September 21, International Day of Peace, is meant to be a day of global cease-fire, when all countries and all people stop all hostilities for the entire day. 

Though twenty-four hours is not a long time, it is time enough for combatants and political leaders to consider the destruction they are visiting on their people, and on their lands, so says United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan. 

In his message on the Day, the UN Secretary General said it was time to honour those who have suffered from violence and armed conflict. Peace is the paramount United Nations mission, the basis of its existence and the essence of the Organisation’s identity.   

Mr. Annan said International Day of Peace is an opportunity to consider how to strengthen the UN’s system of collective security and the global partnership for development.

21 September 2005