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Health & Fitness

Axe Fragrance says, Make Love Note War. Here's Why: An interview with the Founder of Peace One Day, Jeremy Gilley

This interview was recorded April 28th, 2014 at 8:00am for Skyler McCurine’s Thoughts & Ruminations podcast and Patch Blog. 
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The most important day around the world! Do you know what it is? You have probably flagged your favorite holiday, possibly your children’s birthdays which  inspires gratitude , as well as  your anniversary which could be  a timeless reminder of love, or perhaps  regret. Jeremy Gilley, Founder of Peace One Day,  has proved that September 21 is the most important day of the year, and rightly so. World Peace Day, a globally recognized day, that marks an international ceasefire and a day of non-violence,  was started by Peace One Day’s tenacious visionary, Jeremy Gilley. Gilley’s background in acting and film left him unfulfilled and searching for answers to  life’s most profound questions. You know the type: those unnerving queries  that  compel us to ponder the meaning of our existence. The one that kept his mind racing: “Is world peace possible?”

Unlike many other stagnated and overwhelmed by the inquiry, he immediately started  seeking an answer to this grand and elusive question. Meeting with global leaders, presidents, and decision-makers, including the likes of former Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Annan, to sanction September 21st as a day for unified celebration of non-violence, intention, and peace. Since its inception in 2001, 1.5 billion people have been made aware of World Peace Day, but the movement had a slow momentum initially. Gilley figured if he could demonstrate the power of peace in the  most volatile places, the world would take notice and  subsequently follow suit. Accompanied by British actor Jude Law, Jeremy spread his message of peace in Afghanistan, speaking with citizens about their vision of our shared future--even receiving a startling peace offering from the Taliban, agreeing they would adhere to the cease fire on the 21st of September 2014. World Peace Day is vital, not just because of its principles, but out of the sheer necessity of aid, medical support and resources needed in the world’s most vulnerable areas. Humanitarians and aid workers are in constant danger, attempting  to offer support while their lives and safety are in jeopardy on a daily basis . Gilley shares, “A global cease fire means Humanitarians are able to offer aid in places where they would have previously been injured, killed or kidnapped.” Peace One Day’s efforts, in conjunction with aid organizations, have supported  thousands of life-saving activities  in developing countries.  To date, over 4.5 million children have been vaccinated for polio, a powerful and timely statistic as the World Health Organization released a statement, just weeks ago on May 5th, 2014 that, “the spread of polio is an international public health emergency that could grow in the next few months and unravel the nearly three-decade effort to eradicate the crippling disease.” Peace One Day is supporting  the treatment in deterring the resurgence of  this fatal disease. 

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We  acknowledge the idea, the treatments, and the aid work but how does this actually make room for peace? According to McKinsey & Company Report, Peace Day 2013 shows that “Approximately 1-2% of those aware of Peace Day (4 - 8 million) behaved more peacefully in their own lives as a result, improving the world for thousands of others. That is equivalent to the entire populations of Libya or Nicaragua.” This study proves that when we practice peace, the world responds with outward demonstrations of peace. The impact of Peace One Day is further demonstrated through the United Nations Department of Safety and Security, which monitors security-related incidents, who recorded a 70% reduction in violent incidents on Peace Day 2008 in Afghanistan. 

We often  place the responsibility of peace and non-violence solely on the shoulders of leaders when in fact, the responsibility lies squarely on our shoulders. Non-violent actions, thoughts, and words at home, in our communities, workplaces, and schools, should be both a daily practice and an intention. 

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What’s Next?

Jeremy’s 15- year journey has garnered the support of some reputable names, like Angelina Jolie, Jude Law, and most recently,  Akon. He  will  perform in the Democratic Republic of the Congo this September, for their annual migrating Global Truce concert  which takes place on World Peace Day. Through the generous support of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, Peace One Day has committed to a 3-year project for  a broadly observed regional day of ceasefire and non-violence on the 21st September in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Another recent collaboration, and a sexy one I might add, is with AXE Men’s Fragrance newest campaign, which empowers men and women to make love not war. 

Gilley’s  vision is the driver of this global movement and his leadership is infused with energy, passion, resilience, and belief, which he admits is the most important attribute required in leadership. Peace One Day’s work throughout the world answers the question he asked  years ago: “Is world peace even possible?”  Data shows that as the awareness of World Peace Day, aid work, and global unity increases, violence subsequently decreases. What a great comfort to know that yes, peace is indeed possible! Now is our time to the do the work. 

 Commit to making our world better by joining the movement here:http://www.peaceoneday.org/ 

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