How one filmmaker convinced the United Nations to declare a global day of peace
In short: Jeremy Gilley, a former actor, spent years documenting his quest to establish an annual international ceasefire. His efforts culminated in a unanimous United Nations resolution, creating a permanent day for non-violence. Today, his nonprofit organization continues to mobilize millions through global concerts, digital experiences, and creative corporate partnerships.
Born in 1969, Jeremy Gilley transitioned from a career in professional acting to documentary filmmaking. In 1999, he founded the non-profit Peace One Day to document his ambitious goal: securing an official, annual day of global ceasefire. His persistence paid off in September 2001, when the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution establishing 21 September as the International Day of Peace, commonly known as Peace Day.
Gilley’s strategy relies on high-profile advocacy and large-scale cultural events to institutionalize the day. He has produced numerous concerts in major venues like the Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Arena, and even Goma Airport in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These events leverage the influence of celebrities and musicians to reach global audiences, with campaigns like 'One Day One Goal' and 'Set For Peace' encouraging participation through sports and music. In 2007, his work in Afghanistan alongside organizations like UNICEF and the WHO helped facilitate the vaccination of 1.4 million children against polio.
The scale of the project has grown significantly through digital integration. By 2016, estimates suggested over 2 billion people encountered the Peace Day message, with millions reporting more peaceful behavior as a result. During the 2020 global digital experience, the organization reached a potential audience of over 4 billion people across six time zones. Beyond the annual peace focus, Gilley has expanded his scope to address contemporary issues, including gender-based violence, climate action, and the elimination of racial discrimination, consistently utilizing digital broadcasts to drive engagement and awareness.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Jeremy Gilley
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/culture-jeremy-gilley.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in UK & Irish culture · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics
