International Day of Peace 2025: Act Now for Peace
Each year on September 21, the world pauses to honor the International Day of Peace. Established by the United Nations in 1981, this day reminds us that peace is not an abstract ideal but a living practice, one that begins within us, extends into our relationships, and ripples out into communities and nations.
Lately I’ve been struggling with a feeling of overwhelm and hopelessness. I have felt small and uncertain that my single voice can actually make ripples. And yet, there is a deep knowing that this feeling of defeat is not my voice and it’s not the ultimate current of the universe.
My spirituality and faith paired with the quantum entanglement theory teaches me that anything that was once connected remains connected, and changes in one can affect the other. So my conversations with peacebuilders on my trip to West Africa in 2023, has a lasting impact on me and vice versa. Their voices live in me, influencing how I think, speak, and act and when I share their acts of courage, others are impacted by them too. Likewise, the extra time I took to have a conversation with a cashier having a very bad day allowed me to enter their experience and shifted the energy between us. I’m certain my small choice of compassion rippled outward.
Entanglement reminds us: no act of compassion is isolated. Whether at the grocery store or across continents, our connections make a difference. Choosing peace is our daily work that is entangled in the lives we live, the choices we make.
This year’s theme for Peace Day, “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” reminds us that right now in the midst of tumult and despair, it is critical for everyone to take concrete action to mobilize for peace. From peacebuilders on the front lines of conflict, to community members, to students in classrooms, everyone has a role to play. We must speak up against violence, hate, and discrimination; practice respect; and embrace the diversity of our world.
Below you’ll find a short list of ways to participate in this day with us. However you choose to celebrate, we’d love to hear from you. Post photos and highlights from your Peace Day activities on social media! Be sure to tag @euphrates_institute and use the hashtag #EuphratesPeaceDay.
How You Can Participate
ActNow - This is the UN campaign to inspire people to act for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Add your action here.
Join the Global Silence - At noon local time, pause for one minute as part of the worldwide 24 Hours of Silence to honor peace.
Film Festival - As part of this year's Global Peace Film Festival, you can enjoy a curated selection of short films from around the world — streaming online, FREE and accessible worldwide!
Write a Love Letter - Send words of care and encouragement to someone you rarely acknowledge: a neighbor, a coworker, or even a political leader you disagree with.
Listen - Listen deeply to voices different from your own. Share openly about the urgent need for empathy, non-violence, and compassion.
Share Your Voice - Post on social media: What does peace mean to you? Use #EuphratesPeaceDay and tag @euphrates_institute to spread the ripple.
Invest in Peace - Support peacebuilders on the ground. All contributions strengthen education, reconciliation, and healing efforts worldwide.