Introduction

Working in the aftermath of the Second World War, UNESCO's founding members recognized in the preamble to its constitution "that a peace based exclusively upon the political and economic arrangements of governments would not be a peace which could secure the unanimous, lasting and sincere support of the peoples of the world, and that the peace must therefore be founded, if it is not to fail, upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind."

As defined by the United Nations, the Culture of Peace is a set of values, attitudes, modes of behaviour and ways of life that reject violence and prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes. The year 2000, designated by the UN as the International Year for a Culture of Peace, was a starting point for a global movement for a culture of peace. It was an alliance of existing movements and individuals already working towards this goal. The year's closing saw the continuation of this vision with the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for Children of the World (2001-2010).  

In September 2011, UNESCO submitted a report to the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly on the actions undertaken by UNESCO and other concerned UN bodies and international organizations on the Implementation of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. 

At the 36th session of its General Conference in October 2011, UNESCO organized a Leaders' Forum on the theme "How does UNESCO contribute to building a culture of peace and to sustainable development?" Its purpose was to provide an opportunity for leaders to explore new ways of promoting peace and prosperity in a globalized world through UNESCO's fields of competence. They agreed that peace cannot be taken for granted but is an ongoing process requiring constant vigilance and active citizen participation. Key imperatives for peace and sustainable development include fostering gender equality and theactive participation of youth and paying attention to vulnerable populations.  

The Purpose Underlining all of UNESCO'S Activities

The principles contributing to a culture of peace have been established over the years in a number of standard-setting instruments, declarations, and action plans, beginning with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. Throughout its history, UNESCO has worked to promote respect for human rights through education and information. It raises public awareness about the international instruments protecting human rights, especially through human rights education.

People are Essential to this Mission

There are many thousands of international, national and local organizations and individuals working for peace in 196 countries of the world (World Information Board - Peace is in Our Hands). UNESCO seeks partnership with all these groups and individuals recognizing that the culture of peace is a task for everyone. UNESCO works with organizations in civil society - non-governmental organizations, institutions, public agencies and government departments. National Commissions, like the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, provide forums in which civil society organizations can converse with public agencies and work together towards common objectives.

Resources

UNESCO and Human Rights (Texts of Major Standard Setting Instruments on Human Rights)

United Nations Association in Canada (UNAC)

The UN for Kids, Youth and Educators (UNAC)

Canadian Voice of Women--Culture of Peace Kit

Media Awareness Network  

United Nations CyberSchoolbus

The UN for Kids, Youth and Educators (United Nations Association in Canada)

Voices of Youth ( UNICEF)

YOUCAN

AQOCI (l'Association Québécoise des organismes de coopération internationale) (Available in French only)