Troy University’s International Arts Center will host a celebration in honor of International Peace Day this Thursday.

The day of festivities, sponsored by the IAC in collaboration with the International Student Cultural Organization and the Student Government Association, kicks off at 9 a.m. with free yoga at Nall’s Violata Pax Dove in the Daniel Foundation of Alabama Plaza, located behind the IAC.

Founded by the United Nations in 1981, International Peace Day is devoted to “commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.”

“When we heard about International Peace Day, it just made sense to us for it to be celebrated here, considering our international community and the diversity we have within our community,” said Carrie Jaxon, curator of the IAC.

A meditation session will follow the yoga from 11:45 a.m. until 12:15 p.m., and participants will be making “peace flags” from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on the main quad.

The day culminates with a peace gathering and open house at the IAC from 7:30 until 9 p.m.

“There will be several student speakers, there will be a singer, and there will be an open house for anyone who wants to come inside and explore our center,” Jaxon said. “We wanted this opportunity to be able to celebrate this peace that we have among us, to have students take a break from their studies and look among them to see what we have in our community in terms of diversity.”