Nearly 1,000 ‘Workers Over Billionaires’ Protests Planned Across US for Labor Day

. HUMAN RIGHTS .

An article by Stephen Prager from Common Dreams (reprinted according to Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)

Unions and progressive organizations are planning nearly 1,000 “Workers Over Billionaires” demonstrations across the United States this Labor Day to protest President Donald Trump’s assault on workers’ rights.


Thousands of labor union members and activists march in Philadelphia for May Day, on May 1, 2025. (Photo by the Philadelphia Democratic Socialists of America)

The day of national action has been organized by the May Day Strong coalition, which includes labor organizations like the AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers, and National Union of Healthcare Workers, as well as advocacy groups like Americans for Tax Fairness, Indivisible, Our Revolution, and Public Citizen.

“Labor and community are planning more than a barbecue on Labor Day this year because we have to stop the billionaire takeover,” the coalition says. “Billionaires are stealing from working families, destroying our democracy, and building private armies to attack our towns and cities.”

Since coming into office, the Trump administration has waged war on workers’ rights. Among many other actions, his administration has stripped over a million federal workers of their right to collectively bargain in what has been called the largest act of union busting in American history and dramatically cut their wages.

He has also weakened workplace safety enforcement, eliminated rules that protected workers against wage theft, and proposed eliminating the federal minimum wage for more than 3.7 million childcare and home workers.

Despite Trump’s efforts, Americans still believe in the power of collective action. According to a Gallup poll published Thursday, 68% of Americans say they approve of labor unions, the highest level of support since the mid-1960s.

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Questions related to this article:

The struggle for human rights, is it gathering force in the USA?

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“Just like any bad boss, the way we stop the takeover is with collective action,” the coalition says on its website.

The May Day Strong coalition previously organized  hundreds of thousands of workers to take to the streets for International Workers Day, more commonly known as “May Day.” On Monday, rallies are once again expected  across all 50 states.

Four months later, their list of grievances has grown even longer, with Republicans having since passed a tax cut expected to facilitate perhaps the largest upward transfer of wealth in US history, featuring massive tax breaks for the wealthy paid for with historic cuts to the social safety net.

“There are nearly 1,000 billionaires in the country with a whopping $6 trillion, and that is still not enough for them,” said Saqib Bhattie, executive director of the Action Center on Race and the Economy, another group participating in the protests. “They are pushing elected officials to slash Medicaid, [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] benefits, and special education funding for schools in order to fund their tax breaks. We need to claw back money from the billionaire. We need to push legislation to tax billionaires at the state and local levels. We need to organize to build the people power necessary to overcome their money.”

The group also plans to respond to Trump’s lawless attacks on immigrants and his militarized takeovers of American cities.

“This Labor Day,” said Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, “we continue the fight for our democracy, the fight for the soul of our nation, the fight against the vindictive authoritarian moves Trump and the billionaire class aimed at stealing from working people and concentrating power.”

“This is about workers showing up and demanding what workers deserve all across the country,” said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. “This Labor Day is really different, because it’s not just labor unions, as important as we may be to the workers we represent. It has to be all workers and all working families saying enough. Workers and working families deserve the bounty of the country.”

May Day Strong will host a national “mass call”  online on Saturday. The locations of the hundreds of protests on Monday can be found using the map on May Day Strong’s website.

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HUMAN RIGHTS, North America

Hiroshima Peace Declaration on 80th anniversary of atomic bombing

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

An article from Mainichi Japan

The following is the full text of the Peace Declaration read on Aug. 6 by Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui at a ceremony to mark 80 years since the 1945 atomic bombing of the city.


Visitors hold their hands together in prayer in front of the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims at Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima’s Naka Ward on Aug. 6, 2025. (Mainichi/Kenjiro Sato)

Eighty years ago, Hiroshima was strewn with bodies too damaged to identify even their sex. One hibakusha (survivor) ignored the many glass shards piercing her body to cremate her father with her own hands. Elsewhere, a young woman begged, “I don’t care if I die. Please! Give me water!” Decades later, a woman who heard that plea still regretted not giving the young woman water. She told herself that fighting for the elimination of nuclear weapons was the best she could do for those who died. Another hibakusha spent his life alone because the parents of the woman he loved refused to let her marry anyone exposed to the bomb.

One hibakusha leader frequently reminded younger audiences, “Building a peaceful world without nuclear weapons will demand our never-give-up spirit. We have to talk and keep talking to people who hold opposing views.” Today, conveying the ardent pleas for peace derived from hibakusha experiences is more crucial than ever.

The United States and Russia still possess about 90% of the world’s nuclear warheads. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the chaos in the Middle East are accelerating military buildups around the world. Feeling the pressure of this situation, policymakers in some countries even accept the idea that “nuclear weapons are essential for national defense.” These developments flagrantly disregard the lessons the international community should have learned from the tragedies of history. They threaten to topple the peacebuilding frameworks so many have worked so hard to construct.

Despite the current turmoil at the nation-state level, we, the people, must never give up. Instead, we must work even harder to build civil society consensus that nuclear weapons must be abolished for a genuinely peaceful world. Our youth, the leaders of future generations, must recognize that misguided policies regarding military spending, national security, and nuclear weapons could bring utterly inhumane consequences. We urge them to step forward with this understanding and lead civil society toward consensus through expanded participation at the grassroots level. In this process, we must all remember to think less about ourselves and more about each other. Thinking of others is how humanity has resolved much conflict and turmoil on our path to the present day. Clearly, nations, too, must look beyond narrow self-interest to consider the circumstances of other nations.

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Question related to this article:
 
Can we abolish all nuclear weapons?

