All posts by CPNN Coordinator

About CPNN Coordinator

Dr David Adams is the coordinator of the Culture of Peace News Network. He retired in 2001 from UNESCO where he was the Director of the Unit for the International Year for the Culture of Peace, proclaimed for the Year 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly.

PAYNCoP Gabon Partners with the National Youth Council to Stop Violence against Youth

. HUMAN RIGHTS .

To CPNN from Jerry Bibang, PAYNCoP National Coordinator (translation by CPNN)

In the face of renewed violence against young people in Gabon, the National Coordination of the Panafrican Youth Network for the Culture of Peace (PAYNCoP Gabon) and the National Youth Council of Gabon (CNJG) joined forces on Saturday, October 26, to firmly condemn this phenomenon which harms Gabonese youth. Their press conference had the support of several youth organizations in Gabon.

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(Click here for the original in French.)

Questions related to this article:

Rights of the child, How can they be promoted and protected?

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In the statement, read by Fernandez Ona, President of the CNJG, the young leaders recalled the international legal provisions relating to the protection of the child in particular Article 16 of the African Charter of the Rights and Welfare of the Child that states: “The States Parties to this Charter shall take specific legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child against all forms of torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, and in particular any form of or physical or mental abuse, neglect or abuse, including sexual abuse, when entrusted to the care of a parent, legal guardian, school authority or any other person having custody of the child.”

Also, the 2040 Agenda of the African Union on the Rights and Welfare of the African Child, in its aspiration 7, urges the States Parties to provide protection against all forms of violence against children. In the same vein, the Constitution of the Republic, in its Preamble, reaffirms the need to ensure and protect the physical and moral integrity of youth.

“In spite of these normative devices, it is sad to note the recurrence of cases of violence against young people on the national territory,” said Jerry Bibang, PAYNCoP National Coordinator. “The violence is multiple and varied, including physical, sexual, economic, verbal and psychological violence,” he added, respectfully urging the Government to take concrete measures to eradicate this phenomenon.

Eighth Fair of Nonviolent Initiatives was held in Quito, Ecuador

.. DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION ..

An article from Pressenza (translation by CPNN)

The 8th annual Fair of Nonviolent Initiatives In the framework of Nonviolent October, was held this morning and afternoon in Cumandá Parque Urbano, in the city of Quito,.

Hundreds of people visited stands and participated in recreational and visual activities, with pets and brain teasers, among others. This fair has become a reference of activities and initiatives for nonviolence, non-discrimination and inclusion.

Questions for this article:

Can festivals help create peace at the community level?

Nonviolent Octubre and the Fair of Nonviolent Initiatives seek to make visible the existing initiatives that promote nonviolence in the city and in the country, around. At the same time, they sensitize increasing numbers of the population about the importance of working in a nonviolent perspective.

It should be noted that in 2019, October for Peace and Nonviolence has the strong support of the Metropolitan District of Quito. The City Council approved Resolution No. C 067 – 2019 which declares October as the “Month of Nonviolence in the Metropolitan District of Quito” and resolves that the Metropolitan District of Quito “fosters a culture of peace in diversity, free from violence and discrimination”.

As an international antecedent the General Assembly of the United Nations, in Resolution 61/271, has declared October 2 as the International Day of Nonviolence.  With these two brief antecedents, the humanist organizations that converge in the Nonviolent Space have carried out every year, for a decade now, the October for Peace and Nonviolence..

(Click here for the Spanish original.)

Leaders of 72 municipalities attend Mayors for Peace assembly in Tokyo

.. DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION ..

An article from The Mainichi

A general assembly of Mayors for Peace’s domestic member cities was held here [in Tokyo] on Oct. 24, with leaders and senior officials of 72 municipalities across Japan in attendance.


Kunitachi Mayor Kazuo Nagami explains his city’s ideas on the definition of peace during a general assembly of Mayors for Peace’s domestic member cities, in Kunitachi, Tokyo, on Oct. 24, 2019. (Mainichi/Masamitsu Kurokawa)

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Questions for this article:

How can culture of peace be developed at the municipal level?

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Mayors for Peace is an international nongovernmental organization seeking a world without nuclear weapons through close collaboration among its member cities. The meeting, held in the Tokyo suburban city of Kunitachi, was the ninth of its kind and the first to be held in the capital.

