International Day of Peace: A Call for Unity

Today, September 21st, marks the International Day of Peace – a date dedicated to a global appeal for the cessation of hostilities and the building of a peaceful future. Officially established by the UN General Assembly in 2001 with a resolution that came into force in 2002, this day is a symbol of hope for ending violence worldwide. Prior to this, between 1982 and 2001, the Day of Peace was observed on the third Tuesday of September, according to an earlier resolution from 1981.

The first observance of the day following the adoption of the new resolution in 2002 was marked by an emotional appeal from then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Annan, quoted by AFP, "called on all countries and peoples to observe the International Day of Peace tomorrow by ceasing all hostilities for 24 hours". He stressed that "twenty-four hours is not much, but enough for world leaders to begin listening to the voice of their peoples". Symbolically, Annan rang the Peace Bell – a gift from Japan, cast from coins sent by children from all over the world and erected in a garden next to the UN headquarters in New York.

The theme for the International Day of Peace in 2025 is "Act Now for Peace". In the context of growing global insecurity and turbulence, the UN"s message is clear: everyone, from frontline peacekeepers to ordinary citizens and schoolchildren, has a key role to play in building peace. The organization calls for an active fight against violence, hatred, discrimination, and inequality, for the demonstration of respect and acceptance of diversity. Specific actions have been suggested: dialogue, volunteering, countering discriminatory language, and careful fact-checking before sharing information online.

The Day of Peace is also observed in Bulgaria. Several schools across the country organized various initiatives. Students from the "P.R. Slaveikov" primary school in Burgas created a "Digital Wall of Peace", using artificial intelligence to generate images conveying their messages for a better world. In Sliven, third-graders from the "Jordan Yovkov" primary school made paper doves, a symbol of hope and peace. Initiatives for the Day of Peace were also undertaken by students at the "Otets Paisii" school in Samokov, where children shared their messages for peace through drawings, posters, white doves, and balloons, their common wish being: "Let there be peace and love among people". The atmosphere in the classrooms, decorated with children"s artwork, is filled with optimism and hope for a better future.