Detailed data may be found on the following CPNN articles:
Europe: International Day of Peace
Ex-Soviet Countries: International Day of Peace
United States and Canada: International Day of Peace
Asia and Pacific: International Day of Peace
Arab and Middle Eastern States: International Day of Peace
FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .
An article by Federico Mayor Zaragoza* in Other News (translation by CPNN)
“No challenge is beyond the creative capacity of the human species.”
J. F. Kennedy, June 1963.
A turning point has arrived where situations of an irreversible nature have been reached. We must ensure that circumstances do not occur that inevitably require new solutions. And that despair does not spread. A citizenry that is aware of its equal dignity and capable of expressing itself that must, at last, put into practice the lucid Charter of the United Nations: “We, the peoples… have resolved to spare succeeding generations the horror of war.” War and other “horrors,” such as the deterioration of the environment and, therefore, of the habitability of planet Earth.
The urgent time has come to act, to move from being impassive spectators of what happens to being very diligent actors. Not one more day of “silent listeners.” It is time for action, not to be simple receivers of frequently biased information, but actors who participate, each in our own field, keeping in mind Burke’s maxim: “No one makes a greater mistake than he who does nothing because he thinks he could do only very little.” Every seed, without exception, is necessary. Every grain of sand. Every drop.
There are moments, very few, when suddenly change is possible. The radical change that is required can only be imagined as the result of a great global clamor of “We, the peoples”, finally capable, with a resolute attitude, of carrying out the transition from force to words, from imposition to joint reflection.
It is necessary and urgent that many voices be mobilized, aware that now – equal in dignity and capable of participating – we must act without further delay. Yes: now, for the first time in history, “We, the peoples…” can achieve the removal of the veto in the United Nations … and in the European Union, also disqualified from decision-making by the requirement of “unanimity”, the antithesis of democracy.
(Article continued in the column on the right)
(Click here for the original Spanish version of the article)
Where in the world can we find good leadership today?
(Article continued from the column on the left)
It is imperative to address the great challenges on a global scale, before their solution is no longer possible. The major priorities of food, access to drinking water, quality health services, care for the environment, education, emigration… are challenges to which we must respond together.
Inventing the future. Through modern technology, the best expression of the voice of the people, of solidarity at a global level, can take place. Civil society now has, in addition to its undeniable leading role in solidarity aid, the possibility of making itself heard.
The human species yearns for, dreams of, a “new beginning”, where instead of preparing for war, it achieves peace by listening, understanding, uniting voices and efforts.
In 79 years (since 1945) it has NOT been possible to apply the UN Charter, to fulfill the will of “We, the peoples…”, always silenced by the veto, by plutocratic and supremacist governance. It was Eisenhower, the President of the United States, who had the courage, on January 20, 1961, to convey to his successor, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, and to the American people, that it was not the president who really ruled in America, but the “military-industrial complex.” From President Wilson’s creation of the League of Nations at the end of the First World War to Roosevelt’s founding of the United Nations, the opportunities for the transition of the power of the word have progressively faded. Now, as I continue to stress the time has come for “We, the peoples…”
And what must we do immediately, thinking of future generations? It is not a question of economic, political, social dispositions… It is, above all, a question of inventing a different future. In this regard, I will never forget what Professor Hans Krebs, Nobel Prize winner in Biochemistry, told me in his Oxford laboratory: “The solution is not in these sophisticated instruments, nor in the collection of data… The solution is to think what no one has thought before”… Yes: each human being, is unique and capable of creating, our hope.
Let us give wings to the human species so that, without vetoes, it may act democratically for the great transition from the force to the word.
The world is entering a new era. We have many things to preserve for the future and many others to change decisively. At last, the people. At last, the voice of the people. At last, citizen power. At last, the word and not the force. A culture of peace and never again a culture of war.
– – – –
*Federico Mayor Zaragoza (Barcelona, 1934) Doctor in Pharmacy from the Complutense University of Madrid (1958), has been a professor at different Spanish universities and has held numerous political positions, including that of Minister of Education and Science (1981-82). Between 1987 and 1999 he was Director General of UNESCO. He is currently President of the Foundation for a Culture of Peace.
. . HUMAN RIGHTS . .
