A UN day promoting tolerance, solidarity, and coexistence between different cultures and faiths, in pursuit of a more peaceful world.
Date16 May
TopicPeace & Safety
Established2017
Ways to observe this day
Reach out to someone from a different cultural or religious background
Attend an intercultural dialogue event if one is available
Read about a different culture or faith to broaden your understanding
Talk with children about the value of tolerance and coexistence
On 8 December 2017, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 72/130, declaring 16 May the International Day of Living Together in Peace, aimed at regularly mobilizing international efforts to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, mutual understanding, and solidarity among peoples.
The day fits within broader UN efforts to counter hate speech, extremism, and the cultural and religious divisions that fuel conflict around the world. The resolution calls on countries to strengthen reconciliation efforts and work with local communities, faith leaders, and other actors to secure peace and sustainable development.
Schools, community organizations, and religious institutions mark the day through interfaith and intercultural dialogue events, educational workshops on embracing diversity, and local initiatives that bring together varied communities — reinforcing the idea that peaceful coexistence is an indispensable foundation for development and stability.