Category Archives: FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Africa: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

A survey by CPNN

The following 72 events in 26 African countries include those listed in Google during the week of September 21-28 under the key words “International day of peace” and “Journée internationale de la paix.” The events also includes some listed on the event map for the International Day of Peace and on the facebook pages for the global feast and the International Cities of Peace as well as partiipants in One Day One Choir and Montessori schools singing for peace. See the page of events in the Arab States for those in North Africa.

Release of doves at the end of the International Day of Peace at the Françoise Dolto school in Saint Pierre, Reunion.

Here are excerpts from the articles.

NATITINGOU, BENIN: The Peace and Education Association (APE-Benin) celebrated this Saturday, in the presence of the mayor of Natitingou Antoine N’da, the 2018 edition of the International Day of peace, under the theme “The right to peace: 70 years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights”. Referring to the UN resolution, the president of the Peace and Education Association (APE-Benin) Rachidi Adam reminded the audience composed mainly of young, that the culture of peace is a set of values, attitudes, behaviors and lifestyles that reject violence and prevent conflict by attacking their roots through dialogue and negotiation between individuals, groups and states.

BUJUMBURA, BURUNDI: CIAD Burundi, a non-governmental organization includes as one of its objectives to establish a Culture of Peace in Burundi through the establishment of spaces for dialogue, exchange and reflection on mechanisms for consolidating peace and social cohesion. On Friday, September 21, 2018 at noon, a tent will be erected in Bujumbura to collect your signatures in the Guestbook of Peace in Burundi.

NGAOUNDÉRÉ, CAMEROON: Placed this year under the theme “the right to peace”, the international day of peace edition 2018 gave the opportunity to the men of God to raise prayers for peace in Cameroon. The related events organized in Ngaoundéré by the Association of Women and Girls of Adamaoua (AFFADA) was chaired by the governor of the region. Representatives of the political parties, the MRC, the UNDP and the CPDM also gave voice to a peaceful Cameroon before, during and after the presidential elections of 07 October. The governor said he was touched by the theme of this celebration and the timing of the 2018 edition, because it reminds the leaders of political parties in the presidential race in the region to be moderate in their speeches in order to avoid hate messages. The release of the doves, synonymous with peace, put an end to the celebration.

DOUALA, CAMEROON; A peace song recorded by four of Cameroon’s top artists entitled Stand For Peace was released on this day. Cameroon as well as other countries in Africa are experiencing serious political crises and through this song, the artists preach a message of peace.

BANGUI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: The Minister of Labor, Employment, Vocational Training and Social Protection, Jean-Christophe Nguinza, chaired, Friday, September 21, 2018 in Bangui, the festivities marking the International Day of Peace, coupled with the ceremony of the inauguration of the building of the Kokoro Secondary Council, a work of the school-building of the youth of the basic communities 3rd and 6th arrondissements as well as Bimbo.

KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (DR CONGO): On the sidelines of the celebration of the International Day of Peace, a Capacity Building Workshop for Peace Journalists and Human Rights Actors was organized in collaboration with Monusco, the National Press Union in Congo (Unpc) and the Bureau of Agencies. United Nations systems on human rights. The Coordinator of the Association of Congolese Journalists for Peace (Ajcp), Ms. Christiane Ekambo KiengiMrs said that the peace reporter is a preventive journalist compared to the journalist of conflict or war. Unpc President Kasonga Tshilunde announced training workshops for journalists on the eve of the elections.

GOMA, NORTH KIVU, DR CONGO: The women of North Kivu met in Goma this Friday, September 21, 2018 as part of the commemoration of the International Day of Peace For more than five hours, these women shared their experiences and discussed around the theme chosen at the global level “The right to peace, 70 years after the declaration of human rights” and unanimously expressed the wish to see the North Kivu province recover peace. They also blasted the fact that their province has become the stronghold of massive displacement of the population fleeing clashes between the Congolese army and the armed groups in different corners of the province.

GOMA, NORTH KIVU, DR CONGO:
On the International Day of Peace, activists of the citizens’ movements organized a march to demand peace and the holding of credible elections in the country. The march of the citizen movements, including the Struggle for Change (LUCHA), started from the President Entrance to the provincial governorate, to the Himbi museum where they read their memorandum before being dispersed by the police. “We want free, credible and fair elections. We are asking the governor to bring us peace because he is the representative of Kinshasa power here. We also demand that voting machines be pruned from the electoral process. The next elections must lead us to peace and not to war. And to get there, we have to go in a scheme that suits all stakeholders, “said one of the protesters.

NYANGEZI, DR CONGO: On this international day for peace, Congolese Females Action for Promoting Rights and Development (COFAPRI) organized activities for the city of peace in Nyangezi, DRC. Women, men and children joined discussions on ways they can move toward peace in their homes and in their communities. They also prayed and asked everyone reading this message to pray just for five seconds for our country the DR Congo to have peace one day. They also send lots of blessings to anyone involved in peace activities no matter who they are, where they are and in whatever way they are doing so. God bless all the Cities of Peace all over the world.

