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"... A mind at peace, a mind centered and not focused on harming others, is stronger than any physical force in the universe..."
~ Wayne Dyer
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CPI is a local-global Peacebuilding Initiative uniting our strengths along diverse pathways to realize a Culture of Peace for all. CPI highlights inter-generational and inter-cultural Peacebuilders who are revealing the emerging Culture of Peace.
Dear Culture of Peace Initiative (CPI) Participant and Supporters,
It is with an enthusiastic thank you to the "IDP-NGO Committee at the United Nations" and it's Co-Chairs, Honorary Chair Ambassador Chowdhury, and all the other Culture of Peace Initiative (CPI) participants and collaborators who bring life, meaning, and celebration to the International Day of Peace! We can only highlight a few of the many Peace Day events and celebrations in the important and ever growing global day of Peace expression.
Let us all walk forward in our daily lives with the energy and inspiration of Peace Day, and use it to create practices of Peace within ourselves, our families and relationships, work, and communities. The basis of the emerging Culture of Peace comes from the choices we make daily. We can, and are doing it. It's time! #PeaceHug
(Note: Previous Culture of Peace Initiative ( CPI) newsletters can still be viewed on the blog on our website.) |
| IDP Message from Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury |
2013 International Day of Peace
Message from Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury,
Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and
the Honorary Chair of the International Day of Peace NGO Committee at the UN New York
"... It is with great pleasure that I send this message of greetings and felicitations on the occasion of the observance of 2013 International Day of Peace as proclaimed by the United Nations. The Day is intended to be observed world wide as "a day of global ceasefire and non-violence".
It is truly a day of resolve and commitment to the values of the culture of peace and non-violence. Allow me to emphasize that the flourishing of the culture of peace - both collectively and individually - will generate the mindset that is a prerequisite for the transition from force to reason, from conflict and violence to dialogue and peace.
Promotion of equality between women and men and equal participation of women in decision-making are essential to attaining the culture of peace.
With the theme "Education for Peace" for this year, I also believe that the task of educating children and young people to find non-aggressive means to relate with one another is of primary importance. We all must undertake efforts to inculcate peace in ourselves.
We cannot expect the world to change if we do not start first and foremost with changing ourselves - at the individual level. I believe, therefore, the culture of peace should be the most appropriate vehicle to prepare our world in addressing effectively the complex challenges of the twenty-first century.
I wish all of you to have a meaningful International Day of Peace on 21 September..."
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The 2013 UN International Day of Peace at the United Nations
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Special collaboration from Rev. Deborah Moldow
"International Day of Peace-NGO Committee at the UN" Co-chair
 The International Day of Peace began early in New York as the annual UN observance began at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18th. 500 high school and college students arrived at the United Nations early in the morning - international students from Rutgers University, refugee students living in Vermont, an overnight busload of students from Montreal, Roots & Shoots volunteers from along the East Coast, and many more. 194 of these students had the privilege of carrying the flags of all the UN Member States into the Rose Garden, where UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon gave a moving speech that included a plea for peace in Syria, as well as a strong call to get every child into school. He asked for a Minute of Silence and rang the Peace Bell, as the students raised the flags high.
The Secretary-General then joined all the students in the recently renovated Conference Room 1, where he spoke personally to the students, followed by inspiring remarks by UN Messenger of Peace Dr. Jane Goodall and UN Foundation "Girl Up" Champion Monique Coleman.
The program included a live feed from the UN Peacekeeping site in Haiti, special guests, and songs by Ta'Kaiya Blaney and by Technicolor Lenses, but the most exciting parts were the presentations by students of 14 of their own peace projects, expertly moderated by Roisin Hunt, from Instruments of Peace in Dublin, Ireland.
Mrs. Ban Soon-taek, wife of the Secretary-General, led a 12 noon Minute of Silence, ringing the World Peace Prayer Society's peace bell made of recycled weapons of war while everyone present raised paper flags of all the United Nations. After the Minute of Silence at the stroke of noon, all 500 students, chaperones, dignitaries and UN staff said together, "May Peace Prevail in (the country of the flag)." and then three times, "May Peace Prevail on Earth!" as a profound feeling of peace that filled the room.
Later that afternoon, members of the UN NGO community closed the day with a beautiful vigil of music and prayers at the chapel of the Church Center for the United Nations called, "The Sound of Peace."