In an opening speech, Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui, who serves as president of Mayors for Peace, pointed out that “home country-first” principles are casting a shadow over the world. “We would like to consider through this meeting how we can foster a ‘culture of peace’ and act on this cause as basic municipalities tasked with protecting the safety of citizens,” he said.

Kunitachi Mayor Kazuo Nagami stated, “We adopted a peace city declaration in 2000. We’d like to have in-depth discussions on the missions of mayors for peacebuilding.”

During the conference, the city of Kunitachi introduced its efforts to pass down the memories of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Tokyo Air Raids in the final days of World War II by training some 30 people from the postwar generation as storytellers.

According to the website of the Mayors for Peace’s secretariat and other sources, the NGO currently has 1,732 member municipalities in Japan, which account for more than 99% of all municipalities across the nation.

The meeting is set to adopt a statement on Oct. 25 calling for the Japanese government to boost efforts toward nuclear weapons abolition.

Sign the petition: Down with war, let’s build peace!

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

A petition on Change.org

Mouvement de la Paix has launched this petition addressed to politicians, elected officials and decision-makers. . .

We, women and men from all continents of the world want to develop a culture of peace on a global level, and know that for the future of humanity the only route is peace.

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Question for this article:

What can be accomplished with petitions for peace?

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We also know that it constantly requires the action of citizens, people, and states, to maintain a state of peace.

That is why, faced with the dangers for peace that consist of: a globalization that puts the burden on the people of excessive military expenditure, nuclear weapons that threaten the survival of humanity, and climate disruption,

we call on all women and men, around the world, to mobilize for peace by getting all political leaders, elected officials, heads of state and heads of international institutions to create some form of multilateral disarmament measures (especially nuclear), to protect the planet and develop human rights and education for the culture of peace in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.

100 years after the armistice of November 11, 1918, down with war, let’s build peace!

This article is available in French and in Spanish.

The text is available in different languages: French, German, Spanish, Welsh, Italian, Esperanto, Arabic, Russian, Japanese, through the following link: www.mvtpaix.org

Click here for a list of personalities from around the world who appeal for signatures.

USA: We Are Each a Precious Entity: The Activist Life of Caroline Bridgman-Rees

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .      

A tribute written by PJ Deak for the Unitarian Society of New Haven, reprinted by PAR New Haven

Caroline was born on New Year’s Eve, 1922 and grew up on Staten Island. Her father, a Yale graduate, was a history professor at NYU for 29 years. A decorated war veteran, he came home from WWI in 1918 traumatized by the horrors of war, its barbarism, death, and destruction.

As a result of her father’s experiences, Caroline became very aware of the toll and folly of war – and of the importance of working for peace.

In 1945, Caroline, 22, a Phi Beta Kappa and recent graduate of Smith College, joined the Red Cross. She sailed on a ship to the Philippines where she worked with the Red Cross until 1946 when she went to Korea. Why did she do it? To see the world and “to see life with the soldiers.”

She remembered the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with horror and condemnation – a bombing that in her words “was totally against moral and international law and which began a frightful new era that threatened all life on earth.”

In the 1960s, Caroline began her teaching career at Bradford College in Massachusetts – teaching Asian History and Philosophy. Caroline became increasingly concerned about the conflict between the US and both the Vietnamese liberation forces and all of Indochina.

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Questions related to this article:

Where in the world can we find good leadership today?

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She joined a number of prominent peace organizations: The American Friends Service Committee; Sane/Freeze – later known as Peace Action; The Women’s International League for Peace And Freedom; The War Resisters League; Mobilization for Survival; and because of her service in the Red Cross, Veterans Against The War.

“I felt then, as I do now, that non-violent direct action is a citizen’s responsibility when the government is committing major war crimes against humanity!”

In 1972 Caroline was one of 171 American peace leaders chosen to attend the Paris Peace Talks. Also in 1972, she was part of a team of women who traveled to India and conducted interviews with Indian women about the role of women in the world – Caroline even had the privilege to interview Ms. Ghandi. In 1973, Caroline, her husband and 10-year-old son traveled through India, Burma, Thailand, Hong Kong, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Caroline became involved with the United Nations as an NGO representative, and also was active with the Greater New Haven Peace Council. In 1991-1992 she spent a year in England giving 45 separate lectures on Nuclear Disarmament and attended an international peace conference in the Netherlands.

