For Immediate Release s371

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE TO BE OBSERVED WORLDWIDE

Global Observance Planned in Every UN Nation State

Local Events by Season for Interfaith Celebration Task Forces

This year's annual global observance of the International Day of Peace, September 21 is capturing the attention of people, communities and nations worldwide. Based on last year's reports, it is estimated that there will be over 10,000 events on the planet this year, sponsored by thousands of organizations, and that over 200 million people will participate. These will range from ceasefires, during which humanitarian aide is administered, to religious and interfaith services. They will include educational activities and volunteer programs; government proclamations, media events, and many types of activities by human rights, environmental, cultural and civic groups to draw attention to their particular aspect of 'peacebuilding'; there will also be numerous private observances and events by many businesses and professionals. Noted celebrities as well as religious and government leaders historically speak out on behalf of this occasion. There will be vigils, performances, workshops, ceremonies, fundraising events, peace parties, community service projects, exhibits, walks, films, letter writing campaigns, peace fairs and much more.

There will be large-scale celebrations in cities such as Sydney, Okinawa, Amsterdam, Tehran, Geneva, Paris, London, Montreal, Havana, Buenos Aires, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Honolulu as well as in countries as diverse as Costa Rica, Dubai, India, Uganda, Lebanon, Turkey, Argentina and The Philippines. In addition, this year, for the first time ever, hundreds of calendar publishers all over the world have printed the International Day of Peace on their calendars; this initiative alone will reach a billion people. Together, these efforts can have both global impact and historical significance as our children observe 'Peace Day' annually and incorporate it's meaning into their lives - year round.

Created in 1981 by unanimous resolution of the United Nations, the observance of the International Day of Peace has grown exponentially in recent years and now reaches every level of society. One way that anyone can participate is to observe a minute of silence at noon in all time zones worldwide, as requested by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. The UN also arranges ceasefires, during which humanitarian aide is provided to civilian populations affected by conflicts. There are ceremonies at UN Headquarters and all facilities worldwide. This year the UN has created the WMD Campaign to call awareness of the need for reducing weapons of mass destruction as well as nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. The UN promotes this occasion via e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, YouTube, text messages, radio, TV, print and public service announcements.

In addition to UN activities, thousands of international and grassroots organizations create events to promote their particular aspects of peacebuilding - whether they address human rights, the environment, education, health care, poverty, hunger, fair trade, or any of a number of other such worthwhile causes. Many of these organizations work with The Seasons for Peace and Nonviolence initiatives (SPAN). For more information on SPAN and the Season for Interfaith Celebration, we maintain the following website: http://www.agnt.org/span. Here you can can learn more about this occasion; locate events worldwide; and post your own events.

Peace Day Supporters

While there are thousands of organizations worldwide that observe the International Day of Peace every year, there are some that promote Peace Day among their members and encourage participation, to an extent that it results in large scale events and impact. Look for events at: http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org

Thank you, Seasons for Peace and Nonviolence Participants, for your dedication to building a better future for the next generations on Peace Day and every day.

Peace and Blessings! SPAN Conveners: The Association for Global New Thought President: Michael Bernard Beckwith Project Director: Dr. Barbara E. Fields

The Association for Global New Thought 220 Santa Anita Rd Santa Barbara, CA 93105 Tel 805-563-7343 Fax 805-563-7344 [email protected] www.agnt.org