An article from the United Nations
The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday [September 18] voted overwhelmingly to adopt a resolution that demands that Israel “brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence” in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
With a recorded vote of 124 nations in favour, 14 against, and 43 abstentions, the resolution calls for Israel to comply with international law and withdraw its military forces, immediately cease all new settlement activity, evacuate all settlers from occupied land, and dismantle parts of the separation wall it constructed inside the occupied West Bank.
[Editor’s note: Click here for a full listing of how the countries voted.]
The General Assembly further demanded that Israel return land and other “immovable property”, as well as all assets seized since the occupation began in 1967, and all cultural property and assets taken from Palestinians and Palestinian institutions.
The resolution also demands Israel allow all Palestinians displaced during the occupation to return to their place of origin and make reparation for the damage caused by its occupation.
The resolution stems from the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July, in which the Court declared that Israel’s continued presence in the Territory “is unlawful”, and that “all States are under an obligation not to recognize” the decades-long occupation.
Click here for the full text of the resolution and here for our live coverage of the meeting.
Threat to peace and security
The Assembly “strongly deplored the continued and total disregard and breaches” by the Government of Israel of its obligations under the UN Charter, international law and UN resolutions, stressing that such breaches “seriously threaten” regional and international peace and security.
It also recognized that Israel “must be held to account for any violations” of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including of international humanitarian and human rights laws.
The text says Israel “must bear the legal consequences of all its internationally wrongful acts, including by making reparation for the injury, including any damage, caused by such acts.”
The General Assembly highlighted the need for the establishment of an international mechanism for reparations to address damage, loss, or injury caused by Israel’s actions.
It also called for creating an international register of damage caused, to document evidence and related claims.
(continued in right column)
How can war crimes be documented, stopped, punished and prevented?
How can a culture of peace be established in the Middle East?
(continued from left column)
International conference
The resolution also includes a decision to convene an international conference during the Assembly’s current session to implement UN resolutions pertaining to the question of Palestine and the two-State solution for the achievement of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
Additionally, the Assembly requested the UN Secretary-General to present proposals for a mechanism to follow up on Israel’s violations of article 3 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, as identified by the ICJ.
Article 3 refers to racial segregation and apartheid and the undertaking by International Convention’s States Parties to prevent, prohibit and eradicate all practices of this nature in territories under their jurisdiction.
Call on States
In its resolution, the General Assembly called upon all UN Member States to comply with their obligations under international law and take concrete steps to address Israel’s ongoing presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The Assembly urged States to refrain from recognizing Israel’s presence in the Territory as lawful and to ensure that they do not provide aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by the occupation. This includes taking measures to prevent their nationals, companies, and entities under their jurisdiction from engaging in activities that support or sustain Israel’s occupation.
Additionally, the Assembly called on States to cease importing products originating from Israeli settlements and to halt the transfer of arms, munitions, and related equipment to Israel in cases where there are reasonable grounds to suspect they may be used in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Moreover, the resolution urged States to implement sanctions, such as travel bans and asset freezes, against individuals and entities involved in maintaining Israel’s unlawful presence in the Territory. This includes addressing issues related to settler violence and ensuring that those engaged in these activities face legal and financial consequences.
Adjournment
Finally, the Assembly temporarily adjourned its tenth emergency special session and authorized the President of the General Assembly to reconvene the session upon request from Member States.
The special session is a continuation of the tenth emergency special session of the General Assembly that last met in May amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza, during which it adopted a resolution , laying out additional rights for the State of Palestine’s participation in Assembly meetings.
That resolution did not grant Palestine the right to vote or put forward its candidature to UN Main Organs such as the Security Council or the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
It also did not confer membership to the State of Palestine, which requires a specific recommendation from the Security Council.
– – – – – –
If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.
FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION
An article from the United Nations
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
We come together today to sound the call for peace.
Here at the United Nations, peace is our raison d’être, our guiding light, and our founding creed.
Yet peace is under threat.
War is on the march.
From the Middle East, to Sudan, Ukraine, and beyond, we see bullets and bombs maim and kill; bodies piled high; populations traumatised; and buildings reduced to rubble.
Meanwhile, the foundations of a peaceful world are fracturing.
Geo-political divisions are widening.
Inequalities are growing.
Disinformation is fanning the flames of hate.
New technologies are being weaponised with no guardrails.
