Reflections: UN Forum On The Culture Of Peace
“Peace is more than the end of armed conflict. Peace is a mode of behavior.” It is a “deep rooted commitment to the principles of liberty, justice, equality and solidarity among all.” Yamoussoukro Declaration
Reflections: UN Forum On The Culture Of Peace – UN Sec Gen, Ban Ki-Moon speaks
Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the UN – High-level Forum on the Culture of Peace, Opening session (Video)
Remarks: By H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations at the Opening session of the High-level Forum on the Culture of Peace.
The Culture Of Peace: 25 years ago, in Yamoussoukro, capital of Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), the concept of a global culture of peace was initiated by the UNESCO-supported International Congress of Peace. UNESCO declared that peace must be “nurtured through the dignity, rights and capacities of every man and woman.” Today, at the UN High-level Forum on the Culture of Peace, Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon outlined his vision for cultivating peace around the world. He reminded us that:
Peace should be a fundamental way of interacting with each other on our planet.
Peace means equal (including girls/women) access to education, health and other key services.
Peace means giving all of us freedom of choice – the chance to live as we choose.
Peace means tolerance, respect and mutual understanding amongst nations.
Peace means “developing sustainably and protecting the planet’s biodiversity.”
Peace means cultural literacy and diplomacy between nations.
Peace means holding a common vision for peace, development and human rights; a “universal aspiration for a meaningful culture of peace.”
Peace means the eradication of poverty, the implementation of sustainable development, human rights, and a sense of shared destiny.
In our global community, we might start out as strangers but, in our hearts, if we stop to consider our shared humanity, we are one family. From a peace perspective, we can support each other to develop and share creativity and innovative ideas. We can choose to live peaceably. However, it a choice and we can only achieve this belief through the lens of love, tolerance and peace.
“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.” From UNESCO’s Constitution
Reflections: UN Forum On The Culture Of Peace – Peace Written in Hebrew, Arabic and English
The meeting, which is ongoing, had many high level peace activists, including Nobel Peace prize recipient, Leymah Gbowee, in attendance. Key speakers reiterated resolutions, declarations, and important points, on the Culture Of Peace, taken from previous general assembly gatherings. To get updates on the key issues that were discussed today, visit UN Web TV for more information. These are difficult times for many of us around the world. We live in a global community at war with each other; it is a war on humanity.
When we talk about war, we must remember that war is not only fought in the battlefield. It is fought through oppressive methods that include poverty, lack of education, environmental abuses, poor governing, denial of fundamental rights, religious and ethnic intolerance, and a laundry list of other atrocities. We can put a stop to these fractious wars by uniting in peace – it begins in our homes and the messages we teach our children. If we are to leave a legacy of peace for our children, our interactions with others must begin from a place of love, tolerance and truth. Where do you stand on the subject of peace? How are you fostering peace in your home and community?
More Below!
We are many cultures, but we are a single family, bound by respect for human rights and dignity for all.
This message stands at the heart of the UN Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures initiated by the General Assembly, launched last year in Astana, Kazakhstan and led forward by UNESCO.
We need a new commitment to respect the right to be different and to make the most of diversity as a strength to share among all people, regardless of where you are coming from, what kind of ethnicities or languages and traditions and history one may have. We need mutual respect and mutual tolerance. We have to raise the level of tolerance among all of us. UN Statement
Reflections: UN Forum On The Culture Of Peace – General Assembly
John Ashe (on behalf) – High-level Forum on the Culture of Peace, Opening session (video)
Remarks: On behalf of H.E. Mr. John W. Ashe, President of the 68th session of the General Assembly at the Opening session of the High-level Forum on the Culture of Peace.
Developing a culture of peace in our communities takes a lot of effort. It demands a call to action amongst men and women of goodwill. It demands vigilance in our attitudes and interactions with others. It demands open and honest dialogue between people from diverse backgrounds and belief systems. It demands a vision of inclusiveness that is grounded in respect, tolerance and sensitivity to diversity. In the words of UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, “Let us pledge to work together to spread and deepen these shared values across our world.” We must start now. Where do you stand on the subject of peace?