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In expanding grassroots initiatives, solidarity will be indispensable. Cultural arts and sports exchanges contribute enormously to the culture of peace we seek. And in fostering that culture of peace, young people can easily take the lead. All they need to do is conceive and initiate projects they can carry out in the course of daily life, such as peace-centered art and music projects or planting seeds and saplings from atomic-bombed trees. The City of Hiroshima continuously offers opportunities to experience the culture of peace built by Hiroshima’s hibakusha and other predecessors in their spirit of mutual support. The more our peace culture transcends national borders, the more it will pressure policymakers now relying on nuclear deterrence to revise their policies.

Policymakers around the world, can you not see that security policies derived from narrow self-interest are fomenting international conflict? Nations now strengthening their military forces, some including nuclear arsenals, must engage constructively in talks aimed at abandoning reliance on nuclear weapons. Please, visit Hiroshima. Witness with your own eyes what an atomic bombing does. Take to heart the peace-loving spirit of Hiroshima, then begin immediately discussing a security framework based on trust through dialogue.

Japan is the only nation that has suffered an atomic bombing in war. The Japanese government represents a people who aspire for genuine and lasting peace. Hiroshima demands that our government lead toward unification of our divided international community. As president of Mayors for Peace, already the world’s largest network of peace cities and still growing, the City of Hiroshima will collaborate with our more than 8,500 member cities worldwide to instill the culture of peace, which stands in firm opposition to military force. We will call on policymakers to revise their policies. We call on Japan, for example, to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Doing so would manifest the spirit of Hiroshima and begin to answer the supplications of our hibakusha, represented by Nihon Hidankyo, last year’s Nobel Peace Prize recipient.

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is on the brink of dysfunctionality. The TPNW should serve as strong support for that treaty, helping it remain the cornerstone of the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. We demand that Japan at least participate as an observer during the first TPNW Review Conference next year. Furthermore, in light of the intensified global challenges of coping with radiation damage due to nuclear testing, we demand that our government strengthen measures of support for all hibakusha, including those living abroad. With their average age now exceeding 86, they still face myriad hardships caused by radiation damage to their minds and bodies.

At this Peace Memorial Ceremony marking 80 years since the atomic bombing, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the souls of the victims of the atomic bombings. We renew our determination to work together with Nagasaki and with likeminded people around the world to reach humanity’s long-sought goal — the abolition of nuclear weapons leading to lasting world peace.

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DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, East Asia

United States: Hundreds of Organizations to Join Forces this Fall to Confront Trump & Billionaire Allies Nationwide, Marking Historic Collaboration of Movements

. HUMAN RIGHTS .

An article by 350.org from Common Dreams

In a historic collaboration of movements, climate justice activists, migrant rights defenders, and frontline communities are joining forces across the U.S. on September 20th to confront Trump and his billionaire allies as they accelerate climate chaos and fascism.

Under the banner “Make Billionaires Pay,” mass mobilizations nationwide will unite demands for climate action, migrant justice, gender and economic equality.

As Trump, other world leaders, and their billionaire allies gather for the UN General Assembly and New York Climate Week, a major march through New York City will demonstrate opposition to the tax cuts for the wealthy and Big Oil handouts that drive oppression and climate chaos.

Make Billionaires Pay is being convened by Desis Rising Up and Moving (DRUM), Women’s March, Climate Defenders, and 350.org, with over 100 endorsing organizations. It is part of a global week of action for climate justice, called “Draw the Line” (convened by 350.org, Demand Climate Justice, Climate Action Network and War on Want).

Make Billionaires Pay will focus on three key demands:

1. Make Billionaires Pay: Tax extreme wealth, end fossil fuel subsidies, make big oil pay for the damages they’ve caused.

2. Reunite Families: Return abducted migrants, end collaboration with ICE, stop deportations.

3. Fund our People and Our Future: A just transition to 100% renewable energy, and justice for frontline communities.

Candice Fortin, U.S. Campaign Manager, 350.org, says: “This isn’t a new story—billionaires have always prioritized profit over people. This is a system working exactly as it was designed, but now without even the pretense of justice. As the U.S. braces for more extreme heat, wildfires, and hurricanes, the Trump administration has been systematically defunding our communities to give handouts to billionaires. They’re dismantling our democracy, attacking immigrants, and feeding the war profiteers. We are proud to be calling out this hypocrisy through Make Billionaires Pay and to be joining colleagues and communities mobilizing around the world to demand we Draw the Line for people and the planet.”

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Questions related to this article:

The struggle for human rights, is it gathering force in the USA?

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Renata Pumarol with Climate Defenders, says: “Billionaires caused the climate chaos, spearheaded the rise of authoritarianism and they continue to profit from our suffering. But they forgot one thing: there are more of us than there are of them. On September 20th, we will send a strong message—it’s time for billionaires to pay.”

Kazi Fouzia, Organizing Director, DRUM-Desis Rising Up and Moving, says: “Our South Asian, Indo-Caribbean and many Global South peoples contribute the least to the root causes of the climate and migration crises. Yet we are targeted by these oppressive forces and policies. We risk everything to survive—we are forced to leave our homes, put our bodies in dangerous situations and end up working hard in new places far from our families. As displaced working class migrants, we are hit hard in the frontlines of our home countries and here in the US. Just last month, in my ancestral homeland in Bangladesh, more than 60,000 people have been affected by flooding and are without electricity or mobile phone coverage. By 2050, Bangladesh will lose one-third of our agricultural land because of rising sea levels caused by Big Oil.

