheduled for this coming September 21st. Here in Mali, however, the event was celebrated early—on Thursday, September 17, 2026—due to certain constraints. The observance took place at the Alioune Blondin Beye Peacekeeping School, centered on the theme: “Investing in people, institutions, and innovation for lasting peace.” This theme serves as a call for synergy to ensure better conditions for vulnerable communities. Watch this report for a recap of the International Day of Peace celebration.

MALI, BAMAKO

On the International Day of Peace, six civil society organizations signed a charter of commitment to peace. This took place in the presence of Mrs. Oumou Dicko, representative of UNESCO, as well as the president of the Universal Peace Federation, Mali section, Mr. Tiéoulé Satigui Sidibé. In this solemn declaration, the signatory organizations affirm, through this charter, their shared commitment to contributing to building a Mali where peace is a shared responsibility, where dialogue prevails over violence, where diversity is an asset, and where women and youth are fully engaged in peacebuilding. They thus pledge to join forces to make peace a lasting reality in communities and throughout Mali. The ceremony concluded with the signing of the wall of commitments by the initiating organisations (Regroupement des Orphelins RDO; Action Jeunes et Femmes pour le Developpement Durable; Universal Peace Federation UPF; Club Malien de Convergence CMC; Association des Scouts et Guides du Mali ASGM; Yeleen) and their partners

MAURITIUS

To mark the International Day of Peace, more than 400 participants took part in a peace march organized by Global Peace Chain Mauritius in Morcellement Saint-André on Monday, September 21. The initiative brought together people of different generations around the values ​​of unity, solidarity, tolerance, and mutual respect.

NIGER RADIO TELEVISION

On the sidelines of the International Day of Peace celebrations, the High Authority for Peace Consolidation and the Lac-Lac Network Association presented certificates of appreciation to various stakeholders who support their efforts to foster a culture of peace. Ten (10) recipients were honored—a gesture intended to encourage them to continue the fight for a culture of peace within the community.

NIGER, NIAMEY

“Investing in peace—for all, everywhere, every day”: this is the theme of the International Day of Peace, observed this Monday, September 21, 2026. The High Authority for Peace Consolidation discusses its importance for Niger. The Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) is the focus of a three-day workshop that opened this morning in Niamey.

NIGERIA, ABUJA

The Advanced Peace and Reconciliation Centre of Nigeria is pleased to announce its forthcoming United Nations International Day of Peace 2026 (World Peace Day) celebration. The event brings together peace advocates, community leaders, professionals, stakeholders and other members of the public for a meaningful gathering focused on peacebuilding, sustainable development and national security. Monday, 21 September 2026, National Merit Award House, Maitama, Abuja.

NIGERIA, MAKURDI, BENUE STATE

Youth, women and other relevant stakeholders in Benue State have signed a Peace Pact, committing themselves to peace, dialogue and non-violence during the 2027 elections. The stakeholders also agreed that they would not declare election results that had not been verified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting on the “ballot without bullets” stand. Drawn from the state’s three senatorial districts, the participants included Okada riders, tricycle operators, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, religious groups, women, and youths. They decided at the end of the commemoration of the 2026 International Day of Peace, held in Makurdi at the weekend. The week-long activities for the 2026 International Day of Peace were organised by the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation (BSCPR) in collaboration with the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) programme, Lawyers Alert, Cheerful Hands Initiative, COOPI and other partners.

SENEGAL WEBINAR

Partners West Africa Webinar. To mark the International Day of Peace, we invite you to join a webinar on the theme: “Investing in Peace: A Focus on the Role of Women in the Face of Conflict, Disinformation, and Social Cohesion Challenges”, Monday, September 21, 2026, 3:00 PM UTC, Online via Zoom

SEYCHELLES, PRESIDENT

On this International Day of Peace, I join the International Peace Day Committee and its partners in calling upon every Seychellois to become an everyday architect of peace. Let us choose dialogue over division, understanding over prejudice and cooperation over confrontation. Let us protect the peace that generations before us have helped to build and invest in the peace we wish to leave for our children and grandchildren. Let us move forward together, united by our love for our country and our shared commitment to the common good of Seychelles. May peace continue to prevail in our homes, in our communities, across our islands and throughout the world.

SOMALILAND, HARGEISA

International Day of Peace at the Midnimo Academy. Somaliland at a Regional Crossroads. Peace; Security and the Future of the Red Sea. With Panelist Prof. Abdi Ali Jama, Moderator Hoodo Hira, Panelist Dayab Adan X. Ali and ten keynote speakers.

