The Pathways to Peace calendar program has two major components. The first is to enlist calendar publishers worldwide to include the UN International Day of Peace on their calendars. The second is to engage all segments of society to observe this event annually.

Historically, the UN has used this day to pre-arrange ceasefires that enable humanitarian organizations to provide food and medicine to people who are otherwise cut off from such basic needs; there are also observances at all UN facilities worldwide. In addition, hundreds of humanitarian, environmental, cultural and religious organizations conduct thousands of observances, involving millions of people all over the world, on the International Day of Peace. These included vigils, workshops, school activities, exhibits, performances, celebrations, educational programs and much more.

Now, we have an unprecedented opportunity available to us. For the first time ever, beginning in 2009, the International Day of Peace will be listed on hundreds of millions of calendars, reaching over a billion people. These calendars will begin arriving in stores during the summer of 2008.

Pathways to Peace works with the UN Department of Public Information and various UN affiliated non-government organizations as well as other groups to promote and coordinate 'Peace Day' activities through its program, the Culture of Peace Initiative, which is an official Peace Messenger Initiative of the UN. As such, Pathways embraces the UN's mission, including its Millennium Development Goals.

Having the International Day of Peace on everyone's calendar, means that its observance will now be a much more universal and mainstream activity. It means that the International Day of Peace will have the support of governments, religions, businesses, professionals, public service organizations, educational institutions and media outlets all over the world. There will be opportunities for people and families everywhere to become involved in many different types of activities, programs or observances.

With the International Day of Peace on everyone's calendars and schedule, we are at the tipping point for an annual worldwide observance of peace. The ongoing impact will be of historical significance. People and organizations will use it as a focal point to call attention to solutions that can affect year round changes on many levels; and our children will grow up observing 'Peace Day' and incorporating its meaning and potential into their lives.