ISLAMABAD:International Day of Peace (IDP) is observed around the world on 21 September each year as the UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
United Nations Secretary-General António 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 polarization.”
In his message, he said that this year’s theme reminds us that peace is not automatic but it is the result of action to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure that no one is left behind.
He said it is a call to action that recognizes our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace which contributes to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will create a culture of peace for all.