LUBUMBASHI, DR CONGO:: John Mukhuta and the Lubumbashi City of Peace group in Katanga held an excellent Peace Day event. John has worked tirelessly over the last decade to take care of orphans, promote women’s rights, and bring his community to a new level of safety and health. This event highlights the group’s year-long effort, as sanctioned by local government and dignitaries, as well as the local U.N. peacekeeping force.

MAMBASA, DR CONGO: On the occasion of the World Day of Peace we will organize on Sunday, September 23, a concert for peace in Mambasa the 160th international city of peace,

LIBREVILLE, GABON: The Executive Bureau of the Panafrican Women’s Network for the Culture of Peace celebrated Friday in Libreville, the International Day of Peace. “Our peace project is about making every woman, of goodwill, living in this country, a development partner who lives and lives in a specific province and that it helps to make attractive,” said the president of the Network, Victory Lasseni Duboze. Also in the context of election news, “The political game allows the confrontation of ideas but no fighting that leads to divisions and rejection by each other,” she pleaded.

LIBREVILLE, GABON: On the occasion of the International Day of Peace,the United Nations System organized, from 21 to 22 September, a series of activities aimed at nurturing young people on the notion of peace. The stadium of the national gendarmerie of the Gros-Bouquet camp, in the 1st district of Libreville, served as a framework for the events in which children in difficulty (from several reception centers), associations of women and young people … have communicated with other young people around the theme of this 10th edition namely “le droit.” The different agencies took the opportunity to showcase and explain to the public what they are doing to contribute to a world without violence.

(Survey continued in right column)

Question for this article

What has happened this year (2018) for the International Day of Peace?

(Survey continued from left column)

SANKORE, BRONG AHAFO REGION, GHANA:: Peace march includedmembers of a Peace Committee, students, market women, business owners and other concerned individuals and groups to demand for their right to peace which they have not enjoyed for almost decade due to incessant violent political rivalry between members of the two major Ghanaian political parties in their community. The programme was climaxed with a symposium to be attended by the Interior Minister, Members of Parliament, Security agencies, UNDP Country Office rep, traditional and political party leaders and others.

MATHARE, NAIROBI, KENYA: The event for the International Day of Peace included classroom activities,group discussions and sports.

MONROVIA, LIBERIA During the celebration of the International Day of Peace, we paraded from the Sports Commission to the Monrovia City Hall, Monrovia, Liberia.  We also had an indoor program at the end of the parade. 
My message to everyone is to love peace, speak peace, live peace, do peace, sustain and maintain peace and dream peace always.

NEW MATADI FANTI, LIBERIA Peace Talk brought together Youths and community stakeholders to discuss the importance of maintaining peace. This event will be held in New Matadi Fanti town community in Sinkor.

ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR: The FIMPA, an association that works for the protection of the consumer, organized an exchange-sharing session around democracy, perceived as the main instrument of peace. For this association, the day today also part in celebrating the 70 th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). For them, talking about peace and democracy in an electoral context is relevant, because it calls for a peaceful electoral process.

LILONGWE, MALAWI Malawi joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day of Peace in Lilongwe on 20th September 2018 under the theme Right to Peace. In partnership with the Malawi Government, Chancellor College, and other stakeholders, the United Nations converged high-level and community women in politics, business, faith, public service, uniform, academia and law to discuss their contributions to peace in their communities.

BAMAKO, MALI: On 21 September, the African Youth Network for Populations and Development, AfriYAN Mali, in collaboration with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) revived the International Day of Peace through a three-day workshop aimed at strengthening the capacities of young people and women on issues of peace. AFriYAN, the African Youth Network for Peoples and Development was created in December 2005 in Lusaka. This network aims to promote and increase youth participation in Africa’s development by strengthening their leadership and advocacy capacity. It is present in all African states.

TIMBUKTU AND GOUZOUREY, MALI: As part of the International Day of Peace 2018, MINUSMA organized several activities in different regions of Mali to celebrate this day together.   MINUSMA is the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Mission for Stabilization in Mali. In Timbuktu, they organized a conference-debate on the theme ” Right to Peace  ” and a friendly football match. In Bouzourey, the meeting involved the Mayor of the commune, traditional leaders, local authorities and young people of the locality. The day ended with a football match between two villages in Gouzourey commune: the Bagoundje team and the Wabaria team.

SEGOU, MALI: Celebrating also the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, during this International Day of Peace several activities were organized including a conference debate, a caravan and an evening for peace. These festivities were organized by the Federation of UNESCO Clubs. The program was broadcast in Ségou by Studio Tamani.

ILORIN, NIGERIA: In Ilorin, Nigeria: City of Peace, Dr. Adimula Ruth Abiola presented the Global Peace Index at her University.

