United Nations celebrates International Day of Peace to promote unity

WABC

By Arielle Burton

September 21 is International Day of Peace, which originated in 1989 by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. A few decades later, the General Assembly declared to make the day a " period of non-violence and cease-fire."

Peace Day is the opportunity for "strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples." The 2017 UN theme for International Day of Peace is:

"Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All."

To commemorate the day, a #PeaceDayChallenge was created by the U.S. Institute of Peace to bring people together not just to observe the day, but to take action.

The International Day of Peace is in 10 days! Will you make #PeaceDay a day of action with the #PeaceDayChallenge? https://t.co/xhaBo424x4 pic.twitter.com/Dn4bNd9gXL
— U.S. Inst. of Peace (@USIP) September 11, 2017

To raise awareness for all issues related to peace, world organizations and peaceful influencers are spreading the message peace for everyone.

More than ever, let's stand up for Peace,
Respect,
Safety
& Dignity for All
21 September is International #PeaceDay🕊️https://t.co/asIUWEMmHf pic.twitter.com/IvOwMEieIL
— UNESCO (@UNESCO) September 21, 2017

"Be peaceful & love everyone." @Malala 🕊#peaceday pic.twitter.com/T6zxS9mnD4
— MAKERS (@MAKERSwomen) September 21, 2017

Happy International Day of Peace! 🕊️#PeaceDay #PeaceDay2017 pic.twitter.com/L5EwjNs0b3
— Olympic Channel (@olympicchannel) September 21, 2017

Give me love
Give me love
Give me peace on earth#lyric #PeaceDay @PeaceOneDay #InternationalDayOfPeace pic.twitter.com/Rn1kqKdQ3u
— George Harrison (@GeorgeHarrison) September 21, 2017

Here's a message we want to pass on to our kids. This #PeaceDay, we're excited to release #ImaginePeace w/ @HMHKids! https://t.co/bUcHdaB476 pic.twitter.com/5xFO8zR6Y5
— AmnestyInternational (@amnestyusa) September 21, 2017

"Peace is not just the absence of conflict; peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish...." #PeaceDay #PeaceDay2017 pic.twitter.com/dF3uMJBZL8
— NelsonMandela (@NelsonMandela) September 21, 2017

Even though September 21 is the day designated to celebrate peace, it does not have to stop there. The purpose of the movement is to embrace tranquility for all, not only just for one day, The movement aims to create a world where people everywhere can unite, despite their differences.

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