Universal Peace Federation chapters organized celebrations of the International Day of Peace, September 21. The theme was Education for Peace. "It is not enough to teach children how to read, write and count. Education has to cultivate mutual respect for others and the world in which we live, and help people forge more just, inclusive and peaceful societies." - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon UPF offers the following recommendations in support of the theme "Education for Peace": The family is the original primary school. It is in the family, in relation to our parents, grandparents, siblings, and extended familial network, that we learn language, cultural values, ethics, religion, essential information related to survival, and basic attitudes toward others, including those who exist outside "the tribe." If within the family, centered on the parents and grandparents, there is an affirmation of education and, more importantly, an emphasis on moral education or character education, then the family becomes a school of peace. It is very important that we come to understand, value, and support the family as the primary school of peace. While formal systems of education are naturally focused on development of professional capacities and skills that are necessary for employment and economic success, education must also give emphasis to moral education or character education. In this sense, education must consider the whole person. Traditionally, education comprises both the "arts" and the "sciences." The "arts" refer to the "liberal arts" or the "humanities" as a curriculum which introduces students to the great ideas of history and the moral and spiritual guidance that comes from classic literature, including sacred scriptures. Peace cannot be achieved by technology alone but requires ultimately a transformation of persons from selfishness, greed, and viciousness to benevolence, generosity, and self-discipline. Interfaith dialogue, understanding, and cooperation are essential to peace. As long as beliefs within one religious tradition hold prejudicial attitudes toward people of other faiths, or even of people of divergent perspectives within one's own faith, peace cannot be achieved. Both the family system and the school system should cultivate interfaith awareness and mutual respect. Religious and interfaith illiteracy should not be tolerated, knowing that it contributes to bigotry, discrimination and, eventually, to violence. The curricula of the school system, from primary school to university, should include courses that respectfully and objectively teach about the great religious ideas and practitioners of history, just as we study the great art and literature of the major civilizations. Issues of peace and security are enormously complex. Simplistic and ill-informed perspectives should not be encouraged. Forums, symposia, and publications that include various well-informed perspectives, contribute to balance and reasonable solutions.

1. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
“Education for Peace”
Commemorations organized by
Universal Peace Federation chapters in
Afghanistan
Albania
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bolivia
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Cambodia
Canada
Central African
Republic
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cote d’Ivoire
Czech Republic
Dominican
Republic
Ecuador
Estonia
Finland
France
Gabon
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Guyana
India
Israel
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Liberia
Malaysia
Marshall Is.
Moldova
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Norway
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Russia
Sri Lanka
St. Lucia
Taiwan
UK
Ukraine
Zambia

2. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
Each year on September 21, the United Nations
invites all nations and people to honor a cessation
of hostilities and commemorate the International
Day of Peace through education and public
awareness on issues related to peace.
In the quest for peace, the Universal Peace
Federation and its Ambassadors for Peace around
the world organize commemorations of the
International Day of Peace each year.

3. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
Message for the International Day of Peace 2013:
"It is not enough to teach children how to read,
write and count. Education has to cultivate mutual
respect for others and the world in which we live,
and help people forge more just, inclusive and
peaceful societies."
- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

4. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
AFGHANISTAN
KABUL: A forum and cultural program at Ibn-e-Sina University

5. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
ALBANIA
TIRANA: A forum at the International Hotel on “Education for Peace”

6. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
ARGENTINA
BUENOS AIRES: Presenting prizes to the winners of the fifth annual poetry contest

7. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
ARGENTINA
BUENOS AIRES: Planting an olive tree as a symbol of peace in Parque de los Patricios

8. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
AUSTRALIA
SYDNEY: A Peace and Harmony Concert at the Peace Embassy

9. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
AUSTRALIA
BRISBANE: A forum on “Education for Peace”

10. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
AUSTRIA
VIENNA: Forum with Nobel Laureate Rigoberta Menchú at the International Centre

11. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
BOLIVIA
LA PAZ: Lighting candles for peace at a forum on the theme of “Education for Peace”

12. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
BOLIVIA
COCHABAMBA: Forum organized by the Youth Federation for World Peace.

13. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
BRAZIL
SAO PAULO: Peace awards were presented during a ceremony at the Peace Park.

14. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
BURKINA FASO
OUAGADOUGOU: A forum was addressed by speakers.

15. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
BURKINA FASO
OUAGADOUGOU: Programs for women (above) and youth (below)

16. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
CAMBODIA
PHNOM PENH: Education for peace at the Pannasastra International School

17. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
CANADA
MONTREAL: A review of recent UPF developments

18. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
BANGUI: The First Lady at a program in the chamber of the National Transition Council

19. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
BANGUI: A Peace March

20. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
COLOMBIA
BOGOTA: An interfaith forum

21. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
COSTA RICA
GRAND-BASSAM: A celebration attended by Traditional Chiefs and the Governor of Grand-Bassam

22. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
COTE D’IVOIRE
GRAND-BASSAM: A celebration attended by Traditional Chiefs and the Governor of Grand-Bassam

23. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
CZECH REPUBLIC
PRAGUE: A conference explored various aspects of “Education for Peace.”

24. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
BONAU: A forum on “Education for Peace”

25. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
ECUADOR
QUITO: Religious leaders speak at a program in the former Senate Hall.

26. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
ESTONIA
TALLINN: A forum about ways to promote peace, playing a board game about peace

27. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
ESTONIA
KEHRA: An educational program at a school

28. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
FINLAND
HELSINKI: A program about ways to improve the integration of African immigrants in Finland

29. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
FRANCE
PARIS: A forum exploring various aspects of the theme “Education for Peace”

30. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
GABON
LIBREVILLE: A forum on “Education for Peace”

31. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
GEORGIA
TBILISI: Training peacebuilders

32. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
GEORGIA
TBILISI: Planting a peace tree at a school

33. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
GEORGIA
TBILISI: A program for disabled children

34. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
GERMANY
BONN: Participants in a forum on “Education for Peace”

35. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
GERMANY
DUSSELDORF: Exploring ways to educate for peace in program with the MIHR Foundation

36. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
GERMANY
FRANKFURT: A forum about “The Arab Spring and How Do We Continue from Here?”

37. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
GERMANY
HAMBURG: Discussing ways for people of different religions to work together locally

38. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
GERMANY
MUNICH: An interreligious prayer breakfast

39. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
GERMANY
STUTTGART: At an interfaith gathering, offering prayers for peace in Syria

40. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
GHANA
ACCRA: Interviewing people for their opinions about peace and reciting poems about peace

41. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
GUYANA
GEORGETOWN: Prime Minister Samuel Hinds (center) leads a Peace Walk down Main Street.

42. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
INDIA
KOLKUTA: Prayers offered at the tomb of Mother Teresa.

43. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
INDIA
.KOLKATA: Forum on the Revival of Tourism for Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development

44. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
INDIA
MALDA: International guests join villagers in singing and dancing.

45. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
INDIA
NEW DELHI: Conference on “Education for Peace” at the UN Conference Hall

46. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
INDIA
GANGTOK: Observing a Minute of Silence with professors and students at Sikkim University

47. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
INDIA
GANGTOK: A candlelight vigil at the Gangtok Bazaar

48. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
INDIA
LUCKNOW, UTTAR PREADESH: Conference on “Education for Peace”

49. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
ISRAEL
HAIFA: A forum on the Role of Interfaith Activity in Educating People for Peace

50. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
ITALY
MILAN: Prayers for peace from various faith traditions

51. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
ITALY
MONZA: Songs and prayers for peace

52. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
ITALY
BERGAMO: Interfaith water ceremony at the “Tree of Peace,” which was planted in 2008

53. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
JAPAN
Cleaning restrooms at the Wada-Nahama beach on Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture

54. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
LATVIA
RIGA: An educational presentation to school students

55. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
LIBERIA
HARPER: Considering peace education as part of Liberia’s national reconciliation program

56. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
MALAYSIA
KUALA LUMPUR: A forum on the theme “Education for Peace”

57. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
MARSHALL ISLANDS
MAJURO: A forum on the theme “Education for Peace”

58. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
MOLDOVA
CHISINAU: Youth and teachers address a forum at the Academy of Sciences High School.

59. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
MOLDOVA
CHISINAU: Students made pinwheels, marched for peace, and formed a dove-shaped flash mob.

60. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
MOLDOVA
CHISINAU: Explaining about UPF and the International Day of Peace on national television

61. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
MOLDOVA
TRANSNISTRIA: A program for survivors of conflict on the theme “Say Yes to Peace”

62. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
NEPAL
KATHMANDU: A Play Football for Peace and Reconciliation tournament

63. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
NEPAL
KATHMANDU: Participants in a Tongil Moo-Do martial arts competition

64. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
NEPAL
KATHMANDU: Students meditate in silence to honor the International Day of Peace.

65. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
NETHERLANDS
THE HAGUE: A gathering of religious leaders and former government officials

66. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
NETHERLANDS
NIJMEGEN: A multicultural program promoting peace through a variety of activities

67. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
NEW ZEALAND
AUCKLAND: An interfaith program

68. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
NICARAGUA
MANAGUA: Forum speakers included a religious leader, former government official, and lawyer.

69. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
NIGER
NIAMEY: A conference on the theme of Education for Peace at the Hotel Ténéré

70. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
NIGERIA
ABUJA: A National Peacebuilding Convocation at the Merit Award House

71. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
NORWAY
OSLO: A forum at a Lutheran church on “Education for Peace”

72. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
PARAGUAY
ASUNCION: A seminar on the theme of “Education for Peace”

73. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
PERU
LIMA: A forum in the Peruvian Congress sponsored by Congressman Yonhy Lescano

74. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
PERU
TRUJILLO: A peace vigil with participation by the mayor

75. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
PERU
LA ESPERANZA: A march and rally against drug and alcohol abuse

76. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
PHILIPPINES
SULTAN KUDARAT, MINDANAO: Dedicating a Peace Pole in front of the Provincial Capitol Building

77. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
PHILIPPINES
SULTAN KUDARAT, MINDANAO: Speakers at a university forum on “Education for Peace”

78. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
PHILIPPINES
SULTAN KUDARAT, MINDANAO: A poster-making contest on the theme “Education for Peace”

79. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
RUSSIA
MOSCOW: Officials address a ceremony at a monument commemorating UN Peacekeepers.

80. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
RUSSIA
MOSCOW: New Ambassadors for Peace appointed

81. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
RUSSIA
MOSCOW: A youth gathering at the Peace Embassy to report on peacebuilding activities

82. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
RUSSIA
MOSCOW: A gathering to view the movie “The Interrupted Song”

83. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
RUSSIA
NOVOSIBIRSK: A forum on “Education for Peace”

84. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
RUSSIA
RYAZAN: A round table on “Education for Peace” at the House of Public Organizations

85. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
RUSSIA
SEROV: Students hold a celebration of the Day of Peace in the city square.

86. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
RUSSIA
VOLGOGRAD: A Play Football Make Peace tournament

87. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
SRI LANKA
KALUAGGALA: Peace march

88. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
SRI LANKA
KALUAGGALA: A UN representative addresses students at St. John Bosco’s Central College.

89. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
SRI LANKA
KALUAGGALA: A program for teachers conducted by the Zonal Peace Education Coordinator

90. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
ST. LUCIA
CASTRIES: A march for peace by students at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College

91. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
ST. LUCIA
CASTRIES: A rally for peace under a 400-year-old saman tree

92. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
TAIWAN
TAIPEI: An interreligious panel offers insights on “Education for Peace.”

93. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
UNITED KINGDOM
LONDON: A charity concert featuring Israeli, Palestinian, and Iranian musicians

94. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
UKRAINE
KIEV: An assembly for students in the auditorium of the Gymnasium of Oriental Languages

95. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
UKRAINE
KIEV: A football match for peace at the Kiev University of Law

96. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
ZAMBIA
LUSAKA: A forum at the House of Egypt hosted by the Ambassador of Egypt to Zambia

97. UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2013
For more information about
the Universal Peace Federation
and its programs promoting peace, see
www.upf.org