Celebrations have kicked off in Jerusalem to mark Israeli President Shimon Peres' upcoming 90th birthday. Dignitaries have turned up to pay their respects to a man who is still on a mission for peace.

Israeli President Shimon Peres' career path started in the first Arab-Israeli war in 1948, but as he looks to round up his presidential tenure, it's a peace accord he's pushing for.

"The yesterday between us and the Palestinians is full of sadness," the statesman told hundreds of world leaders, dignitaries and famous faces gathered at the International Convention Centre in Jerusalem on Tuesday night to celebrate Peres' 90th birthday and the opening of the Shimon Peres' fifth presidential conference, Facing Tomorrow.