A UN resolution established the International Day of Peace (Peace Day) in 1981. The first Peace Day was celebrated in 1982 and was held on the third Tuesday of September each year until 2002 when September 21 became the permanent date for the International Day of Peace.
Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all their differences and to contribute to a Culture of Peace.
Peace is not merely the absence of war. Peace begins with the small, intentional decisions we make in our daily lives. It lives in the way we speak to our neighbours, the empathy we show to those who are different from us, and our collective stand against hatred, prejudice, and misinformation.
The peace dove flying with an olive branch in its beak is one of the most recognizable symbols for Peace Day. In Judaism, Christianity and Islam a white dove is a sign of peace. The dove represents a peace offering from one person to another, hence the phrase “to extend an olive branch”. The dove is represented as still in flight to remind people of its role as a messenger.
As Lions we can celebrate the International Day of Peace and advance the causes of peace by:
- Performing random acts of kindness as individuals or a club
- Observe a minute silence at 12 noon on September 21. As individuals, a club or a broader group.
- Write peace poetry to recite at a gathering.
- Have a Feast for Peace.
- Tree planting for peace
- Organize a Peace Walk. Participants can wear t-shirts displaying messages of peace.
Or my favourite.
- Engage with local schools and youth groups to participate in the Lions International Peace Poster and Essay competition.
By encouraging children to think about conflict resolution and how peace can be achieved we lay the foundation for a more just and harmonious world.
Or as stated in the UNESCO constitution “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed”.
Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. -Desmond Tutu
Peter Matthews
Member of the Lions Club of Greater Mt Gravatt Mansfield
Peace Poster / Peace Essay / Junior Public Speaking 2025-2026
Phone: 0414 888 392
