Peace Day Campaign

International Day of Peace 2020 | SHAPING PEACE TOGETHER

As on every September 21st, the Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR) and the Home for Cooperation (H4C) join the global celebrations for the International Day of Peace. Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world by nations, communities, organizations, families and individuals who believe in the importance of living in a world where human rights are respected, social justice is ensured, intercultural solidarity is encouraged and sustainable peace is considered pragmatic. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. Intolerance, inequality, discrimination, and violations of human rights have been impeding global efforts for constructing a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence. In addition, challenges such as forced migration and displacement, hate speech and xenophobia, climate change and the rise of extremism and propaganda accompanying the spread of COVID-19 call for immediate and consistent action. The theme for this year’s International Day of Peace is ‘Shaping Peace Together’. Our experience with the pandemic has been a reminder that, in order to overcome barriers and establish sustainable peace, a holistic approach and new forms of solidarity in our work, activism and everyday lives are of paramount importance. We, at the Home for Cooperation and the Association for Historical Dialogue and Research, reiterate our motivation to rebuild our communities, work collectively to reinforce democracy and state that developing a sense of common humanity is the platform to inspire hope and motivate action.