"Its up to our generation to build the foundation for a united world" - Jeremy Gilley
This peace movement established by Jeremy Gilley (British actor and filmmaker) began in 1999 with his film "Peace One Day" with the goal of establishing a day free of conflict and war (a global truce day) also promoting non-violence, compassion, humility, acceptance, and of course, peace.Eventually, thanks in large part to Jeremy's efforts, every member state of the United Nations adopted the day of "global unity." The UN announced that every September 21st would be "Peace Day" or a day of "Global Ceasefire."
Peace One Day is endorsed by philanthropists, actors, singers, performers, fashion designers and athletes all over the world all hoping to create awareness.
 |
| Jude Law is an official ambassador of Peace One Day |
Supporters include Jude Law, Chris Martin of Coldplay, Angelina Jolie, Paul McCartney, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, the Dalai Lama, Kofi Annan, and Ban-Ki Moon, to name a few.
Various events happen on Peace Day such as peace walks, discussions, poetry readings, assemblies, and sport and dance events; at the same time life-saving activities like immunization clinics and programs are carried out on this day.
To depict the power of these life-saving activities - in 2007, the ceasefire enabled UN agencies and the Afghan government to give polio vaccines to 1.4 million children in areas of southern and eastern Afghanistan.
 |
| Lenny Kravitz at a Peace One Day celebration |
Jeremy describes this day as "an opportunity for individuals around the world - particularly young people - to become involved in the peace process."
Peace One Day is taking the initiative one step further and calling for a Global Truce for Peace Day in 2012 to help institutionalize Peace Day and "engage unprecedented numbers of people regardless of national, cultural, political, or religious identity."
Make the pledge here.
Perhaps the greatest thing about Peace One Day is that anyone and everyone can participate. Activities occur in the form of sports, dance, film, class and school activities, and you can organize your own event to raise awareness.
 |
| Peace One Day One Goal |
"Because if you can find it in yourself to do something for Peace Day, September 21st, no matter how big or small, then together we can create a day of global unity. And that unity will save lives."
Watch this moving video from Jeremy:
"If we want them to observe it, then we the people are going to have to act and become involved. And if we become involved, they will follow. But they won't do it if we don't do it. The time is now."
 |
No comments:
Post a Comment