21 August marks four weeks to go until the International Day of Peace – a day of ceasefire and non-violence. Over 240 organisations from around the world have already signed up to the NGO Coalition in support of Peace One Day’s Global Truce 2012 campaign. The organisations are planning activities for Peace Day in more than 100 countries.

“We are delighted that peacebuilding, humanitarian and development NGOs are all united to bring people together on Peace Day 21 September 2012 in support of Peace One Day’s Global Truce 2012 campaign,” said Jeremy Gilley, founder of Peace One Day.

Peace Day on 21 September has proven to be an annual opportunity for individuals and organisations across the world to carry out life-saving activities. In mid-June the Global Truce 2012 NGO Coalition was launched alongside Accord, BRAC, MAG (Mines Advisory Group), Mercy Corps, War Child and Viva Rio.

At the Global Truce 2012 NGO Coalition launch event in June, Scott M. Weber, Director-General of Interpeace, highlighted, “this is an exciting line up of leading organisations. It is a clear demonstration of just how important peace is for all of us to do our work and achieve our goals.”

Scott explains, "Interpeace has partnered with Peace One Day to grow this coalition and work towards a day of ceasefire and non-violence on 21 September 2012. In order to have peace every day, we need to show peace is possible on one day. That is why we are so proud to be supporting Jeremy and his team."

“Together we can decrease the level of violence, raise awareness of our activities and save lives around the world. The impact of a day of global ceasefire and non-violence cannot be underestimated,” adds Jeremy.

NGO Coalition

The growth of this coalition has been rapid. Starting with 120 NGOs in mid-June the Coalition has already doubled in numbers, with organisations from Colombia to Timor-Leste, Sweden to South Africa. This is the first year of the Global Truce Coalitions and the achievements on 21 September 2012 will not only set an important marker for future Peace Days, but will also reinforce the value of this annual day as a foundation for long-term sustainable peace.

“If the full spectrum of NGOs that are out there combine efforts, our power will be greater than the sum of our parts. That’s the approach and the founding principle of the NGO Coalition. It is this ‘coalition’ oriented approach that will turn Jeremy’s efforts from a ‘Global Truce’ campaign into a true movement for peace,” emphasised Scott.

Ramping up to 21 September 2012

All 240 NGOs have added their names to the coalition to support the need for peace. Many are now busy making plans as to how they will mark this special day. Across Interpeace, plans are being developed to mark Peace Day with Global Truce 2012 activities, sporting events, conferences, walks and much more.

A Peace One Day flagship event will be headlined by Elton John and his band to celebrate the Global Truce 2012 on Peace Day, 21 September 2012. There will also be contributions from Peace One Day founder Jeremy Gilley and Peace One Day ambassador, Jude Law.