This post was inspired partly by yesterday’s daily prompt: Greetings, Stranger You’re sitting at a café when a stranger approaches you. This person asks what your name is, and, for some reason, you reply. The stranger nods, “I’ve been looking for you.” What happens next?
Please bear with me as I’m finally beginning to catch up on your blogs and commenting… I’m back on track; albeit at a slow pace. Thank you all for your patience!
For More: Women’s Lives & Issues
Positive Motivation Tip: We might start out as strangers, but in our hearts, if we operate from a place of peace, we are one. We can only achieve this goal through the lens of love, tolerance and peace. Find that place of peace and love within, then share same with others. Peace.
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All photos Ban Ki-Moon, General Assembly UN via UN Web TV, UN Web TV for other programs,Peace symbol in Hebrew, Arabic and English via Wikipedia
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
Thanks for the insight.. i did not know this was going on… We all need Peace!
It would be very interesting to be a fly on a wall at a Peace conference like this one.
For me as a Jew peace begins with ending all hatred. The UN needs to tackle the beasts within and I am referring the Human Rights Committee well know for their anti-Semitism.
There will never be complete peace without Christ in the world and that will be after He comes back. We do need to try to be at peace with people in our own lives though.
What are you trying to say: that all other faiths have no value? Did you read my post? Peace begins with us and that includes being tolerant and respectful of other faiths and beliefs.
Reblogged this on THE STRATEGIC LEARNER.
very interesting and great information.
Interesting topic indeed. I do agree with the statement that war is not fought just in the battlefield etc. but I do thing a lot of this has to do with most not being educated on topics.
Very interesting! I loved the part ” we are a single family, bound by respect for human rights and dignity for all.” Thanks!
I would really love the opportunity to sit in on one of the forums live. The energy would be amazing. I am SGI Buddhist and we do our day of peace and that is always amazing. We stream with our other members’ services live and they’re world wide. We chant for peace!
Paece is something that only you can find within yourself. Once, you have it then it will shine on other’s just as much. Thanks for sharing.
If only we could really achieve a culture of peace… that would be something. I can appreciate what the UN is doing here, and I love the quote you began your post with, but the more I pay attention to the news, the more bleak our culture really seems. I have always been called a bleeding heart liberal because I believe so strongly in kindness and treating one another with respect. We need more of that on a much bigger scale.
Such an inspiring post. Thanks for sharing! And yes, this world needs a lot more peace and love.
I love the fact that the first message was conceived in Cote D’Ivoire!
It has been an issue since the beginning. It is hard to get peace if some do not cooperate.
Mhar Mg
WOuldn’t the world be an amazing place if everyone just got along?
This is such an important issue just now. I saw a very good drama called, “The Honourable Women” the other day, and it was all about the tensions in the middle-east. It didn’t take sides overall, but showed how hate, prejudice and bitterness can colour any human dialogue until progress and reconciliation seem impossible. They are never impossible but can certainly seem very difficult, and any initiative which helps bring people together in a spirit of understanding is very welcome at the moment. The world is at a tipping point I fear.
On another note, its lovely to see a post from you, and I always get a lift from reading your Blog
The world is at a tipping point, I agree! We can pull it back with massive action from each of us. We can make a difference by changing the way we view and treat others.
I like this line–“Peace means tolerance, respect and mutual understanding amongst nations.” this is how I try to live my day to day life among to have peace among people.
Peace has taken on a new meaning for me lately. I live near Ferguson, MO and our area has been in turmoil for weeks now. Seeing everyone work together for a common goal is something that I have seen as peaceful as of late because of this situation.
I wish all citizens of the world could live in peace. It breaks my heart that so many people have to live in fear.
