WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE?
The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") is observed around the world each year on 21 September. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.
This is a long-established universal website that serves all involved in Peace Day, beginning annually with the 100-day Countdown.
Let us all create Peace Day every day!
View the first major local global United Nations Peace Day Celebration in San Francisco in 1984 here.
Together Building a Culture of Peace through Diverse Pathways
Pathways To Peace (PTP) stands at the heart of a global movement to create a Culture of Peace—a world where cooperation, compassion, and respect for all life replace fear and conflict. As a longtime catalyst for peacebuilding innovation, PTP is credited with the establishment of the United Nations International Day of Peace, and played a vital role in the adoption of the historic United Nations Resolution on the Culture of Peace in 1999, helping to bring this transformative vision to the global stage. Since then, PTP has continued to turn that vision into action—connecting people, communities, and organizations around the world to co-create practical pathways toward peace. From grassroots initiatives to international partnerships, PTP empowers individuals and institutions alike to live the values of peace every day—proving that peace is not only possible, it’s already happening, one inspired action at a time.
“Peace is both an innate state of being and a dynamic, transformative, and evolutionary process.” At Pathways To Peace, we believe Peace begins within each individual—and radiates outward through our thoughts, words, and actions. As more people discover inner Peace, they naturally engage in Peaceful living, building communities rooted in compassion, understanding, and cooperation. Across the globe, we see this transformation taking hold—in the expanding reach of the International Day of Peace, the ripple effect of our partners, and the growing momentum toward unity and shared humanity. We are moving beyond separation, acting together to end violence, and embodying the Peace our world urgently needs. “Acting in concert, we do make a difference in the quality of our lives, our institutions, communities, and our planetary future. Through co-operation, we manifest the essential Spirit that unites us amidst our diverse ways.” — Avon Mattison, Founder of Pathways To Peace
2026 Theme: Invest in Peace - For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day
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.
Remember, peace isn’t just built in conference rooms—it is shaped by everyone, everywhere, every day.
Show us how you're building the architecture of peace and justice using #InvestInPeace.
Learn more HERE
#PeaceDay
From education to the arts, social justice to sports, health to the environment, neighborhood issues to service for others, there are many ways to participate in Peace Day! We invite you to create a public or private activity related to peace, spread the word about Peace Day and/or attend an event in your community.