And the climate crisis is fuelling instability: depleting resources, and forcing people from their homes.
International institutions must be better positioned to respond.
(continued in right column)
What is happening this year (2024) for the International Day of Peace?
(continued from left column)
And we have a chance for change.
Later this month, at the Summit of the Future, we can begin the process of reform and revitalisation:
By adapting multilateral institutions to today’s reality, instead of the reality of the Second World War;
By advancing a New Agenda for Peace;
By revitalising the Sustainable Development Goals;
By protecting human rights;
By tackling the point where climate and security meet;
By agreeing guardrails on new technologies in conflict;
By defending and advancing gender equality;
By combatting racism and discrimination;
And by securing full and meaningful participation in civic life and peacebuilding –particularly young people, women and girls, and other historically marginalised communities.
In short, we must “cultivate a culture of peace.”
That is the theme of this year’s International Day of Peace.
And it is a cause all us devotees of peace and justice must rally behind, this day and everyday – through the Summit of the Future and beyond.
That is the call we make today.
May it ring out around the world.
Before I sound the peace bell, please join me in a moment of silence to reflect on the meaning and necessity of peace – and the way in which each of us can nurture the conditions needed for a peaceful world to flourish.
– – – – – –
If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.
.. DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION ..
Special to CPNN from Dr. Steven Handwerker*
” Dialogue must transform recrimination…innovative justice has to displace vengeance…determination over a long period of time is required to overcome entrenched forces… (and a ) ..transformation of motivation must accompany action.” (Hopkins, 2000)
Throughout the course of human history, there is no doubt, that often, the outcome of a violent and/or potentially violent encounter is dependent upon the character strengths of the negotiators and peace workers. In this practitioner’s 50-year history in the realms of peace building, as a clinician, mediator, and educator, five traits and qualities were essential.
– First, is clarity and faith in intent to create peace (Hopkins 2000), (Nelson 2021) and (Alston 2010).
– Second, not necessarily in order of significance, is empathy/compassion and perspective taking (Hopkins 2000), (Hart 1997), (Groot 2023), (Rogers1980).
– Third, is the vital need to be authentic in all expressions and representations of effort to build peace (Stewart 2021), (Groot 2023).
– Fourth, is Hope (Saleem 2023).
– The fifth quality is perseverance (Zomeren 2018) in the intent and practice, with constant correction in modifying efforts, to move toward the goal of peace (Ueshiba 1992), (Valez 2021).
From 1997, in the arena of the American Psychological Association, within the divisions of Humanistic Psychology, Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, Peace Psychology, and International Psychology, a working group was established to build peace in each of these venues through various efforts. This has been manifest in over 200 symposia, ongoing endeavors, newsletter articles, and working group meetings and discussions where examples of the applications of these character strengths were presented.
Community work in Haiti
For many years the international focus of our peace work has been focused on the economically and environmentally devastated population of Haiti. The work included humanitarian assistance and trauma relief as well as economic support. We worked with faith leaders, corporate leaders, NGOs and colleagues on behalf of these displaced and traumatized people. In addition, employment opportunities were created. The engagement of community-academic partnerships with community psychologists allowed for effective collaborative actions. Perspective taking within a cultural-relational perspective (Zomeren, 2018) helped to make our ongoing evaluation process reliable and effective. Many jobs for youths and sustainable projects in academic settings were created as byproducts. (Stewart 2021) addresses these issues and describes how important evaluative actions occur with trusted partners across community sectors to provide alternatives within socioeconomic levels.
(Article continued in right column)
How important is community development for a culture of peace?
(Article continued from left column)
We examined underlying processes and thereby administered and maintained a humanitarian and sustainable initiative for several years. We were able to infuse hope into the populace for this period of time (Saleem, 2023) which significantly moderated the relationship between an intolerance of uncertainty and psychological wellbeing. This highlighted the importance of hope as a protective factor within a highly compromised population. Hope is a critical coping strategy, within an environment of a humanitarian and sustainable initiative along with economic support (Saleem, Appiah-Boateng, 2023). As Tolstoy expressed, “the strongest of all warriors (in the battle to create peace) are these two – time and patience.”
* Dr. Handwerker is a licensed psychologist. His website is www.peacewk.org and his email is peacewk@peacewk.org.