Here in New York City, our streets and homes are flooded, too. Black, Brown, Indigenous and migrant people our life, labor and care are the backbone of this city but we are kidnapped, disappeared, terrorized and hunted down by ICE and the police. Who is responsible? Billionaires profit off climate chaos. Billionaires are destroying our planet. They are damaging our land, polluting our air and contaminating our water. Billionaires cause displacement and migration. They profit off detention centers, militarizing our communities and separating our families. They take over our governments and make us believe that we are each other’s enemies. But we are not. We are many and billionaires are few. We demand respect and dignity. We demand to be treated like human beings. We will fight alongside masses of people to shut down fascist billionaires.”

Tamika Middleton, Managing Director, Women’s March, says: “Women, migrants, queer and trans people, and communities of color have long been at the center of overlapping crises, from climate disaster to economic injustice to gender-based violence and forced displacement. These are not separate struggles; they stem from a global system designed by billionaires who exploit our struggles to maintain power. This mobilization isn’t just about climate — it’s about reclaiming our voices, our families, and our futures from those who seek to divide and dominate. When we unite across movements, we become an unstoppable force.”

– – –

350 is building a future that’s just, prosperous, equitable and safe from the effects of the climate crisis. We’re an international movement of ordinary people working to end the age of fossil fuels and build a world of community-led renewable energy for all.

Contact:

Lindsay Meiman,Senior U.S. Communications Specialist,lindsay@350.org,us-comms@350.org,+1 347 460 9082,New York, USA

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HUMAN RIGHTS, North America

Mexico: UATx Seeks to Consolidate a Culture of Peace Within Its Community

… EDUCATION FOR PEACE …

An article from ABC Noticias de Tlaxcala

In Mexico, mediation and restorative justice must become a reality through academic programs in higher education institutions, stated Dr. Patricia Lucila González Rodríguez during the conference Mediation and Restorative Justice from the perspective of gender at the Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala (UATx). The conference is being held at the initiative of the Secretariat of Scientific and Graduate Research and the research centers of this institution.

The UATx seeks to promote reflection, training, and research activities that contribute to reducing structural violence and consolidating an authentic culture of peace for the benefit of society.
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(click here for the original version in Spanish).

Questions for this article:

Is there progress towards a culture of peace in Mexico?

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In her presentation, the specialist explained that cultural change involves the gradual development of new working methods aimed at integrating the culture of peace, including alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

In welcoming the speaker and the audience gathered in the “Exchange and Mobility Auditorium,” Dr. Margarita Martínez Gómez, Secretary of Scientific Research and Graduate Studies, stated that universities are key spaces that contribute to processes of social transformation by raising awareness and sensitizing the importance of a culture of peace.

In this regard, she emphasized that the Autonomous University of Tlaxcala involves all stakeholders to build a society free of violence, where all members of this community develop skills and tools that allow for the creation of democratic, supportive, and empathetic environments.

The conference was moderated by Dr. Omar Vázquez Sánchez, Coordinator of the Center for Legal-Political Research (CIJUREP). Dr. González Rodríguez is a researcher at the Institute of Legal Research of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, coordinator of the research line “The Accusatory Criminal System in Mexico,” and an expert on crime, violence, human rights, gender, and the accusatory criminal process.

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EDUCATION FOR PEACE, Latin America

Zhijiang, China To Host 6th International Peace Culture Festival: Here’s What You Need To Know

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article from Travel and Tour World

The 6th Zhijiang (China) International Peace Culture Festival will be held from September 4 to 5, 2025, in Zhijiang, a city renowned for its Dong ethnic culture and deep historical significance. The festival will celebrate peace while simultaneously strengthening cultural tourism and reinforcing global peace dialogue. This annual event, which has become a central fixture in Zhijiang’s tourism calendar, highlights the city’s efforts to share its rich history and unique peace culture with the world.


Photo from Vientiane Times

Zhijiang, located in Hunan Province, has been recognized globally as a City of Peace. It is strategically capitalizing on its distinct cultural heritage and its growing position as a key hub for international exchanges. Over the years, Zhijiang has cultivated its “small town diplomacy” model, using its peace culture as a bridge for fostering international relationships and driving tourism growth. The Huaihua International Land Port further positions the city as a vital point of connection between China and the world, enhancing its cultural and economic impact.

Festival’s Role in Tourism and International Relations

The International Peace Culture Festival has grown in importance since its inception in 2003, attracting over eighty national dignitaries, more than three hundred Flying Tigers veterans and their families, as well as countless peace advocates. The festival serves as a platform for fostering global conversations around peace, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Over the years, it has seen ninety-two trade and economic agreements signed, further bolstering the local economy and tourism industry. These agreements have contributed to Zhijiang’s position as a key tourism and peace destination, with sister-city relationships established with Grandcamp Maisy in France, Pinehurst in the USA, and Kirovsk in Russia.

Zhijiang’s designation as the 307th International City of Peace in 2021 was a significant milestone in its journey as a global tourism destination. The Peace Culture is deeply embedded in Zhijiang’s landscape, with iconic buildings like Taihe Tower, Peace Bridge, and Peace Avenue reflecting the city’s commitment to peace. These landmarks are not only symbols of the city’s values but also serve as major tourism attractions, drawing visitors who are eager to learn about Dong ethnic culture and its connection to peace.

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Questions related to this article:
 
How can tourism promote a culture of peace?

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Dong Ethnic Culture and Tourism Impact

A central aspect of the festival is the celebration of Dong ethnic culture, which is one of the oldest living cultures in China. Known for its unique architecture, music, and customs, the Dong people’s heritage is an essential part of the tourism experience in Zhijiang. The festival features traditional Dong performances, music, and dance, providing visitors with an immersive experience of the region’s rich cultural heritage. This focus on culture not only attracts tourists but also helps preserve and promote the traditions of the Dong people.