LAGOS, NIGERIA: Video of celebration of the Global Feast in Lagos

IBADAN, NIGERIAThe 2018 International Peace Day was celebrated by many activities which include Church Service, Jummat Prayer, Peace Walk, Award to Peace Makers in the Society and the Peace day Celebration.

IBADAN AND KUBWA, ABUJA, NIGERIA: Global feasts were held in these two cities as well as others in Nigeria.

SAINT-PIERRE, REUNION: The program of the International Day of Peace in Saint-Pierre included a peace march with the College of the Bamboo Line, an intervention of the National Police at the Jean-Paul Sartre school for a moment of awareness about harassment and dangerous games, the planting of an olive tree at the Françoise Dolto kindergarten as well as a release of doves, a musical show with René-Paul and Paël Gigan, the distribution of an artificial white flower to the children and a exhibit about peace performed with Firmin Sinama Pongolle.

KIGALI, RWANDA Never Again Rwanda in partnership with the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission and other peace actors marked the International Day of Peace at the Parliamentary building in Rwanda. The national local theme for this year is “Critical thinking for peace”, which stems from the need to strengthen capacities of youth and citizens to gain understanding in reflective thinking and creativity in addressing peace challenges in their communities. The event attracted participants from youth, governmental officials and CSOs representatives.

DODOMA REGION, TANZANIA: The commemoration of the International Day Of Peace and the 70 years of Universal Declaration Of the Human Rights took place in the Dodoma region of Tanzania.

HARARE, ZIMBABWE: The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the Forum), which has worked with many victims of organised violence and torture since 1998, led the peace day commemorations in Harare under the theme, “The Right to Peace: Building a just, inclusive and accountable Zimbabwe.” This year’s commemorations are organised in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights), Theatre in the Park, Renewal Fellowship and Youth Empowerment for Transformation Trust (YETT). The commemorations reflect the diverse groups that are all key for building sustainable peace. Bringing together young leaders, civil society and church leaders, the commemorations give Zimbabwe an opportunity to explore inclusive strategies for building a just, inclusive and accountable Zimbabwe. Part of the attractions will also feature a theatre production on Heal the Wounds by Rooftop Promotions.

In addition to the above events, One Day One Choir lists participating choirs for the International Day of Peace in :
Angola (LUSAKA)
Burundi
Cameroon (YAOUNDE)
Democratic Republic of Congo (KINSHASA and other cities)
Ghana (ACCRA)
Kenya (NAIROBI, MOMBASA)
Liberia (MONROVIA)
Malawi
Namibia
Nigeria
Senegal (DAKAR)
Sierra Leone (CONAKRY)
South Africa (CAPETOWN, JOHANNESBURG, SWAZILAN, ZULULAND. EAST LONDON)
Tanzania (DAR ES SALAAM)
Uganda (KAMPALA)
Zambia (LUSAKA),
Zimbabwe (HARARE)

And the map of Montessori schools singing for peace on the International Day of Peace includes schools in:

Botswana (TLOKWENG)
Ghana (ACCRA)
Kenya (NAIROBI)
Namibia (3 schools)
Seychelles (Bel Air Victoria)
South Africa (DURBAN, CAPETOWN, PORT ELIZABETH, OUDTSHOORN, MQANDULI, MPUMALANGA, HARBEESPOORT,, JOHANNESBURG, PRETORIA, ROODEPOORT)
Zimbabwe (MATABELELAND)

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

UN Secretary-General’s remarks at Peace Bell Ceremony on the International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

An article from the United Nations News Service

It is for me an enormous pleasure to be with all of you during this International Day for Peace.

We are here because we are determined and we do not give up.

We see conflicts multiplying everywhere in the world. We see links between conflicts and terrorism. We see insecurity prevailing. We see people suffering. But we don’t give up.


Secretary-General António Guterres rings the Peace Bell at the annual ceremony held at UN Headquarters in observance of the International Day of Peace. UN Photo/Mark Garten

(Article continued in right column)

Question for this article

What has happened this year (2018) for the International Day of Peace?

(Article continued from left column)

We know that when we appeal for combatants to have a pause to respect this day, we know that many will not respect it. But we don’t give up.

When we are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we know that human rights are violated in so many parts of the world, we even know that the human rights agenda is losing ground. But we don’t give up because respect for human rights and human dignity is a basic condition for peace.

It is true that extreme poverty is being reduced but we see inequality growing. But again we don’t give up because we believe inequality is one of the most important factors of instability and conflict. So we will pursue our Agenda, the 2030 Agenda, The Sustainable Development Goals, our struggle for a fair globalization because there is no development without peace but there is also no peace without development.

We will not give up. Peace is the unifying concept that brings us together at the United Nations.

Peace is at risk. Peace is violated in so many places. But we will not give up.

Thank you for your determination and thank you for your strong commitment for our common cause.