This is a beautiful post. Yes, we need to cultivate peace in our minds first, practice it in our communities and spread it in the world. The opening quote for this post really set the tone.
Thank you for this great post and the reminder: peace is so important
Peace is the only thing which helps to make the world United. The culture of peace and non-violence is a commitment to peace-building, mediation, conflict prevention and resolution, tolerance, acceptance, mutual respect, intercultural and interfaith dialogue and reconciliation.
This is great advice for our world leaders. I really wish that we could all get along and not fight. I realize that we are all human and we all think differently but I feel that most of the issues could be worked out.
Such a great post about peace and the reminder of how lucky we are to be able to have it here. I wish the world could get to that “peaceful state” without the violence though.
We are all human created and loved by God and the whole essence of creation is love. I wish for once all the senseless madness would cease!
I think there are many of us who want nothing more than peace in the world. I wish that desire for peace was contagious!
I love the Positive Motivation tip at the end. If only everyone felt the same. It’s so easy, isn’t it? But still so hard to achieve. Baffling but we do our part, all smalls add up to a collective large. 🙂
I’m just finally getting to that place of peace within my life.
So many people are too concerned with getting their own way and judging others… They don’t realize that peace is SO much better than always being right.
Thank you for posting this and promoting peace. As human beings, we need to learn tolerance and respect and to realize that we are so much more alike than we are different.
Peace – gosh it would be amazing if we could end war and have liberty, justice, equality and solidarity for all.
What an important forum! I need to read more up on it!
I hope we can see true peace on earth in our life time.
So much hostility and hatred and violence in our world. I pray for peace daily.
I think it would be very interesting to be a fly on the wall during a peace summit – I would love to hear all of the different ways of thinking from around the world.
we do need to find a way to bring about more peace in our country as well with others
I love peace, and will someday experience it in the afterlife. Very interesting and thought provoking post.
The UN has been doing excellent work since the time it started.. The message of peace it spreads is heart warming.
While reading this post, I am reminded of Joel Osteen saying that we should remain at peace even when in times of the storm. We should stay at the its eye and believe that God will make everything to make us through. I don’t know how the world will obtain peace but maybe in the future it will, one community at a time.
This is a very informative post for the leaders of the world. Thanks so much for providing some insight on peace.
Very good post. Dignity for all is great.
Very interesting article. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was complete peace in this world. My husband and I were just discussing this over dinner how messed up our world is with all the fighting. Thanks for writing this piece.
Peace is an important factor to bring your neighbor more closer. And living in india i know the value the real Peace
I wonder, when can we really have world peace.. hmm
I just love this: “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.” I couldn’t agree more. We are not just at the mercy of the hands that wish to create conflict. There is a deep, core issue here that needs addressing … and we all play a part in the healing. Thank you for a wonderful post!
With so many territorial disputes and skirmishes as of late, the call for peace is really important. Diplomacy should rule already in our times and not chaos.
All we need is PEACE! Peace within ourselves. PEACE with others. And PEACE to the WHOLE WORLD.
Let PEACE begin within ourselves. Praying for world peace and hope that these daily meditations, prayers and mindful awareness exercises can be part of daily routine in order to end oppression or natural disaster throughout the world.
It is so true that developing a culture of peace in our communities takes a lot of effort. I hope that one day there won´t be any wars ….
Such an inspirational post.
I wish we could have peace, sadly there are always radicals on both sides who fight against it. I totally agree with this, “Peace means tolerance, respect and mutual understanding amongst nations.” I hope to see this someday!
Yes, Global communities should be aware of each other’s peace characteristic. Truly, if peace is inside everybody’s hearts, our living conditions here on earth will be happy and contented. Fernando Lachica
Operate from a place of peace…Love that!
I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to be part of a peace conference living in a world where there are so many groups evil and without concern for other humans. I would feel like I’m trying to empty the ocean one glassful at a time.
Peace is a collective thing. You cannot achieve this when you are not united. I love that our world leaders recognize that peace can be achieved by a lot of different methods, and not through violence.
