19 January 2012
“Culture of Peace: Amplifying the Unseen and Unheard Voices of Peace”
This Briefing explored the concept of a culture of peace, that is a vision for sustainable peace that promotes a culture based on eight principles namely: education, sustainable economic and social development, human rights, gender equality, democratic participation, tolerance, support for the free flow of information and the promotion of international peace and security.
Through the panel discussion it was made clear that panellists viewed the twenty-first century as a turning point for humanity where new opportunities for peace and reconciliation exist which would allow a new “story” to be told, the story of peace. Panellists called for participation from all levels of civil society in peace initiatives and peace education. In addition, speakers urged further engagement from youth, who serve as critical actors for changes in consciousness and attitudes. The discussion further emphasized that peace relies on individuals transforming themselves into peaceful, non-violent actors who reject violence in all its forms.
Key points raised by our panel on this issue included:
• The importance of uniting global voices and sharing ideas in order to build a worldwide culture of peace.
• The need for recognition by the international community of the human right to peace.
• Recognition that proliferation of weapons may give power to the state, but does not advance human security. As one panellist underscored quoting the renown pacifist Mahatma Ghandi: “The force generated by non-violence is infinitely greater than the force of all the arms created by man’s ingenuity.”
• Acknowledgement of the need for civil society to involve itself in peace initiatives such as the United Nations General Assembly Declaration on a Culture of Peace as well as the Santiago Declaration on the Human Right to Peace.
The Briefing was attended by 152 NGO representatives. A question and answer period followed the panel discussion.