In addition to cultural performances, the festival hosts the JOY Heyball Masters, a sports event that will bring even more international attention to the city. The blending of cultural, sports, and peace-related activities creates a diverse tourism offering, appealing to travelers with varied interests, from cultural enthusiasts to sports fans.

Zhijiang’s Commitment to Youth Engagement and Sustainable Tourism

Zhijiang is also dedicated to fostering youth engagement and education through various programs such as the Flying Tigers Friendship School and Youth Leadership Program. These initiatives, along with others like the “Chinese Bridge” Flying Tigers Summer Camp and Youth Exchange Camp, offer opportunities for young people to connect with others globally, while learning about peace, culture, and diplomacy. By nurturing the younger generation’s interest in peace and cultural exchange, Zhijiang is laying the foundation for a future of sustainable tourism that prioritizes education, understanding, and respect for cultural differences.

Moreover, the city’s focus on sustainable tourism is evident through programs that support eco-tourism and cultural preservation. As the world’s focus shifts to sustainability, Zhijiang’s efforts to integrate sustainable practices into its tourism offerings will help protect the region’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations. This includes eco-friendly travel programs in the Black Sea region and initiatives that promote the restoration of historical towns like Safranbolu.

A Bright Future for Tourism in Zhijiang

The 6th Zhijiang (China) International Peace Culture Festival is not only a celebration of peace but also a testament to the city’s growing role as a hub for cultural tourism. With its rich heritage, beautiful landscapes, and focus on peace culture, Zhijiang is set to continue attracting tourists from around the world. The festival offers an immersive experience that blends history, culture, art, and sports, providing a well-rounded tourism experience that appeals to a diverse audience.

As Zhijiang continues to grow as a tourism destination, it will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in promoting global peace and fostering international relations. With its focus on youth education, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism, Zhijiang is poised to continue contributing to global peace-building efforts, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in history, culture, and international cooperation. The 2025 festival promises to be an unforgettable event, showcasing the best of Chinese culture and peace tourism.

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East Asia, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Niger: Maradi’s Traditional Leaders Equipped to Promote Women’s and Children’s Rights

. WOMEN’S EQUALITY .

An article by Abdourahamane Salifou from Agence Nigérienne de Presse

The Governor of the Maradi Region, Police Comptroller General Mamane Issoufou, opened the orientation workshop for traditional leaders on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, as part of the “Child-Friendly Sultanates and Cantons” initiative, led by UNICEF.

During this capacity-building session for traditional leaders, guardians of ancestral values, several themes related to the well-being of children, women, and families will be addressed.

These include, among others, vaccination and early access to health services for childhood illnesses; childbirth attended by skilled personnel; exclusive breastfeeding and good child nutrition; protection of young girls from abuse and early marriage; environmental hygiene and sanitation; community conflict management through a culture of peace and social cohesion; and youth involvement in community development.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Cyriaque SOBTAFO, Head of the UNICEF Maradi-Zinder Zone Office, acknowledged that the role of traditional leaders is essential and has always been decisive in community life. “Because,” he said, “you are the first point of contact for the population, the mediators of conflicts, the promoters of peace, and the natural link between institutions and citizens.”

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(Click here for the original French version.)

Questions for this article

Prospects for progress in women’s equality, what are the short and long term prospects?

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He recalled that UNICEF maintains a long-standing partnership with the chiefdom in Niger, a partnership that has been very successful and has enabled local populations to support previous campaigns, including the fight against polio, the prevention of early marriage, and child education.

Regarding the themes chosen for this workshop, the UNICEF Maradi-Zinder Zone Head of Office believes that these are not just topics for discussion, but are central to the daily lives of the communities.

Dr. Cyriaque Sobtafo finally encouraged the traditional chiefs to redouble their efforts because, he emphasized, “your voice carries weight, your example inspires.”

In his opening speech, the Governor of the Maradi region stated that the main concern of Niger’s highest authorities, foremost among them HE General Abdourahamane Tiani, President of the Republic and Head of State, and HE Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, is the promotion of the socio-economic development of the population through the State’s own efforts and the support of technical and financial partners.

“That is why,” he said to the traditional leaders, “this meeting is of paramount importance because it aims to strengthen your capacities in advocacy, mobilization, and community engagement to contribute to the promotion of social norms and positive behaviors in favor of children’s rights in our region, a guarantee of harmonious, balanced, and sustainable development for our valiant people.”

He maintained that the objectives assigned to this meeting and the cantonal forums which will soon be led by the honorable canton heads for their communities are perfectly aligned with the orientations of the National Refoundation Policy and are part of the mission carried out collectively in the region by the highest authorities.

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Africa, WOMEN'S EQUALITY

2025 United Nations High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Letter of 8 August to all Permanent Missions and Permanent Observers to the United Nations, New York from President of UN General Assembly

I have the honour to inform you that, in accordance with paragraph 20 of General Assembly resolution 79/321 of 25 July 2025, entitled ‘Follow-up to the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace’, I will convene a high-level forum on the implementation of the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace on Tuesday, 2 September 2025 at 3 p.m. in the Trusteeship Council Chamber.

Question(s) related to this article:

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

The meeting will consist of an opening segment and a plenary segment. The theme of the meeting will be “Empowering Youth for a Culture of Peace”. Additional information, including the programme of the high-level forum, will be circulated in due course.

Delegations wishing to deliver statements are invited to inscribe in the list of speakers for the plenary segment of the meeting through e-deleGATE. The time limit for statements will be three minutes for individual delegations and five minutes for statements made on behalf of a group of states. In view of the limited time available for the meeting, statements not delivered by the end of the meeting will be posted on “eStatements” in the United Nations Journal. In this regard, delegations are encouraged to send their statements to estatements@un.org to facilitate interpretation and for posting on “eStatements”.

