Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
What does Denver Sister Cities International have to do with global peace?
We celebrate this day as a reminder that we are one world. Yes, we are spread across the globe and enjoy different cultures and landmarks, and languages. But if anything, COVID has taught us that we are all interconnected.
DSCI has always been a non-political and non-religious organization. We respect all perspectives and viewpoints and it is our hope that striving towards global peace is the thread that brings us together. It is our hope that today is a reminder to our friends and members to be intentional about creating peace in our everyday lives. That we would be intentional in reaching out and connecting with people who hold a different perspective.
Because we believe global peace starts one person, one connection at a time.
In 2021, as we heal from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are inspired to think creatively and collectively about how to help everyone recover better, how to build resilience, and how to transform our world into one that is more equal, more just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and healthier.
The pandemic is known for hitting the underprivileged and marginalized groups the hardest. By April 2021, over 687 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered globally, but over 100 countries have not received a single dose. People caught in conflict are especially vulnerable in terms of lack of access to healthcare.
In 2021 we’ve seen violence, destruction, and loss in our Sister Cities around the world and we will continue to promote the small daily acts of peace, gratitude, connection, and resilience.
The pandemic has been accompanied by a surge in stigma, discrimination, and hatred, which only cost more lives instead of saving them: the virus attacks all without caring about where we are from or what we believe in. Confronting this common enemy of humankind, we must be reminded that we are not each other’s enemy. To be able to recover from the devastation of the pandemic, we must make peace with one another. We must continue to fight the discrimination that wreaks havoc on our neighborhoods.
The 2021 theme for the International Day of Peace is “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world”. We invite you to join the efforts of the United Nations and Sister Cities International family as we focus on recovering better for a more equitable and peaceful world.
Celebrate peace by standing up against acts of hate online and offline, and by spreading compassion, kindness, and hope in the face of the pandemic, and as we recover.