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, global, United Nations,

Federico Mayor: The Culture of Peace: a credible pathway to sustaining peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Speech by Federico Mayor at UN High Level Forum on the Culture of Peace

After the impressive Plenary Segment of this morning and afternoon; after the rich debate of this excellent Panel, I consider that to put into practice the culture of peace and non-violence, we must


Photo of Federico Mayor speaking at Forum by Bircan Unver, GMCOP

1.- have particularly in mind:

– the Programme of Action of the Resolution of the GA of 13 September 1999.

– the GA Resolution of 16 December, 2016 – Follow-up.

– the GA Resolution of 11 December, 2017 – Follow-up, as well, both of them agreed by very important number of countries. And very populated ones, as China, India, …

2.- The General Assembly has highlighted in these Resolutions, as well as in the UN High Level Forums since 2012, the necessity –more important now than ever because of the potentially irreversible processes, socially and environmentally – of the effective implementation of the culture of peace. Tomorrow can be late.

3.- Many thanks, dear Ambassador Chowdhury, for your tirelessly efforts in favour of a culture of peace and non-violence. It is completely inacceptable that every day thousands of human beings die of hunger and extreme poverty, while more than 4 billion dollars are invested in armament and military expenditures.

(continued in right column)

Question(s) related to this article:

What is the United Nations doing for a culture of peace?

(continued from left column)

4.- I must emphasize the relevance of the culture of peace right now, when we see again supremacism, fanaticism, racism… being widespread without an immediate reaction. Have we forgotten what happened because of the exclusion and discrimination of nazism, fascism and Japanese imperial policies, leading to the II World War?

5.- A new concept of security must be adopted, in the context of an efficient reinforcement of the crucial role of the UN System, with the complete elimination of the oligarchic and plutocratic groups (G7, G8, G20), main responsibles of the present lack of multilateral democratic governance in the world.

6.- In the new era, it is urgent the transition from a culture of domination, violence and war to a culture of encounter, dialogue, conciliation, alliance and peace. From force to word, from “para bellum” in the well known dictum “Si vis pacem, para bellum” to “para verbum”, starting with ourselves, with our every day behaviour.

7.- We had today here the leading example of Rigoberta Menchú, Nobel Peace Prize 1992. She knows well the immense and in depth terrible impact of violence and she has given us with her life the best reference of the new ways to overcome hate and aggression… and to share and live together, all different but all united. Her speech this morning has been extremely lucid and courageous. Every dawn we must take it into account.

8.- We have today here as well the Rector of UPEACE, Prof. Francisco Rojas. I wish to thank him for all he is doing to mobilize the academic and scientific communities in favour of a culture of peace. The Earth Charter is one of the main pillars of action of UPEACE.

Dear President, ladies and gentlemen: the first phrase of the UN Charter –“We, the peoples”- was premature in 1945. The human beings were being born, living and dying in some square kilometres. And they were silent, obedient and fearful. But now, “the peoples” know what happens around the world, can express themselves freely and, above all, they are men and women. Now they become world citizens and must be mobilized for the urgent transition from force to word. Now, for the first time in history “the peoples” can take in their hands the reins of the humanity common destiny, and ensure sustainable peace worldwide.

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, global, United Nations,

Synopsis of the UN High Level Forum on the Culture of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Statement at the closing of UN High Level Forum on the Culture of Peace on behalf of the President of the UN General Assembly

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,
On behalf of the President of the General Assembly, His Excellency, Mr. Miroslav Lajčák, I want to thank you for participating in this High-Level Forum.

Our discussions today were very rich. They brought many aspects and issues to the table. And, I will not be able to summarise them in a few minutes.

Instead, I will focus on three areas – which I think came to the fore.


Photo from the Culture of Peace Initiative

I. Sustaining Peace

First, we talked about the state our world is in, when it comes to peace.

And a lot of it was far from positive. Many of you pointed to the changing nature of conflicts. From more interstate violence…… to the proliferation of non-state and terrorist actors.

Others talked about the devastating effects of conflicts in their own countries.

So, we heard about a lot of pain and suffering. But we also listened to many messages of hope. In particular, on the topic of Sustaining Peace.

It was clear that there is wide support for this new approach. And we heard that it can be a credible pathway to a culture of peace.

For example, in Liberia. The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the country has now closed its doors. And Liberians have turned peace from an objective into a tangible part of daily life.

Also, Colombia was flagged as another example. This country was home to armed conflict for over five decades. But, now, a culture of peace is growing stronger every day.

These achievements were made possible through hard work and sustained investment

– by national actors, regional partners and the international community.
Our discussion showed that the potential of Sustaining Peace is huge. We are already harnessing some of it. But a lot remains untapped.

Many of you argued that certain tools should be used more by the United Nations

– from good offices and mediation support ……to longer-term peacebuilding partnerships. And you pointed to gaps at the regional and national levels.
So, we still have work to do.

II. Coherence Across Pillars

Secondly, I think we acknowledged something important today. Which is: if we want to achieve a culture of peace, we need to look beyond, just, peace.

