Normally held on World Peace Day on September 21, the COVID-19 pandemic forced it's movement to later in the year.

Giving his annual address, Chair of the Australian Chapter of the World Peace Bell association, Ian Brown, said it was fantastic to finally be able to celebrate International Day of Peace.

"This year's event, like peace in the world, has been somewhat different," he said.

"However, I can assure you, we've not been too much perturbed by the COVID lock in, lock down and locked away restrictions.

"Importantly, today we also share the recognition and remembrance of the 103rd anniversary of Armistice Day, the end of the Great War, the war to end all wars.

"We remember the tragedy of the 45,000 Australians that died on the Western Front, the 324,000 Australians that served overseas in that war and the 62,000 Australians who died on foreign soil, a tragedy.

"Today, we honor their spirit and remember them and the need for vigilance to uphold human dignity and to strive for world peace.

"We shall remember them."

This year the youth awards featured a strong field of nine nominees.

Mr Brown said it was amazing to see so many fantastic young people recognised with a nomination.

"The 2021 youth peace awards showcase the enthusiasm, commitment and resilience of Cowra's younger generation and provides a platform for recognising the outstanding contribution these young people make to our community," he said.

"Nominees are judged on four criteria: a sustained effort to help others; contribution towards promoting peace within the community; displaying respect for others and being a positive role model for young people and; demonstrating resilience in coping with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic."

This year's winner of the Youth Award was Stassi Austin, who praised the efforts of all the nominees.

"Since moving here, Cowra has taught me the true meaning of peace and reconciliation," she said.

"I have been fortunate enough to have been welcomed into this community and told the moving stories of how much this town supports one another, what occurred during the Breakout and the important story of the reconciliation process in its aftermath.

"I look around the room tonight and I'm inspired by my peers.

"You all strive to make Cowra a better place in your schools, in the workplace, in the community and your nominations prove that.

"Congratulations and I cannot wait to see what you all do."

Ms Austin said the prizemoney she received would be used to make life a little more peaceful for young patients at the Cowra hospital.

"The prizemoney I have received will be used to purchase intravenous medical covers called Medi Teddies that will be donated to the Cowra Hospital.

"These covers are reusable and a designed to look like teddy bears. They are placed over an infusion bag to alleviate stress and anxiety for patients.

"They were designed by a young patient in the UK who has a rare autoimmune disease that I also have, called Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura or ITP.

"My hope is these covers will help to improve the situations of those who are undergoing treatment and bring about some peace."

This year's Rotary Peace Award was presented to Japanese Ambassador Shingo Yamagami.

While unable to attend Ambassador Yamagami did send a written response which was read out by Cowra Shire Council General manager, Paul Devery, who accepted the award on the ambassador's behalf.

In his response the ambassador said it was an honour to be recognised with the award.

"It is very unfortunate I am not able to attend tonight's dinner in person to be with you all," he wrote.

"When I head the news I was selected to receive the Rotary Club of Cowra Peace Award for 2021, I was both surprised and deeply honoured.

"Please accept my sincere gratitude.

"When I first visited Cowra in February this year I was profoundly impressed that the Japanese War cemetery and the Japanese Garden are so beautifully maintained.

"However, what struck me the most was despite the tragedy of the past I was welcomed so warmly and with generosity by the people of Cowra.

"Thanks to the continued efforts of those involved Cowra has been called the spiritual home of Japan and Australia relations.

"It is an absolute honor to be recognised for the embassy's continued contributions to the friendship between Japan and Cowra and especially for my work since my appointment as the Ambassador of Japan to Australia.

"I look forward to visiting Cowra again at the earliest opportunity and wish you all the very best.

"Thank you very much again for presenting me with such a prestigious award."