The Sunday Times TV - International Day of Peace

Each year, thousands of events take place all around the world for the International Day of Peace. Every Peace Day event provides an opportunity to inspire and empower communities to celebrate victories for peace that have been won throughout the year, and to rededicate our commitment to work for a more peaceful, just and sustainable world all year long.

Be seen. Be visible. Let the world know you care about peace.

All United Nations member countries agreed that September 21, the International Day of Peace, should be observed as a Global Ceasefire and day of peace and non-violence (United Nations Resolution 55/282). Established by a United Nations resolution in 1981, the International Day of Peace was first celebrated in September 1982.

Wherever you are. Who participates in it? You and all who care about building a peaceful life for people all over the world today. On Peace Day each year, young people in countries all over the world take a Minute of Silence at 12 noon in their time zone to support the United Nations in its mission of world peace. Will your school participate?

"To encourage worldwide, 24-hour spiritual observations for peace and non-violence on the International Day of Peace, September 21, 2006 in every house of worship and place of spiritual practice, by all religious and spiritually based groups and individuals, and by all men, women and children who seek peace in the world."

World Peace Day provides a focus for young people to reflect on how they can create peace at home, on the street and in their school. It also provides the opportunity for them to consider how they can play their part in creating peace across the world.

As our country is torn apart by fighting once more, peace seems to be something very far away and very hard to get to. Despite this, many Sri Lankans are trying to make their views felt by taking part in peace parades, writing to papers, helping refugees and essentially doing all they can. What about you? Do you want peace? Do you want a happy ending? Then you're going to have to do something about it.

*Join the Countdown to Peace - every day is an opportunity to create peace and to spread the message about humanity's first day of peace on September 21.

* Join people throughout the world in one minute of silence (or more!) this day.

* Ring a bell, light a candle and/or pray for peace. Each year the International Day of Peace is launched at the United Nations with a minute of silence and the ringing of the Peace Bell.

* Be kind, forgiving and compassionate in all relationships, with all circles of life.

* Make a Peace Bracelet.

* Each year thousands of Peace Vigils take place for the International Day of Peace. These range from small vigils of just a few people to huge gatherings of up to 300,000 people. Make your commitment to hold a Peace Day vigil.

* Plant a tree for Peace. Any school can join the more than 300 schools in 90 countries that participate in the ENO Schools program (Environment Online) to plant trees for the International Day of Peace as a symbol for environmental protection and international cooperation, cultural diversity, tolerance and peace. Even if you can't do it with a big group, do it anyway. Ask your teacher to help you in class or plant one in your garden with your family.

* Volunteer for a service project in your community: Volunteering for a service project in your community on the International Day of Peace is a tangible way to make a difference for a more peaceful, just and sustainable world.

* Organise a Peace Day parade: A Peace Day Parade or Peace Day March with colourful flags and positive peace messages is a powerful way to inspire your community with hope on the International Day of Peace.