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 Day’s theme for 2016 is “The Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace.”

My friends lets resolve to spend our lives seeking peace and love. We must reject violence, racism, bias, homophobia and hate. Our world is a fragile place where we all live together on the same planet. It must start in our hearts and spill out into our communities. It’s time to build bridges of hope and reconciliation to make our world a better place. For more information visit the United Nations page at International Day of Peace.