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An article from International Peace Institute
On September 7th, IPI together with the Al-Babtain Foundation cohosted a policy forum on the culture of peace during the annual UN High-Level Forum entitled “Advancing the Culture of Peace.” This event provided input into the high-level forum by building upon the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace (A/RES/53/243) adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1999.
Video of Forum
Please note that the event was broadcast in native language. An English-language version will be forthcoming.
The eight pillars identified in the 1999 Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace echo today’s priorities set by the Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly. The event on September 7th at IPI explored the connections among culture, peace, security, and development, focusing specifically on the connections between the culture of peace, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the 2016 resolutions on sustaining peace.
As there is significant overlap between the Sustainable Development Goals and the eight pillars, it is important to reflect on the ways sustainable development can be integrated into the culture of peace. Similarly, it is critical to consider ways to strengthen the structures, attitudes, and behaviors that both foster a culture of peace and sustain it. This event provided an opportunity to discuss the links among the three agendas, exploring the opportunities, risks, and best strategies moving forward.
Welcoming Remarks:
Ambassador Terje Rød-Larsen, President, International Peace Institute
Opening Remarks:
H.E. Mr. Peter Thomson, President of the UN General Assembly
Dr. Abdul Aziz Saud Al-Babtain, Chairman and Founder of Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain Cultural Foundation
Speakers:
H.E. Ms. Gillian Bird, Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
H.E. Mr. Masud Bin Momen, Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the United Nations
Mr. Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support
Moderator:
Dr. Adam Lupel, Vice President, International Peace Institute