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Culture of Peace
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Introduction

In the five decades since the adoption of the Declaration of Human Rights, great progress has been made in promoting an understanding and respect for its principles. But the creation of a world which embraces the principles of non-violence, respect for human rights, sustainable development and cultural diversity still faces many challenges. Current global trends threaten entire segments of societies with social, economic and cultural marginalization. There has been a resurgence of conflicts in many parts of the world.

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).

At Its Heart, UNESCO’s Mission is Ethical

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."

Peace is rooted not in treaties but in the nurturing of values and attitudes that give life to the principles of' co-operation, non-violence, respect for human rights and cultural diversity, democracy, and tolerance. To cultivate the growth of these ideas we must work to:

  • foster a culture of peace through education
  • promote sustainable economic and social development
  • promote respect for all human rights
  • ensure equality between women and men
  • foster democratic participation
  • advance understanding, tolerance and solidarity
  • support participatory communication and the free flow of information and knowledge
  • promote international peace and security

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.


Resource Links

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

United Nations Association in Canada (UNAC)

The International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World (2001– 2010)

This decade offers the countries of the world a chance to renew a shared pledge to attain a world at peace with itself in a new millennium. The Decade is a global movement which must pervade all dimensions of society -- our homes, our schools and our places of work. Above all, children themselves must be empowered to shape their own visions and futures.

Canada has acquired a world reputation for its experience and expertise in the fields of peacekeeping and peace building. That reputation has allowed the country to play an active role around the world as negotiator, mediator, and trainer. At home, Canadian values of peace, inclusion, cultural diversity and sustainable development make the country fertile ground for a a culture of peace to grow and flourish. In Canada, the Canadian Commission for UNESCO’s work towards this goal is based on two important policy directions:

  • peace as an essential element of sustainable development and
  • development as essential for peace in the spirit of a new concept of human security

The Canadian Commission for UNESCO works as advisor, activist and advocate to foster a culture of peace within Canada and around the world. Through its collaborative efforts with partners at all levels of government,with non governmental organizations, institutions and individuals, the Commission has helped to create a rich, diverse and productive range of activities across a variety of spheres.

A Call to Action

Nurturing a culture of peace is a long-term commitment. How can our desire for peace be transformed from a simple reaction to events to a positive action for peace in our world? A global culture of peace will come from turning individual hearts and minds away from hatred, bitterness and exclusion towards mutual respect, tolerance, justice and sustainability. We must all reflect on eliminating violence, exclusion and conflict by looking at our own everyday behaviour.

How can we act as an agent of change within our institutions and governments? We need to understand the relationship between individual action and the function, rules and powers of our systems of government; talk with other people and organizations about building a culture of peace together; urge governments and institutions to commit to doing their part in making the necessary transformations.

Culture of Peace Resources

The Canadian Commission's "Building a Culture of Peace" Kit

The Canadian Commission has developed a series of information kits relating to the Decade. Published in 1999, the first kit entitled "Building a Culture of Peace"was created to help identify the principles and ideals of a Culture of Peace. The information kit can be accessed in [PDF].

The Canadian Commission's Building a Culture of Deliberation and Responsibility Information Kit

Second in the series, this kit was developed to offer citizens s to engage in discussions on ethical issues of concern. This kit can also be accessed in [PDF].

Culture of Peace Youth Web Resource Centre

This electronic resource centre provides links to some of the Commissions partner organizations and their activities relating to a Culture of Peace.


 
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