International Day of Peace Archives - Eva Varga


September 23, 2012

The Roots & Shoots tradition is to celebrate the Day of Peace with with signature Giant Peace Dove Puppets, which have “flown” by young people and the young at heart in cities, towns, and villages near and far. As Dr. Jane says, “With these humble creations made out of reused materials, we remind everyone that peace is possible. We celebrate all that is free and noble in the human spirit. And we celebrate all that so many people have done throughout the year—and will do next year—to create a better world.”

Following Dr. Jane’s lead as a UN Messenger of Peace, members and friends of Roots & Shoots are called each year to celebrate peace in honor of United Nations International Day of Peace.  We participated for the third consecutive year.

So, what is International Day of Peace? Per General Assembly resolution 36/67 and 55/282, the United Nations has declared this day as a day devoted to strengthening ideals of peace among people and nations. Officially the UN calls member states (countries recognized by the UN) to recognize the day with a global ceasefire. That means that all of the countries, if they are actively fighting, are asked to put down their weapons for a day in the name of peace. Around the world, recognizing the day can happen in so many ways.

Would you like to build a Giant Peace Dove of your own?  Follow this link for instructions … Create a Giant Peace Dove Puppet .  Consider sharing pictures (or a link thereof) of your dove with us in the comments.



September 20, 2010

Jane Goodall carries her message of peace with the natural world through her worldwide outreach efforts, the mission and work of the Jane Goodall Institute, and especially through the Institute’s global environmental and humanitarian youth program, Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots.

“To achieve global peace, we must not only stop fighting each other, but also stop destroying the natural world.”

Each year, in her role as a UN Messenger of Peace, Dr. Goodall calls upon members and friends of Roots & Shoots to celebrate the annual UN International Day of Peace on September 21. Through projects that promote peace among people and the natural world, as well as the symbolic “flying” of their signature Giant Peace Dove Puppets, Roots & Shoots members show their dedication to creating a better, more peaceful future for generations to come.

As I hoped to have several families gather to celebrate the completion of our interpretive sign project, I also planned to fly a giant peace dove for the first time in recognition of Roots & Shoots groups world-wide.

When we woke this morning the weather threatened to ruin our plans. It was pouring down rain for most of the morning. It fortunately cleared off by early afternoon and we were able to proceed. It was very windy however, and our peace dove was a little unwieldy for the kiddos.  I had hoped to get a group picture in front of the dove – moms and kids both – but alas, there is always next year.