The 21 September 2006 International Day of Peace Student Observance at the United Nations gave nearly 800 youth a morning to truly remember. The Department of Public Information organized the program in association with the United Religions Initiative, World Peace Prayer Society, Pathways to Peace and UN International School. 

Secretary-General Kofi Annan began by recalling how The International Day of Peace is an important focus for those living in peace as well as for those living in conflict to observe as a day of ceasefire and nonviolence.  He invited  each youth to be a 'global citizen' by working in their own community to create peace.  Next, the President of the 61st General Assembly Sheika Haya Tashed Al Khalifa reminded the youth that the UN was their house, one that holds 192 Member States.  She invited everyone to pledge their support for the International Day of Peace  by showing solidarity and respect to all human beings.

Then a  vocal performance by the Touring Choir of the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for Performing Arts brought a special focus into the room.  They joined songwriter Jackie Tice in singing "Trail of Tears".  This song lists the names of 30 war-torn countries and asks,  “Who remembers?”.

The Messengers of Peace: Michael Douglas, Yo Yo Ma, Jane Goodall, Anna Cataldi and Vijay Amritraj interacted with the youth in NY and with those via videocast from UN Pecekeepping Operations in Liberia, Kosovo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Videos showing each peacekeeping area offered a view of life after conflict.  These youth then shared some of their stores and asked questions of the Messengers of Peace.

Three young people in NY shared how they are working to promote peace through their initiatives.  Jessica Remmington shared her One World Youth Project that links schools in the US with schools in the developing nations to address the Millennium Development Goals.  Jacqueline Murekatete described her work with Miracle Corners of the World to help Rwandan genocide survivors.  Kyleigh Kuhn from Roots of Peace  encouraged youth to give 2 pennies to help rid Afghanistan of landmines and to transform the land into soccer fields.

The question posed for all the youth to address was one that the UN Department of Information Peace and Security Section is still collecting responses to: " What can you do for Peace?"   Please join the conversation and send your response to:    This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

 There were two additional music performances.  The first was presented by  rap artist Q titled, "One Day".  The the Roots and Shoots VegKids sang "Come Together", an original song that incorporated messages on good eating habits with the International Day of Peace Resolution.

At noon, Mrs. Nane Annan joined Monica Willard of the United Religions Initiative in a Minute of Silence and the ringing of a peace bell. 

Monica thanked Mrs. Annan for her dedication to the International Day of Peace and for her participation in each of these youth programs since 1997 by presenting her with a bronze Dove, created by artist Anne Mimi Sammis.  The thank you to Mrs. Annan continued with the presentation of a beautiful mural and message from the Peacemakers at the Conerly Road School in New Jersey.

 Everyone got to participate in the World Peace Flag Ceremony led by Deborah Moldow.  The students from the UN International School carried the flags of the Member States, as they had earlier at the Peace Bell ceremony with the Secretary-General.  Each country was called by name and the audience repeated the name to send that powerful message from the UN to each country, "May Peace Prevail on Earth!"

 The program can be found on the UN website at www.cyberschoolbus.un.org.  A box in the middle of the page features the International Day of Peace.