SOUTH SUDAN, UN MISSION

“People are at the heart of everything we do,” says SRSG and Head of UNMISS Anita Kiki Gbeho. On the International Day of Peace, hear her message on why putting people first is key to building lasting peace in South Sudan

TANZANIA, ZANZIBAR

Peace Day, September 21, 2026, will mark the 27th anniversary of Peace Day. A gathering comprising government officials, college and university students, invited guests, members of the public (including women and youth), journalists, and security forces (this gathering will be attended by a Guest of Honor ZANZIBAR LORD MAYER.

UGANDA, KAMWENGE

From the 483rd International City of Peace (ICP), Base Camp II, Rwamwanja–Nkoma, Kamwenge, Uganda, we wish you a peaceful and wonderful International Day of Peace. May this day remind us that peace begins with unity, love, dialogue and respect for one another.

UGANDA, MBARARA

Peace Academy Nakivale and GAPSAFRICA (Global Alliance for Peace and Solidarity for Africa) will organize a children-focused peace and nonviolence action from September 21 to October 2, 2026. Activities will include peace education, peace circles, art, storytelling, cooperative games, acts of kindness, environmental action, and a nonviolence pledge. GAPSAFRICA volunteers will facilitate the activities and engage the wider community.

Who Cares About Development?

.. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ..

A blog by Briony Jones reprinted by permission.

I have just finished reading Wendy Harcourt’s book Conundrums of Care: Feminist Entanglements in Critical Development Studies. Over the last few weeks, I have been snatching moments at airports and after early morning school runs to journey through her personal stories, activist experiences, and academic reflections. Snatching these moments and giving them to myself has been a joyous act of self-care. It has also been an opportunity to spend time on a question which currently occupies me at work and at home: who cares about development?


International Development is in crisis. As has been widely discussed in the news, the sector is currently facing crippling funding shortages  and a legitimacy deficit  which leave many wondering whether it is worth saving at all. As multilateralism strains under the pressure of Trump 2.0, and populist politics polarises local and global communities, many critical development studies scholars, such as me, are left wondering what the development project of the future should be. And if we should have one at all.

In February 2025 the recently established UK Charity Diversity in Development published its evidence review A Profession for the Privileged? Towards a More Inclusive International Development Sector. The numbers are stark. Only 22 percent of staff in the former UK Government Department for International Development came from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and 64 percent of international development students at UK universities have parents in the highest two occupational categories. Many development organisations simply do not collect data on socioeconomic inclusion. A profession for the privileged indeed.

The Diversity in Development report findings are sadly not a surprise. Research has told us that international development professionals too often occupy an ‘aidland’ of self-designated experts moving quickly from one place to another. In doing so they displace other locally positioned knowledge in favour of neocolonial solutions intricately connected with global trade and geopolitics. In response, the last decade has seen an important, sustained, and challenging conversation about the ways in which development can be decolonised.

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Question for this article:

How can international development be transformed to foster a global ethics of care?

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Decolonising development is not a task for the fainthearted. It is not tinkering around the edges with reforms. It requires profound structural transformation and a tearing out of its roots. A 2024 exhibition at the Musée d’ethnographie de Genève  laid bare the co-constitutive relationship between colonial violence and the founding of humanitarianism. If International Development is, as some have said, founded on the very dichotomies it seeks to overcome, why care about its potential demise?

We might care because it is possible to see the current crisis in the International Development sector as an opportunity to do things better. We can learn from Sweden’s push for feminist foreign policy. We can learn from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation’s increase of development aid focused on equitable partnership and responsibility. We can learn from countless efforts  by people themselves to advocate for equal treatment and dignity.

For me, International Development is the belief in a collective effort to ensure that we can all live lives of dignity. We need to do this through dismantling historical structures of oppression which continue to live on in political and economic systems. We need to do this by redistributing the resources that only some of us accumulate, so that we may all benefit from them. International Development is a belief that the lives of others we may never meet are of equal value to our own. It is a project of care.

Feminists have long articulated the power of an ethics of care  which emphasises mutual connectedness of human life, and the deep connection between the personal and the structural. Recently, arguments have been made for an ethics of care to inform global citizenship. This moves firmly away from any sense of care as inherently soft, feminine, or personal, and towards care as a political and powerful stance against inequality and injustice. 

If International Development were to have care as its central organising idea the current situation would look very different. We would be asking how to address the wage differentials between ‘international’ and ‘local’ staff, how to support the emotional labour and trauma of development professionals  which feed toxic work cultures, and we would be doing a lot more listening than telling. As Wendy Harcourt puts it, it is through connecting more deeply with care that development can “challenge and change destructive economic and environmental practices of capitalist development processes”.

We should all care about development. We should care about who benefits and who loses from the current crisis of climate, economy, and multilateral politics. We should care about the continued human suffering and indignity caused by the way we organise ourselves politically, economically, and geographically. Most of all we should care about how the sector could be transformed to foster a global ethics of care.

 
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