Make a commitment for World Peace Day

Welcome to PlantingPeace.com

“Individuals make a difference,
and if each of us did our bit,
collectively we will make a major contribution”
– Kofi Annan

This website has been created to increase awareness of Peace in all aspects of our lives and in particular to raise awareness of the annual U.N. International Day of Peace on 21st September.

We believe that for peace to flourish and bloom in the world the seeds of peace must first be watered and cared for in ourselves.  We hope that this website will inspire you to integrate peaceful being into your life and, as we become beacons for peace, to shine this light into our families, neighbourhoods and communities. 

“What if there was one day,
just 24 hours
when the world stopped killing?”
– Jeremy Gilley

On 21st September 2005. a group of us met to celebrate the UN International Day of Peace.  We read poems, peace prayers and sang songs. Importantly, we watched the inspirational film Peace One Day a documentary about Jeremy Gilley’s journey to establish a fixed UN International Day of Peace.  We admired Jeremy’s vision, enthusiasm and dedication to create 21st September as a day of non-violence and global ceasefire.  Mostly we were inspired that one person can really make a difference if they set their heart on it.  We felt compelled to create a group to promote peace in ourselves and in our community.

The result is Planting Peace. 

We hope that by planting the seeds of peace in our own hearts they will grow and manifest for all.  From small acorns great oaks can grow! 

We have already begun to raise awareness of peace in our community and city (Bristol, UK), and hope to encourage others to do so.  We are putting on small peace events and concerts throughout the year culminating in a special celebration on 21st September.  We will be showing the film that inspired us as well as bringing together music, poetry, art and healing.

“It is the peoples of this planet
that can create peace”
- Ahmad Fawzi,
Director U.N. Information Centre

The U.N. International Day of Peace is an exciting step forward but it is still largely ignored by the media and consequently largely unnoticed by the people of the world.  We will do our bit to bring it to the attention of all those we can and aim to get the message into schools, local government and local media amongst others.  Critically, despite the U.N. Resolution, which declares that the “Day of Peace …be observed as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence” this is not being observed and we need to highlight this issue and create a groundswell of opinion that demands that our Governments not only uphold this themselves but encourage others to do so too.

“[Governments] will listen to the voices of the people…
so if we can galvanise the voices of the people all over the world…
your voices will be heard.”
- Ahmad Fawzi
Speaking at Peace One Day concert

“Democratic governments take account of popular opinion.
You need to work directly on governments
but you also need to influence governments through civil society.”
– Sir Kieran Prendergrast,
Under Secretary General for Political Affairs

It is clear we need to take responsibility for peace and we need to start with ourselves.  Can we listen, forgive and find a way to work together?  Are we still waiting for someone else to create peace for us?  Will you actively spread the message of peace?  It is time to stand up and be counted! 

“For it isn’t enough to talk about peace.
One must believe in it.
And it isn’t enough to believe in it.
One must work at it.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt

An International Day of Peace may sound merely symbolic but it also has practical applications.  A twenty-four hour ceasefire would allow freedom of movement for those caught in conflict zones, as well as access for humanitarian aid to reach areas of need within those zones.  It will also provide a pause from tension, some breathing space for the combatants to think, and, crucially, lives will be saved.  Even if just one life is saved then it is worth the effort.

“Peace One Day is not saying who is right and who is wrong.
In our hearts we know if someone dies [due to war] it is wrong.”
– Jeremy Gilley

This may be a long journey but every journey begins with a single step and it may just be the most important step you ever take.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.