On Sunday, Sept. 21, the world will observe the International Day of Peace, a United Nations-sanctioned worldwide holiday. Peace Day Philly, a local nonprofit celebrating its 15th consecutive year on the same day, is encouraging Philadelphians to “act now for a peaceful world.”
Locals, be they individuals, organizations, or communities, are encouraged to use this global day to take meaningful action for peace on a personal, local, or global level. Those interested can partake in Peace Day Philly 2025 programs from Sept. 19 through Sept. 25.
Since the nonprofits’ inception in 2011, Peace Day Philly has encouraged, collaborated on or organized over 200 programs working toward personal, local and global peace. Well over 225 organizations were involved in those projects and programs.
This year, Peace Day Philly is collaborating with the School District of Philadelphia and the police department to engage youth in Peace Day activities. The nonprofit has worked with the Philadelphia Police Department since 2011 to encourage peace activities across the city, with an additional focus on children and youth.
Among the featured programs will be “Footballs Not Firearms,” a march and rally on Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. For the third year, the program, held in partnership with the Office of Quetcy M. Lozada (7th District), will involve approximately 100 students in the Kensington area. The Philadelphia Eagles have provided over 100 footballs for the program.
On Sunday, Sept. 21 (the International Day of Peace) at 5 p.m., the Philadelphia Ethical Society will host “Peace Day Philly 2025: Act Now For A Peaceful World.” The event, which shares a name with this year’s global Peace Day theme, will include music, peace speakers, peace-building activities, and networking.
On Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m., the Welcoming Center will host “Peace Within, Peace Between: Sharing Self-Care Practices Across Cultures,” a program focuses on the development of self-care practices among immigrants and refugees to manage negative emotions and stress, especially in today’s climate.
Thursday, Sept. 25, will feature the final event, “What is Peace Journalism and Why Does It Matter?” during which Lebanese speaker Vanessa Bassil and Philadelphia-based educator and non-violence advocate David W. Brown will explore the value and impact of Peace Journalism, a conflict-sensitive, peace-oriented, and human-centered alternative to traditional reporting.
For more information about all of this year’s Peace Day Philly programs, visit peacedayphilly.org