For any additional information, your office may contact Ms. Coretta Penn Achu, Adviser in my Office, by email at coretta.achu@un.org.

Please accept Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Philemon Yang
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FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, global, United Nations,

UN General Assembly adopts annual culture of peace resolution with US and Israel opposed

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Excerpt from United Nations press release

Turning to a draft resolution titled “Follow-up to the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace” (document A/79/L.111), introduced by Bangladesh’s delegate, the Assembly adopted it by a recorded vote of 149 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 1 abstention (Grenada).  The text stresses the importance of addressing the underlying drivers of violence and conflict to promote a culture of peace, urging the appropriate authorities to provide age-appropriate education in children’s schools that builds a culture of peace and non-violence. 

The representative of the United States, in explanation of vote, expressed strong support for conflict prevention and peacebuilding but opposed resolution “L.111”, calling it excessively lengthy.  He stated that the United States would “no longer reaffirm the 2030 Agenda as a matter of course”.  He objected to the use of the term “gender”, affirming his Government’s policy of recognizing only two sexes.  He also cited its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change and non-participation in the Sevilla Commitment.  

– – – – Actions proposed in the text of the resolution– – – –

Follow-up to the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace

sponsored by Bahrain, Bangladesh, Nepal, Qatar, Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, Turkmenistan and Viet Nam:

1. Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace is to strengthen further the global movement for a culture of peace, and calls upon all concerned to renew their attention to this objective;

2. Invites Member States to continue to place greater emphasis on and expand their activities promoting a culture of peace at the national, regional and international levels and to ensure that peace and non-violence are fostered at all levels;

3. Invites the entities of the United Nations system, within their existing mandates, to integrate, as appropriate, the eight action areas of the Programme of Action into their programmes of activities, focusing on promoting a culture of peace and non-violence at the national, regional and international levels;

4. Commends the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization for strengthening efforts to mobilize all relevant stakeholders within and outside the United Nations system in support of a culture of peace, and invites the Organization to continue to enhance communication and outreach, including through the culture of peace website;

5. Commends the practical initiatives and actions by relevant United Nations bodies, including the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women) and the University for Peace, as well as their activities in further promoting a culture of peace and non-violence, in particular the promotion of peace education and activities related to specific areas identified in the Programme of Action, and encourages them to continue and further strengthen and expand their efforts;

6. Stresses the importance of addressing the underlying drivers of violence and conflict to promote a culture of peace;

7. Encourages Member States, United Nations entities and other relevant actors to adopt a holistic approach to the cross-cutting dimensions of peace, development, humanitarian action and human rights in order to prevent the recurrence of conflict and violence and build lasting peace;

8. Underlines that early childhood development contributes to the development of more peaceful societies through advancing equality, tolerance, human development and promoting human rights, and calls for investment in early childhood education, including through effective policies and practices, towards promoting a culture of peace;

9. Encourages Member States, United Nations entities, regional and subregional organizations and relevant actors to consider instituting mechanisms to involve youth in the promotion of a culture of peace, tolerance and intercultural and interreligious dialogue and develop, as appropriate, an understanding of respect for human dignity, pluralism and diversity, including, as appropriate, through education programmes, that could discourage their participation in acts of terrorism, violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism, violence, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination;

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Question(s) related to this article:

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

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10. Encourages the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations to increase its activities that focus on peace education and global citizenship education in order to enhance an understanding among young people of values such as peace, tolerance, openness, inclusion and mutual respect, which are essential in developing a culture of peace;

11. Encourages the United Nations peacebuilding architecture to continue to promote peacebuilding and sustaining peace activities, as outlined in its resolutions 72/276 and 75/201, and to advance a culture of peace and non-violence in postconflict peacebuilding efforts at the country level, and recognizes the important role of the Peacebuilding Commission in this regard;

12. Emphasizes the critical importance of an inclusive, resilient and sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and in this regard calls upon States to promote the values of a culture of peace, inter alia, in countering rising inequalities, discrimination, exclusion, hate crimes and violence;

13. Urges the appropriate authorities to provide age-appropriate education in children’s schools that builds a culture of peace and non-violence, including lessons in mutual understanding, respect, tolerance, active and global citizenship and human rights;

14. Encourages the involvement of media, especially the mass media, in promoting a culture of peace and non-violence, with particular regard to children and young people; A/79/L.111 25-11852 7/7

15. Commends civil society, non-governmental organizations and young people for their activities in further promoting a culture of peace and non-violence, including through their campaign to raise awareness of a culture of peace and the peaceful settlement of disputes;

16. Encourages civil society and non-governmental organizations to further strengthen their efforts to promote a culture of peace, inter alia, by adopting their own programme of activities to complement the initiatives of Member States, the United Nations system and other international and regional organizations, in line with the Declaration and Programme of Action;

17. Invites Member States, all entities of the United Nations system and civil society organizations to accord increasing attention to their observance of the International Day of Peace on 21 September each year as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, in accordance with its resolution 55/282 of 7 September 2001, and of the International Day of Non-Violence on 2 October, in accordance with its resolution 61/271 of 15 June 2007;

18. Acknowledges that 2024 marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on a Culture of Peace by the United Nations at the fifty – third session of the General Assembly in 1999;

19. Encourages Member States, United Nations entities, civil society and other stakeholders to follow up on the discussions held during the High-level Forum, convened by the General Assembly on 2 August 2024 to commemorate the twenty – fifth anniversary, on the theme “Cultivating and nurturing the culture of peace for present and future generations”, by reflecting on the enduring significance of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace;

