On 21 September 2026, people across the United Religions Initiative network marked the International Day of Peace under this year's theme, "Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day." The answer to that call came in many languages and many forms.
In one city, children took the stage to dance; in another, young people of different faiths sat together to ask whether peace still matters. Veterans and students marched side by side, a mosque opened its doors to community leaders, and a festival of the divine feminine became a celebration of harmony.
Some carried a petition all the way to the United Nations, while others planted the first seeds of student-led peace clubs. The stories that follow come from twelve countries and counting, and each one shows that peace grows through small, everyday acts of courage, kindness and connection.
Undugu Family of Hope, Nairobi, Kenya
For this year's theme, "Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day," Undugu Family of Hope is bringing neighbors together through community dialogues and art. They believe true peace is built in our own neighborhoods, through daily acts of unity, fairness and respect. Their message: choose understanding over division, and build a stronger, safer home together.
Peace Walk and Malaysia Day Celebration
A morning of peace, unity and fellowship will be held on Saturday, 19 September 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Jalan Peel, Kuala Lumpur.
The programme includes a peace walk, Peace Pole ceremony, cultural performances and fellowship lunch.
Theme: Invest in Peace For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day
URI Pakistan
URI Pakistan launched its first "Green Peace Clubs" on Peace Day 2026. The student-led clubs will grow in schools, colleges and universities across the country. Each club has 15 to 25 students aged 12 to 21, guided by a Patron Teacher and a URI Pakistan Young Peace Leader. Members will take part in interfaith dialogue, conflict resolution, tree planting, plastic-free campaigns and climate learning. They will also build leadership skills through monthly Green Peace Challenges and community projects.
Mathura, India
For Peace Day, Adarsh wrote a "Memorandum of Peace" and collected 101 signatures. About 40 of them came from young people at the Sharda Charitable Trust Youth Relief Centre in Gokul, just the day before.
On 21 September he and a small group delivered it to the UN office, where staff discussed it and asked them to submit it online. They also delivered a copy to the Prime Minister's Office in New Delhi. Their motto: "Begin the change within ourselves, not expecting through others."
Interfaith Youth Council Iligan City, Philippines
Ten young people of different faiths met for a small, friendly discussion on whether peace still matters today. One participant said, "We cannot have peace if we don't have peace in ourselves."
Zeist, Netherlands, URI Netherlands
Around 50 people from URI Netherlands gathered to share stories about what peace means to them. People of different generations and regions exchanged their experiences, and they plan to keep sharing. Morgana Sythovze summed it up: "All acts of hate & oppression are acts of harm, all acts of love & compassion are acts of HARMONY."
URI UN CC and partners, Chicago, USA
About 1,500 people came to Daley Plaza for Peace Day Chicago's 48th annual celebration. The crowd included students from 15 schools and representatives of 44 consulates. Students carried peace signs and joined a World Peace Flag Ceremony alongside consulate members. Monica Willard called it an honor to share the day with such a wonderful crowd.
Kuza Kipaji, Nairobi Kenya
On International Day of Peace, Kipaji Kids took the stage with one message: peace. Through dance, the children learn to express themselves without violence, connect across differences and build confidence. Their stage is a space where every child feels seen, valued and heard. "Let the children dance. Let the community unite. Let peace lead the way."
URI members, Kolkata, India
URI members in Kolkata are celebrating Peace Day alongside Durga Puja, Bengal's greatest heritage festival. Durga stands for peace, strength and courage, and for the balance of compassion and power. The evening joins Bengal's cultural heritage with a universal message of unity and harmony through art, music, dance and performance. It takes place on 1 October 2026 at 6:30 PM at Rotary Sadan, Kolkata.
Mulapnen Capacity Building Initiative (MUCABI)
For Peace Day, MUCABI reminds us that peace is more than the absence of conflict. It is an active commitment to justice, dignity and respect. MUCABI believes that when communities have the right skills and spaces for dialogue, they shape their own future. It works to tackle poverty, inequality and exclusion through education, inclusive leadership and economic opportunity. "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace."
URI West Africa, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
In Jos, URI West Africa members helped lead the city's Peace Day event through the Peace Practitioners Network. Several Cooperation Circles took part, and the event was supported by GIZ, the Peacebuilding Agency and other partners.
Masjid Tassbiih Mosque, Zanzibar, Tanzania
About 25 people gathered at Masjid Tassbiih Mosque for Peace Day, with Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Ayyub Mohammed as guest. The theme was "Religion as a Culture of Peace."
URI SRI Lanka Celebrates International Day of Peace
