The Day was established in 1981 by A/RES/36/67 of the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with its opening session every September. The General Assembly in 2001 voted unanimously to fix observance of the Day on 21 September as a day of non-violence and ceasefire by A/RES/55/282 . The United Nations works in a wide cross-section of areas to address the root causes of conflict, including in poverty reduction, HIV/AIDS prevention, humanitarian assistance, promotion of human rights, development of international agreements and legal instruments, peace operations, electoral assistance, support for democratization, preventive diplomacy and economic and social development. On 21 September, the Day will be observed at UN Headquarters with the traditional ceremony in which Secretary-General Kofi Annan will ring the Peace Bell for the last time during his term in office. Seven Messengers of Peace -- Muhammad Ali, Vijay Amritraj, Anna Cataldi, Michael Douglas, Jane Goodall, Wynton Marsalis, Elie Wiesel -- are expected to accompany the Secretary-General. Numerous commemorative events and activities are planned around the world by United Nations offices, governmental and non-governmental agencies, and civil society and religious groups to promote the ideals of peace and non-violence. For instance, a Peace Day rally at Dhaka University will take place in Bangladesh, and a half-marathon Peace Run will be organized on Sunday 24 September in Ethiopia. This year, the UN will use the Day to note the many ways it works for peace and to encourage individuals, groups and communities around the world to contemplate and communicate thoughts and activities on how to achieve peace. The Wall of Peace action will take place these days implying about 200 elementary and middle school youth from various ethnic communities to be invited to paint their visions of peace on large panels to be displayed at locations throughout Kosovo. In Ukraine, a special concert of Ukrainian authentic music will be organized with participation of groups “Bozhychi” and “Karpatiyany” at 19:00, on September 21 at the art centre of the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (9 Illiynska Str.). As stated the Secretary-General Kofi Annan in his message on the International Day of Peace, “In fact, there are fewer wars today than in previous decades. But still far too many…And let each of us pledge to do more, wherever we can make a difference, to bring about lasting peace.” Full speach is available here. More information on the International Peace Day worldwide could be find at http://www.un.org/peaceday | 
18.09.06