Many of you stressed the vital role played by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Ms. Rigoberta Menchu told us that inequalities and exclusion can destroy the conditions needed for a culture of peace to thrive. And we heard about how poverty eradication, and inclusive growth, can increase the chances of peace taking hold.

Today’s Forum also placed major emphasis on education. I want to repeat a line from the Constitution of UNESCO, which was quoted today: “Wars begin in the minds of men”.

Of course, wars begin in the minds of both men and women. So, the sooner we can promote peace, in the minds of both men and women, the better. And that means starting from the first days of a child’s education.

Climate change also featured in our Forum. Some of you raised the warning flags. And you told us that the effects of climate change can spark or worsen conflict.

(continued in right column)

Question(s) related to this article:

What is the United Nations doing for a culture of peace?

(continued from left column)

We also talked about finance. We heard that too much money is flowing towards securitisation and armaments. But not enough is being used to stop conflict at its roots – and invest in drivers of peace. Other delegations argued that illicit financial flows pose a threat to peace and security. And we heard resounding calls for more predictable financing for Sustaining Peace.

Human rights form another issue which came up, again and again, today. We heard speakers and delegates from all over the world call for a human-rights-based approach to both peace and development.

Almost every delegation flagged gender equality as a priority. A culture of peace cannot exist without it. That was clear, before this Forum. But our discussions today have reaffirmed it. Some women are actors of conflict. And many, many others are agents of peace. But all must lead, participate and be counted.

Moreover, an emphasis was placed on young people. Some of you stressed that the vast majority of young people are passionate about peace. So, yes, we do need more action, to prevent young people from joining terrorist groups or mobilising for violence. But we also need far more support for the young people who are out there, on the ground, working for peace.

III. Partnerships

A third theme today was partnerships.

Governments shared some best practices. These ranged from support to the United Nations peacebuilding activities to efforts for national reconciliation or inter-religious dialogue.

Moreover, regional actors featured strongly. We heard a lot about the efforts of regional organisations – from ASEAN and the EU to the African Union- in supporting peacebuilding on the ground.

And we learned about innovative efforts, led by the United Nations, to create partnerships for peace.This includes exciting work by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund to partner with other UN entities and national actors. But we also heard calls for more coherence, across the UN’s work. Various delegations also argued that the ongoing reform of the UN’s Peace and Security Pillar is crucial to creating a culture of peace.

And, there were calls for broader partnerships. Some of you said that the private sector should play a bigger role. Many stressed that think tanks and academic institutions, like the Peace and Justice Institute, are crucial in providing data and research.

And we heard how the media can help to spread messages of peace – particularly among children and young people.

So, in essence, we all agreed that we cannot achieve a culture of peaceon our own.

Conclusion

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

I want to thank you all again for taking part in this Forum. Particular thanks must go to Ambassador Chowdhury – for his commitment to this issue.

Next year will be the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.

And, as we look towards it, I want to mention one other message that came from our Forum today.

It was one of humanity.

Today, we all acknowledged our differences.

The understanding of a culture of peace differed from delegation to delegation – and person to person.

There was no uniform definition. Because, there are differences between us – whether based on religion, culture, language, or politics. But they do not need to hold us back.

Humanity can be the foundation of a culture of peace. It can be the bedrock.
Our differences and diversity, however, can give it colour.

So, we look to the 20th anniversary, next year, let’s focus more than ever on our humanity.

Because, it is our guarantee that a culture of peaceis possible.

Thank you.

(Thank you to Anwarul Chowdhury and the GMCOP for sending us this speech)

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, global, United Nations,

Colombia: Schools for Peace deliver their first results

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

An article from La Nacion

Schools for Peace, providing a diploma to children, adolescents, youth, parents, teachers and community leaders have delivered their first results in Villa de Los Andes, in La Plata; Silvania, in Giant; La Arcadia, in Algeciras; and Carlos Ramón Repizo, in San Agustín.

According to the Secretary of Education, Gloria González Perdomo, the project carried out forums and workshops, and the product was the publication of a pedagogical primer.
She added that these have been delivered to the educational communities in subregional forums in the educational institutions referred to. The fourth and last forum was held in

(Continued in right column)

(Click here for the original Spanish version of this article.)

Question related to this article:

What is happening in Colombia, Is peace possible?

(Continued from left column)

“These primers, as a pedagogical product of the project, should serve as a reference for all the educational, private and public establishments of the department, to address the problems related to peace. Coexistence is one of the pillars of the Development Plan ‘The Way is Education”, said Gonzalez Perdomo.

Peace: transversal theme

Humberto Montealegre, coordinator of the transversality programs of the Departmental Education Secretariat explained, “The purpose of the project of Schools for Peace and Participatory Democracy is the construction of a basic curricular document to develop the Chair of Peace in all educational institutions, not as a single subject, but as a transversal theme.”

