International Day of Peace 2027
The UN's day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, marked by a call for 24 hours of global ceasefire and non-violence.
Quick facts
- Date
- September 21
- Day of the week
- Tuesday in 2027
- Type
- International
- Observed in
- Global
- First observed
- 1981 (fixed on September 21 since 2002)
- Established by
- United Nations General Assembly
- Also known as
- World Peace Day
- Hashtag
- #PeaceDay
Overview
The International Day of Peace is observed every year on September 21. The United Nations invites all nations and peoples to honour a cessation of hostilities for the day and to commemorate it through education and public awareness.
At UN headquarters in New York, the day begins with the ringing of the Peace Bell, cast from coins donated by children from many countries.
History
The UN General Assembly established the International Day of Peace in 1981 to coincide with the opening of its annual session, on the third Tuesday of September. In 2001 the Assembly voted to fix the date on September 21 from 2002 onward and to designate it as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence.
- 1981The UN General Assembly establishes the International Day of Peace.
- 1982The first International Day of Peace is observed.
- 2001The Assembly fixes the date on September 21 and calls for a global ceasefire.
Themes by year
How to celebrate
Observe a minute of silence
At noon local time, pause for a minute of silence for peace.
Listen across divides
Have a respectful conversation with someone who sees the world differently.
Write a peace message
Share a message of peace with your community or school.
Support peacebuilders
Donate to organisations that help communities recover from conflict.
Quotes
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.
Wishes and messages
Greeting card
A 1080 × 1080 image, ready for WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.
Social media captions
Choose peace. ☮️ #PeaceDay
Peace is a daily practice.
One day of ceasefire — why not every day?
International Day of Peace dates
| Year | Date | Day of the week | Days from today |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 21 | Monday | Passed |
| 2027 | September 21 | Tuesday | 322 |
| 2028 | September 21 | Thursday | 688 |
| 2029 | September 21 | Friday | 1,053 |
| 2030 | September 21 | Saturday | 1,418 |
| 2031 | September 21 | Sunday | 1,783 |
Frequently asked questions
When is the International Day of Peace?
Every year on September 21.
What is the Peace Bell?
A bell at UN headquarters cast from coins donated by children from many countries; it is rung to open Peace Day.
When was the International Day of Peace established?
In 1981; it has been held on September 21 since 2002.
Sources
Last updated November 2, 2026