This morning the An Phu Secondary Events Committee led an assembly raising awareness of Peace Day, asking their captive audience; today, what will you do for peace?
In 1999, Jeremy Gilley, actor turned film maker, founded Peace One Day, a non-profit organisation. Their objective was to institutionalise Peace Day. In 2000, Peace One Day’s efforts were rewarded when the member states of the United Nations unanimously adopted the first ever annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence on 21 September – Peace Day.
Peace starts with individual action, and every action provides an opportunity to inspire others. So following their lead, we have dedicated the school’s Social Media activity to helping raise awareness of the campaign today.
In the Peace One Day Report, supported by McKinsey & Company, it was realised that the more people who were exposed to the Peace Day message, the more peace was demonstrated by people behaving peacefully.
2012: 280 million people were made aware, and in response 5.8 million became more peaceful.
2013: 470 million people were made aware, and in response up to 8 million became more peaceful.
2014: 610 million people were made aware, and in response 10 million became more peaceful.
Peace Day is aligned with the 17 Global Goals for sustainable development that 193 world leaders will commit to in 5 days’ time. We will have more on this next week, as the Global Goals are discussed across all of our school campuses with all of our students.
This Friday our Secondary Students will continue to discuss the importance of Peace Day, and the Global Goals, with a themed MUFTI day (Non-Uniform) and through the use of a giant interactive map of the world and its on-going conflicts.
Social media is an incredible way of sharing the message of Peace Day, 21 September. Click here to share the message with ease!
Just for fun, see how you get on with the quiz:
What is ‘McWhopper’?
- The name of a competitive fishing event where celebrated fishermen gather to fish for peace.
- Burger King was willing to make peace with McDonalds and come together to make a burger for peace.
- Something you shouldn't call your mum.
Write your answers below!