Troy University’s International Student Cultural Organization (ISCO) and the International Arts Center will commemorate the International Day of Peace on Sept. 19.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin with a Peace Walk starting at Hawkins Hall and end with a program surrounding the Peace Dove statue, created by the artist Nall, on the Daniel Foundation of Alabama Plaza located behind the International Arts Center.

Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981, the International Day of Peace, traditionally celebrated on Sept. 21, promotes global ideals of peace through 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. The theme for 2024 is “Cultivating a Culture of Peace.”

At 6:30 p.m., TROY students will assemble at Hawkins Hall on the Troy Campus. Starting at 7 p.m., they will march with international flags to the Peace Dove statue. The march will be followed by a program featuring student speakers and musical performances.

“The Peace March, a tradition the International Arts Center has shared with ISCO since 2017, is a powerful expression of our collective desire for peace across our campus, community, state, nation, and the world,” said Carrie Jaxon, Director and Curator of TROY’s International Arts Center. “It’s a beautiful celebration of our international diversity and our unified vision for peace. The sight of all the flags and students walking together is truly inspiring.”

Additionally, TROY graphic design students will have peace-themed posters on display at the program. Winners from the poster contest will be announced during the event.

More information on the global event can be found at https://internationaldayofpeace.org/.

“According to a study (2022) by the United Nations, roughly two billion people live in regions of the world that are impacted by military conflict,” said Dr. Jay Valentine, ISCO advisor and faculty member in the Department of History and Philosophy. “The International Day of Peace draws our attention to the conflicts around the globe, which are all too easy for us to ignore, and gives us the opportunity to recommit ourselves to the aspiration for peaceful resolutions to armed conflict.”