International Day of Peace 2021: Theme, History and Significance
Every year, World Peace Day is observed on 21 September with an aim to remind people of all races and all nations to think about universal peace. It becomes crucial to give peace a chance at present time when several parts of the world are in conflict with one another. History tells that conflict and long-term violence has brought about nothing but despair and an uncertain future for many. So every moment is worth dedicating to promoting peace, strengthening the ideals of peace and global solidarity for building a peaceful and sustainable world. This day is devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
“Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world”
This year’s theme for International Peace Day is “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world.” The theme focuses on how to help everyone recover better, how to develop resilience, and how to transform the world into one that is more inclusive, sustainable, and healthier. The theme is in context of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the Covid pandemic has affected everyone’s life and hit the underprivileged and marginalized groups the hardest. The United Nations in a statement pointed out the inequality around the world especially amidst the pandemic, the organisation said that by April 2021, over 687 million COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered globally, but over 100 countries have still not received a single dose.
This International Peace Day also aims to turn attention towards the environment and the threats from climate change and global warming. The UN said in its statement that “we must make peace with nature.”
History of World Peace Day
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in 1981, established the third Tuesday of September,which is also the opening day of the regular sessions of the General Assembly, as International Day of Peace. Later, in 2001, the General Assembly declared 21 September as International Day of Peace.
“In 2021, as we heal from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are inspired to think creatively and collectively about how to help everyone recover better, how to build resilience, and how to transform our world into one that is more equal, more just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and healthier,” the UN says on its website.