References
Alston, B. (2010) editor. Chapter on “Promoting deeper values: lessons learned and some common themes” in Visions in Conflict: International Perspectives on Values and Enmity. ND Enterprises. Hawaii, USA.
Appiah-Boateng, S. , Bukari, K.N. (2023) Coping Strategies for Victims of Farmer-Herder Conflicts in Ghana. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology. 29(4), 448-458. https://doi.org/10.1037/pac0000655.
Groot, M., Schaafsma, J., Veerkamp, J. et. al. (2023) “Righting the Wrong”: A Multicounty Study on Peoples Perceptions of “Making Things Right” in the Wake of Human Rights Violations. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology. 29(4), 394-408. https://doi.org/10.1037/pac0000691.
Handwerker, S. (2023) “On Building Societal Peace: A Humanistic and Humanitarian View. Society for Humanistic Psychology November Newsletter.
Hart, T. (1997) Transcendental Empathy is the Therapeutic Encounter. The Humanistic Psychologist. 25(3),245-270. https://doi.org/10.1080/08873267.1997.9986885.
Hopkins, J. editor (2000). The Art of Peace. Snow Lion Publications, New York. ISBN: 1-55939-149-9. https://www.shambhala.com/snowlion_articles/the-art-of-peace/https://www.shambhala.com/snowlion_articles/the-art-of-peace/.
Nelson, L. (2021) Identifying determinants of individual peacefulness: A psychological foundation for peace education. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology. 27(2), 109-119.
Rogers, C. R.. (1980) A way of being. Houghton Mifflin. New York.
Saleem, M. , Rizvi, T. & Bashir, I. (2023) The role of hope in buffering the influence of intolerance of uncertainty on student’s psychological well-being. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology. 29(4), 374-384. https://doi.org/10.1037/pac0000697.
Shifferd, K. , Hiller, P. and Swanson, D. (2016) A Global Security System: An Alternative to War. WORLDBEYONDWAR.ORG.
Stewart, D., Jesson, N., and Watson, F. (2021) Examining conflict mediation to prevent violence through multivector partnerships. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology. 27(2), 170-81.
Ueshiba, M. (1992) The art of peace. Shambhala. New York.
Valez, G. and Gerstein, L. (2021) Supporting peaceful individuals, groups and socieities. Peace psychology and peace education. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology. 27(2), 103-108.
United Nations (1948) Universal Declaration on Human Rights.
Yueh-Ting Lee and Holt, L. (2019) Chapter 6 Daoist Psychology, Peace and the Process of Transformation. in Dao and Daoist Ideas for Scientists, Humanists and Practitioners. Nova Science Publishers. New York. ISBN: 978-1-53616-544-9.
Zomeren, M. (2018) Social Movements and Political and Social Transformation: In Search of a Bigger Picture: A Cultural-Relational Perspective on Social Transformation and Violence. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology. 24(1), 171-76.
. EDUCATION FOR PEACE .
A course of International Cities of Peace (ICP)
The purpose of this course is to answer two questions:
1. What is the Culture of Peace?
2. How can I participate in its growth?
Twenty five years ago, in 1999, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution, the Declaration and Programme of Action. It launched the International Year for the Culture of Peace (2000) and a global movement during which 75 million people all over the world signed the Manifesto 2000.
The Lessons in this Course include:
1. Introduction
2. Human Rights
3. Disarmament/Nonviolence
(continued in right column)
Culture of peace curricula: what are some good examples?
(continued from left column)
4. Education for Peace Sharing
5. Free Flow of Information/Dialogue
6. Sustainability/Responsible Consumption
7. Women’s Equality and Full Participation
8. Democratic Participation and Practice
9. Tolerance and Solidarity
10. Activation and Conclusion
11. Resources and Links
12. Quiz
NOTE: This course was written by three individuals who have spent their lives pursuing a Culture of Peace: Mr. David Adams, former UNESCO Unit Director and Chair of the Task Force for the U.N.’s International Year for the Culture of Peace; Ashland, Oregon’s David Wick, President of Pathways to Peace, and co-founder of the Ashland Culture of Peace Commission; and David Hazen of Eugene, Oregon, one of the original Cities of Peace and author of Love Always Wins.
– – – – – –
If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.
