What Is The Peace Walk?

On Tuesday, 19 September 1989- the United Nations International Day of Peace-people in dozens of cities on six continents will walk for peace in a contemplative spirit. Walkers will carry the flags of their own nations or of the United Nations. Prominent world citizens, including diplomats, public servants, sports personalities, musicians and religious leaders of many faiths will be among the walkers worldwide.

Around the globe, Peace Walks will take place during the dawn hours, a time of day chosen for its calm, meditative qualities. In New York, participants will walk a seven-mile route, beginning and ending at the United Nations.

The Peace Walk is an annual event inaugurated in 1986 in honour of the International Year of Peace. It is an opportunity for people of all nations, cultures and religions to concentrate on the qualities within the human spirit which form the foundation upon which lasting peace can be built.

The Dawn of Peace

Imagine, in the pre-dawn stillness, in every nation on earth, people walking in profound invocation to Peace. As they pass through village, town qnd city, songs of peace permeate the atmosphere. They carry their national flag or that of the United Nations. Their minds and hearts are full of feelings of love for their homeland, its beauty and progressive ideals. They dream of a time when each nation will offer its unique qualities toward world harmony.

As dawn clears, the walkers disperse and enter into their daily activities. The resonance of their morning experience lingers in their hearts and spreads to those they meet. For many days to come, they find new inspiration and new determination to work tirelessly and selflessly toward building a world family based 0o oneness, respect and love for their fellow human beings.

Endorsed by Nobel Peace Laureates

“I encourage participation in THE PEACE WALK. In order to end world suffering and division, we all must develop the inner qualities of brotherhood and self1essnes~.”

– Archbishop Desmond M. Tutu 1984 Recipient, South Africa

“I support THE PEACE WALK, a worldwide activity which contributes to peace. The path to peace is to liberate the consciences of the people. We have to disarm hunger and create new, more just and humane relations between people:’

– Adolfo Perez Esquivel 1980 Recipient, Argentina

“I join you all in spirit and prayer that every step on your walk for peace will help bring the human fa1mily nearer its true destiny of love and respect for life and a refusal to kill one another.”

– Mairead Corrigan Maguire 1976 Co-recipient, Northern Ireland

“Because of the danger of nuclear destruction, every person has the obligation to do what” he ca n to help the world to move towards the goal of international co-operation , peace and brotherhood . I support THE PEACE WALK as a step towards this end.”

– Dr. Linus Pauling 1962 Recipient, United States

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Sri Chinmoy: The Peace Meditation at the United Nations

Cordially invites you to an

Inter Faith Prayer Breakfast

commemorating the International Day of Peace

at the
Church Center for the United Nations
777 United Nations Plaza
(Entrance on 44th Street)

Tuesday, 19 September 1989
Immediately following the Peace Walk
(approximately 8:00 a.m.}

 

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Since 1983 United Nations delegates and staff have taken a moment from their busy schedules to express their hopes for world peace by participating in the Peace Walks.

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GENERAL Introduction for PEACE WALKS AT THE UNITED NATIONS

Peace Walks are organised under the co-sponsorship of Sri Chinmoy: The Peace Meditation at the United Nations and a number of Permanent Representatives to the United Nations on:

• the first day of the General Assembly in September, a contemplative early-morning seven-mile walk for peace begins and ends at U.N. headquarters

• United Nations Charter Day (26 June) and  United Nations Day (24 October). During the UN  Charter day in June and the UN Day event in October, nationals of the United Nations Member States walk around a particular section of the U.N. Garden, each country following the other in relay fashion. They carry a copy of the Preamble to the U. N. Charter, in eloquent testimonial to the universal desire for peace. All participants sign a copy of the Preamble.

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