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New York City Celebrates the 2013 UN International Day of Peace
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Special collaboration from Rev. Deborah Moldow
"International Day of Peace-NGO Committee at the UN" Co-chair
 New York City celebrated the UN International Day of Peace in style on September 21st at two of its most iconic landmarks: Times Square and Central Park.
Paul Sladkus of Good News Broadcast organized a human peace sign and Peace Day Party in New York's Times Square. He invited people - including tourists from around the world - to each take a flag of one of the world's nations and stand along an outlined peace sign around a Peace Pole to await the Minute of Silence at 12 noon.
At the stroke of noon, 100 people raised the flags in silence for one minute and then said, "May Peace Prevail on Earth" three times, waving the flags. Then the Peace Party began, as all sang along with a series of uplifting songs from Frank Sinatra singing "High Hopes" to John Lennon's "Imagine."
 Also, the NASDAQ electronic sign on 43rd Street in Times Square lit up with the UN's Education for Peace poster at 12 noon!
In the meantime, the annual Vigil For International Peace and Ecology, a vision of UN staff member Susana Bastarrica since 2002, had been going strong since 9 o'clock in the morning at the Central Park Band Shell.
Throughout the day, the celebration featured renowned speakers, children's choirs, international performers, dancers and poets. Representatives and leaders from a variety of local, national, and international organizations also joined the festivities, which included a Beatles tribute, a World Peace Flag Ceremony, and honoring of the late James Cannings, who was at the heart of the vigil since its inception. New Yorkers of all ages passing by stopped to enjoy this colorful expression of the International Day of Peace.
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| United Religions Initiative IDP-2013 Report |
Special collaboration from Monica Willard
United Religions Initiative United Nations NGO Representative
and "IDP-NGO Committee at the UN" Co-Chair
 The International Day of Peace at the United Nations Education for Peace September 18, 2013 The morning began with 500 people arriving at the UN to be a part of the Peace Bell Ceremony and the Student Observance for the International Day of Peace, including our new URI Executive Director, Victor Kazanjian. Monica Willard from URI, Deborah Moldow from The World Peace Prayer Society, Michael Johnson from Pathways To Peace, and Shawn Sweeny from Jane Goodall's Roots and Shoots, serve as co-chairs for the UN International Day of Peace NGO Committee and work with the Department of Public Information to organize the UN events for the students. URI UN Representatives who attended were Rabbi Roger Ross, Swamini Sri Lalitambika Devi, and Patrick Nickisch from Geneva.
Students carried flags into the Rose Garden to represent all the UN member states at this annual Peace Bell Ceremony. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addressed the audience, called for a Minute of Silence and rang the Peace Bell. H. E. John W. Ashe, President of the 68th Session of the UN General Assembly, also spoke and rang the Peace Bell. Other dignitaries included UN Messenger of Peace Dr. Jane Goodall and UN Foundation Girl Up! Champion Monique Coleman, Ambassadors and performers. The ceremony ended with the release of doves... Read full report here...
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| Student Observance Webcast |
Special collaboration from Michael Johnson
NGO Representative (PTP-CPI) at the UN Department of Public Information
and "IDP-NGO Committee at the UN" Co-chair
 One of the highlights for PTP and CPI was collaborating with the United Nations on the annual IDP Student Observance.
This event is the outcome of many months of creative planning that culminates in an inspiring globally broadcast observance that inspires youth worldwide.
This year, youth leaders that attended this high profile event shared their peacebuidling plans for the future.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's message was well received: "...On this International Day of Peace, let us pledge to teach our children the value of tolerance and mutual respect. Let us invest in the schools and teachers that will build a fair and inclusive world that embraces diversity. Let us fight for peace and defend it with all our might..."
United Nations observances contribute to the achievement of the purposes of the UN Charter and promote awareness of and action on important political, social, cultural, humanitarian or human rights issues. They provide a useful means for the promotion of international and national action and stimulate interest in United Nations activities and programmes. For international years and decades the UN Secretary General takes action to establish the preparatory process, evaluation and follow-up procedures.
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| Reflecting on Peace Day 2013 |
 | | "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." ~ Nelson Mandela |
Special collaboration from Jane K.