When the first Iraq War began, Caroline was active as the anti-war movement surged anew – seeking avenues for mediation and diplomacy rather than violence.

Caroline attended meetings to discuss and take action on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, spoke out about the size of the US military budget, the number of US military bases around the world (over 1,000) and the pollution they are allowed to create. She wrote letters to the editor that were published in the New Haven Register and participated in the New Haven Peace Council and the Unitarian Society of New Haven Peace Task Force.

“We need community, not guns. We must create a world with love, and caring and cooperation.”

Read Caroline Bridgman-Rees’ obituary on Legacy.com.

18th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement: address by the Algerian Head of State

. DISARMAMENT & SECURITY.

A press release from the Algeria Press Service (translation by CPNN)

 Head of State Abdelkader Bensalah delivered a speech at the 18th Non-Aligned Movement (MNA) Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, which reads as follows:


(Click on image to enlarge)

“Mister President,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
 
I would first like to express my heartfelt thanks to the people and Government of Azerbaijan, a friendly country, headed by President Ilham Aliyev, for the warm hospitality and perfect organization of the work of this summit. I also congratulate Azerbaijan on its rise to the presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) with full confidence in the ability of its representatives to work towards the continuity and dynamism of the role of our movement in the light of the challenges current challenges facing our countries.

I also wish to express my thanks and appreciation to the Government of Venezuela for its leadership and praiseworthy efforts during the last three years to consolidate the noble ideals of the NAM.
 
Mister President,
 
Through its history and achievements, our Movement has demonstrated its ability to become an actor in a new world order, based on the values and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and International Law. An order establishing a solid foundation for partnerships based on mutual interest and respect for the sovereignty and will of countries.

Likewise, our Movement has shown its foresight in the realization of peaceful political solutions with a view to preserving international peace and security.

Our meeting is taking place today in a particular context and in an international context that impose on the NAM the need to assume its responsibility, as a bloc, in the face of the challenges facing its countries, in particular the proliferation of hotbeds of tension and regional and international conflicts. There are also the challenges posed by disarmament, escalating crises, climate and migration, and sectarian and ethnic conflict, which provide fertile ground for racism, hatred, violent extremism and violence as well as enlargement of the sphere of international terrorism.

At the threshold of the third decade of this century, the aspirations of theNAM countries for sustainable development are confronted with a reality marked by the deepening of the gap between the North and the South in several fields, hence the imperative of the unification of visions and efforts to find urgent solutions through frank dialogue and serious work to ensure the stability and security of member countries.

These challenges, which are of deep concern to all of us, are in fact a source of inspiration and stimulation for the strengthening of our ranks and the combination of our efforts.
 
Mister President,
 
The Palestinian cause, which is at the heart of the concerns of our Movement, has reached a turning point that can torpedo the peace efforts that have been made in recent years.

Our historical, moral and legal responsibility requires us to renew our permanent commitment to this cause and to reaffirm our unwavering and constant support to the Palestinian people in their quest for their inalienable national rights, including their right to self-determination and the building of an independent Palestine state.

As part of the broad wave of solidarity with the Palestinian cause around the world following the transfer of the embassies of some countries to El-Quds and in the light of the continuation of the hostile and criminal acts of the occupier against the Palestinian people and its rights, Algeria reiterates, from this rostrum, its unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their just cause.

The acceleration of events in many countries of our brothers and friends, and the propensity to resort to the logic of force instead of the force of logic, challenge us all to seek the most efficient ways to restore stability in these countries. and regions. Algeria remains deeply convinced of the importance of dialogue and the peaceful settlement of conflicts, and is committed to the fundamental principles of the United Nations and international law, particularly with regard to the preservation of international peace and security, and therefore it does not spare any effort in this context.

(Click here for the French version of this article.)

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Question related to this article:

The Non-Aligned Movement: Is it an effective force for peace?

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Mister President,

Algeria reiterates its call on the Libyan parties to uphold the country’s supreme interest and to adhere to efforts to find an inclusive peaceful solution, reflecting on the ground the work for the restoration of security and stability in all the territory of Libya, for the preservation of its sovereignty and independence, the unity of its people and respect for its institutions.

Regarding the crisis in our brother country, Syria, Algeria has repeatedly urged the parties concerned to show foresight to end all forms of violence and destruction, the rejection of all external interference and adherence to a reconciliation process.  Indeed, a political solution is the only way to guarantee the assumption of the legitimate demands of the Syrian people and the preservation of its sovereignty, its stability and its territorial integrity.

