21/09/2026
🕊️ The relevance of the United Nations to a peaceful world order
On 21 September 2026, the NGO Committee on Peace – Vienna, with the support of the Bertha von Suttner Peace Academy, commemorated the International Day of Peace at the Vienna International Centre. The event was also attended by representatives of Yoga in Daily Life and the Sri Swami Madhavananda World Peace Council.
The gathering began at the Peace Bell on Memorial Plaza, where participants were welcomed by Peter Haider, Chair of the NGO Committee on Peace – Vienna. The ceremony included an Aztec Dance for Peace, a message from former UN diplomat Dr Afsar Rathor, President of LIOS-SOIL, and Josef Newerkla’s reading from Bertha von Suttner’s "Lay Down Your Arms!" It concluded with the symbolic ringing of the .
The programme continued with a panel discussion entitled “The Relevance of the United Nations for a Peaceful World Order”, opened by a musical welcome from the Bezirkslehrerchor Horn. The speakers were Jean-Luc Lemahieu, former Director of Policy Analysis and Public Information at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; Dr Walter Feichtinger, security policy expert and President of the Center for Strategic Analysis; Mag. Marit Seyer, expert in international humanitarian law, disarmament and technology ethics; and Dr Ján Figeľ, former European Commissioner and former European Commission Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the European Union.
At a time of growing conflict, division and insecurity, the message of the International Day of Peace remains as urgent as ever. The United Nations, founded on the commitment to save future generations from the scourge of war, remains indispensable as a forum for dialogue, international cooperation and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Yoga in Daily Life and the Sri Swami Madhavananda World Peace Council support all sincere efforts that bring people and nations together in the spirit of peace, non-violence and mutual understanding. Following the eternal teachings of the Guru Parampara, His Holiness Satgurudev Swami MadhavanandaJi, Vishwaguruji and under current leadership of designated successor Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avatar Puri.
""There is no way to peace. Peace is the way.""