International Day of Living Together in Peace

International Day of Living Together in Peace

The International Day of Living Together in Peace is an annual observance promoting harmony, respect, and mutual understanding amongst all people, transcending diverse backgrounds, religions, and cultures. This global observance seeks to foster dialogue, cooperation, and solidarity as the foundations for a more empathetic world.

With its roots in the Algiers Appeal for Peaceful Coexistence, the United Nations General Assembly officially recognized the International Day of Living Together in Peace in 2017. The Indian Constitution emphasizes the importance of unity in diversity, which coincides with the ethos of the International Day of Living Together in Peace.

To mark the International Day of Living Together in Peace, cultural programs and workshops are held to inform the Indian populace about the significance embracing diversity. Held on the 16th of May each year, this observance serves as a valuable opportunity for India to reinforce its commitment to maintaining peaceful coexistence and contributing to global peace-building initiatives.

Facts about International Day of Living Together in Peace

• According to the Global Peace Index, the top five most peaceful countries in 2023 were:
  1) Iceland
  2) Denmark
  3) Ireland
  4) New Zealand
  5) Switzerland
  According to visionofhumanity.org, the five most peaceful countries in 2022 were:
  1) Iceland
  2) New Zealand
  3) Ireland
  4) Denmark
  5) Austria
• The world will live in peace, only when the individuals composing it make up their minds to do so - Mahatma Gandhi, 1946
• Countries where people live together in peace often experience greater economic growth. The lack of conflict allows for stability, attracting investment and creating opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.
• India has a secular constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and equal rights for all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.
• Religious and cultural tolerance has deep roots in Indian history. For example, Emperor Akbar was famously known for promoting religious tolerance and dialogue between Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, and Christians in his Mughal Empire.

In the News and Trending in India for International Day of Living Together in Peace

Top things to do in India for this observance

• Check out the UN President of the General Assembly's message for International Day of Living Together in Peace if you missed it.
• Watch a Film to learn more about Living Together in Peace in India:
  1) Gandhi - The Oscar-winning film shows the life of Mahatam Gandhi, his non-violent struggle for India's independence and his message of peace and unity.
  2) A Suitable Boy - Based on Vikram Seth's best selling novel, the series explores the lives of different families and cultures living together in post-colonial India.
• Visit Mahatma Gandhi's memorial: Visiting Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi, is significant in India as Gandhi was a symbol of non-violence and peace.