He concluded by saying that in this way and in accordance with the curriculum of each educational establishment, all teachers, from preschool to eleventh, should develop teaching programs that promote culture of peace, coexistence and democracy

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, Latin America

Angola to pass on peace experience to UNESCO members in Paris

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

An article from Xinhua Net

The Republic of Angola will convey its experience on the culture of peace and interreligious dialogue during the International Conference on Peace scheduled for Sept. 17-19 at United Nations Educational, Scientific and Culture Organization (UNESCO) headquarters in Paris.


Ambassador Sita Jose

Angola’s ambassador to UNESCO, Sita Jose, told the press on Thursday in Luanda that the meeting is an initiative of the permanent delegations to the organization, mainly of the African and Asian continents.

(Article continued in right column)

 

Question related to this article.

The Luanda Biennale: What is its contribution to a culture of peace in Africa

Will UNESCO once again play a role in the culture of peace?

(Article continued from left column)

The event will focus on intercultural and interreligious dialogue and education for a world of peace, harmony and tolerance.

The country will once again have the opportunity to pass on its experience on the role of the church in the process of consolidating peace in partnership with the states, the diplomat said.

The activity will serve as an opportunity of the countries for a profound approach to the contribution of churches in peace-building processes and dialogue among peoples, said the diplomat.

“The aim of the event is to transmit the experiences of the countries in what concerns the promotion of intercultural and interreligious dialogue and the role of education in the consolidation and construction of peace, harmony and community life,” he added.

Angola was asked to intervene, mainly, by its experience in the process of reconciliation and pacification with the contribution of the churches, for the conquest and preservation of peace, according to the diplomat.

Angola experienced a 27-year civil war that ended in 2002.

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, United Nations,

Rigoberta Menchú speaks at the UN about obstacles to the culture of peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

An article from Prensa Latina

The goodwill ambassador of Unesco, Rigoberta Menchú, highlighted today [5 Sep] in the high level forum of the UN General Assembly the obstacles that prevent the development of a culture of peace.


(click on photo to enlarge)

29 years have passed since the concept of a culture of peace was proposed at a Unesco event, and on October 6 next year will be two decades after the adoption of the Declaration and Program of Action for a Culture of Peace, recalled the indigenous leader and Nobel Peace laureate.

Currently, the legitimacy and fairness of that declaration and of the action program – as international legal norms and instruments – are unquestionable decisions that have irrefutable validity, she said.

But the good wishes tthat the culture of peace should become positive law are opposed by the historical tendencies of a culture of violence and war, she added. The culture of peace is a utopia with great obstacles and enemies.

Instead of decreasing, threats increase and multiply, she warned.

Only a hundred rich individuals concentrate the world’s wealth, while malnutrition and extreme poverty directly affect 60 percent of the world population, lamented the goodwill ambassador of Unesco.

(Article continued in the column on the right)

(Click here for the original Spanish version of the article)

Questions related to this article:

Where in the world can we find good leadership today?

(Article continued from the column on the left)

According to this calculation, four billion 408 million people are direct victims of inequalities and global exclusions, she explained.

“The arms race is a manifestation of the nuclear, chemical and bacteriological war industry and who knows what other lethal methods are being tried to annihilate human life in a massive and rapid way.”

Menchú also warned about global warming, its irreversible damage to the planet and the little that has been achieved on this issue, despite the international agreements that have been adopted.

In the same way, she spoke about the tragedy that corruption and impunity represent in the world. They violate democracy, impede sustainable development, and put the peoples at risk.

‘Once again the most horrendous practices of racism and discrimination, xenophobia and homophobia offend conscience and annihilate human dignity’.

She also called for a halt to hate-filled speeches and ttitudes that are on the increase in different corners of the planet and she gave as an example the recent actions against migrants at the borders of the United States. Confining migrant children in concentration camps reminds us of the horrors of the holocaust of World War II, she said, and she criticized the dehumanization behind practices that are assumed as a normal fact.

Menchú regretted that the Declaration and Program of Action for a Culture of Peace has suffered the same fate as other international instruments and initiatives, due to the lack of political will, especially from States, economic and political sectors.

She also highlighted the peaceful worldview of the indigenous peoples of the world and how the culture of peace should be understood again as a transversal theme.

However, this is not possible when the economic, political and social machinery goes in the opposite direction and its effects disrupt any institutional mechanism, any individual and collective will to live in peace, she concluded.

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, global, United Nations,

Togo: Catholic Church urges media to serve dialogue, peace and reconciliation

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

An article from Togo Presse (translated by CPNN)

Some 50 journalists from Catholic media and secular media from the seven dioceses of Togo took part, on Tuesday and Wednesday (21-22 August), in CESAL, in Lomé-Tokoin, in a training workshop on the theme: “The media at the service of dialogue, reconciliation and peace”. The project is in the hands of the Catholic Episcopal Council for Social Communications (CENCCS), in partnership with the World Catholic Association for Communication (SIGNIS), the Propaganda Fide, with the sponsorship of the Conference of Bishops of Togo (CET) ). It aims to strengthen the capacity of media professionals to contribute to the success of inter-Togolese dialogue, national reconciliation and the consolidation of social peace.


