International Day of Peace in Brussels

International Day of Peace 2012: Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future21 September is International Day of Peace. The theme of this year’s observance, “Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future“, focuses on the role natural resources play in financing or fuelling conflict, and what is being done to address this issue.

The theme was chosen in the context of this year’s Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development. The Day offers people all around the world a shared date to think about how they can contribute to ensuring that natural resources are managed in a sustainable manner, thus reducing potential for disputes and paving the road to a sustainable future.

To mark the day, special activities and celebrations will take place all across the world. In Brussels, a multicultural capital of Europe, the day will be devoted to social participation, cultural exchange and education between all ages.

On Friday, 21 September, various activities will take place at Museumplein / Place musée in Brussels, including DIY workshops, ethnic music concerts, live art, circus, social village, street theatre and garden projects. For more information about the event and its programme, please visit the event’s website, available in Dutch, French, English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and German.

In addition, a debate on the responsibility to protect and the right to intervene to prevent and stop mass atrocities will be held on Thursday, 20 September. For more information on the debate and registration, please click here.

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International Day of Peace was established in 1981 to strengthen the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. On the Day, the United Nations calls for a complete cessation of hostilities around the world. We also ask people everywhere to observe a minute of silence, at noon local time, to honour the victims – those who have lost their lives, and those who survived but must now cope with trauma and pain.

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