Roots & Shoots Guest Blogger & International Correspondent
On Saturday September 21, communities around the world celebrated United Nations International Day of Peace. Peace Day was an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and countries to carry out acts of peace on a shared day. First celebrated in 1982, Peace Day has grown to become a day dedicated to promoting the concept of peace among all nations and peoples. It is also a Day of Ceasefire, and people are encouraged to make peace in their own relationships as well as impact the larger conflicts happening in our world... read more here
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| Successful Launch of the "Peace Education Resource Center" |
On September 21st, the UN International Day of Peace 2013, Culture of Peace Initiative (CPI) launched the Peace Education Resource Center, a special project of the Culture of Peace Initiative (CPI) stewarded by Pathways To Peace. This project was brought together in close collaboration with the "Education Peace-Team" subcommittee of the "IDP-NGO Committee at the UN", the National Peace Academy, and Circle of Peace / CCS Montreal.
The PERC will provide tools for educators seeking to incorporate peace education into their curriculum. The PERC also provides activities, videos, and more for anyone wishing to access tools and resources for peace education.
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| Music for Peace |
Special collaboration from TJ Berman
IDP-NGO Music Subcommittee Co-Chair
The students at San Diego High School of International Studies have been inspired by IDP to promote Intl Days of Peace. Their first venture focused on the development of a project to reflect their views on world peace. To this end, a group of students wrote and recorded an original peace-building song called "Are You Willing?" From there, the song-writers, known as blissSD, developed a mission statement: To empower youth to promote peace and unity with diversity and inspire others to revolutionize the world through art.
See B.L.I.S.S. video (feat. C. Young) - "Are you Willing? (Are you Ready?)"
Peace Day was a highlight at their high school as described by IS Ambassador Melinda Sevilla: "... We decided to celebrate International Day of Peace by creating a peace poster and allowing everyone to put their handprint on it. The event was a huge success culminating with the distribution of "Peace Pops" around campus!..."
In addition, language arts teacher Sylvia James hosted an essay writing contest with a focus on world peace. The students in her classes were empowered to respond to the student created prompts that addressed their "concerns about the lack of a world-wide priority on achieving peace."
More recently, a local news station captured the positivity of these youth and this caption, written by a former IS parent, sums up the enthusiasm this video inspired: "... There is too much goodness for this to be unseen. If you're having a bad day, this will change all that! If you're having a great day, this will make it even greater! 'Our future' just got brighter!..." see video here.
These collective events have catalyzed a new task group at our school called "Youth for Peace" with the ultimate goal being to expand this program internationally.
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Tweeting for Peace: #PeaceHug
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Special collaboration from Kelly Egan
CPI-PTP Media & Marketing Advisor
This September 21, Pathways To Peace added a new burst of energy on social media during the International Day of Peace with the launch of the #PeaceHug hashtag.
Conceived as a way to draw people into the peace discussion on Peace Day itself, the #PeaceHug hashtag offered a way for Twitter and Facebook users to send "virtual hugs" to friends and followers-and share pictures from Peace Day event.
Backed by a #PeaceHug "manifesto" which was shared more than 1,000 times on Facebook and hundreds of times on Twitter during Peace Day, the #PeaceHug campaign generated social media reach in the millions, including celebrity tweets from Forest Whitaker and Matthew Modine and an article citing #PeaceHug tweets in The Epoch Times.
The #PeaceHug hashtag allowed us to relaunch the @PathwaysToPeace Twitter account which now works alongside the already-established @PeaceDay Twitter account.
#PeaceHug is a hashtag we encourage you to use year-round. Please follow @PathwaysToPeace on Twitter for more information--and to see what happens with future hashtag campaigns on Twitter.
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| Local Spotlight: Peace Day Philly |
and Co-chair of the "Cities sub-committee
of the "IDP-NGO Committee at the UN"
PeaceDay Philly, the International Day of Peace initiative for Philadelphia, USA, included over 30 peace related public events offered by diverse organizations, and over 40 more offered by Philadelphia Police districts across the city, many involving children and youth.
Programs in keeping with the 2013 global theme "Education for Peace" involved opportunities to gain peacebuilding skills and knowledge related to global citizenship, as well activities in schools and libraries.
The arts - including musical performance, photography and film - were also program highlights for 2013. Governmental support included a Mayoral Proclamation and Sate Senate Resolution in support of the IDP.
Peace Day Philly's main public event included inspired contributions by Jordanian singer Farah Siraj and guitarist Andreas Arnold, Philadelphia's Poet Laureate and long time peace advocate Sonia Sanchez, and the voices and artwork of children and youth. Peace Day Philly's website, will continue to offer peace education resources and activity ideas that can be used year-round. For photos, check out Peace DayPhilly's Facebook Page.
