Today is International Peace Day

Today is International Peace Day, a day nominated by the UN General Assembly in 1981 that takes place every year on 21 September dedicated to the ideals of peace and reinforced by observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.

The theme of this year’s International Peace Day chosen by the UN is about recovering better, especially in light of the health pandemic, for an equitable and sustainable world.

The impact of the pandemic has been particularly severe on underprivileged and marginalized individuals and communities. People caught in conflict have been especially vulnerable in terms of lack of access to healthcare which is amplified by discrimination and hatred.

Conflict unfortunately has many forms, not least of which the ongoing battle with our environment throughout the world. For this reason, the theme given by the United Nations to this year’s Peace Day reminds us that we must make peace also with nature and foster green and sustainable solutions in our homes, schools, workplaces and wider environment. It is a call to eliminate hate in all forms and to spread compassion, kindness and hope on our road to recovery.

The ETF is working towards the ideals of International Peace Day by supporting the European Union's external relations and actions to make environmental sustainability an integral part of its post-COVID recovery plan building on the EU Green Deal.  The green transition accentuates the need for close interaction between education and training systems and their environments to build skills ecosystems in which skills development goes hand in hand with economic, technological and social change.