International Day of Living Together in Peace, Background & More

Every year, 16 May is observed as the International Day of Living Together in Peace. The Day is observed to highlight the importance of peace and living together in peace by the people of the world. The day also underscores the fact that though people in the world belong to different cultures and backgrounds, they can live together by accepting their differences and by developing the ability to recognise, listen and appreciate others..

The Day aims to promote the desire to live and act together despite differences and diversity to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony. 

Background to the International Day of Living Together in Peace 

In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring 16 May the International Day of Living Together in Peace.

The first International Day of Living Together in Peace was observed on 16 May 2018.

The United Nations was founded after the failure of the League of Nations to stop the Second World War. The need was felt to set up a new International Organisation that can stop war and promote peace in the world.  The United Nations was founded on 24 October 1945. 

One of the main purposes of the United Nation was to secure international peace and solve international problems through international cooperation.

The United Nations has expressed the world's desire for peace by passing various resolutions.

• The United Nations General Assembly, which is the highest decision-making body of the United Nations, passed a resolution in 1997 to declare the year 2000 as the International Year for a Culture of Peace".
• Further, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution in 1998 to declare the 2001-2010 decade the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for Children of the World.
• In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on “The Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.” The declaration serves as the universal mandate for the international community, especially the United Nations system, to promote a culture of peace and non-violence that benefits all of humanity.

Headquarters of the United Nations: New York, United States of America 

Secretary General of the United Nations: Antonio Guterres 

Members of the United Nations: 193 countries.