This is such an inspiring article. We all need Peace in our neighborhood, city, state, country and this whole World.
To me achieving peace is supposed to be easy. As you point out ”Peace means giving all of us freedom of choice.” It should not be that difficult but it turns out the world in anything but a peaceful place right now, regarding all the recent conflicts around the globe!
It is one of those goals that should always be strived for but unfortuately human history shows us that it will never be attained. That said, the pursuit of it is of utmost importance and brings about all sorts of beneficial side effects.
It saddens me all the horrible stuff that goes on in the world. I wish everyone would be at peace..perhaps some day?
If everybody knows and understand about the culture of peace, so the we will live in a peace world.
It is sad that UN never could really become what it was meant to be but rather is a stillborn of all those wonderful designs. I wish we could one day see truly a worldwide organization like it was planned to be.
Quite timely for a post on peace with 9/11 being this week. I think that is lesson we will never forget, but these reminders are needed..
This a very good advocate the UN is calling. Peace on Earth. But I say, peace can never be attain even if every human is supporting. Why, because is set loose on Earth and the devil seek not peace; only peace will be achieve at Christ’s return.
i believe peace starts from within and we should correct our attitudes first and foremost, and strive for inner peace! >XD
we currently reside in Middle East so war surrounds the country we are in. It is a sad terrieble thing that after all the advancement in medical and technology, we have yet to discover cure for a lasting peace. apparently, it can only start from within, from a human being…
We all wish for the same thing but such an elusive goal. Peace truly does start in us and how we project ourselves to the world. Be tolerant and respectful of other people’s beliefs, principles, religion, culture and live without hatred in our hearts. Live harmoniously together with a common goal as what the post has been mentioning several times.
We have all been longing for peace, be it worldwide or within ourselves. However hard it is to attain peace the most memorable about this are our actions in achieving it.
I reblogged this on auntyuta. Thank you so much, Eliz, for this post on this very important subject of PEACE.
Reblogged this on auntyuta and commented:
I reckon to think about PEACE is most important. And not just think about it but actually doing something about it to keep the peace. Why can’t we all have governments who only want peace and not war?
Reblogged this on Love versus Goliath : A Partner Visa Journey and commented:
The human race will only survive when it finds a way to peace. Until then, each day is a risk.
TY so much Robyn. Long time no chat. Hope all is well with the family. Will visit soon. 🙂
Everyone is so busy these days. I miss the times I had visiting many writers daily. But we will be empty nesters one day!
Family is well, but I have a friend travelling through Lagos to Benin this coming week. Hope he stays well given the ebola outbreak.
I pray so too. Glad to hear from you… It’s been hectic on this end with lots of challenges. I stay prayerful.
I’m not sure whether any of you are aware of Robert Adrey’s “Amity/Enmity complex.
At the beginning in a quote you mention “solidarity among all” as a prerequisite for peace. This solidarity or amity can only be achieved opposite some common danger. If we don’t see a common danger or hazard we are not interested in “solidarity among all”.
Climate change is the biggest hazard of them all and we could imagine that we don’t need any enemies to unite us. Still we have enemies. We even create enemies because of our greed and because of our fears of others.
Politicians start fear campaigns to unite people in order that they follow other, questionable policies.
Peace is not easily being achieved. It needs a conscious effort by us all and could take generations. As long as we fear others we won’t achieve peace at all and peace will remain a pipe dream.
Thank you for your feedback. I will take a look at the article you mentioned. The road to peace is not an easy one but, I believe in keeping hope alive and speaking out to encourage those who refuse to get caught up in the Maya. Your points are well taken.
Its my personal opinion, i think there is no peace in world due to some nuclear…. but i like your post,, hmmm great
It is saddening to think that peace is still not attainable for so many human beings.
peace is something that is very important in maintaining the stability of a country, with each other to try and help other countries that are in conflict to create peace.
I agree… we need to collaborate as nations.