Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

The theme for 2017 is “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All.”

Message from António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General:

On the International Day of Peace, we reflect on the cruel price of war. Ruined schools. Bombed hospitals. Broken families. Refugees searching for hope. Countries in crisis. The United Nations was born from a terrible World War. Our mission is to work for peace -- every day and everywhere. No group interest, national ambition or political difference should be allowed to put peace at risk. On this International Day, we call for a global ceasefire. We must never -- ever -- stop pressing for an end to armed conflict. Peace is the right and the desire of all people. It is the foundation for progress and well-being – happy children, thriving communities, and peaceful, prosperous countries. Let us pledge to work together – today and every day – for the peace we all yearn for and deserve. read more

Message from Stefan Stoev, IDEA Society Chairman:

Peace is our obligation as humans. The International Day of Peace is a occasion to pay tribute to does who have contributed to peace, and a reminder that peace is not granted, but a constant challenge. Today in the year 2017 we are witnessing inhuman developments. Since the prehistoric men 4 million years ago mankind advanced in many directions, but still failed to reach a basic level of understanding within itself. It is the responsibility of every next generation to advance in this effort until society gets there.

The theme honours the spirit of TOGETHER, a global initiative that promotes respect, safety and dignity for everyone forced to flee their homes in search of a better life. TOGETHER unites the organizations of the United Nations System, the 193 Member States of the United Nations, the private sector, civil society, academic institutions and individual citizens in a global partnership in support of diversity, non-discrimination and acceptance of refugees and migrants. It was initiated during the United Nations Summit for Refugees and Migrants on 19 September 2016.

“In times of insecurity, communities that look different become convenient scapegoats,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. “We must resist cynical efforts to divide communities and portray neighbours as ‘the other’. Discrimination diminishes us all. It prevents people — and societies — from achieving their full potential.” He added, “Together, let us stand up against bigotry and for human rights. Together, let us build bridges. Together, let us transform fear into hope.”

This year, the International Day of Peace will focus on engaging and mobilizing people throughout the world to show support for refugees and migrants. Its messages will be shared with communities hosting refugees and migrants as well as people concerned that refugees and migrants may bring physical and economic insecurity to their lives.

The Day will highlight solidarity with refugees and migrants and showcase the shared benefits of migration to economies and nations, while also acknowledging legitimate concerns of host communities. Ultimately, it will be about bringing people together and reminding them of their common humanity.

Young people will have a vital role to play. For example, they can volunteer to welcome and help refugees and migrants in their communities. They can also extend the hand of friendship to young refugees and migrants who they might meet in their classrooms and neighbourhoods.

On 15 September 2017, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., the Secretary-General will celebrate the Day in the Peace Garden at United Nations Headquarters by ringing the Peace Bell and observing a minute of silence. United Nations Messengers of Peace will participate in the ceremony. The United Nations Education Outreach Section will hold a global student videoconference on the same day, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., also at United Nations Headquarters.

Source: http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/

Perspectives for sustainable Peace in Europe - The UN Vision, the Role of Parliamentarians and Civil Society

Friday, September 15th 2017, 9:30 – 17:30

Vienna International Centre - United Nations, C-Building, Conference Room C1, 2nd floor

Registration (required)

The Universal Peace Federation and partnering organizations are pleased to invite you to attend a conference commemorating the United Nations International Day of Peace to be held in Vienna, Austria on September 15th 2017 with a special focus on researching the role, which parliamentarians in cooperation with civil society are able to play in securing peace for Europe and its wider neighborhood.

The theme should be addressed in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16: Promote Peace, Justice and Inclusive Societies.

Program:

Registration for UN day pass: (9:00 – 10:00)

Session I (10:00 – 12:00)

Migration, Refugee Crisis, Brexit – European Perspectives for the 21st Century

Lunch - Restaurant in the VIC (12:15 – 13:15)

Ringing the Peace Bell (13:15 – 13:45)

Session II (14:00 – 15:30)

The Role of Parliamentarians for sustainable Peace in Europe

Session III (16:00 – 17:30)

Europe-Eurasia and Balkan: Building Trust and Securing Cooperation

A ground pass is required to enter Vienna International Centre (VIC). If you do not have a permanent pass, please register not later than September 11th, on www.weltfriede.at. Those, who would like to enter the VIC and attend the conference, on September 15th 2017, are requested to present their identity document at Gate 1 of the VIC. The VIC, 1220 Wien, Wagramerstrasse 5, is best reached by Subway U1 (Kaisermühlen).