It feels like the year 2020 is full with ‘surprises’ that make not just one, but billions of people around the world facing difficulties. The COVID-19 pandemic that has hit so many countries around the world has plunged the world economy and caused panic. The society is haunted by fear, which subconsciously removes the peace within us.
Even so, that doesn’t mean we have to keep falling and panicking over situations that are beyond our control. Making peace with the problem is one of many ways to start a new step and face the challenge. This pandemic has also made us aware of protecting nature and the surrounding environment. This awareness is in line with the United Nations’ aims in celebrating the International Day of Peace on 21 September 2020. The United Nations has declared to invite the world to help each other and protecting environment.
“Heal our planet and change it for the better. Even though we may not be able to stand next to each other, we can still dream together,” the UN stated on their official website, un.org.
With “Shaping Peace Together” as their theme, the United Nations invites the world community to spread kindness to others in facing the pandemic. “Celebrate the day by spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic. Stand together with the UN against attempts to use the virus to promote discrimination or hatred.”
Celebrating International Day of Peace in this pandemic can be started from the nearest environment around you. You can invite your family members to plant trees or flowers in the yard, clean the house together, reduce the use of plastic bags, or share useful information about climate change. With a healthy and clean environment, peace will manifest itself.
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.
The United Nations invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the day and to otherwise commemorate it through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.
From education to the arts, social justice to sports, health to the environment, neighbourhood issues to service for others, there are many ways to participate in the Peace Day.