Race. Religion. Gender identity. Skin color. Sexuality. Nationality. Language. Disability.

These human qualities, whether imposed upon us or chosen, are commonly used to justify discrimination against others. Despite people being diverse and unique, there is much more uniting us together as people than dividing us.

This is one of the core ideas the United Nations (UN) was founded upon following World War II. According to the UN, “One of its purposes is to achieve international cooperation in solving international problems, including by promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.” (https://bit.ly/2R0jvN8)

The history of International Day of Living Together in Peace, which is celebrated on May 16, dates back to 1997 with resolution 52/15. The General-Assembly of the United Nations declared the year 2000 the “International Year for a Cultural Peace”. From 2001 to 2010 was deemed the “International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for Children of the World”.

After resolution 53/243, the UN decided to adopt the Declaration and Program of Action on a Culture of Peace. To quickly sum it up, the declaration mandated that the United Nations and other international communities advocate for peace and nonviolence for the present and future benefit of mankind. On December 8, with resolution 72/130, the International Day of Living Together in Peace was declared to take place annually on May 16.

To participate in International Day of Living Together in Peace:

• “Study some of the most peaceful countries in the world like Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal, Canada, Switzerland, Norway, and Singapore.
• Commit to making peace with yourself and with others.
• Learn about famous world peacemakers, such as Tegla Laroupe from Kenya, Benazir Bhutto from Pakistan, and Susan B. Anthony from the U.S.
• Read books that promote world peace including Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela, World Peace: The Voice of a Mountain Bird by Amit Ray, and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.” (https://bit.ly/2R0khd0)