World Peace and Understanding Day is observed annually on February 23. This day commemorates the inaugural meeting of Rotary International, which brought together a group of businessmen aiming to create a space where their backgrounds were irrelevant. This gathering laid the groundwork for the establishment of Rotary International, an organization committed to fostering human service, peace, and harmony.
Rotary International originated in Chicago, USA, and the date of its first meeting was designated as “World Understanding and Peace Day.” This occasion is also a significant part of February’s “World Understanding Month,” during which various activities are organized to promote global harmony and peace.
The origins of this day trace back to the founding of Rotary International. On February 23, 1905, Paul P. Harris, a Chicago lawyer, convened the first meeting with a few business associates. Their goal was to form a community of businessmen who could gather without the constraints of political or religious differences. Initially, the group met in their offices, but as membership grew, a new venue became necessary.
Over time, branches of the Rotary Club were established in other cities across the United States, and the organization began to expand internationally. This increasing popularity prompted a name change to the “International Association of Rotary Clubs,” which was eventually abbreviated to “Rotary International.”
On 23 February 2025, Rotary International will mark its 120th anniversary. When Paul Harris and his three friends gathered in room 711 of the Unity Building in Chicago in 1905, they could not have imagined that their meeting would spark a global movement. Over the years, the organization has achieved many milestones, yet there remains much work to be done to foster peace, harmony, and understanding worldwide.
The Board of Directors of Rotary International encourages all Rotary Clubs to host special programs focused on peace and understanding during their weekly meetings. This occasion serves as a perfect opportunity to promote harmony, cooperation, and global citizenship.
World Peace and Understanding Day is more than just a one-day event; it is a vital initiative aimed at fostering peace, cooperation, and harmony across the globe. Over the past 120 years, Rotary International has made significant contributions to global welfare, and the organization is committed to continuing its efforts in the realms of peace and human service in the years to come.
Discover the 2025 World Peace and Understanding Day theme, quotes, images, messages, posters, banners, and inspiring slogans.
World Peace and Understanding Day Quotes, Images and Messages
🌍 “Peace begins with a smile.” — Mother Teresa
☮️ “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” — Jimi Hendrix
🕊️ “An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.” — Mahatma Gandhi
🤝 “Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be peace.” — J.K. Rowling
💙 “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” — Mother Teresa
🌟 “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” — Albert Einstein
🏳️ “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” — Desmond Tutu
💕 “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” — Dalai Lama
🕯️ “There is no way to peace; peace is the way.” — A.J. Muste
🌏 “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” — Dalai Lama
Best Posters, Banners and Slogans
🤲 “Be the peace you wish to see in the world.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
✨ “Understanding is a two-way street.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
💡 “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” — Mark Twain
🕊️ “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” — Jill Jackson
🌱 “It is not enough to win a war; it is more important to organize the peace.” — Aristotle
🌈 “You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.” — Indira Gandhi
💞 “The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation.” — Bertrand Russell
🌎 “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
🎶 “Imagine all the people living life in peace.” — John Lennon
🔥 “The more we sweat in peace, the less we bleed in war.” — Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
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