To celebrate the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21, ETSU is hosting a series of events to engage campus and bring a diverse group of people together.

The first International Day of Peace took place on Sept. 21, 1982, after the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to dedicate a day to commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace in 1981.

Each year, the International Day of Peace has a theme, with this year’s theme being “The Building Blocks of Peace,” with a focus on “The 17 Sustainable Development Goals.”

The “17 Sustainable Development Goals” is an initiative designed by the United Nations to transform our world by the year 2030.

The 17 Goals are: No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Reduced Inequalities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Life Below Water, Life on Land, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions and Partnerships for the Goals.

The first event took place Sunday night with the formation of a human peace sign at the men’s soccer game.

On Monday from 9:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m., there will be an Educational Peace Tabling session in the Amphitheater.

On Tuesday, the Multicultural Center will host a “How do YOU Peace in another culture?” talk beginning at 5 p.m.

Beginning at noon on Wednesday, there will be a PEACE Moment of Silence and Balloons Release in the Amphitheater.

The International Day of Peace will come to a close at 8 p.m. on Wednesday with a candlelight vigil in Borchuck Plaza. There will be a special performance by the ETSU Gospel Choir and a guest speaker.

The International Students Association and Office of Multicultural Affairs are the co-sponsors for the events.