Jeremy Gilley (UK)

➡️ JEREMY GILLEY – Actor, Filmmaker & Founder of Peace One Day

After a successful career in film and television, Gilley shifted his focus to peace and humanitarian causes. He founded the non-profit organisation ➡️ Peace One Day originally with the mission of establishing an annual day of global ceasefire and nonviolence with a fixed date.

In September 2001, a General Assembly resolution was adopted unanimously by UN member states, officially marking September 21 as an international day of ceasefire on the UN International Day of Peace.

In 2025, Jeremy will be awarded the prestigious Goi Peace Award for his contributions to creating a more peaceful world. In 2022, he was awarded an MBE for his services to global peace. Throughout his many decades of dedicated peace activism, he has received numerous awards, including the Lennon-Ono Grant for Peace, the IVCA Fellowship, and the Carnegie-Wateler Peace Prize.

"World Peace Day is envisioned to become a moment of global unity - it is up to each and every one of us to make this a reality" - Jeremy Gilley

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With International Peace Day now a designated day of global ceasefire, it provides the perfect opportunity to carry out humanitarian work in some of the world's most dangerous zones. One of the most successful missions came in 2007 when a 70% reduction in violence was recorded in Afghanistan. This allowed 10,000 aid workers in collaboration with UNAMA, UNICEF, and the WHO to administer polio vaccines to 4.5 million children.

"On a day when no bullets fly, families can go to the clinic, mosquito nets can be given out, and kids who've known only war can learn what peace looks like, sounds like. In short, it's a window of opportunity to build peace" - Jeremy Gilley

Documentaries for Peace

In his debut documentary' Peace One Day', Gilley records his years-long journey to establish a fixed annual day for global ceasefire. In his second documentary, 'The Day After Peace', he looks forward and examines whether, now that the day has been established, people will actually get on board with it. Will all his hard work be worth it, and will it even make a difference?

The 2008 feature-length film drew support from influential figures such as Jude Law and Angelina Jolie, which helped to boost the initiative and draw in global attention. The film focuses on the achievements in Afghanistan and helps to demonstrate the scope of what can be accomplished in times of peace.

Jeremy's experience and connections in the acting world provided Peace One Day with the impetus to evolve into the huge global initiative it is today. His work highlights the profound impact that storytelling has on driving social progress and achieving real change.

Institutionalising Peace

With the day well established, the goal of building a global culture of peace is now at the forefront of Jeremy's project. Sustainable, long-lasting peace is built through behavioural change. Support from influential celebrities and international brands such as Coca-Cola, Unilever, and Adidas has brought the message of peace to the global stage.

In 2019, Peace Day celebrated its 20th anniversary with a massive concert at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, featuring performances by Sting, Basement Jaxx, Will Young, and the Citizens of the World Choir.

"By 2024, the words' Peace Day' moved through media, minds, and messages over 11 billion times" - Peace One Day

Increased awareness drives action, which in turn reduces violence. Estimates now suggest that every year on Peace Day, there is a 15% reduction in violent deaths compared to other days.

The 2025 celebration was the world's largest online festival for peace. Their target was to engage a huge three billion people with the message of Peace Day.

Jeremy's unwavering dedication to a more peaceful world and his use of influence as a force for good are potent reminders of the positive impact that we can all make. Through hope and unity, we can all help to make our world a better place.

Under his Peace One Day Channel, Jeremy also organises programs for days such as Mental Health Day, World Food Day, and Climate Action. Each topic is crucial in our shared journey to a more peaceful and sustainable future.

Author: Rachael Mellor, 24.09.25 licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

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