Emmanuel Mawusi, clarifies the objectives of the workshop

The essential functions of a media is to inform, educate and entertain. As such, in a process of dialogue and reconciliation, as is the case in Togo, which is going through a momentous moment in its history, the media must be mediators between the protagonists of the crisis. But it is clear that the Togolese press, for the most part, ignores this role, preferring to play the game of politics. It is therefore to remind them of this role of awakeners of conscience that the Catholic Episcopal Council for Social Communications (CENCCS) initiated, for the pastoral agents of the sector of Catholic media and secular media of the seven dioceses of Togo , a workshop on the theme: “Media for Dialogue, Reconciliation and Peace”.

(continued in right column)

Click here for the original version in French)

Question(s) related to this article:

African journalism and the Culture of Peace, A model for the rest of the world?

(continued from left column)

For two days, seasoned speakers spoke on several sub-themes namely “Dialogue in the management of a political crisis: the case of Togo”, “Reconciliation in traditional and contemporary societies”, “Promotion of culture of peace: the role of the media professionals “, “The role of the media in a process of dialogue and reconciliation”and “Exchanges on the use of traditional and contemporary techniques of production of media content in favor of ‘peace journalism”.

“We want that, starting from here, we can act as we should with great circumspection by using the words and doing the right thing to really help the Togolese to reconcile, to know how to manage the moments of crisis. Words have strength. By speech or a statement, people can be manipulated based on what is said. So, as media professionals, we hold the very crux of the crisis in this country. When there is a crisis without dialogue, we go to the impasse. We are here to teach Togolese to stay together while being on various sides,” said Rev. Emmanuel Mawusi, Secretary General of CENCCS.

For Daniel Lawson Drakey, one of the communicators, the journalist, as an educator and awakener of conscience, must make a difference. The journalist should be at the disposal of the population wherever there is an issue without taking a stand. “It’s about not throwing oil on the fire. Today we have the impression that journalists have become political actors. They speak in the place of the politician. This makes us no longer understand the role of the media within the populations. Combat journalism has had its day. Today, everyone is talking about the development of our states. When a journalist engages politically, he loses credibility. But if it becomes independent, the people find in it a credibility and they listen to it,

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

David Swanson Awarded 2018 Peace Prize of the US Peace Memorial Foundation

EDUCATION FOR PEACE .

Report from the US Peace Memorial Foundation

The Board of Directors of the US Peace Memorial Foundation  has voted unanimously to award its 2018 Peace Prize to The Honorable David Swanson “whose inspiring antiwar leadership, writings, strategies, and organizations help to create a culture of peace.”


Video of presentation

Michael Knox, Chair of the Foundation, presented the award on August 26 at the Veterans For Peace 33rd Annual Convention held in St. Paul, MN.

In his remarks, Knox said, “Thank you, David, for dedicating your life to ending wars.  You are one of the most prolific writers, speakers, activists, and organizers for peace.  The breadth of your work is staggering.  You have enlightened us with books that are in the forefront of modern antiwar thought; and with speeches, debates, conferences, blogs, billboards, radio shows, online courses, videos, websites, and more innovative ideas than we can name.  We want you to know that your efforts are greatly appreciated, here and around the world.”

(Articles continued in right column)

Questions for this article:

Where in the world can we find good leadership today?

(continued from left column)

Upon learning of the award, David said, “This wonderful honor is definitely having the impact on me that I imagine is intended, namely it is inspiring me to keep at it and work harder to advance the abolition of war and the development of peaceful behaviors and institutions.  Thank you for the pat on the back but also for the kick in the rear.  We have a long ways yet to go.”

In addition to receiving the 2018 Peace Prize, our highest honor, Swanson has been designated a  Founding Member  of the US Peace Memorial Foundation.  He joins previous Peace Prize  recipients Ann Wright, Veterans For Peace, Kathy Kelly, CODEPINK Women for Peace, Chelsea Manning, Medea Benjamin, Noam Chomsky, Dennis Kucinich, and Cindy Sheehan.  Nominees considered by the Board in 2018 included Daniel Ellsberg, Nancy Mancias, Colman McCarthy, Sharon Tennison, Sally-Alice Thompson, and S. Brian Willson.  You can read about the antiwar/peace activities of all recipients and nominees in our publication, the US Peace Registry.


The US Peace Memorial Foundation directs a nationwide effort to honor Americans who stand for peace by publishing the US Peace Registry, awarding an annual Peace Prize  , and planning for the US Peace Memorial  in Washington, DC.  These projects help move the United States toward a culture of peace by honoring the millions of thoughtful and courageous Americans and U.S. organizations that have taken a public stand against one or more U.S. wars or who have devoted their time, energy, and other resources to finding peaceful solutions to international conflicts.  We celebrate these role models to inspire other Americans to speak out against war and to work for peace.

