News

7 Places To Donate For World Peace Day

by Maya Parthasarathy

The International Day of Peace takes place on September 21 annually, with the aim of "commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples," according to the United Nations. And there are a number of ways in which you can contribute to the International Day of Peace, both today and every other day of the year. Because promoting unity worldwide is always of the utmost importance.

The International Day of Peace was first established by the UN in 1981 as a common date for global and local organizations and communities to work toward a culture of peace. Every year, the International Day of Peace, also known as World Peace Day, has a theme. This year, the theme is "The Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace." There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals, ranging from ending poverty to taking action against climate change.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, along with Women Nobel Peace Prize Laureates and the UN Messengers of Peace, celebrated World Peace Day by ringing the United Nations Peace Bell and observing a minute of silence. The Peace Bell was a gift from the United Nations Association of Japan, and it functions as a symbol of peace. Its unique components represent international cooperation well, as the bell was cast from coins and medals donated by children and people from more than 60 different nations.

The UN wants everyone to participate, so much so that they even put together The L azy Person's Guide to Saving the World , which includes ways to help from your couch. There are plenty of other ways to donate to the International Peace Day's sustainable development goals, whether monetarily or with your time.

DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images

1. Offset Your Carbon Emissions

You can reduce your climate impact by purchasing United-Nations-certified offsets, which go toward funding projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The diverse list of fundable projects includes everything from wind power generation in Southern India to wastewater treatment in Thailand.

2. Donate To UNICEF

Cindy Ord/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

The United Nations Children's Fund works "for a world in which every child has a fair chance." Much of their work is in the field, and they work on a wide range of issues, including health care, education, and policy change.

3. Join The Zero Hunger Challenge

The Zero Hunger Challenge is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's tangible way to work toward a world with sustainable food systems and no hunger. You can join as a supporter, participant, or a "Champion."

4. Sponsor A Woman In Need

BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images

UN Women navigates the issue of gender equality and the empowerment of women. You can donate money to pay for different causes, such as Ethiopian women's literacy, training gender equality advocates, or creating a safe space for Syrian refugees.

5. Plant A Tree (Or A Few)

MARVIN RECINOS/AFP/Getty Images

Deforestation and loss of biodiversity are bigger problems than many realize. The Nature Conservancy's Plant a Billion Trees project aims to do just that: Plant a billion trees by 2025. You can help them out by donating money and practicing good stewardship of your own land.

6. Reduce Waste And Unnecessary Consumption

FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI/AFP/Getty Images

One-third of all food produced ($1 trillion worth) is thrown away each year, according to the UN. Do your part to reduce waste of all kinds, whether by buying locally produced goods, unsubscribing from paper magazines you never read, or using an app for cheap restaurant leftovers.

7. Increase Access To Clean Water

A MAJEED/AFP/Getty Images

Almost two billion people use contaminated sources of drinking water. Help increase access to clean water and sanitation by donating to charities such as The Water Project or Charity Water.

The International Day of Peace is about working together, regardless of national or ethnic differences, to create a better world for all. These are just a few of the ways you can help. And if you can't donate your money, you can always donate your time. You can also take a look at the Sustainable Development Goals for more inspiration.