Frequently Asked Questions about Peace One Day and UAE support.
What is Peace Day?
Internationally, Peace Day is officially called the UN International Day of Peace which is held on 21st September and is an annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence. But it is not only about creating peace between nation's, it's about non-violence in our homes, communities and schools. Therefore Peace Day is relevant to every human being on the planet.
How did Peace One Day begin?
In 1999, preoccupied with questions about the fundamental nature of humanity, UK filmmaker Jeremy Gilley launched Peace One Day. He had a mission: to document his efforts to establish the first ever annual day of peace with a fixed calandar date. Remarkably, two years on, he achieved his primary objective when the 192 Member States of the United Nationa unanimously adopted 21st September as an annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence on the UN International Day of Peace.
Why 21st September?
When Jeremy first had the idea for Peace One Day, it was 1998, the eve of the 21st Century - the new Millennium, so it felt appropriate that 21 factored in the chosen date; "What a better way to mark the 21st Century than with a drive towards global peace?" Jeremy Gilley said!
The United Nations General Assembly also re-opens on or around this date every year. In this sense, it is a very symbolic time globally.
Why just one day?
To some it's just a single day. But to us, 21st Septmeber is a 24 hour-long platform for life-saving activities around the world and an opprotunity for individuals - particularly young people - to become involved in the peace process.
For example, in 2007 it was instrumental in securing the conditions by which mass polio vaccinations could be carried out in Afghanistan and subsequently 1.6million children were vaccinated. 11 countries in total ran immunisation programmes thanks to a ceasefire and there were peace marches, festivals, music events, multi-faith celebtations, sports events, debates and dance events. It is hoped that 3 billion people will be introduced to Peace Day by 2012.
What is happening in the UAE to promote peace on 21st September?
The success of Peace One Day is deeply rooted in film. It was therefore only natural that a group of volunteers, with a common interst in film, used the medium to promote a day of peace in the UAE.
This year Ali Mostafa, director of 'Under the Sun' and 'City of Life' (currently under post production) and winner of Best Emirates Film in 2006, has directed these three short films about how children in the UAE feel about peace and war.
These will be shown courtesy of Cinestar, whilst other promotional activities take place throughout the Mall of Emirates. This is just the begining and next year, with more support, we hope to spread the message even further.
What can I do?
We are asking people to come to the Mall of Emirates on 21st September and sign a candle shaped pledge wall and show the world that the people of the UAE are also supporting a day for global creasefire and non-violence.
But anyone can take action expecially because the UN GA Resolution 55/282 invites you as an individual to act on the UN International Day of Peace, 21st September, to help create peace in the world. 21st Septmber is the starting point. It is up to individuals - to you - to lead the way.
Peace is in your hands!