. EDUCATION FOR PEACE .
A video by Bro. Jose Arnold Alferez published in Chaindesk for OCDS, Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites
The video delves into the significance of fostering a culture of peace and the necessity of a “vaccine” to prevent war. It explores the values, attitudes, and practices that underpin peace education, focusing on respect for life, rejection of violence, and sharing. The manifesto for a culture of peace emphasizes respecting human life and dignity, rejecting violence towards vulnerable groups, and promoting inclusivity, justice, and sustainable development practices. It stresses the importance of defending freedom of expression, cultural diversity, women’s participation, and democratic principles to enhance peacebuilding efforts at individual, national, and international levels.
The video also highlights the International Day of Peace on September 21st as a platform to spread the message of peace and non-violence globally, and discusses the six components to achieving peace, including dismantling the culture of war, promoting human rights, and nurturing inner peace within families and communities.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Introduction to promoting a culture of peace and the need for a vaccine to prevent war.
Understanding Culture of Peace
Exploration of the culture of peace, its values, attitudes, and practices.
Peace Education
Discussion on peace education by Toh Swee-Hin and Virginia Kawagas.
Values of Culture of Peace
Explanation of the values, attitudes, and ways of living that promote a culture of peace.
Manifesto for Culture of Peace
Overview of the manifesto for a culture of peace focusing on respect for life, rejection of violence, sharing, and solidarity.
Respect for Life
Importance of respecting the life and dignity of each human being without discrimination or prejudice.
Reject Violence
Manifesto highlighting the rejection of violence in all forms, including towards vulnerable groups like children, adolescents, and women.
Share with Others
Encouragement to share time, material resources, and talents to promote inclusivity and justice for all.
(continued in right column)
Question(s) related to this article:
What are some good films and videos that promote a culture of peace?
(continued in right column)
Defend Freedom of Expression
Importance of defending freedom of expression and cultural diversity while avoiding fanaticism and rejection of others.
Preserve the Planet
Emphasis on promoting responsible consumer behavior and development practices that respect all forms of life on Earth.
Rediscover Solidarity
Promotion of women’s participation, respect for democratic principles, and creating new forms of solidarity to enhance peacebuilding efforts.
Efforts for Peace
Call to action for individuals, nations, and international organizations to work towards promoting a culture of peace and non-violence.
International Day of Peace
Recognition of the International Day of Peace on September 21st and the importance of spreading the message of peace and non-violence globally.
Path to Peace
Exploration of the six parts to peace, including dismantling the culture of war, promoting human rights, and living in harmony with the environment.
Inner Peace
Discussion on nurturing inner peace as a foundation for promoting peace within families, communities, and society.
FAQ
Q: What is the manifesto for a culture of peace?
A: The manifesto for a culture of peace focuses on values such as respect for life, rejection of violence, sharing, and solidarity.
Q: Why is it important to respect the life and dignity of each human being without discrimination or prejudice?
A: Respecting the life and dignity of each human being without discrimination or prejudice is important to promote inclusivity, justice, and peace for all.
Q: What are some of the values, attitudes, and ways of living that promote a culture of peace?
A: Values, attitudes, and ways of living that promote a culture of peace include respect for life, rejection of violence, sharing, and solidarity.
Q: How can individuals promote a culture of peace and non-violence?
A: Individuals can promote a culture of peace and non-violence by sharing time, material resources, talents, defending freedom of expression, respecting democratic principles, and creating new forms of solidarity.
Q: What is the significance of the International Day of Peace on September 21st?
A: The International Day of Peace on September 21st is significant as it emphasizes the importance of spreading the message of peace and non-violence globally.
Q: What are the six parts to peace as discussed in the file?
A: The six parts to peace include dismantling the culture of war, promoting human rights, living in harmony with the environment, nurturing inner peace, promoting women’s participation, and creating new forms of solidarity to enhance peacebuilding efforts.
– – – – – –
If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.
.. DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION ..
Transcript on the website of the International Olympic Committee (boldface italics added by CPNN)
Please find below the full speech delivered by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach during the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 today, 11 August 2024.
Dear President of the French Republic, Mr. Emmanuel Macron,
Dear President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee, my fellow Olympian and dear friend, Tony Estanguet,
Dear Mayor of Paris, Mrs. Anne Hidalgo,
Dear Olympic friends,
Dear fellow Olympians,
Despite all the tensions in our world, you came here from all the 206 National Olympic Committees and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, to make the City of Light shine brighter than ever before.
