Why is the International Day of Peace particularly significant this year?

This article has been updated.

The global outlook for peace is bleak. Conflict between and within states was singled out as the most important of 33 risks for 2025 in the Global Risks Report, up from eighth the year before.

Yet as the United Nations (UN) marks the occasion of the International Day of Peace on 21 September, its Secretary General, António Guterres, insists, "Peace is the most powerful force for a better future – and it is within our grasp if we choose it."

The day was first declared 44 years ago as a shared date for the world to build a culture of peace. This year holds particular significance – not only because wars and geopolitical tensions are in stark evidence – but also because as the UN turns 80, it's a moment to reflect on the future of the global architecture of peace building.

The 2025 Global Risks Report suggests that over the next two years, "uncertainty around the course of current conflicts and their aftermath is likely to remain high, and tensions elsewhere could escalate".

Framed as a 'geopolitical recession', the report highlights the potential for humanitarian fallout and economic disruption, compounded by the erosion of conflict prevention mechanisms, a decline in United Nations peacekeeping operations and growing political deadlock in global governance. It calls for urgent reform of multilateral institutions and greater regional cooperation to stem the tide of fragmentation and instability.

Mark Elsner, Head of the World Economic Forum's Global Risks Initiative, says, "This finding was driven by a combination of ongoing wars, geopolitical tensions, and weakening multilateral governance."

"It's also deeply interconnected with economic, technological, and societal challenges, and poses severe humanitarian consequences." He emphasizes the urgent need for "multilateral and regional cooperation to prevent escalation and manage growing instability."

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which takes place each year in September. A UN resolution declared it a day for “commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples”.

Twenty years later, UNGA passed a second resolution designating the day as a time of non-violence and cease-fire – advocating for a cessation of hostilities while promoting dialogue, conflict resolution and peace education.

Since 2001, the International Day of Peace has been held on 21 September.

International Day of Peace activities take various forms across the globe.

In many parts of the world, the day is marked by a minute of silence, peace education events, intercultural dialogues and other activities that improve understanding and cooperation between cultures.

Every year, the day is launched at the UN’s headquarters by the Peace Bell Ceremony on the first day of the UN General Assembly. The Peace Bell was cast in the early 1950s from coins and medals given by representatives of the UN member states and children from all continents.

This year’s theme is 'Act Now for a Peaceful World', urging everyone across the globe to "take concrete action to mobilize for peace".

"From peacekeepers on the front lines of conflict, to community members, to students in classrooms around the world, everyone has a role to play," says the UN.

"We must speak up against violence, hate, discrimination, and inequality; practice respect; and embrace the diversity of our world."

The United Nations marks its 80th anniversary this year. It was established in October 1945, less than two months after the end of World War Two, with the specific aims in its Charter to “maintain international peace and security”, “reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights”, “promote social progress and better standards of life” and ensure “justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law”.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in his address at the Peace Bell Ceremony earlier in September: “Eighty years ago, the United Nations emerged from the ashes of war to pursue the cause of peace. That mission is the beating heart of our Organization.

"But today, peace is under siege. Conflicts are multiplying. Civilians are suffering. Human rights and international law are being trampled – leaving scenes that disgrace our common humanity."

"We must act to silence the guns and amplify diplomacy. We must act to protect civilians and uphold the Charter of the United Nations. We must act to tackle the root causes of conflict, from inequality and exclusion to hate speech and climate chaos.

"We must act to invest in prevention, dialogue and trust. And we must act to support the peacebuilders, especially women and young people, who are on the frontlines of hope."