The humanitarian crisis engendered by the conflict in Yemen, which we wish to see prosperous again, leads us to urge, once again, the protagonists to make the interest of their country prevail through negotiation and dialogue, serenity and stability in the framework of national unity.
 
Mister President,
 
Algeria reaffirms its commitment to continue to work with all partners to establish a solid foundation for stability and security in the Sahel region in the context of respect for the sovereignty of countries and the lack of interference in their internal affairs.

Four years have already elapsed since the signing of the Mali Peace Agreement, which, despite the difficulties encountered in the implementation of its clauses, remains an indispensable instrument today for the definitive settlement of the Malian crisis..

This Agreement, which was certainly not easy to put into place, is underpinned by an approach based on national reconciliation and respect for the territorial integrity and national unity, and it also opens the way to real prospects for socio-economic and cultural development.

The implementation of the clauses of this Agreement has led to encouraging progress, but much remains to be done. Algeria pledges to continue its role, serious and effective, in the Follow-up Committee with the international parties concerned, for a judicious contribution to the removal of the obstacles preventing a total exit from the political and security crisis.
 
Mister President,
 
The support for just causes and the historic efforts of the NAM alongside peoples struggling for their independence and freedom, throughout the past decades, demand respect and recognition for the Movement’s steady and principled position in favor of Saharawi people’s right to self-determination.

Algeria is concerned that the return of the two warring parties to the negotiating table was interrupted by the resignation of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Western Sahara. As a neighboring country and as an official observer in the UN settlement process, Algeria reiterates its appeal to the UN Secretary-General to revive the dynamic that he had launched.
 
Mister President,
 
Many of the Movement’s countries are confronted with the scourge of terrorism, in all its forms and origins, which, even though the world has still not managed to give it a global definition, is unanimously held to have serious political, security and economic repercussions.

Algeria, with its experience in the fight against terrorism for a whole decade, has been able to develop an inclusive approach, based on national reconciliation, focusing on the importance of combining efforts to eradicate foci of terrorism and the drying up of its sources, with special attention to socio-economic development issues.

My country also works to promote the culture of peace at the global level. We were at the origin of the decision of the UN General Assembly to celebrate the World Day of Living Together in Peace, coinciding with May 16 each year.

Undoubtedly, the NAM remains a major international player, whose achievements and emergence as defender of the hopes and aspirations of the peoples of its member countries can only be welcomed today, given that it has spared no effort to counter threats, unify visions and efforts, and crystallize solutions in the context of an international reality of a multipolar world.

Our Movement must seize this opportunity to translate the vision of its member countries for a reform of the UN system and an enlargement of the Security Council, essential requirement of the African Continent, which is fighting for the end of the historical injustice imposed on its countries, as well as for the revitalization of the role of the General Assembly in enabling it to fully exercise its prerogatives and achieve its ultimate objectives of providing a forum for peoples, to consecrate peace and to address the major challenges facing the international community.
 
Mister President,
 
In conclusion, Algeria wishes to reiterate its conviction that the NAM is still capable of playing an effective role in the current international context, continuing to aspire to a new world order, based on scrupulous respect for the commitments made in the UN Charter and international law. promoting the encouragement of socio-economic cooperation, the commitment to good neighborliness and the promotion of constructive initiatives to reduce disparities between North and South.

Thank you for your attention”.

Mexico: Culture of Peace with alternative justice strengthened in Guadeloupe

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .

An article from Posta (translation by CPNN)

With the goal of spreading alternative justice mechanisms for the solution of problems in schools, families and communities, the Government of Guadalupe headed by Mayor Cristina Díaz has signed an agreement with the International Republican Institute.
8502

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(Click here for the original article in Spanish)

Discussion question

Restorative justice, What does it look like in practice?

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The Mayor of Guadalupe and Máximo Zaldivar, Resident Director of the International Republican Institute, signed the collaboration agreement with representatives of the Judicial Branch of Nuevo León and municipal officials.

During her speech, Díaz Salazar highlighted the commitment of the municipal administration to resolve conflicts through dialogue in a peaceful manner, always according to the principles of justice and a culture of peace.

“It is important not only to establish this mechanism but to spread it in all places as a solution for families that sometimes live with conflict, as a solution in schools and in our commnities,” said the Municipal President.

