Muhammad Ali Participates in International Day of Peace
September 19, 2003, New York
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Muhammad Ali at the United Nations International Day of Peace (photo by Howard Bingham) |
Muhammad Ali was among many special guests and ambassadors of peace who participated in the International Day of Peace at United Nations headquarters on Friday, September 19.
The United Nations International Day of Peace encourages people around the world to observe one day of global ceasefire and non-violence in a spirit of solidarity and tolerance.
Established by the General Assembly in 1981, the International Day of Peace was, until two years ago, observed each year on the opening day of the General Assembly's session. In 2001, however, the Assembly called for the Day to be observed on the 21st of September each year. It was the hope of the General Assembly that by having one specific day--as opposed to rotating it--the message would be more effective, and that date would be more fixed in people's minds. Ultimately, it is hoped that a seed be planted by all for international peace beyond the observed Day.
Because the International Day of Peace fell on a Sunday this year, the United Nations Headquarters celebrated the day on Friday, September 19. The Secretary-General rang the Peace Bell and several Messengers of Peace--including actor Michael Douglas and Italian writer Anna Cataldi--were at UN Headquarters to participate in the event.
In weeks leading up to the Day, Muhammad Ali and Italian opera singer Luciano Pavarotti participated in public service announcements to promote the Day of Peace. The PSA's were created and produced through a joint effort of the United Nations, the History Channel, and the New York Advertising Agency DCODE.