International Day of Living Together in Peace

May 17, 2022

On the 16^th of May, the International Day of Living Together in Peace is celebrated annually.

Why is this day celebrated?

The day is celebrated to highlight the unity in diversity and differences. People from across the world are of various genders, races, classes, colours, nationalities, birth statuses, and disabilities. Hence, this day looks to celebrate the ability to respect, recognize, and appreciate others in a peaceful manner. This day also looks to promote tolerance, inclusion, peace, and solidarity.

What is the history of this day?

Due to World War II, there was a massive level of destruction. Due to this, the United Nations (UN) decided to work for saving the upcoming generations from such a devastating war. Hence, the UN is continuously striving to maintain and bring about world peace and also to eradicate the various problems that are being faced by people from across the globe. This also includes the discrimination that is being faced by people from across the globe on the basis of race, colour, birth status, sex, disability, etc.
In the year 997, the UN General Assembly declared that the year 2000 was to be observed as the International Year for Culture of Peace. In the following year, the UNGA declared that the period from 2001 to 2010 will be observed as the “International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for Children of the World.”
In the year 1999, the “Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace” was adopted by the UNGA. This is a universal directive for the global community to sustain non-violence and peace with the aim of protecting future generations.
In the year 2017, finally, the UNGA declared that the 16^th of May will be observed as the International Day of Living Together in Peace.