The
World Peace Prayer Society
at the United Nations
Since the work of the World Peace Prayer Society is worldwide, it was natural for the Society to become affiliated with the United Nations as an NGO (non governmental organization). This status was granted by the UN Office of Communications and Public Information in 1990. Since then, the Society has been working in partnership with many spiritual, religious and peace organizations at the UN to create a better world.
Peace Prayer Day
A Celebration Dedicated to the Children of Earth
On December 2, 1990, Peace Prayer Day was held at the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations headquarters in New York City. More than 2,000 people filled the hall to share in the warm, joyful atmosphere and to pray for peace in every member state of the United Nations. The celebration was dedicated to the Children of the Earth, and emphasized the realization of the vision described in the UN Charter: a world at peace, manifesting the oneness of humanity. The World Peace Prayer Ceremony filled the General Assembly hall with the powerful energy of everyone's prayers for peace on earth. Speakers included H.E. Mr. Guido de Marco, president of the General Assembly; Mr. Vasily Safronchuk, Under Secretary-General for Political and Security Council Affairs; Mr. James Grant, executive director of UNICEF; and Dr. Noel J. Brown, director of the UN Environment Programme for the North American region. The flag of each country was presented by a young person wearing native dress, as everyone prayed for peace. The Ceremony ended with a rendition of "Let There Be Peace on Earth and Let It Begin With Me" by a children's choir, joined by everyone present.
Since that time, the Society has continued to work within the UN system to encourage prayer for world peace and support the inclusion of expressions of faith and values in UN documents and activities. Whenever possible, prayers and meditations for peace are conducted within UN headquarters or at UN events and conferences in various parts of the world.
In the words of Society chairperson Masami Saionji, "The problems of the world are complex. They cannot be solved by changes in political and economic institutions alone, nor can they be solved by a handful of wise men. The solution lies within our hearts. We are all citizens of the earth -- equally responsible for the care of our planet. If each and every one of us can awaken to universal love, it is then that we will see true peace and harmony on earth. May Peace Prevail on Earth -- this simple message can be embraced by people from all walks of life and of every generation -- in any place and at any time. This simple prayer can inspire that sense of spirituality and universal love which can lead humanity to the path of peace."
The International Day of Peace
In 1981, the General Assembly declared that the third Tuesday of September, the opening day of the regular session of the G.A. each year, "shall be officially dedicated and observed as the International Day of Peace and shall be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples." (G.A. Resolution 36/67).
In support of the International Day of Peace, the World Peace Prayer Society encourages people all over the world to join in a Minute of Silence at 12:00 noon whatever their time zone, focusing on world peace and adding the prayer May Peace Prevail on Earth. This invitation is especially open to school children. Please click here!
Millennium Peace Day was celebrated on Tuesday, September 19, 2000 at the United Nations and around the world to help launch the 2001-2010 International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World, as declared by the UN General Assembly. NGOs worked in partnership with the UN Department of Public Information, UNESCO, the Mission of Bangladesh, the Mission of Columbia, and others to create an outstanding program at the United Nations and to encourage widespread participation among schools, individuals and organizations worldwide.
For more information on the International Day of Peace,
please visit Culture of Peace Week.
Message from
Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali
December 1995
"I
welcome the efforts by the World Peace Prayer Society in promoting the
cause of peace and supporting the work of the United Nations. Its message,
May Peace Prevail on Earth, is very much in keeping with the goals of the
Charter and humanity's most fervent wish."
Boutros
Boutros-Ghali