International Day of Peace: History, activities, this year’s theme and inspirational peace quotes

This week welcomes the International Day of Peace, a commemorative day implemented by the United Nations.

Observed around the world every year on 21 September, it's a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace among all nations and peoples.

It's organised with the vision of promoting a peaceful society, which the UN describes as "one where there are justice and equality for everyone."

Here's everything you need to know about the International Day of Peace, including this year's themes and peace quotes to inspire you:

What is this year's International Day of Peace theme?

This year's theme will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights.

Although the declaration states in article 3 that "everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person," it does not include an article on "right to peace."

That's why this year, the UN is asking: 'What does "The Right to Peace" mean to you?' and is encouraging people to share their ideas using the hashtags #peaceday and #standup4humanrights.

What International Day of Peace activities are there?

People all around the world will be observing International Day of Peace in their own ways.

Some of the activities taking place across the globe include a minute silence held at 12 noon, meditation, prayer and yoga workshops and gathering for 'feast for peace.'

Peace quotes to inspire you:

"Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without." - Buddha

"We seek peace, knowing that peace is the climate of freedom" - Dwight D. Eisenhower

"If you want to end the war, then instead of sending guns, send books. Instead of sending tanks, send pens. Instead of sending soldiers, send teachers." - Malala Yousafzai

"If you want peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies." - Desmond Tutu

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."- Mother Teresa

"If the human race wishes to have a prolonged and indefinite period of material prosperity, they have only got to behave in a peaceful and helpful way toward one another." - Winston Churchill

"Mankind must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation for such a method is love." - Martin Luther King Jr.

"Peace does not mean an absence of conflicts; differences will always be there. Peace means solving these differences through peaceful means; through dialogue, education, knowledge; and through humane ways." - Dalai Lama XIV

"If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner." - Nelson Mandela

"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding." - Albert Einstein