Cowra Marks World Peace Day 2026
Published on 14 September 2026
Cowra Marks World Peace Day 2026 with Youth Forum, Bell Ceremony and Community Dinner
Cowra will once again celebrate World Peace Day this September, joining communities around the globe in recognising the United Nations International Day of Peace.
As the home of Australia's World Peace Bell, the International Day of Peace holds a special place in Cowra's community calendar. The 2026 United Nations theme, "Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day," highlights the importance of building peaceful, inclusive and resilient communities through everyday actions.
The Australian Chapter of the World Peace Bell Association will host a series of events on Thursday 17 September, bringing together students, community members and local organisations to reflect on the importance of peace, understanding and global citizenship.
A key feature of the day will be the 2026 Cowra Peace Day Youth Forum at the Cowra Civic Centre. Hosted by the Cowra Youth Council and the World Peace Bell Association, the forum will welcome around 100 student leaders and aspiring young leaders from Years 5 to 8 from schools across the Cowra Shire.
Students will participate in interactive workshops delivered by UN Youth, hear from inspiring speakers and explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
This year's guest speaker is former Cowra local Lynne Strong of SynergyScape Solutions. A writer, educator and civic leader, Ms Strong will present Practising Peace: Learning from History, Leading Across Difference, encouraging students to consider how lessons from history can help shape a more understanding and connected future.
Raised on a farm bordering the former Prisoner of War camp, Ms Strong grew up with visible reminders of history's consequences. The experience sparked a lifelong interest in power, memory and the choices communities make after conflict. For more than two decades, she has designed and delivered educational programs that equip young people with critical thinking, collaboration, creative problem-solving and communication skills. Her work aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and focuses on turning ideals into action.
The community is also invited to attend the annual World Peace Bell Ceremony at Cowra Civic Square from 1.00pm to 1.15pm. The ceremony provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to come together in reflection and reaffirm their commitment to peace, friendship and international understanding.
World Peace Day celebrations will conclude with the Rotary Club of Cowra Peace Dinner at Club Cowra from 6.00pm. Tickets are $40 and are available through Club Cowra.
Cowra's story of reconciliation continues to resonate internationally, and World Peace Day provides an important opportunity to celebrate the community's ongoing commitment to peace while inspiring the next generation to lead with empathy, respect and understanding.
Event Details
2026 Cowra Peace Day Youth Forum
Thursday 17 September 2026
9.15am to 2.45pm
Cowra Civic Centre
Community World Peace Bell Ceremony
Thursday 17 September 2026
1.00pm to 1.15pm
Cowra Civic Square, Darling Street, Cowra
Rotary Club of Cowra Peace Dinner
Thursday 17 September 2026
6.00pm
Club Cowra
Tickets: $40 via Club Cowra
ENDS