20. Requests the President of the General Assembly to consider convening a high-level forum, as appropriate, and within existing resources, devoted to the implementation of the Programme of Action on the occasion of the anniversary of its adoption, during the seventy-ninth session, and requests the Secretariat to provide the required logistical support for its effective organization within their respective mandates and existing resources;

21. Invites the Secretary-General, within existing resources, in consultation with the Member States and taking into account the observations of civil society organizations, to explore mechanisms and strategies, in particular strategies in the sphere of information and communications technology, for the implementation of the Declaration and Programme of Action and to initiate outreach efforts to increase global awareness of the Programme of Action and its eight areas of action aimed at their implementation, including through public information activities by the Department of Global Communications of the Secretariat;

22. Requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly at its eighty-first session a report, within existing resources, on actions taken by Member States, on the basis of information provided by them, and those taken system-wide by all concerned entities of the United Nations to implement the present resolution;

23. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its eightieth session the item entitled “Culture of peace”.

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Changing the Narrative: Why West African Media Is Embracing Peace Journalism

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An article by Mohammed Ibrahim from Peace News

In a media landscape often dominated by sensationalism and conflict-driven content, a quiet revolution is taking place. Across West Africa, radio stations are tuning into peace. These media houses are shifting their focus to peace journalism, using their platforms to promote dialogue, resolve conflicts, and build resilient communities.

At the forefront of this movement is Radio Peace, a community radio station located in the Central Region of Ghana. Co-initiator and Station Manager David Kwesi Ghartey-Tagoe explained that the station was born out of a desire to uplift marginalized voices in the region.


“The Central Region, once the seat of government and the cradle of education, ironically became one of the most deprived. We named the station ‘Peace’ because peace is a prerequisite for development,” he told Peace News Network (PNN).

When Radio Peace began operations in 1999, the region was grappling with numerous family and chieftaincy disputes. While not violent, these conflicts had the potential to escalate. The station responded by adopting participatory strategies like Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools to include community voices in its programming. 

Ghartey-Tagoe said that rather than rushing to break news, the station takes time to ensure that every side is heard, which he noted was necessary for accuracy and fairness. In 26 years, he said, the station had never been sued. 

One example of the station’s impact was in Effutu, a community plagued by annual chieftaincy disputes during its Deer Hunt Festival. “The Chief was often barred from attending the festival by rival factions. Police presence became routine. Through participatory programming and giving voice to all sides, the situation has calmed. The Chief now attends without incident,” he said.

Despite challenges in maintaining audience engagement, Radio Peace strikes a balance between entertainment and education. Ghartey-Tagoe added that the station does not believe it is in competition with anyone but itself, and that it sets its own goals and involves the community as much as possible.  

This model is resonating beyond Ghana. Peter Nsoesie, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of DASH TV in Douala, Cameroon, is designing a peace journalism module for his station.

“Peace is essential because unresolved issues over land, family, and resources can spiral into crises. Back in 2007, a community radio [station] called Voice of Manyu helped resolve several land disputes in Mamfe through peace journalism,” Nsoesie shared. He emphasized that radio remains the most trusted medium in communities, even in the era of social media.

The Nigerian perspective echoes the same commitment. Ahmed Maiyaki, Managing Director of Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC) located in North Western Nigeria, said broadcast stations have continued to focus on peace building content as a result of the wide impact and reach it drives on targeted audience, especially radio. 

He explained that Radio stations play a critical role in building and promoting peace among diverse communities across the West Africa region.  “It gives a platform for community and citizens’ engagement initiatives and advocacy with wide and indisputable reach to all segments of society,” he said. 

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Question(s) related to this article:

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

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Maiyaki shared a recent example where his station played a role in de-escalating tension and reprisal after some travellers were killed by local militias in Plateau State in North Central Nigeria on June 12. “The special program was designed to douse tension and mitigate possible escalation of the conflict,” he said.

He said that KSMC has continued to initiate robust and citizen-centered content that builds and promotes peace and social cohesion in Kaduna State and beyond. KSMC does this, he said, by reaching five radio stations across the state, producing and broadcasting content in local languages for the state’s diverse people. 

From Ghana, a presenter with Nananom FM 92.5, Mohammed Umar Al-Hussein highlighted how the station’s morning show ‘Maakye Show’ includes segments dedicated to promoting peace and discouraging youth involvement in drugs.

“The world has seen enough of the disasters brought by conflict. Peace journalism fosters relationships, national growth, and human rights. Its impact is real. Our listeners now understand the value of peace and seek to avoid conflict,” Al-Hussein said.

Aisha Gambo, a solutions journalism expert with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), supports this paradigm shift. “People are tired of hearing bad news with no solutions. Peace and solutions journalism are changing that narrative. They report on responses to social issues so that other communities can learn and adapt,” she explained.

While she hasn’t yet published a story that directly de-escalated tension, Gambo ensures her reporting never incites violence or hatred. She noted that after years of covering crime and corruption “with minimal change,” peace or solutions journalism may possibly be able to deliver “the transformation we seek.”

Ibrahima Yakubu, Team Lead for the Network of Peace Journalists (NPJ) Nigeria, believes the entire continent is gradually embracing this approach because of its measurable impact.

“Peace journalism is reshaping Africa. In Nigeria, it is helping eliminate fake news and reduce division,” he said. “For example, in 2016, when a state governor falsely accused a religious sect of terrorism, it was peace journalists who investigated and cleared the air. The community now lives peacefully.”

