World Solutions
A Culture of Peace is a set of values, attitudes, modes of behavior and ways of life that reject violence and prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation among individuals, groups and nations. Necessary for a Culture of Peace is Peace Education, which is learning about peace and non-violence, human rights, democracy, tolerance, international and intercultural understanding, and cultural diversity.
"A Culture of Peace will be achieved when citizens of the world understand global problems, have the skills to resolve conflicts and struggle for justice non-violently, live by international standards of human rights and equity, appreciate cultural diversity, and respect the Earth and each other. Such learning can only be achieved with systematic education for peace." -Hague Appeal for Peace Global Campaign for Peace EducationWhat does a Culture of Peace promote?
Peaceful conflict-resolution – dialogue, consensus-building and active non-violence.
Respect for all human rights. Without human rights there can be no culture of peace; and whenever war and violence dominate, there is no possibility to ensure human rights.
Understanding, tolerance and solidarity. To abolish war and violent conflicts we need to transcend enemy images with understanding, tolerance, solidarity, and learning from our differences.
Negotiation of peaceful settlements. The gains in human security and disarmament in recent years, including nuclear weapons treaties and the treaty banning land mines, should encourage us to increase our efforts in negotiation of peaceful settlements, elimination of production and traffic of arms and weapons, and bringing humanitarian solutions into conflict situations and post-conflict initiatives.
Democratic Government – including participation in all sectors of society, a transparent and accountable governance, and security against terrorism, organized crime, corruption, illicit drugs and money laundering.
Sustainable economic and social development – by reducing economic and social inequalities, by eradicating poverty, and by assuring sustainable food security, social justice, durable solutions to debt problems, and environmental sustainability.
Gender equality through full participation of women in economic, social and political decision-making, elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against women, and support and assistance to women in need.
Participatory communication and the free flow of information and knowledge. Freedom of information and communication and the sharing of information and knowledge are indispensable for a culture of peace.
Function as 'zones of peace', where children are safe from violent conflict
Uphold children’s basic rights
Develop a climate that models peaceful and respectful behavior among all members of the learning community
Demonstrate the principles of equality and non-discrimination in administrative policies and practices
Draw on the knowledge of peace-building that exists in the community, including means of dealing with conflict that are effective, non-violent, and rooted in the local culture
Handle conflicts in ways that respect the rights and dignity of all involved
Integrate an understanding of peace, human rights, social justice and global issues throughout the curriculum whenever possible
Provide a forum for the explicit discussion of values of peace and social justice
Enable children to put peace-making into practice in the educational setting as well as in the wider community
Generate opportunities for continuous reflection and professional development of all educators in relation to issues of peace, justice and rights.