2026: September 21: International Day of Peace (The Japanese Peace Bell - North of the Secretariat Building at United Nations Headquarters)NEW

Each year the International Day of Peace (IDP) is observed around the world on 21 September. 

About the Peace Bell in U.N. Headquarters
The Peace Bell was donated by the United Nations Association of Japan in 1954. It has become tradition to ring the bell twice a year: on the first day of spring, at the Vernal Equinox, and on 21 September to celebrate the International Day for Peace.

The Japanese Peace Bell in the United Nations headquarters was donated by Chiyoji Nakagawa through the Japanese United Nations Association in June 1954.

The Peace Bell is made of metals including coins that were contributed by the U.N. representatives of 65 countries, and nine gold coins by Pope Pius XII, who agreed with the purpose proposed by Chiyoji Nakagawa, who was a member of the board of the Japanese U.N. Association and an ex-Mayor of Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan.

In his speech made at the 6th United Nations General Assembly in Paris, Chiyoji Nakagawa proposed to “make a Peace Bell that would include coins to be donated by those who strive for peace from around the world, cross border, regardless of differences in religion.” His speech was well received.

With the support of Benjamin Cohen, U.N. Deputy Director-General, the Peace Bell was realized. The Peace Bell was cast by Tada Foundry, Takamatsu City, Ehime Prefecture. There are eight Kanji letters molded on the surface of the Peace Bell, meaning “The Bell for Absolutely Peaceful World, Cheers.” Around the sweet spot of the bell where a wooden hammer hits at is a molded laurel leaf, which symbolizes peace.

The Peace Bell tower was designed based on the concept of a small temple with floral decoration, which was built by Rinpei Ooshita, a carpenter specializing in temple and shrine architecture. As such, the Peace Bell is the result of cooperation by many people who agreed with Nakagawa.

The Bell is rung today on the vernal equinox day in March, on the opening day of U.N. General Assembly in September, and on September 21st, the International Day of Peace, an event of the United Nations.

See United Nations International Day of Peace

Sept 21

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.

About United Nations International Day of Peace
The purpose of the United Nations International Day of Peace, observed on September 21st each year, is to promote peace and non-violence worldwide. The day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness and encourage individuals, communities, and nations to work towards peaceful resolutions of conflicts and to foster a culture of peace.

The United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Peace in 1981 with the goal of strengthening the ideals of peace and cooperation among all nations and peoples. In 2001, the General Assembly further reinforced the significance of the day by designating it as a period of non-violence and cease-fire. This designation emphasizes the importance of halting hostilities and promoting dialogue and diplomacy as means to resolve conflicts.

On this day, various events, activities, and campaigns are organized worldwide to address issues related to peace, conflict resolution, and reconciliation. These initiatives may include peace marches, intercultural dialogues, educational programs, and advocacy efforts aimed at promoting understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among diverse communities.

The International Day of Peace serves as a reminder of the universal aspiration for peace and encourages individuals and nations to take actions that contribute to the building of a more peaceful and harmonious world.