Three years ago film maker, Jeremy Gilley, began an experiment to find out if an individual could create the first Global Ceasefire Day in the recorded history of humankind. This year, as a result of his efforts, the first Global Ceasefire Day will be held on the UN International Day of Peace on September 21st.

A resolution creating the day was put forward by the United Kingdom and Costa Rica, and unanimously adopted by UN member states. Peace One Day was launched at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London in September 1999. Since then Jeremy Gilley has lobbied Heads of State and other key individuals around the world filming the whole adventure as he travelled to Africa, India, the Middle East, Australia, the United States, Costa Rica and Europe. He has met with Shimon Peres, the Foreign Minister of Israel and has secured the support of the League of Arab States which is calling a meeting of representatives to observe the day and prepare a wide campaign throughout the Arab World.

Presenting his plans in London this spring, Jeremy said: ‘The vision of this day extends far beyond the cessation of violent conflict and represents an opportunity for the whole of civil society to join in an annual moment of global unity. It is a chance for people to co-ordinate their efforts for peace in a focused way.’ What began as an idea now has the active support of governments, UN agencies, NGO’s Nobel Peace Laureates, religious organisations, corporations, universities, schools, key individuals, adults and young people alike.

In a message of support, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said, ‘This step can be more than symbolic. Even a one-day pause in fighting gives us something to build on. You have proved that individuals can make a difference and if each of us does our bit collectively we will make a major contribution.‘
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