For Peace Day 2014, we hope to work with more cities around the world to create opportunities for intercultural dialogue and creative exchange.
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| The Peace App |
Collectively Creating Peace Through Intention
 The purpose of The Peace App is to provide a worldwide forum, or community, for like-minded individuals to co-create intentional thoughts of peace.
Thus it is contributing to making every day an International Day of Peace.
Pathways To Peace (PTP) is the first NGO to be highlighted by the creators of the The Peace App. It is a simple tool that delivers a powerful platform for connecting and sharing thoughts and intentions by helping people maintain their personal peace practice. The Peace App features a variety of methods and activities including Yoga, Meditation, Intentional Thought, Prayer and Movement.
The app provides a variety of music and imagery to accompany each activity, or, users can upload their own to personalize their experience. In addition, The Peace App includes a built-in timer, the ability to track the activities performed and a reminder feature. Each activity can be performed solo or in sync with others around the world.
"... We created The Peace App to help anyone strengthen their own personal practices while allowing them to be part of a worldwide community co-creating peace through collective consciousness... At the very least, we hope people enjoy The Peace App by setting a regular, personal intention for peace in their world. At the very most, we hope that through collective, conscious intention for peace, peace will vibrate on a larger scale, rippling from self, community, societies, across our beautiful planet..." ~ Michele Powell, creator of The Peace App.
The Peace App's October "Visionary for Peace" will be David Wick of PTP. Please tune-in to his PeaceCast airing October 21, 2013
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| From the Culture of Peace store |
Visit our Culture of Peace store: Mugs, clocks, water bottles, coasters, magnets in 6 different designs adapted from our logo. Bring Peace home, to work, to school, to your friends and have the Culture of Peace Initiative (CPI) logo be a reminder that you too are a Pathway To Peace!
The logo was created by international artist, author and peace ambassador Irene Kai, and has inspired millions of people around the world. It is now available to you. By purchasing these products you will be supporting the Culture of Peace Initiative (CPI), a United Nations Peace Messenger Initiative, and Pathways To Peace. Designs include: May Peace Reside in Your Heart; Going Green and more.
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Please share any and all of this information on your web sites, in your newsletters, on your Facebook posts, or in other media. Also please invite others to sign up for this newsletter so they can receive the information directly. You can forward with the button below.
Thank you!
Building pathways to Peace toward a Culture of Peace for the Common Good. May Peace Prevail On Earth!
Sincerely,
David Wick, Team Leader
and the CPI Team: Michael Johnson, Melvin Weiner, Davil Nicol, Jean Trudel and Avon Mattison
About the Culture of Peace Initiative and Pathways To Peace
The Culture of Peace Initiative (CPI) is a cooperative local-global Peacebuilding Initiative uniting the strengths of organizations, networks, projects and people to realize a Culture of Peace for the Common Good. The CPI also serves as a vehicle for bringing to light many previously unseen and unheard Peacebuilders working along diverse paths, who are embodying the emerging Culture of Peace within Humanity. The annual highlight of the Culture of Peace Initiative is the International Day of Peace, which provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to work together, on a shared date, to create practical acts of Peace with a year- round impact.
This newsletter is offered by Pathways To Peace (PTP), International Secretariat of the Culture of Peace Initiative (CPI) which was inaugurated in 1984 and received a UN Peace Messenger award from the UN in 1987. CPI is inter-generational, inter-cultural, and has Participants in all regions of the world. PTP has consultative status with the United Nations (ECOSOC), (DPI). PTP has worked with the UN to observe and promote the International Day of Peace since it's inception in 1981, and has nurtured this occasion from a single event of a few hundred people into an annual global observance that now reaches hundreds of millions of people.
PTP has created and maintained the dedicated websites for the International Day of Peace and the Culture of Peace Initiative, including event locators for all to use; we produce this newsletter and also provide daily updates on the International Day of Peace Facebook page; we held a successful campaign to have the International Day of Peace printed on calendars across the globe; and we are continually involved with communications and planning about this event both inside and beyond UN circles. To learn more about our programs, networks, campaigns and support materials please see our web sites or visit our Facebook page.
Thank you.
Pathways To Peace is a nonprofit (501c3 U.S. tax exempt) organization, whose work would not be possible without our volunteers and your support. To help our efforts, please donate and click PayPal button on the left column.
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