On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, Kostyantyn Gryshchenko, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers, made the following statement: "Over the last thirty years, the International Day of Peace has been observed worldwide every 21 September. This year, the theme is “Peace and Democracy: make your voice heard” which has a particular echo for the Council of Europe. Our Organisation was established precisely to build after World War II a continent of peace based on the values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. We have gone a long way but the task is not over. We must address new challenges such as rising intolerance, which undermines the cohesion and peace of our societies. The Ukrainian Chairmanship is determined to bring the work of the organisation forward, together with all member states, to ensure that peace and democracy prevail".