#FightRacism: 'International Day of Peace' (21 September)

Malala Yousafzai, Michael Douglas, Jane Goodall and Paulo Coelho have a common string connecting them - They are 'United Nations Messengers of Peace'. Amongst many others, they uphold the need for peace, which is of great urgency today.

(With inputs from official United Nations announcements and website)



The date of September 21 is annually observed as International Day of Peace. Achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms. It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race.

United Nations Messengers of Peace in 2022 are: Princess Haya, Daniel Barenboim, Paulo Coelho, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael Douglas, Jane Goodall, Lang Lang, Yo-Yo Ma, Midori, Edward Norton, Charlize Theron, Stevie Wonder, Malala Yousafzai.

Backed by the highest honour bestowed by the Secretary-General on a global citizen, these prominent personalities volunteer their time, talent and passion to raise awareness of United Nations efforts to improve the lives of billions of people everywhere. To spread the clear message of peace, one must stop racism. Spreading the word forward are United Nations Messengers of Peace, who are distinguished individuals. Carefully selected from the fields of art, literature, science, entertainment, sports or other fields of public life, who have agreed to help focus worldwide attention on the work of the United Nations. 




END RACISM. BUILD PEACE: As conflicts continue to erupt across the globe, causing people to flee, there have been documented examples of race-based discrimination at borders. Globally, it has been observed how certain racial groups could have been hit much harder than others during the Covid-19 spread. This leads to the suffering of economies. It is essential to understand - We all have a role to play in fostering peace. And tackling racism is a crucial way to contribute.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said: “Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life in every society. It continues to be a driver of persistent inequality. And it continues to deny people their fundamental human rights. It destabilizes societies, undermines democracies, erodes the legitimacy of governments, and… the linkages between racism and gender inequality are unmistakable.”

We can work to dismantle the structures that entrench racism in our midst. We can support movements for equality and human rights everywhere. We can speak out against hate speech – both offline and online. We can promote anti-racism through education and reparatory justice.


WE CAN HEAL THE WORLD: Create an environment of acceptance and celebration. There are many ways to make classrooms and other learning environments a place of acceptance and celebration. Recognizing that interpersonal styles can be driven by culture, as well as personality, is key.

For better understanding and greater acceptance, educators are encouraged to introduce as much cultural diversity as possible into the curriculum. If and when there is conflict, deal with it; do not dismiss it. Seize this as an opportunity to raise awareness and celebrate diversity. Introduce as much cultural diversity as possible into the curriculum.

LET'S BEGIN TODAY: Check your assumptions. Confront your internalized bias. Open your mind and heart to the humanity in all humans. #FightRacism




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