The Words of the Gehring Family
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The Words of the Gehring Family |
New York, USA -- With a shared interest in sports as instruments for peace, UPF chapters are organizing Sports for Peace projects on the upcoming UN International Day of Peace, September 21. These one-day programs integrate athletic competitions and education in sportsmanship as a way to promote peaceful communities.
Such cooperation for a greater purpose demonstrates the culture of peace that is at the heart of the UN International Day of Peace.
This year's observance focuses on youth and development, under the slogan: "Peace = Future." UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon calls on youth everywhere to "Expand on your work to build peace. Share your plans and ideas, with creativity and passion. The world's concerns will soon be in your hands."
The International Day of Peace was established by the UN General Assembly in 1981 for "commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace within and among all nations and people." Twenty years later, the General Assembly decided that September 21 would be observed annually as a "day of global ceasefire and non-violence" and invited all Member States, organizations and individuals to commemorate the day, including through education and public awareness, and to cooperate with the United Nations in the establishment of a global ceasefire.