site.btaInternational Day of Peace Marked in Bulgaria with School Initiatives

International Day of Peace has been observed since 2002 following a United Nations General Assembly resolution adopted in September 2001 that calls for a global ceasefire and non-violence, according to information from BTA’s Reference Department.

From 1982 to 2001, the observance fell on the third Tuesday of September under a previous United Nations General Assembly resolution from November 30, 1981.

In 2002, after the adoption of the second resolution, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan called for 24 hours of global peace, according to BTA archives. Annan urged all nations and peoples to observe the International Day of Peace by suspending all hostilities for 24 hours, AFP reported.

Annan remarked that twenty-four hours is not a long time, but it is sufficient for world leaders to begin listening to their people, before ringing the Peace Bell. The bell, donated by Japan, was cast from coins collected from children around the world and is located in a garden next to the UN headquarters in New York, according to information published worldwide by BTA on September 20, 2002.

The 2025 theme is “Act Now for a Peaceful World.” According to the UN website, during times of turbulence and uncertainty, it is essential for everyone to take concrete steps toward peace. Whether serving as peacekeepers in conflict zones or participating as community members and students globally, each person contributes to building a more peaceful world.

The organization urges action against violence, hatred, discrimination, and inequality, and calls for respect and acceptance of global diversity. It outlines several ways for individuals to participate, such as promoting understanding and rejecting violence, volunteering locally, addressing discriminatory language in the workplace, and verifying information before sharing it on social media.

This year in Bulgaria, some schools have already implemented initiatives to observe the International Day of Peace.

Fifth-grade students at “P.R. Slaveykov” Primary School in Burgas created a “Digital Wall of Peace.” Supported by their teacher and using artificial intelligence, they produced images promoting a better, more harmonious, and just world, according to the school’s social media. 

Meanwhile, third-grade students at 10th Primary School “Yordan Yovkov” in Sliven made white paper doves with messages of hope, friendship, and mutual understanding, which now decorate their classrooms, as the school shared on its Facebook page.

Students from “Otets Paisiy” Secondary School in Samokov shared on Facebook that, on the eve of the event, they participated by creating drawings and posters. The children also sent messages for peace and love, using white doves, blue balloons, and hearts as symbols.