The Norwegian Nobel Committee decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2008 to Martti Ahtisaari for his important efforts, on several continents and over more than three decades, to resolve international conflicts. His efforts have contributed to a more peaceful world and “fraternity between nations” in Alfred Nobel’s spirit.

Throughout all his adult life, whether as a senior Finnish public servant and President or in an international capacity, often connected to the United Nations, Ahtisaari has worked for peace and reconciliation. For the past twenty years, he has figured prominently in endeavours to resolve several serious and long-lasting conflicts. In 1989-90 he played a significant part in the establishment of Namibia’s independence; in 2005 he and his organization Crisis Management Initiative (CMI) were central to the solution of the complicated Aceh question in Indonesia. In 1999 and again in 2005-07, he sought under especially difficult circumstances to find a solution to the conflict in Kosovo. In 2008, through the CMI and in cooperation with other institutions, Ahtisaari has tried to help find a peaceful conclusion to the problems in Iraq. He has also made constructive contributions to the resolution of conflicts in Northern Ireland, in Central Asia, and on the Horn of Africa.

Ahtisaari is an outstanding international mediator. Through his untiring efforts and good results, he has shown what role mediation of various kinds can play in the resolution of international conflicts. The Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to express the hope that others may be inspired by his efforts and his achievements.

The UN Ambassador to Afghanistan, Kai Eide, says that Peace Day 2008 had a big impact in this part of the world: ”Overall, there is no doubt that the security situation is deteriorating, the figures show that and it is of grave concern. But at the same time the United Nations in Afghanistan was able to mobilize its agencies and partners and millions of ordinary Afghans to respect the International Day of Peace on 21 September. Hostilities were almost brought to a halt and more than 1.8 million children were vaccinated against polio. So even when the situation is difficult, peaceful activities can take place. That gives me hope for Afghanistan.” (Trend News D.Ibrahimova / Interview with UN Ambassador to Afghanistan, Kai Eide.)

In 2007, the United Nations passed a resolution (A/RES/61/271) establishing October 2nd as the annual International Day of Non-Violence. The Day is highlighted as part of the UN’s work for a culture of peace, and is connected to the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World, 2001-2010. October 2nd is the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and stategy of non-violence. Governments, organizations and individuals are invited to commemorate the Day and to spread the message of non-violence through its education and public awareness. For more information, please visit the UN pages.

On this International Day of Peace, September 21 2008, we thank everyone for visiting the site, and wish you a day full of peace and celebrations!

See webcasts from the UN celebrations in New York! (RealPlayer)

Listen to the “Humanity Rocks” concert from Phoenix, AZ - live online! (7-9pm PST)

The free online Peace Day Magazine is packed with events in every major city on Earth, and stories about people making strides in peacebuilding around the world. This exciting issue will tell you all about Peace Day 2008, and how you can get in on the fun and excitement. There are festivals, concerts, marches, conferences, kids parades and lots more. Find an event near you, or put on one of your own – you’ll find it all in this FREE digital magazine – with music and flash!

The Peace Day brochure plus sample proclamations for Presidents and Prime Ministers are available for downloading in Spanish. Check under “Download Materials“!

Follow the Peace Day celebrations at UN Headquarters in New York online: www.un.org/webcast (9.30am-12.30pm (EDT))

CNN’s iReport, a news-oriented kind of YouTube, just launched a special page for the International Day of Peace - www.ireport.com/daysofpeace Just get registered and put your calls for world leaders and personal stories in videos, photos and texts online for everyone to see. And if you are lucky, your story will be broadcasted by CNN.

Also, please keep sending your text messages to world leaders with the word “PEACE” and then your message to 69866 (in the US only) or send an online message from www.peaceday2008.org! The United Nations are hoping to receive 10,000 text messages and several thousands online messages by Sunday, September 21!

The Borabu Sports for Peace initiative aims to use the power of sport to provide a positive environment for interaction for young people affected by the recent post-election conflict in the Borabu-Sotik Border, Kenya, where over 70 people lost lives and over 20,000 were displaced. The 21 September event to be held at Borabu will launch a series of activities for youth aged 8 to 21 in schools and communities across Borabu and Sotik which were most affected by the recent unrest. Activities will include talks, drama workshops, tree planting as well as sports tournaments. Heideliberg Christian Community & Medical Centre (HCCMC) and 5 community-based organizations will help organize the activities and children will have access to trained peer counselors.

If you’re looking for a Peace Day event in your area, and can’t find it in the “Events Calendar“, take a look at the new “Peace Day Supporters” page. Here you will find a list of organizations that actively promote Peace Day and present their own lists of events online. Click on the link after each organization to visit their websites!