She added that with the implementation of this project, communication workshops, justice training and the dissemination strategies will be provided, which will allow a continuous improvement of criminal justice.

“For us it is very important to achieve the signing of this agreement with the International Republican Institute where many areas of the public service of the administration are involved. What we seek is a culture of peace in our municipality,” added Díaz Salazar.

Chile: declaration of “World without Wars and Violence”

EDUCATION FOR PEACE .

An article from Pressenza

No sociologist or politician could predict what was coming after long years of a neoliberal system that has imposed economic violence on the people, but that as steam inside a pressure cooker, an unstoppable alienation was accumulating, and it exploded with the student protest against the increase in price for the Metro..


(Image by Laura Feldguer)

It is undoubtedly due to the failed economic, political and social model that doesn’t work any more. It is violent and intrinsically perverse. It generates tremendous income inequalities, it cannot provide decent wages for the majority of the population. It generates ambition and greed that pervert and corrupt everyone, even the most honest. Its educational system tends to create highly competitive ambitious technocrats that lack the most fundamental civic values ​​of respect, solidarity and fraternity that are needed in every society.

Like any social explostion, the violence occurred inexorably with the sequel of looting and arson that we have all witnessed, mainly against the detonating agent, the Metro, but also against numerous supermarkets and retail stores.

Probably this same social phenomenon would have occurred with the New Majority or any other government that did not commit to ending the unacceptable inequality. It is the entire political system, the way of doing politics that is violent and discriminative, that is totally discredited before the citizens. It is a cumulative phenomenon that was waiting to explode.

However, this social assault is being co-opted by anarcho-violentists who threaten to burn everything until they leave no stone on stone. Behind them comes the lumpen proletariant that takes advantage of the chaos to loot and to steal while posing as legitimate protesters. And surprisingly, after them come the exploited, who, shamelessly and without being declared criminals, join the looting mob to steal like seasoned thieves. It shows that there are more thieves than we believe and it confirms the saying that it is the opportunity that makes the thief. We need to find ways to defend against these elements that discredit and generate legitimate rejection in public opinion.

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(Click here for the original article in Spanish.)

Question for this article:

Can peace be guaranteed through nonviolent means?

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The people do not want violence. They are fed up with it. They are beginning to feel fear and insecurity. They rage against the vandals and looters that invade their neighborhoods and shops that supply the essential goods for their livelihood. This fear and insecurity is shared by large and small merchants who no longer dare to open their businesses for fear of looting in broad daylight with the open premises.

The declaration of a State of Emergency and with it the military control of public security, with the curfew as a corollary, was the response of a government that was despaerate. Perhaps it was necessary to contain the violence, but it is repudiated by the population, especially those who lived the darkest periods of the civil-military dictatorship.

Our organization, “World without Wars and without Violence,” understands the dynamics of this social expression as a result of so many years of abuse and corruption of practically all social sectors. But even if the situation of violence is coming to stay, it is necessary to decrease it in frequency and intensity.

Faced with this violent scenario, “World without Wars and without Violence” declares absolutely necessary a comprehensive National Agreement that includes all political and social sectors in an environment of respect, humility and generosity, setting aside all personal and institutional egos, and commiting to carry out the necessary reforms. These include a New Constitution to ensure satisfactory levels of equality, a new pension system that provides decent pensions, an educational reform to be truly free and to form true citizens and a health system that prevents diseases and treats them as soon as they occur. All these social policies should be aimed at the welfare of the people and should not be allowed to become a business that only pursues profit.

“World without Wars and without Violence” advocates Active Nonviolence as a legitimate form of struggle for which it is necessary to avoid all acts of vandalism that pollute and discredit legitimate social mobilization. The non-violent mobilizations that have been seen in our capital are an example of that struggle that is approved and shared by the entire population. These activities should be strongly encouraged to achieve an environment of social cohesion, recognition and tolerance for the other, no matter what differences they may have.

If, after this legitimate protest and a broad national agreement, the social policies are not radically modified, the next step would be a general strike, not with marches or other expressions that can be contaminated by violence, but with civil disobedience against laws and regulations that are clearly unfair. We need expressions that do not require noise or fanfare or insults or disqualifications for anyone, in a framework of full respect for everyone and everything.

All for the good of Chile and its people, “World without Wars and without Violence.”

