The document reports on commemorations of the UN International Day of Peace held on September 21, 2012 in over 30 countries. Events included seminars, conferences, poetry contests, clean-up activities, and interfaith ceremonies focused on themes of sustainable peace, peacebuilding, and creating a sustainable future.
1. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2012
“Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future”
Commemorations organized by
Universal Peace Federation chapters in
Afghanistan
Argentina
Australia
Brazil
Cambodia
Czech
Republic
Dominican
Republic
Ecuador
Estonia
Ethiopia
France
Georgia
Germany
India
Israel
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Macedonia
Malaysia
Moldova
Nepal
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Peru
Russia
Scotland
Spain
Sri Lanka
Taiwan
Ukraine
United States
Zambia
2. KABUL: Speeches, poetry, and drama at the Ghargistan Institute of
Higher Education offered a respite from three decades of conflict.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Afghanistan
3. BUENOS AIRES: Prizes were awarded in the annual poetry contest with
this year’s theme: “Words of Meeting and Universal Consciousness.”
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Argentina
4. VICTORIA: A seminar at Monash University focused on the principles
of peacebuilding and strategies for implementing them.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Australia
5. SAO PAULO: A program at the City Hall included an interfaith water
ceremony that included representatives of various religions.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Brazil
6. SAO PAULO: The Sao Paulo Commercial Association hosted an
interfaith program featuring speeches, music, and awards.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Brazil
7. CHAMBOK: University students traveled to the Kirirom National Park
to learn about sustainable development and help plant trees.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Cambodia
8. PRAGUE: A conference in the European House featured various
speakers on the theme of “Sustainable Peace for the Future.”
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Czech Republic
9. SAN JUAN DE LA MAGUANA: The Santo Domingo State University
Branch at San Juan hosted a program of music and speeches.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Dominican Republic
10. QUITO: A representative of UN Women addressed an observance in
the Hall of the National Union of Journalists.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Ecuador
11. GUAYAQUIL: A program took place in the Simon Bolivar Hall of the
Government of Guayas.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Ecuador
12. TOILA: A presentation to students about the International Day of
Peace stimulated discussions about peacebuilding.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Estonia
13. VÄIKE-MAARJA: A presentation to students about the International
Day of Peace stimulated discussions about peacebuilding.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Estonia
14. ADDIS ABABA: Literature about the role of families in peacebuilding
was distributed during a forum at the African Union headquarters.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Ethiopia
15. VANNES: Forum with perspectives from
economics, education, development, and feminine values
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
France
16. TBILISI: A conference at the David Aghmashenebeli University
explored the potential for peacebuilding in the South Caucasus.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Georgia
17. AKHALTSIKHE: A gathering at the Rabat fortress, a historic multi-
religious site, promoted tolerance and interreligious cooperation.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Georgia
18. International Day of Peace
Weltfriedenstag 2012
Wildeshausen: Auch der dreijährige Mekke Karaca hatte anlässlich
BONN: Peacemaking activities for young and old included
songs, poems, prayers, and creating messages of good will.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Germany
19. NEW DELHI: Inauguration of a peace club at Jamia Millia Islamia
university and an intercollegiate football tournament
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
India
20. JERUSALEM: An information table on a pedestrian street during the
Sukkot festival promoted messages of peace.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Israel
21. MONZA: Participants in an interfaith vigil in front of the Town Hall
offered reflections, prayers, and music in support of peace.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Italy
22. TOKYO: Families attended a teach-in about the key role of families in
building sustainable peace and then worked together to clean streets.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Japan
23. RIGA: A professor from the military academy addressed a forum on
“Prospects for Peace and Security for a Sustainable Future.”
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Latvia
24. SKOPJE: A forum at FON University on Principles and Practices for
Lasting Peace and Security in Macedonia and the Wider Balkans
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Macedonia
25. IPOH: A program at the Kinta Riverfront Hotel included
speeches, cultural performances, prayers, and an interfaith water
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Malaysia
26. CHISINAU: A training program in the principles of peacebuilding and
their application included lectures, discussions, and role playing.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Moldova
27. KATHMANDU: Religious leaders lit lamps at the Buddha Dharma
Center, opening a program of speeches and prayers for peace.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Nepal
28. BIRATNAGAR: Ambassadors for Peace, women, and youth participated
in an interactive program about peacebuilding.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Nepal
29. CHITWAN: Food was distributed to senior citizens.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Nepal
30. POKHARA: A speech contest on the theme of “Sustainable Peace for a
Sustainable Future” took place at the Social Public English School.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Nepal
32. NEPALGUNJ: Students joined a street-cleaning program to raise
awareness about the link between peace and a sustainable future.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Nepal
33. BHAKTAPUR: Students and Girl Scouts helped clean a park.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Nepal
35. HETUADA: Former MP Hon. Prahalad Lamichhane initiated a program
of cleaning the streets and walkways.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Nepal
36. AUCKLAND: A forum about ways people of different religions can
cooperate for peace concluded with an interfaith water ceremony.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
New Zealand
37. Abuja: A two-day conference on Marriage and Family as Instruments
for Sustainable Peace, National Development, and Sustainable Future
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Nigeria
38. OSLO: The documentary “Within the Eye of the Storm” featured
Palestinians and Israelis from the Parents Circle/Families Forum.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Norway
39. LIMA: A forum in the Peruvian Congress and a march in Tumbes.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Peru
40. KHABAROVSK: At a program in the city’s gymnasium, students made
doves to symbolize peace, stability, and prosperity.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Russia
41. KONDOPOGA: Members of the Young Ambassadors for Peace Club and
local activists joined students in a rally for peace.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Russia
42. KOSTOMUKSHA: In a week of peacebuilding activities, students drew
their visions of peace and distributed paper doves to passersby.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Russia
43. MOSCOW: The Lyublino Children’s Sports Center team won a Play
Football for Peace tournament, which promotes a culture of peace.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Russia
44. MOSCOW: Organizers shared stories of peacebuilding during the
100-day campaign that led up to the UN International Day of Peace.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Russia
45. NOVOSIBIRSK: People were given cards with the Day of Peace symbol
and encouraged to add a message and send it to relatives or friends.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Russia
46. PERM: Students at the Perm Pedagogical College made paper doves.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Russia
47. RYAZAN: Activists distributed leaflets with information about the
International Day of Peace and made plans for future programs.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Russia
48. ST. PETERSBURG: Balloons with messages of peace were released at
the close of a program about ways of celebrating the Day of Peace.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Russia
50. EDINBURGH: Speakers at a conference in the Scottish Parliament
addressed the topic: “The Way of Permanent Peace.”
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Scotland
51. MADRID: An interreligious and international forum concluded with a
presentation of the annual “Helping Your Neighbor” awards.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Spain
52. COLOMBO: A program at 8th session of the national Youth Parliament
focused on “Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future.”
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Sri Lanka
53. TAIPEI: Scholars and religious leaders participated in a consultation
about a proposed interreligious peace council.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Taiwan
54. KIEV: Students at a boarding school heard a presentation about the
Day of Peace, joined in peace-building games, and enjoyed presents.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Ukraine
55. WASHINGTON, DC: Speakers at a forum about peace prospects
included diplomats and social activists.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
United States
56. LUSAKA: Religious leaders, students, and Ambassadors for Peace
attended a program at the Peace Embassy.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2012
Zambia