International Day of Living Together in Peace

International Day of Living Together in Peace

The International Day of Living Together in Peace seeks to promote unity, empathy, and understanding among people from different cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The primary goal of this day is to foster harmony, respect, and acceptance, and to encourage constructive dialogue and cultural exchange among diverse communities. The ultimate aim of the observance is to build a more peaceful, just, and equitable society.

The concept of the International Day of Living Together in Peace has its roots in a 2001 United Nations resolution, which declared 2011 as the International Year of Living Together in Peace. Since then, the event has grown in scope, and a resolution adopted in December 2017 officially designated May 16th as its annual observance. For Canadians, the day serves as a reminder of the importance of accepting and embracing one another's differences, and also aligns with the country's core values of tolerance, compassion, and multiculturalism.

Each year on May 16th, communities across Canada engage in various activities and events that celebrate the spirit of the International Day of Living Together in Peace. These activities often include discussions and workshops on themes such as interfaith dialogue, social justice, and the role of education in fostering peace. By participating in these events, Canadians of diverse backgrounds come together to share experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen the bonds that unite them, working toward a future where individuals from all walks of life can live harmoniously in mutual respect and understanding.

Facts about International Day of Living Together in Peace

• According to the Global Peace Index, the top five most peaceful countries in 2023 were:
  1) Iceland
  2) Denmark
  3) Ireland
  4) New Zealand
  5) Switzerland
  According to visionofhumanity.org, the five most peaceful countries in 2022 were:
  1) Iceland
  2) New Zealand
  3) Ireland
  4) Denmark
  5) Austria
• The world will live in peace, only when the individuals composing it make up their minds to do so - Mahatma Gandhi, 1946
• Countries where people live together in peace often experience greater economic growth. The lack of conflict allows for stability, attracting investment and creating opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Canada is consistently ranked as one of the most peaceful countries in the world, as per the Global Peace Index. This ranking reflects its low levels of crime, political stability, and commitment to international peacekeeping efforts.
• Canada has two official languages, English and French, with a significant number of citizens being bilingual. This promotes communication and understanding among various linguistic communities.

In the News and Trending in Canada for International Day of Living Together in Peace

Top things to do in Canada for this observance

• Check out the UN President of the General Assembly's message for International Day of Living Together in Peace if you missed it.
• Watch a Documentary to learn more about Living Together in Peace in Canada:
  1) Neighbouring Horizons - A documentary that presents the peaceful coexistence of different cultures in the same Quebec neighborhood.
  2) The Blacks of Quebec - This documentary illustrates the fight for civil rights and social inclusion of Black Quebecers in predominantly white Quebec. Even though this film shows struggles, it sends a strong message about equality and peace.
• Join a Peace Gathering at Peace Arch Park: Located on the Canada-US border between British Columbia and Washington state, this international park is a symbol of peace and friendship between the two countries.