Your performances were amazing. You competed fiercely against each other. Every contest on the edge of perfection. Every performance sparking excitement around the world. You showed us what greatness we humans are capable of.
During all this time, you lived peacefully together under one roof in the Olympic Village. You embraced each other. You respected each other, even if your countries are divided by war and conflict. You created a culture of peace.
This inspired all of us and billions of people around the globe. Thank you for making us dream. Thank you for making us believe in a better world for everyone.
We know that the Olympic Games cannot create peace. But the Olympic Games can create a culture of peace that inspires the world. This is why I call on everyone who shares this Olympic spirit: let us live this culture of peace every single day.
(Article continued in right column)
(Click here for the message in Spanish and here for the message in French.
(Article continued from left column)
These Olympic Games could only inspire the world, because our French friends have prepared the stage. And what an amazing stage it was!
Millions of people celebrating the athletes in the streets of Paris and all across France. Millions of spectators in iconic venues creating an overwhelming atmosphere. More than half of the world’s population sharing this spectacular celebration of the unity of humankind in all our diversity.
The Olympic Games Paris 2024 were a celebration of the athletes and sport at its best. The first Olympic Games delivered fully under our Olympic Agenda reforms: younger, more urban, more inclusive, more sustainable. The first ever Olympic Games with full gender parity.
These were sensational Olympic Games from start to finish – or dare I say: SEINE-sational Games.
The Olympic Games Paris 2024 were Olympic Games of a new era.
That is why I would like to thank all our French friends. First and foremost, my warmest thanks go to the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, for his tireless support. My heartfelt thanks goes to the Organising Committee, under the excellent leadership of my fellow Olympian, Tony Estanguet, for making these Games wide open. All my gratitude goes to the public authorities at all levels and to the public services, for their essential contribution.
All our thanks and recognition go to our Olympic community – the National Olympic Committees, the International Federations, our TOP partners and the Media Rights- Holders. Together, you have contributed to Olympic Games of a new era in every respect. And for this you can be proud forever.
A special thank you to all the wonderful volunteers. You will be forever in our hearts.
Dear French friends, you have fallen in love with the Olympic Games. And we have fallen in love with all of you.
Thank you Paris, thank you France!
Long live the Olympic Games! Long live France!
[Flame extinguishing]
And now, with my heart full of emotions, I have to perform one more task: I declare the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad Paris 2024 closed.
In accordance with tradition, I call upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in Los Angeles, United States of America, to celebrate with all of us the Games of the XXXIV Olympiad.
FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION
An e-statement from the United Nations High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace
Statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States by Ambassador Hedda Samson, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations High-level Forum on the Culture of Peace: Cultivating and nurturing the culture of peace for present and future generations
(Editor’s note: The following statement is a welcome change from the opposition of the European Union when the culture of peace resolution was submitted by UNESCO to the UN General Assembly in 1998.)
New York, 2 August 2024
– CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY –
(Editor’s note: By checking the published e-statement against the delivery in the video of the Forum, one can see that it was delivered as written here including five minor additions to the e-statement marked here in boldface and three minor omissions marked in italics.)
Mr President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.
The Candidate Countries North Macedonia, Serbia, Albania, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia, as well as Andorra, Monaco and San Marino align themselves with this statement.
As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, the European Union expresses its full support for the Culture of Peace agenda.
This agenda not only reflects our history and core values, but it also guides our actions – within and beyond our borders.
– Concretely, this means that we are deeply committed to the respect for life and dignity of each human being without discrimination or prejudice.
– It means that we are attached to non-violence, the peaceful settlement of conflicts and to democratic participation. North Macedonia, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.
– It also means that we are deeply committed to solidarity and cooperation for development, and to the promotion and respect of human rights as well as equal rights and opportunities for all.
The Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace with its eight pillars remains as valid today as it was in 1999. Even if we have witnessed tremendous change in societies worldwide. Even if we are facing new global challenges.
(continued in right column)
What is the United Nations doing for a culture of peace?
