It is dedicated to world peace, and specifically the absence of war and violence, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone for humanitarian aid access.

[1] To inaugurate the day, the United Nations Peace Bell is rung at UN Headquarters (in New York City).

The bell is cast from coins donated by people from all continents except Africa, and was a gift from the United Nations Association of Japan, as "a reminder of the human cost of war"; the inscription on its side reads, "Long live absolute world peace".

[5] The date initially chosen was the regular opening day of the annual sessions of the General Assembly, the third Tuesday of September.

"[7] A proposal for expanding the International Day of Peace to include Reconciliation,[9] in which a massive number of emblems (White Doves) would be distributed after a formal presentation at the United Nations, was put forward by Vincent Coyle, of Derry, Northern Ireland, and was debated at Seanad Éireann.

[10] However, events have been held at the United Nations in New York, with the support of Kofi Annan, in April.

[11] The September 11 attacks, often referred to as 9/11, were perpetrated on that same day when a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the militant Islamist terrorist group al-Qaeda against the United States of America occurred just blocks away from the UN on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001.

[16] The Culture of Peace Initiative published an annual report for the International Day of Peace in 2005 describing events in 46 countries:[17] Africa 11; East Asia and Pacific 12; Latin America and Caribbean 4; Europe 14; Middle East 3; North America 2 (22 states, provinces).

In 2006, then Secretary-General Kofi Annan rang the Peace Bell for the last time during his term in office.

[18][19] In 2007, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon rang the Peace Bell at United Nations Headquarters in New York calling for a 24-hour cessation of hostilities on 21 September, and for a minute of silence to be observed around the world.

[20] In 2009 – International Year of Reconciliation – the day was marked by a massive number of white doves being distributed after a formal presentation at the United Nations, bearing in mind the Charter of the United Nations, including the purposes and principles contained therein, and in particular those of saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war, bringing about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace, and practising tolerance and living together in peace with one another as good neighbours, thus developing friendly relations among nations and promoting international cooperation to resolve international economic, social and cultural rightsand humanitarian issues.

"[22] The Culture of Peace Initiative published an annual report for the International Day of Peace in 2009 describing events in 77 countries:[23] Africa 14; East Asia and Pacific 20; Latin America and Caribbean 11; Europe 23; Middle East 7; North America 2 countries (48 states, provinces).

Particular focus in this campaign included a cessation of hostilities on the day and a reduction of domestic violence and bullying in society.

[26] The Global Truce campaign will continue and be named with each year it leads up to, involving more partners and coalitions for mass participation and life-saving practical action on Peace Day.

Raising awareness, capacity building, promoting understanding and respect for diversity, and fostering opportunities for interaction to find ways to ensure a culture of peace are all actions that will motivate people to become interested in setting peace as a priority for sustainable development.

[38] This theme was based on the TOGETHER global campaign that promotes respect, safety and dignity for everyone forced to flee their homes in search of a better life.

[51] The largest number came from Western Europe[52] and from the European countries formerly part of the Soviet Union.

[60] A survey by the Culture of Peace News Network found internet reports from 834 celebrations of the International Day of Peace from around the world in 2024 including many reports in Japanese, Hindi, Russian, Ukrainian and Arabic, as well as English, French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese.