Denver names Sept. 21 Day of Peace for PeaceJam’s 30th anniversary

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has proclaimed Sept. 21, 2026, as Day of Peace, aligning the city with the U.N.’s International Day of Peace and marking three decades of PeaceJam’s work with Colorado youth. The recognition spotlights a Denver-born nonprofit that says it has reached more than 1.3 million young people in 45 countries.

Why it matters: - Denver’s proclamation ties a local civic moment to the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. - The recognition also highlights PeaceJam’s 30 years in Colorado, where the nonprofit has worked with young people on peacebuilding and civic action. - The city’s message lands as global and local challenges continue to test communities and schools.

What happened: - Denver Mayor Mike Johnston proclaimed Sept. 21, 2026, as Day of Peace in the City and County of Denver. - The proclamation aligns Denver with the U.N.’s International Day of Peace. - The city also marked the 30th anniversary of PeaceJam, a Denver-based nonprofit. - Denver joined PeaceJam in encouraging young leaders to pursue positive change in themselves, their communities and the world.

The details: - The International Day of Peace is dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace within and among nations and peoples. - The proclamation describes peace as “humanity’s guiding inspiration.” - PeaceJam’s mission is to educate and empower youth to take action for peace, inspired by Nobel Peace Laureates. - Since its first conference in 1996 at Regis University in Denver, PeaceJam says it has engaged more than 1.3 million young people across 45 countries. - PeaceJam was first hosted by Nobel Peace Laureate Betty Williams. - Lauren Coffaro, PeaceJam’s executive director, said young people have translated inspiration into action for peace for 30 years. - Coffaro also said many Denver residents remember PeaceJam’s 10th anniversary gathering at the University of Denver, where thousands of young people joined 10 Nobel Peace Laureates, including the Dalai Lama. - The PeaceJam Foundation was founded in Colorado in 1996. - PeaceJam says it is led by 14 Nobel Peace Laureates and is the only global youth organization of its kind. - The nonprofit’s 30th anniversary celebration continues through early 2027. - PeaceJam has an upcoming Global Alumni Reunion planned as part of that celebration. - More information is available in PeaceJam’s 30th anniversary materials.

Between the lines: - The proclamation gives Denver a chance to reinforce its identity as PeaceJam’s home city. - The timing suggests the city wants to connect a global observance with local youth leadership and community engagement. - The emphasis on young people signals that PeaceJam’s long-term value is not just its history, but its continued role in shaping future civic and social action.

What's next: - Denver residents and communities across Colorado are being asked to reflect on one action they can take to build peace within themselves, their neighborhoods and the world. - PeaceJam’s anniversary programming will continue into early 2027. - The Global Alumni Reunion will be one of the next major milestones in the celebration.

The bottom line: - Denver used the International Day of Peace to spotlight a homegrown nonprofit that has turned youth-led peace education into a 30-year movement.