It’s a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, an invitation to all nations and people to honour a 24-hour cessation of hostilities. It is a day to highlight the Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001 to 2010). For Scouts worldwide, this day is a day to reflect on their Promise and the Scout Law, to share their work in the field of peace education and motivate others to have the courage to make a difference.

Scouting recognises the need for a more peaceful world achieved through a culture of peace, and not simply the absence of war. Every day in 155 countries, Scouts work to build peace and tolerance, managing conflict without violence, challenging prejudice and encouraging solidarity with others. In this, our Centenary year, Scouts worldwide are leading over 120 national Gifts for Peace projects, for example:

Namibia - Scouts in Namibia are raising awareness of domestic violence by training leaders and Scouts so that they can deal with violence in their own lives. Sudan - Since the Darfur Crisis began in July 2003, Scouts in Sudan have been managing camps for Internally Displaced Persons, distributing food and relief and raising awareness of health issues.	Namibia.
Great Lakes - Scouts and Guides in the Great Lakes region of Africa, in Burundi, The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, are fighting ethnic prejudices and breaking down barriers that were previously the source of great violence in the region. Through the Amahoro Amani project, young people are training as community mediators, organising public awareness campaigns, peace and reconciliation workshops, peace days, and getting involved in village and neighbourhood councils.	Amahoro Amani.
Georgia - Scouts in Georgia are supporting an important initiative in their country called CIP: Community Investment Programme, leading activities for young people related to youth empowerment, leadership, conflict management, nature and the environment. Nicaragua - Scouts in Nicaragua are helping young people in the most impoverished areas of their country with their personal development, supporting them to stay out of child labour and finish their formal education.	Georgia.
Republic of Korea - Scouts in the Republic of Korea are working to build peace and harmony with North Korea through initiatives such as peace treks and tree planting around the demilitarised zone. Austria - Scouts in Austria are raising awareness of the migrant situation in their country in order to promote tolerance, exchange and the acceptance of migrants as part of Austrian society.	Republic of Korea.

Find out more about the Gifts for Peace at: www.scout.org/giftsforpeace

Scouts around the world will be active on the International Day of Peace, highlighting their Gifts for Peace with their local communities, and taking part in special activities. The Scouting and Guiding Federation of Turkey will be especially active throughout September leading a range of activities including an art competition, UNESCO peace games, tree planting, talks with community leaders, making pinwheels and peace doves for peace and observing a minute of silence at 12:00 on the 21st September.

Read the International Day of Peace message from World Scouting's Secretary General by clicking here.

Activity ideas

Record messages for Peace:
http://www.scout.org/peace-messages/

International Day of Peace website:
http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/

Building Peace Together - 12 Workshops:
http://www.scout.org/.../building_peace_together

Join-in-Centenary activities (including peace activities in Pack 2):
http://www.scout.org/.../join_in_centenary

ScoutPAX, a tool to help develop and implement Gifts for Peace projects:
http://worldnet.scout.org/scoutpax

Scouts of the World Award Guidelines:
http://www.scoutsoftheworld.net