This month CPNN articles recognize many city peace initiatives.
The cities around the Mediterranean that are members of the international network Mayors for Peace will meet September 19 to 21 (the International Day of Peace) to discuss, among other subjects, "What tools for a culture of peace for cities in crisis?" Mayors for Peace is the oldest and largest organization of peace cities. Launched in 1982 by the city of Hiroshima and managed ever since by that city, the organization now counts 5664 member cities. They are devoted to the lobby against nuclear weapons at the United Nations and its Member States.
Two other major organizations of peace cities have announced plans to celebrate the International Day of Peace:
- International Cities of Peace is organizing a "global feast", inviting all to gather at the table for a common meal on that day. Their website states that "The worldwide movement to instill a culture of peace has many roots, branches and leaves" .
- The International Association of Peace Messenger Cities will be pairing several schools across the world by livestreaming. The International Association of Peace Messenger Cities was established in 1986 "to recognize and encourage the role and responsibility cities have in creating a culture of peace."
Another organization, called "Peace Cities", showcases initiatives in cities around the world that have hosted local interfaith events in cooperation with the Partner Cities Network and past Parliament of Religions international gatherings
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The newest international city peace organization, Peace Towns and Villages, was launched last month by the International Institute of Peace through Tourism and Skål. A goal has been set for the dedication of 300 Peace Towns and Villages in the first year of the project.
Individual city peace initiatives are regularly featured in CPNN. The most recent are:
Eugene (Oregon, U.S.),
Hamilton (Ontario, Canada),
and Oaxaca (Mexico).
The article from Eugene is especially interesting because it shows how all of the aspects of a culture of peace can be promoted at the city level.
Finally, it is argued in the CPNN article by David Swanson that city administrations are much more in touch with the desires and needs of the people than is the national government, as illustrated by the resolution against nuclear weapons adopted recently by the United States Conference of Mayors.