Moroccan Researcher Karima El Azhary Wins International Sustainable Development Award

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article from Morocco World News

Moroccan researcher Karima El Azhary won the 2019 Green Talents Award for her research in energy efficiency. The award ceremony took place on October 24, in Berlin. The ceremony saw 25 researchers from different countries earn awards.

The Green Talents Award aims to reward people with “high potential in sustainable development” from all over the world. The award is an initiative by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the award.

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Question for this article:

How can we ensure that science contributes to peace and sustainable development?

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This year, 837 applicants from 97 different countries applied for the award. The jury, composed of expert scientists in sustainable development, selected 25 young researchers for the prize.

El Azhary is a PhD researcher at the Mohammadia School of Engineers in Rabat. She directed her research towards developing new sustainable construction and insulation materials, based on alimentary and agricultural waste. The aim of her work is improving thermal insulation and energy efficiency of buildings, mainly in underprivileged areas.

The award’s jury appreciated El Azhary’s “great commitment that allows an innovative and inspired research approach to relevant sustainability issues such as energy efficiency.”

They also recognized her volunteer activities as “she is part of international and national youth associations, which aims to encourage and help young people to invest in social entrepreneurship and sustainable projects.”

Following her recognition, the Moroccan researcher told the press that she is “honored and proud” of receiving the award. She also took the opportunity to praise her colleagues; “This award confirms the high competency of Moroccan researchers in all fields.”

The award would allow El Azhary to benefit from the German experience in sustainability science, innovation, and technology. It would also allow her to search for possibilities of cooperation with German universities and institutes in the field.

Representatives from the Moroccan embassy in Germany attended the award ceremony, along with presidents and leaders of international scientific research centers.

Mexico: Inauguration of the II Global Forum of Culture of Peace, in CUCEA

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .

An article from UDGTV

“Public policies to counter violence have not met the needs of society, so we need to promote peace in each neighborhood and neighborhood through workshops, so that the population is aware of strategies that can lead to peace,” according to the President of the National Commission for the Culture of Peace Mexico (Comnapaz), teacher Hiram Valdez Chávez.

He said it is necessary to support communities of development and peace, as well as strengthen the network of civil organizations to transform violence. He added that society has to commit to work for peace by means of non-formal education.

The foregoing was emphasized by him during his participation in the inaugural ceremony of the II Global Forum of Culture of Peace, which takes place on Monday, October 21 and until Wednesday, October 23, at the University Center for Administrative Economic Sciences (CUCEA), of the UdeG.

The forum, which involves 120 national and foreign participants from countries including Canada, Spain, Italy, Argentina and Colombia,will develop topics such as: Education for peace; Environment and peace; Human rights; Security, and how citizens can organize themselves to favor the culture of peace.

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(Click here for the original Spanish version of this article.)

Question related to this article:

How can we develop the institutional framework for a culture of peace?

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The forum was opened by the rector of CUCEA, Luis Gustavo Padilla Montes, who highlighted the importance of promoting a culture of peace, security and prevention, through research and linking with society by the UdeG.

“In the name of peace, atrocities have been committed; therefore, we must understand, integrate, heal and activate peace as a verb, to be a beacon of light on this issue,” said the International President of the Global Citizen Agency for the Culture of Peace, Norman Bardavid Nissin.

He explained that peace is the state of being in unity and, therefore, the north of the compass is to be unity in the individual, social and environmental perspective.

“That is, consider that we are all part of three dimensions: man, humanity and planet, and these must be included in the education system, so that the student knows how to be a contribute as a couple, family, neighborhood, municipality, nation, planet and humanity,” he stressed.

This forum is expected to attend 300 people among students, social leaders, activists, civil organizations and universities in Jalisco and states including Michoacán, Querétaro and Mexico City.

From Jalisco there are participants from Puerto Vallarta, Ocotlán and municipalities of the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area (AMG), among other cities.

The forum is organized by Comnapaz, Mesa de Paz Jalisco; and is promoted by the UdeG, through CUCEA.

The 2019 Peace Prize was presented at the ceremony. Among the winners are: Verónica Hurtado López, an academic from the University Center for Social Sciences and Humanities (CUCSH); Juan Antonio González Mora, Municipal President of Tonalá and graduate from this House of Study, and Blas Sergio Jasso Hinojosa, academic of the University Center of Health Sciences (CUCS).