Since its inception in 1981 at the United Nations, Peace Day has marked personal and planetary progress toward peace. Each year, events commemorating and celebrating peace involve millions of people throughout the world. This year’s 30th anniversary theme, Make Your Voice Heard, pays tribute to the many civil society activists that have lent the strength of their imagination to the institution of peace.

Anyone can celebrate Peace Day. It can be as simple as lighting a candle at noon and just sitting in silent meditation. Or, it may evolve into engaging co-workers, organizations, communities or local government in a larger event. The impact of coming together for one day of peace is immense.

The International Day of Peace is also a Day of Ceasefire—both personal and political. Why not take this opportunity to make peace in your own relationships as a start to positively influencing the larger conflicts of our time, by holding participants kindly in your thoughts? Imagine what a whole day of ceasefire could mean to humankind.

Visit InternationalDayOfPeace.org.