Yakubu also cited an incident in Southern Kaduna, where panic spread following reports of Fulani ‘terrorists’ migrating into the area. Peace journalists investigated and revealed the truth that the migrants were not terrorists. Their reporting restored calm to the community. “Peace journalism reduces tension by sticking to facts, not social media speculation. That’s how we stop chaos before it begins,” Yakubu emphasized.

Factors contributing to the trend

Factors contributing to the trend of media embracing peace journalism in West African countries include the desire to promote peaceful conflict resolution, a focus on community building and social harmony, and efforts to address hate speech and misinformation.

Other factors include promoting positive narratives and facilitating understanding among warring communities in these countries.

A Difficult But Growing Movement

Several challenges remain in implementing peace journalism in West Africa. The interviewees agreed that there is a lack of awareness and training on peace journalism practices among the majority of practitioners in the region.

Insecurity is another challenge. Many journalists promoting peace journalism face intimidation and harassment in some hostile communities. Poor working conditions also hinder journalists from practicing peace journalism, as it requires resources to move around and gather information for reports.

Religious and regional divisions pose another major challenge, as some journalists tend to write in ways that protect their religion or ethnicity.

Still, as conflict and misinformation continue to pose challenges, peace journalism offers a hopeful path forward one that turns up the volume on truth, understanding, and unity. “So the increase in media going for peace stories means the future of Africa is bright,” said Al-Hussein of Nananom FM.

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

In Largest Israeli Protest to Date, 1 Million Israelis Demand Gaza Ceasefire to Free Hostages

. . HUMAN RIGHTS . .

An article and video from Democracy Now (licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License)

August 18: Massive protests have erupted in Israel, with about 500,000 people marching in Tel Aviv Sunday [August 17] to demand an end to the war in Gaza. Organizers say 1 million took part in demonstrations across the entire country. Most of the Israelis who were out on the streets “blame Netanyahu” for prioritizing his political survival over an end to the war, says Oren Ziv, reporter and photographer for +972 Magazine. Ziv notes that most Israelis are “not speaking directly on the suffering in Gaza, on the killings, on the children, on the starvation,” but instead focus on the survival of the hostages held in Gaza.


Frame from Democracy Now video

Transcript

This is a rush transcript. Copy may not be in its final form.

AMY GOODMAN: This is Democracy Now!, democracynow.org, The War and Peace Report. I’m Amy Goodman.

We turn now to Israel, where over 500,000 people protested in Tel Aviv Sunday to demand an end to the war in Gaza and for the Israeli government to reach a deal to free the hostages in Gaza. Over a million people took part in protests across Israel as the families of Israeli hostages called for a nationwide day of stoppage. This is Lishay Miran-Lavi, the wife of Omri Miran, who’s being held in Gaza.

LISHAY MIRAN-LAVI: Last week, we decided to call to everyone in Israel, to all the citizens, to stop, take a day and stop all the country, in one saying: Please release the hostages, bring them home, and stop the war. We are really caring about our dears that’s over there. My Omri is over there 681 days. I miss him. Our daughters, Roni and Alma, really miss him, and I’m really, really scared and afraid about his life. I want him here, and I want all the hostages here.

AMY GOODMANAMY GOODMAN“Those who call to end the war delay the hostages’ release and guarantee that the horrors of October 7 will return,” unquote.

For more, we go to Oren Ziv, reporter and photographer for +972 Magazine and the independent Israeli news site Local Call.

Oren, welcome back to Democracy Now! You were covering the protests. Can you talk about the significance of the size of these protests, and what exactly the Israelis were calling for?

OREN ZIV: Thank you for having me.

I think it’s a really interesting moment, because over the past almost two years, we’ve seen big protests, but not huge like that. And we’ve seen also moments during the war with Iran, with Lebanon and other occasions that the numbers were really low. People — you know, Netanyahu is doing what he’s doing the best, and he’s dragging time and making people tired. And this is also true to the Israeli public, that went in tens of thousands in the last year and a half or two years. But yesterday, a big and a significant number of people went out.

And it’s even more important with the incitement we’ve seen from Netanyahu and other ministers that were even more harsh than Netanyahu, saying that protesters are helping Hamas, making the price of a deal higher, and so on. So, in the fact of in the end of this day — during the day, there were hundreds, if not thousands, small vigil, direct action roadblocks. The country was shut down, basically, traffic-wise. And in the evening, we saw one of the biggest vigils and demonstration we’ve seen in recent years, of almost half a million people in the streets in Tel Aviv. And this is, first and for all, a message from the Israeli public, and what the polls show, that the vast majority of the Israeli public is willing to end the war in order to release the hostages.

Now, it’s important to say that this is from an internal Israeli perspective. It’s not like the protests we see abroad. These are people who are calling to return the hostages in any price. And after two years, many of them, many in the Israeli public, blame Netanyahu. He’s trying to blame Hamas. But many of the people, or the most of the people who went out yesterday to the streets, are blaming Netanyahu for not doing a deal, to survive politically. This is a very common statement you hear from everyone on the streets. And they’re calling to end the war. They’ve seen in the last two years that only political agreements and ceasefire agreements bring back hostages alive. We’ve seen over 40 hostages that died in captivity, either from the army’s attack or from reaction of Hamas when they were trying to — when the army was coming nearby. And people had enough.

In the same time, it’s important to say that the vast majority of the protesters yesterday, although the fact they called to end the war, they’re not speaking directly on the suffering in Gaza, on the killings, on the children, on the starvation. You can hear it here and there. You can hear it from smaller groups that have been protesting from the beginning of the war against the genocide and the ongoing ethnic cleansing. But it’s not on the stages. It’s not the main message yet.

