#GlobalGoals: Check date, history, theme & significance of International Day of Peace 2023
International Day of Peace 2023
International Peace Day 2023: The International Day of Peace (IDP) or World Peace Day is celebrated worldwide on September 21 of every year. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), dedicated to promoting peace among the countries, strengthening the idea of peace and fostering a non-violentculture.
The day is dedicated to educating people about the importance of coexistence and conflict prevention.
It is represented by a dove and anolive branch. The 'dove' represents peace and freedom, while the 'olive branch' has been a traditional symbol of peace since ancient times.
Here's the history, theme and significance of International Peace Day 2023:
History and Theme:
The International Day of Peace was established on 30 September 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Almost two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the day as a period of "non-violence and ceasefire."
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
American blogger Perez Hilton, covered in blood, cuts himself during livestream, hospitalized after distressing incident
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
Why did India turn down the US offer for F-35 fighter jets? EXPLAINED
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
'Can't rip open my chest but...': On Day 11 of student protest, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren breaks silence
)
Why did FSSAI ban the sale of Old Monk, Antiquity Blue and other liquor brands?
)
22 children dead, 35 infected: India's Gujarat faces Chandipura virus outbreak — Experts explain symptoms
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Can an S-400 detect a bird?
)
‘India’s FCRA bill an attack on Christians, could hit bilateral ties,’ says US lawmaker
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
)
Another assassination attempt? Armed man arrested at Trump's golf course ahead of presidential visit to LA
)
Punjab Assembly passes resolution against Centre's mandatory E20 petrol rollout
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
'Should not be bullied': CJP says movement will expand beyond protests. Politics, or something bigger?
)
WMO warns Super El Niño is set to become monstrous between Aug-Oct - This was 'only a warm-up act'
)
WI vs PAK, 2nd Test: Spinner Sajid Khan helps Pakistan turn screw for series-levelling win against hosts
)
Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors
)
Influencer killed on livestream: Mexican cartel boss' son asked dad to kill woman who broke up with him
)
Trump goes 'bing bing bing' 11 times within 5 seconds at Iran war briefing
)
What’s happening in Nepal? How did a local clash turn into communal violence? WION Decodes
)
Scientists find descendants of ancient sea creatures trapped under Antarctica's Blood Falls
)
'I believe in freedom of expression...': Shashi Tharoor clarifies on attending event where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will address Gen Zs
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
7 longest flights in the world - Singapore, Qantas, Qatar and others
)
Who is Devendra Nath Mahto, Jharkhand’s 'Sonam Wangchuk' fasting for protesting students?
)
Indian vessel sinks after Red Sea attack off Yemen; all crew rescued
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Who is Sujatha Vijayakumar? The producer defending daughter Aarti in Ravi Mohan divorce battle
)
'World's most beautiful village' with only 627 people generated Rs 58 lakh in traffic fines in 2025
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (August 3-9, 2026): Main Vaapas Aaunga, Uyir, Operation Safed Sagar- 6 titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Did military GPS jamming cause a plane to crash in New Mexico? Here's what a report says
)
Ghajini villain Pradeep Rawat passes away at 74 after battle with cancer
The first IDP was celebrated on 21 September 1982 and marked a significant step towards promoting peace and raising awareness about the importance of peacekeeping efforts across the world. However, in 2001 the date for it was officially declared as September 21.
The theme for this year's International Peace Day is "Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals." It aims to recognise individual and collective responsibility to foster peace.
Fostering peace means contributing to the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieving them by creating a peaceful culturefor everyone.
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, "Peace is needed today more than ever. War and conflict are unleashing devastation, poverty, and hunger, and driving tens of millions of people from their homes. Climate chaos is all around. And even peaceful countries are gripped by gaping inequalities and political polarisation."
Significance:
The International Day of Peace aims to remind people of the UN's commitment to peace and a conflict-free world. It encourages people to work together and toward a more peaceful world.
The day continues to be an important hand for promoting understanding and cooperation among people and nations as the UN believes that true peace is just not about the absence of violence but also the "building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish."
(With inputs from agencies)
WATCH WION LIVE HERE
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.