International Day of Peace is marked annually on Sept. 21 to promote peace by observing 24 hours of non-violence. This year's theme is “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world.”

It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 as a day devoted to "commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples." In 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.

Here are a few famous quotes to honor non-violence collected from Brainy Quotes:

1. "I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word." — Martin Luther King

2. "I see the world being slowly transformed into a wilderness; I hear the approaching thunder that, one day, will destroy us too. I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more." — Anne Frank

3. "I'm just hoping that people understand that Islam is peace and not violence." — Muhammad Ali

4. "The only way to bring peace to the earth is to learn to make our own life peaceful."— Gautama Buddha

5. "You were placed on this earth to create not to compete." — Robert Anthony

6. "Peace does not mean an absence of conflicts; differences will always be there. Peace means solving these differences through peaceful means; through dialogue, education, knowledge; and through humane ways." —Dalai Lama

7. "Peace comes from being able to contribute the best that we have, and all that we are, toward creating a world that supports everyone. But it is also securing the space for others to contribute the best that they have and all that they are." — Hafsat Abiola

8. "Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one.” – John Lennon

9. “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” – Mother Teresa

10. "If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner." – Nelson Mandela

International Day Of Peace
Students of School of Art, Nantong University and several citizens from Yihe Community light up candles to pray for peace on the International Day of Peace on in Nantong, Jiangsu Province of China, Sept. 21, 2015. Getty Images/ VCG
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