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I didn’t know, did you? Today is “International Day of Peace.”
I’m almost embarrassed to say that I didn’t know. My passion is breaking down cultural, linguistic, and racial barriers. World peace is what I write about and proclaim . . . all the time! So, why didn’t I know?
I have no answers.
But, I’m thankful. I’m thankful that my friend who works in immigration with Diaconia in Spain told me. She had invited me to a three-day outreach event this week, all focused on the International Day of Peace.
As usual, when I don’t know something, I put on my cultural awareness glasses.
Here’s what I discovered . . .
The United Nations’ Vote
The United Nations established “The International Day of Peace” in 1981. It was in 2001 that they voted to make the day a 24-hour period of non-violence and cease fire.
This year’s theme . . .
“End racism. Build peace.”
On the United Nations’ website, this is how they describe this day of peace.
. . . achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms. It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race.
As Secretary-General António Guterres has said:
“Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life in every society. It continues to be a driver of persistent inequality. And it continues to deny people their fundamental human rights. It destabilizes societies, undermines democracies, erodes the legitimacy of governments, and… the linkages between racism and gender inequality are unmistakable.”
We all have a role to play in fostering peace. And tackling racism is a crucial way to contribute.
We can work to dismantle the structures that entrench racism in our midst. We can support movements for equality and human rights everywhere. We can speak out against hate speech – both offline and online. We can promote anti-racism through education and reparatory justice.
The 2022 theme for the International Day of Peace is “End racism. Build peace.” We invite you to join the efforts of the United Nations as we work towards a world free of racism and racial discrimination. A world where compassion and empathy overcome suspicion and hatred. A world that we can truly be proud of.
Let’s do it! We can all make a difference today and be ambassadors of peace in this world!
Here’s another story that I wrote about breaking down cultural, linguistic, and racial barriers.
See Beyond Our Cultural Differences
—The Cultural Story-Weaver
My Gift to You—Get Your Free Ebook—”The 5-Day Journey to Cultural Awareness”!
Let’s Weave Cultures!
What can you do today—right where you are—to sow peace and to be an ambassador in this world?
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures”! Write about them in the comment box below.
