The history of the Peace and Goodwill Message
The first message was sent in 1922…
… by Reverend Gwilym Davies from Cwm Rhymni. He was a pacifist and was prominent in the establishing of the Welsh Union of the League of Nations and UNESCO. He believed in uniting the children of the world. Sir Ifan decided to support the campaign so that ignorance and prejudice could be abolished.
The message was broadcast for the first time on the BBC World Service in 1924 and today it appears in many different languages on the internet and reaches all corners of the world.
By 1935, 68 countries had responded. Even during the Second World War the message was broadcast without fail.
Message Themes
In the 1950’s the Urdd was given the responsibility of announcing the Message of Peace and Goodwill on 18 May, which was the date of the first peace conference in the Hague in 1899.
The Peace Message today
The Peace Message’s theme is chosen annually by young people in Wales. It provides a platform for the next generation to share what matters to them and to influence their future. Over the years themes have included the atomic bomb, refugees, poverty, war, violence and global warming.
Today, the annual Peace Message is translated into over 50 languages and reaches more than 30 countries. Thanks to advances in technology, it has reached over 85 million people internationally (and counting) through the influence of the press and social media.
Alongside support from schools, organisations and charities in Wales and internationally, the Message attracts backing from some of the world’s biggest names, including globally renowned actors and performers, athletes, politicians, and countless influencers.
In recent years, the Urdd has taken the Message to the United Nations in New York and UNESCO in Paris.
Our centenary Peace Message (2022) was launched at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway, at a special event attended by the then First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford.
The powerful words of the 2023 Message can also be seen in a special mural on the side of a house in the Adamsdown area of Cardiff – the first Welsh-language mural of its kind in the capital.
Over the years young people from all corners of the world have responded to the Peace and Goodwill Message.
In 1946 this message was received from the young people in Germany
“It is years since we have heard from the Welsh Children. How it grew dark! We should like to hear from you again.”
In 1948, this response came from children in Japan:
“We are really happy to know, after so many years of isolation, that you have sent so hearty words of friendship and love.”
Past Peace Messages
A collection of messages across the years can be found on our website, and an archive along with historic images relating to the Peace Message is also available on the People’s Collection Wales website.