2005 International Day of Peace celebrated in Japanese Schools

The United Nations General Assembly decided in 2001 that beginning in 2002, the International Day of Peace should be observed on September 21st each year. The Assembly declared that the Day be observed as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, an invitation to all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities during the Day. It invited all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, regional and non-governmental organizations and individuals to commemorate the Day through education and public awareness, and to cooperate with the United Nations in establishing a global ceasefire.

Since 1997, the World Peace Prayer Society, a sister organization of the Goi Peace Foundation, has assisted the United Nations Department of Public Information in organizing the annual student observance for the International Day of Peace at UN Headquarters, which includes a World Peace Flag Ceremony.

In Japan, the Goi Peace Foundation is collaborating with the United Nations Information Centre in Tokyo for the second year running to disseminate information about the International Day of Peace to public and private schools throughout Japan, encouraging them to observe the Day in their own creative ways. In 2005 the International Day of Peace was widely supported by the Ministry of Education of Japan, prefectural boards of education, school networks and some media organizations, with activity reports submitted by more than 60 schools. A total of about 25,000 students from elementary through high school took part in the observation. Many schools had teachers speak about the International Day of Peace during morning assemblies and in class, or organized special programs to study and discuss peace, the work of the United Nations, and current international affairs. Other activities centered around the theme of peace, included essay writing, poster drawing, creating slogans, singing songs, and sharing a minute of silence. Some schools also made outreach efforts to raise awareness of the Day in their homes and local communities, while others used the occasion to learn about the UN Millennium Development Goals and think of ways in which individuals can make a difference in this world.

Members and friends of the Goi Peace Foundation and the WPPS also observed the International Day of Peace in various parts of the world by dedicating Peace Poles, conducting World Peace Prayer Ceremonies, participating in community service projects, and sharing the prayer "May Peace Prevail on Earth."

International Day of Peace celebrations around the world

International Day of Peace - United Nations website