It was initiated in 1999 by a group of people who organised a peace conference on five continents simultaneously, regardless of origin, race, religion or group. On 31 July of the same year, seven flames from five continents were brought together in Bangor, North Wales, where they were united into an eighth flame: the World Peace Flame. The wish was expressed that from then on, every citizen of the world would take the initiative to erect a peace flame in his or her hometown.