The International Peace Day is observed around the world on 21st day of September each year. The General Assembly of United Nations passed a resolution in 1981 to celebrate Peace Day with the motto to create peace above all differences, and strengthen the ideas of peace among all the nations and people of the world.
The theme of the Peace Day in 2017 is “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All”
This theme is based on the TOGETHER global campaign that promotes respect, safety and dignity for everyone forced to flee their homes in search of a better life. TOGETHER brings together the organizations of the United Nations System, the 193 member countries of the United Nations, the private sector, civil society, academic institutions and individual citizens in a global partnership in support of diversity, non-discrimination and acceptance of refugees and migrants. (Ref: together.un.org)
This year, the International Peace Day will focus on engaging and mobilizing people throughout the world to show support for refugees and migrants. Its messages will be shared with communities hosting refugees and migrants as well as people concerned that refugees and migrants may bring physical and economic insecurity to their lives. The Day will highlight solidarity with refugees and migrants and showcase the shared benefits of migration to economies and nations, while also acknowledging legitimate concerns of host communities. Ultimately, it will be about bringing people together and reminding them of their common humanity.
Young people (including students) will have a vital role to play. For example, they can volunteer to welcome and help refugees and migrants in their communities. They can also extend the hand of friendship to young refugees and migrants who they might meet in their classrooms and neighbourhoods. (Ref: http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/)
Engr. Dr. Muhammad Azhar Naeem is Assistant Professor at Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering and Emerging Technologies, University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan. He can be reached at: [email protected]