AMY GOODMAN: I wanted to get your response to how Israelis have responded to Israel’s Channel 12 airing those leaked recordings of Israel’s former military intelligence chief saying 50 Palestinians must die for every victim of October 7th, saying tens of thousands of Palestinians must die. In the recording, Aharon Haliva is heard saying, quote, “It does not matter now if they are children.” He said, quote, “They need a Nakba every now and then to feel the price.” Oren Ziv?

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Question related to this article:

How can a culture of peace be established in the Middle East?

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OREN ZIV: So, to be honest, the vast majority of the discussion inside Israel was regarding the fact that this person, that many Israelis see as the responsible for the catastrophe of October 7th, for the failure of the Israel intelligence to finding out that this will happen, so people thought this kind of leaked recordings — some people say that he might have leaked it out — are kind of serving him, to clean him and to blame the problem is the general system. So, in Israel, the vast majority of discussion was about that. Was it really leaked? Is it serving him? Why? You know, many people, hostages — family members of hostages are saying he should be trialed and sit in prison.

But this segment didn’t catch a lot of attention in Israel, because, unfortunately, this is very common. It’s something we heard from day one from politicians, from army people, in the public, in the — in right-wing demos, we hear it. We hear it everywhere. So, unfortunately, this didn’t cause a lot of noise in Israel.
`
But definitely, it shows you that such a high commander saying these things openly, you know, without being ashamed and without getting any attention in Israel, show you that this decision of revenge, of genocidal war, was done from day one. And Israel, also to cover the failure of October 7, decided to go to a revenge, a horrific war, as we’re seeing now. And you can see that this decision is not just by soldiers on the ground or right-wing or extreme so-called settlers. This is all across the army, from the high-ranked commanders and the politicians to the simple soldiers. And now when we see the horrific reality in Gaza after almost two years, we can understand this was planned. The army felt they have to revenge to cover up the failure of October 7.

AMY GOODMAN: I also wanted to ask you about the Israelis who are refusing to enlist in the Israeli military. You just posted a short video of 19-year-old Yona Roseman, who was sentenced to 30 days in military prison.

YONA ROSEMAN: Today, I’m going to show up at a draft office and declare that I refuse to serve in an army that’s committing genocide. And for that, I will probably be sent to military jail.

AMY GOODMAN: That’s Yona Roseman. How common is this, the refuseniks?

OREN ZIV: So, it’s not very common, especially in mandatory service. Eighteen-year-old students, high school students are all the system, all their life — all the education system is pushing them to go to the army. That’s the norm. In order to be like Yona and other brave young Israelis, you have to go against the stream and to educate yourself and to go to demonstration and meet people and not watch the Israeli mainstream media, who doesn’t show you what’s going on in Gaza and the West Bank. And so, it’s not very common.

But we’ve seen some increase in the number. Already from the beginning of the war, more than 12 announced, ones who went public, a youth who refused. And they pay a price. It’s not only 30 days in prison. They have to go again and again to prison a few times. But among reservists, we’ve seen — reservists, we’ve seen a growing movement of people refusing, because of what’s been happening in Gaza, also calling to release the hostages. And we’ve seen hundreds of people refuse. With some of them, the army chooses not to deal with prison, but to release them quietly.

Specifically about Yona and her group from Mesarvot — “refusing” in Hebrew — they are showing — they want to show that not everybody in Israel, that there is a small group who resists the genocide and the horrific things the army does. And as she told us, that’s her duty. That’s the only thing you can do when you see what the army is doing. She told me in the interview before she went to prison that she decided even before October 7 and before the war in Gaza to refuse, but after the genocide started, it was much easier for her to take this decision. And we hear it from other refuseniks, as well.

And, you know, it’s very hard. When she appears on social media, on national media, they get a lot of incitement, hatred, inside the prison and also when they go out. Last month, they burned some of the enlistment orders in the streets in Tel Aviv. And to do something like that in the general atmosphere in Israel, that is very hostile to this action, is very, very brave.

AMY GOODMAN: I finally wanted to ask you, as you cover protests, yes, the protests this weekend of a million Israelis, but also about the protest outside the hotel where GHF staff were staying in Tel Aviv. That’s the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, this shadowy U.S.-backed Israeli company that is supposedly providing food aid, but when people come, they are often shot dead as they try to seek food, children and adults alike. What about that protest?

OREN ZIV: So last week, a group of activists, radical left-wing activists, located where the so-called GHF staff, including CEO and other senior members, are staying in Tel Aviv, because, you know, they work in Gaza in coordination with the Israeli army and other companies, but they’re staying in a very fancy hotel in the shore of Tel Aviv. And they wanted to come there to send a clear message that this is not accepted, that they’re not welcome here, and to stop this lie that is called the Gaza Humanitarian Fund. So, they came there, around 50 protesters, to surprise. The police was not aware of it. They arrived there to the entrance of the hotel, we know from people inside. They heard them inside the hotel. And they were protesting there for about an hour. The police was trying to push them away.

Some tourists and people who passed by tried to confront them. And this happens, by the way, in every demo like this, against the genocide, against the starvation, in Tel Aviv and other cities, that are often attacked by the Israeli public. The Israeli mainstream media doesn’t show the images or the voices from Gaza like you do and many other media outlets. So, when the Israeli public is met on the streets with people who are trying just to show the facts, to shed light on what’s happening on the other side of the fence, people are many times surprised or even angry and try to attack the protesters. And they are telling me this is only one of first actions they will do against the GHF operation here in the region.

AMY GOODMAN: Oren Ziv, we want to thank you for being with us, reporter and photographer for +972 Magazine and the independent Israeli news site Local Call.
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