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International Peace Day
The International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 and, twenty years later, it set September 21 as the fixed calendar date to annually observe the occasion as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence through education and public awareness. The Organization of American States every year on September 21st, or on the closest business day to that date, organizes a keynote conference with renowned speakers, within the framework of the Inter-American Peace Forum to commemorate this landmark day.

Peace Week at the OAS

In addition to the annual conference on Peace Day, the Peace Fund organizes other events during what has now become “Peace Week at the OAS. ” This year, the inter-American system is celebrating its 100th Anniversary and the Peace Fund is planning on celebrating it by organizing a series of special events to highlight the prominent role of the OAS and its predecessor agencies in the development of peace instruments, peace building and conflict resolution efforts over the past century. Among the activities scheduled will be the launching of the First Course on Peace, Democracy and Conflict Resolution in the Americas, as well as a Virtual Library of Peace Initiatives.

PEACE WEEK 2010

September 20, 2010

Inauguration of the OAS Virtual Library of Peace Initiatives

As part of the celebrations of the International Day of Peace, the OAS Peace Fund inaugurated the OAS Virtual Library of Peace Initiatives, a unique and comprehensive online resource, developed in collaboration with the Columbus Memorial Library, that spans over two centuries of initiatives aimed at hemispheric integration and peace. Each landmark moment in this regional quest for peace is covered with the pertaining speeches, agreements, treaties, historic photographs, news clippings, among other relevant documents. The OAS Virtual Library of Peace Initiatives is available here.



Launch of the book: “The OAS: Peace, Democracy and Conflict Resolution”

The first day of the 2010 Peace Week was also marked by the launch of the publication “The OAS: Peace, Democracy and Conflict Resolution”, which presents the recent achievements of the OAS in strengthening democracy, peace-building and conflict resolution.



“The OAS: Peace, Democracy and Conflict Resolution” Download


September 21, 2010 - International Day of Peace

Inter-American Peace Forum:

OAS Peace Missions: a Twenty-Year Retrospective



The OAS has been a key guarantor of peace in the Americas, taking the lead in the prevention, management and peaceful resolution of several intra- and interstate disputes that have affected the region. To commemorate the International Day of Peace, a global call for cease-fire and non-violence, and to mark the 20th Anniversary of the International Commission for Support and Verification (CIAV-Nicaragua), the first civilian OAS peacekeeping mission, the OAS Peace Fund offered a look back into decades of hemispheric peacekeeping and peace-building efforts, by gathering the chiefs of some the most significant OAS Peace Missions.

OAS Peace Missions: a Twenty-Year Retrospective
September 21, 2010
Hall of the Americas, OAS Headquarters
Washington, D.C.
9:00 am – 1:30 pm

See program

Photo Gallery

Learn More


September 22-23, 2010

OAS Course on Peace, Democracy and Conflict Resolution


The First Course on the OAS: Peace, Democracy and Conflict Resolution, took place at OAS Headquarters in Washington, D.C. from September 22-23, 2010, under the auspices of the OAS Peace Fund. The course was taught by the most senior OAS officials and in-house experts in peace building and conflict resolution, including former and current heads of OAS peace missions.

First Course on the OAS: Peace, Democracy and Conflict Resolution
September 22-23, 2010
Columbus Room, OAS Headquarters
Washington, D.C.
9:00 am – 6:00 pm

See full program and course materials

Learn More


September 25, 2010

Chalk for Peace

Chalk4Peace is a global chalk art project which turns pavements into a blank canvas where young artists of all ages can create messages and images that materialize their visions of peace. Founded by John Aaron, a long time artist, educator and events coordinator, in 2003 in Arlington, Virginia, Chalk4Peace started as a Sunday sidewalk chalk project for children. It has since spread to four continents, thus becoming a global event to promote peace through art. For the second consecutive year, the OAS Peace Fund joined efforts with the OAS Art Group, who has been holding Chalk4peace since 2006, to promote a morning of peace through art at the front steps of the OAS Main Building.



Chalk4Peace
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Front steps of the OAS Main Building
Washington, D.C.
10:00 a.m.


Peace Week 2009

Learn more about Peace Week 2009
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