International Bulletin - August 1999
International Year For The Culture Of Peace, 2000
Background
We are aware that the creation of the UN system itself, based upon universally shared value and goals, has been a major act towards transformation from a culture of war and violence to culture of peace and non-violence. Believers in the UN philosophy are also aware that the task of the UN to save future generations from the scourge of war requires transformation towards a culture of peace, which consists of values, attitude and behaviours that reflect and inspire social interaction and sharing based upon principals of freedom, justice and democracy.
Therefore the UN system felt it necessary to mobilise public opinion at the national and international levels for the purpose of establishing and promoting a culture of peace. The world body became convinced that an international year for the culture of peace at the turn of the millennium would provide the opportunity to boost the efforts of the international community to establish and promote an everlasting culture of peace. So the United Nations proclaimed the Year 2000 as International Year For the Culture of Peace.
UNESCO as The Focal Point
UNESCO has been designated as the focal point for the year and it has the responsibility for coordinating the inter-organisational aspects of the programmes and activities of the other bodies within the UN system and other organisations.
Mr. Fedorico Mayor, Director-General UNESCO has since invited the world community to celebrate the Year 2000 with a view to transforming the individual faith and value system from a culture of war and violence to culture of peace and non-violence.
Meaning and Significance of a Culture of Peace
A culture of peace is the set of values, attitudes, traditions, modes of behaviour and ways of life that reflect and inspire
- Respect for life and for all human rights;
- Rejection of violence in all its form and commitment to the prevention of violent conflicts by tackling their root causes through diaenvironmental needs of present and future generations;
- Promotion of the equal rights and opportunities of women and men;
- Recognition of the rights of everyone to freedom of expression, opinion and information;
- Devotion to the principles of freedom, justice, democracy, tolerance, solidarity, cooperation, pluralism, cultural diversity, dialogue and understanding between nations, between ethnic, religious, cultural and other groups and between individuals.
A Culture of Peace Aims At
- transforming values, attitudes and behaviours to those which promote a culture of peace and non-violence.
- overcoming authoritarian structures, and exploitation through democratic participation and the empowerment of people to fully participate in the development process.
- eliminating poverty and sharp inequalities within and between the nations, and promoting participatory, sustainable human development.
- supporting the free flow of information end widening transparency and accountability in governance and in economic and social decision-making.
Major Fields and Main Actors for Promoting a Culture of Peace
- Constructing a culture of peace requires comprehensive educational, social and civic action. It addresses people of all ages. It is an open-minded, global strategy to make a culture of peace take root in people's hearts and minds.
- Education is the principal means to build a culture of peace. Every aspect of education should be mobilised towards this end.
- Civil society needs to be fully engaged to promote democratic principles and harmony between the society, the individual and the environment.
- The media, in addition to their powerful educative role, plav a decisive role in ensuring that news reflects the positive aspects of our world.
Last Modified: June 05, 2010