International Day of Peace
Peace for All—People, Animals and the Environment
United Nations Resolutions 36/67 and 55/282
In 2011, the United Nations celebrates the 30th anniversary of the first resolution to establish the annual International Day of Peace. Thirty years ago, UN Resolution 36/67 declared that the third Tuesday of September−the opening day of the UN General Session−as a day devoted to celebrating and strengthening the ideals of peace through public awareness and education, both within and among all nations and peoples.
Subsequently, in 2001, through UN Resolution 55/282, the Day of Peace was set for September 21 so that it could be celebrated on a fixed day each year.
United Nations Messengers of Peace
The United Nations Messengers of Peace are distinguished individuals, carefully selected from the fields of art, literature, music and sports, who have agreed to help focus worldwide attention on the work of the United Nations. Backed by the highest honor bestowed by the Secretary-General on a global citizen for an initial period of two years, these prominent personalities volunteer their time, talent and passion to raise awareness of United Nations’ efforts to improve the lives of billions of people everywhere.
In April 2002, former Secretary-General Kofi Annan named Dr. Jane a United Nations Messenger of Peace for her work with Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots around the world. Later Dr. Jane’s appointment as a UN Messenger of Peace was renewed by Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon. Other UN Messengers of Peace include Charlize Theron, Eli Weisel, and Wangari Maathai, and many more.
Roots & Shoots and International Day of Peace
Following, Dr. Jane’s leadership, as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, members and friends of Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots have been called to celebrate Day of Peace and their projects that promote peace year-round. For Day of Peace, Roots & Shoots groups build and fly the signature Giant Peace Dove Puppets, which were created by Roots & Shoots members to celebrate Dr. Jane's appointment as a UN Messenger of Peace. Through flying their Giant Peace Dove Puppets, and planning projects that promote peace, Roots & Shoots groups show their commitment to creating a better world for all—for people, animals, and most importantly the environment.
