International Day of Peace Events in New York City, USA – 2025
September 21, 2025
On September 19–20, New York City became a center for global peace as May Peace Prevail On Earth International (MPPOEI) and the Global Silent Minute united with community partners to mark the International Day of Peace.
City Hall – September 19
The weekend began at NYC City Hall, where leaders from youth, senior, veteran, police, education, community, and faith-based services joined citizens worldwide for a citywide meditation and Moment of Silence at Noon EST.
During the gathering, Fumi Johns Stewart, Executive Director of MPPOEI, presented Camille Joseph Varlack, Deputy Mayor for Administration and Chief of Staff of New York City, and Pastor Gilford Monrose, Faith Advisor to Mayor Eric Adams, with Peace Poles on the steps of City Hall. The ceremony set the tone for a weekend dedicated to unity, stillness, and shared commitment to peace.
Times Square – September 20
The following day, Times Square transformed into a hub for peace, unity, and action. Participants joined MPPOEI, the Global Silent Minute, and community partners to “plant” virtual Peace Poles on the world map at plantpeace.worldpeace.org, each inscribed with personal messages for peace.
The day concluded with a moving World Peace Flag Ceremony led by MPPOEI, honoring all UN member nations and conveying the universal message: “May Peace Prevail On Earth.”
Reflections
“By inviting people to plant Peace Poles, whether in their communities or virtually, we give the world something tangible to focus intention and energy on peace,” said Fumi Johns Stewart, Executive Director of MPPOEI. “Every Peace Pole inscribed with May Peace Prevail On Earth lifts global consciousness toward peace.”
Founded in Japan by Masahisa Goi after Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Peace Pole Project has since seen more than 200,000 Peace Poles planted around the globe. MPPOEI continues this mission by inspiring people everywhere to dedicate themselves to peace in their communities and beyond.
Together, the City Hall and Times Square events highlighted the power of collective intention—reminding us that peace is possible when we choose it together.
We invite you to watch the videos below.