(continued from left column)
As we have gathered at this high-level event, let me convey three messages:
– First, pursuing a Culture of Peace can help us bridge the divides across and within societies worldwide. And it can help to advance the full implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
– Second, we have all committed in the Declaration on a Culture of Peace to support the free flow of information and knowledge, to support the important role of the media, to ensure freedom of the press and freedom of information and communication and protection of civic space (online and offline).
– Third, if we really want to be faithful to this agenda, we need effective multilateralism, founded on values and principles embedded in international law, the UN Charter, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with a strong United Nations at its core. This is the only way to respond collectively and efficiently to global crises, challenges and threats that no one can tackle alone.
Mr President,
In line with the theme of today’s event, the European Union fully agrees that we must cultivate and nurture a Culture of Peace for present and future generations.
As we have said before, the Summit of the Future will be a milestone, but our journey will continue beyond it. If we have a strong and ambitious Pact, we can fully seize the opportunity to pave the way for current and future generations.
The Pact should recommit to the UN Charter and its values, which is crucial in these times of widespread violations. We have all committed, and must again recommit to maintaining international peace and security, taking effective collective measures for the prevention of conflict, for peace operations, and for the suppression of acts of aggression.
There can be no Culture of Peace for present or future generations without respect for human rights, democratic participation and the rule of law. We must do away with all forms of discrimination and prejudice:
– Let us join efforts to achieve gender equality and the full enjoyment of all human rights by all women and girls.
– Let us safeguard the freedom of religion or belief for all. We must strive towards democratic societies, where freedom of opinion and expression prevails, in a spirit of respect, acceptance, tolerance and dialogue, and where we stand united against all forms of racism and extremism.
– Let us foster a Culture of Peace with children and youth through inclusive quality education that promotes acceptance, that empowers them as agents of change, and that safeguards their rights to protection from violence and discrimination.
Mr. President, to succeed in all this, strong partnerships with civil society are vital. That is why it is so important to ensure a safe and enabling environment where civil society can thrive. And that is why we also encourage enhancing the meaningful and effective engagement of civil society throughout the work of the UN System.
To conclude, Mr President, you can count on the EU’s full commitment to contribute to the effective implementation of the UN Culture of Peace agenda.
I thank you.
– – – – – –
If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.
DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .
An article from the United Nations News Service
The UN Secretary-General called for nuclear disarmament on Tuesday as the world marked 79 years since the bombing of Hiroshima, promising that the UN will “spare no effort to ensure the horrors of that day are never repeated.”
On 6 August 1945, the United States dropped a bomb dubbed ‘Little Boy’, on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, as World War Two continued. The bombing resulted in immense devastation which killed and injured tens of thousands of people.
The Secretary-General insisted that the threat of the use of nuclear weapons is not just “confined to history books” but a “real and present danger” today – once again looming large “in the daily rhetoric of international relations.”
(Continued in right column)
(Click here for a version in French or here for a version in Spanish
(Continued from left column)
The lessons of Hiroshima
In a message delivered in the Japanese city by UN disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu, Mr. Guterres said the lessons of Hiroshima which encourage disarmament and peace have been “pushed aside” but he recognised the people of Hiroshima’s efforts to ensure nuclear weapons are never used again.
He further insisted that the use of nuclear weapons is unacceptable and “a nuclear war cannot be won – and must never be fought.”
He said this is a lesson that shows we need disarmament now.
The message for the future
As the Hiroshima Peace Memorial ceremony continued, Mr. Guterres said that global mistrust and division have grown, but we must ensure not to “press our luck again.”
“Some are recklessly rattling the nuclear saber once more,” he said. “The world must stand together to condemn this unacceptable behaviour.”
Looking ahead to the Summit of the Future in New York next month, the Secretary-General said it is a “critical opportunity for governments to renew their commitment to multilateralism, sustainable development and peace, and adopt an actionable and forward-looking Pact for the Future.”
He said that conflict prevention, disarmament and a nuclear weapons-free world need to be at the heart of these efforts.
“We will never forget the lessons of 6 August 1945,” he said. “No more Hiroshimas. No more Nagasakis.”
Renewed determination
On Tuesday, UN disarmament chief, Ms. Nakamitsu echoed that message online.
In a statement on X, she also renewed her determination “to continue to work towards a world without nuclear weapons. For the security of all peoples.”