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, North America

Colombia: Fundación Escuelas de Paz: Illustrating the Art of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Special to CPNN from the Fundación Escuelas de Paz

The Colombian Government is moving forward in the implementation of the Peace Accord with the Common Alternative Revolutionary Force (FARC) political party and is working to secure a peace deal with the National Liberation Army (ELN). With the peace process in place, Colombia is setting an example to the world for peace and reconciliation after over half a century of armed conflict and severe violence. However, the government cannot alone bring peace to this nation.

That is why the Bogotá-based peace-building NGO, Fundación Escuelas de Paz (FEP) has been supporting peace development in Colombia since 2001. FEP plays a vital part in the emerging multi-level and multi-dimensional approaches to peace-making in Colombia by working with civil society, government, and foreign partners to discuss the importance of diverse paths to peace and promote programs that educate youths on peace-building through a multitude of projects.

FEP employs a range of actions such as research, publication, and peace-building projects, and works closely with conflict resolution field experts to support the fundamental principles of “Culture of Peace” to make peace a right and a responsibility for all citizens, especially for the new generation of Colombians. FEP operates through an interdisciplinary team that works in stimulating environments that strengthen youth networks, teachers, and schools of peace.

Every year, FEP designs and executes conflict resolution and reconciliation type projects. From May 2018 to December 2018, FEP is performing a project titled “Música, Arte y Memoria: Jóvenes del Meta transformando el tejido social” (Music, Art, and Memory: Youths of Meta transforming the social fabric), which is funded by USAID Human Rights Program and FEP. The project includes a series of eight workshops to teach peace-building skills to youths through the use of the arts. Today, recognition of the contributions of arts and culture to peace is real and quickly evolving. It is fueled not only by artist-peace-builders and cultural facilitators, but the interest is also increasing from practitioners of more traditional peacebuilding approaches, such as mediation, facilitation, negotiation, transitional justice, and human rights advocacy.

This year, FEP is getting help from two current graduate students, Valentin Castro and Evan Tueller. Valentin and Evan are both candidates in the Masters of Conflict Resolution Program at Georgetown University. Last December, both students received a fellowship through Georgetown University to go abroad during the summer and work with an organization on peacemaking themes. Valentin and Evan arrived in Bogota, Colombia on June 2, 2018, to begin their 10-week internship at FEP and help design their first peace-through-the-arts workshop for youths living in rural Colombia.

(Continued in right column)

Question related to this article:

What is happening in Colombia, Is peace possible?

(Continued from left column)

The project takes place in the Department of Meta in two small towns: Mesetas and El Castillo, territories once plagued by extreme violence and armed conflict. Valentin and Evan will help execute peace workshops and develop two products to leave behind with FEP: a video documenting the execution of the first workshop and a template for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) that FEP can use to analyze and measure their overall success better.

The goal of this project is for youth groups belonging to the municipalities of Mesetas and El Castillo to become peace ambassadors for their communities by carrying out non-violent collective actions using mediums such as art and music. Other essential themes within this project include education on human, civil, and political rights, and promoting responsibility and leadership roles at individual and group levels. Upon the completing these peace workshops, the follow-on intent is for the youths to use the skills and lessons learned to replicate and teach smaller peace workshops to other youth groups in their communities. This project will help influence and raise the competence of the young people of Meta as peace representatives on the issues of human rights, conflict transformation, peace-building, and intercultural dialogue.

The first peace-building workshop entailed two parts: one part in the morning and the second one in the afternoon. The first phase is titled “El Canto de Nuestra Memoria: Tu Cancion” (The Song from our Memory: Your Song) and the second half is “Desvelando tu lienzo interior a traves del arte, la danza y la creatividad” (Unveiling Your Inner Canvas through Art, Dance, and Creativity). The first half of the workshop uses music to help individuals understand themselves better by using the space to express themselves through musical instruments, vocal sounds, and dance. These techniques also help enable trust within the students since music is known to have the potential to bring people together. The second half of the workshop entails more dancing and concludes with designing a mural that exhibits how the students view the future in their community. Art is fundamental to the development of a child’s imagination because they cannot create nor achieve anything unless they imagine it first.

Our experience at FEP has been remarkable and eye-opening. The FEP team goes beyond being our colleagues—FEP is our family. Professor Amada Benavides is an excellent leader and seasoned professional with many years of experience in constructing peace. We feel lucky to have had the opportunity to work with the FEP team here in Bogotá and the remote regions of Mesetas and El Castillo. The internship with FEP surpassed our expectations and gave us a chance to work in the field and help execute these art peace-building workshops. This internship experience left us thinking of what Aristotle once said, “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”

We leave FEP and Colombia with a better understanding of how to achieve peace through the culture of the arts and with a new positive perspective of how Colombians are finding ways to make their tomorrow better.

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, Latin America