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.

Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo: The commemoration of the International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Excerpts from a report sent to CPNN by Patrick Mulemeri, Congo Peace Network (translated by CPNN)

For the commemoration of the International Day of Peace, activities were held September 21, 2016, in the great hall of MWANGA college. 271 people attended, mainly composed young members of the CPN clubs [Congo Peace Network], their families, guests from partner organizations (Christian AID, UNJHRO, Counterpart International …), the delegation of the University students for peace and social sciences in Butare in Rwanda, as well as local authorities and young people from different local churches.

congo
Six young local musicians began the celebration
(Click on photo to enlarge)

After presentations of music, poetry and literature and accompanied by an exposition of artwork for peace, there were a series of speeches for peace.

Speeches by young university peace activists from Butare

The students from the Protestant University of Butare, which is in partnership with CPN, were represented by their delegate who spoke about peace in a regional context, as necessary for security, development and freedom. The benefits are not only for everyone at the present time, but above all for generations to come. They demand peaceful coexistance, because, as Gandhi liked to say, an eye for an eye will make us all blind.

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(Click here for the original version of this article in French)

Question for this article

What has happened this year (2016) for the International Day of Peace?

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Speech by youth from CPN clubs

The CPN youth speech criticized how young people are being manipulated and used by invisible players to destroy their own lives and society; instead, young people should be involved in the country’s development projects. They congratulated CPN for its training which makes them a vector of peace for development and rehabilitation of the country.

Speech for peace in English by a CPN youth.

A young CPN member read his speech in English. Beginning with decrying what happened in Kinshasa during the month of peace, he commented that while we commemorate the international day of peace, there are those in the refugee camps who suffer in all kinds of weather conditions after being forced to abandon their houses and their fields.

What we are living in the North Kivu province is far from “peace” because every second there are violations of human rights, murder, massacre, murder, kidnapping etc. Whole communities are being killed. We are told they are in conflict, although for decades they lived harmoniously together. Peaceful cohabitation between ethnic communities would not be a problem, were it not for invisible hands that work in the shadows to destroy peace.

Presentation of the book “1000 Youth Peace expressions of CPN”

The celebration of International Peace Day was also an opportunity for CPN to present the book “1000 Youth Peace expressions” which conveys the youth’s expressions of peace through drawings, essays, poems and music.

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

UN: Ban welcomes announcement of talks between Government of Colombia and National Liberation Army

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

An article from the UN News Centre

Welcoming the announcement that formal negotiations between the Government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army (ELN) will begin later this month, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today [October 12] expressed hope that the two sides will reach a sustainable peace agreement as soon as possible.

eln-un

    Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaks during the signing ceremony of the peace agreement between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP), in Cartagena. UN Photo/Rick Bajornas

“The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement that the Government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army (ELN) will begin formal negotiations […], following more than two years of exploratory conversations,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement.

“This is a source of encouragement to the Colombian people and all those involved in supporting a peaceful and comprehensive end to conflict,” the statement added.

“The Secretary-General hopes the Government and the ELN will work with determination to reach a sustainable peace agreement as soon as possible,” the statement said.

The announcement of the talks to begin on 27 October, in Quito, Ecuador, comes after Colombian voters last week narrowly rejected the historic peace agreement signed by the Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army (FARC-EP), the largest rebel group in the South American country.

Despite the outcome of the referendum, Mr. Ban has encouraged the Government and FARC-EP to stay the course for peace with a view to end Colombia’s 50-year conflict.

(Click here for a Spanish version of this article

Question related to this article:
FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, Latin America

Film review: Disturbing the Peace

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

By David Swanson

A new film called Disturbing the Peace tells the story — unknown to most Americans but painfully familiar to others — of Israel and Palestine. Of the many films I’ve seen, this is one of the best. It presents both sides without equating them. It opens itself to a broad audience without boring anybody.

film

Disturbing the Peace presents personal stories of soldiers and of suicide bombers. You should come away understanding while opposing all of these stories.

In a nod to the power of other films, this film recounts how Palestinians in an Israeli prison watched the film Schindler’s List and found themselves sympathizing with the grandparents of their jailers, and then thinking about what that could mean.

We also see, in Disturbing the Peace, an Israeli whose eyes are opened, who gains the ability to see children, to recognize children, to appreciate the suffering of some of Israel’s victims — and then to cease participating.

We see Israeli soldiers resist.

We see Palestinians learn nonviolence in prison.

We see an Israeli see courage, the courage of unarmed nonviolent Palestinians bringing blankets to those in need, at risk to their own lives.

Turn off your television. Avoid an election circus. Watch this film and see what you see.

Questions for this article:
DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, Mideast

UK: Stop the War Conference

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

Excerpts from the website of the Stop the War Coalition

Last weekend’s Stop the War conference was a big success. It attracted around 700 people who came together to discuss the wars which have raged for 15 years across Asia and the Middle East. It contained people who were involved in Stop the War from the very beginning, as well as young people from very diverse backgrounds. Speakers included trade union representatives, international guests, campaigners over drones and nuclear weapons and of course the Leader of the Opposition, Jeremy Corbyn.

stopwar
Photo credit: Justin Tallis/reportdigital.co.uk
(Click on image to enlarge)

At the conference on 8 October, the following Anti-War Charter was adopted:

After fifteen years of catastrophe it is time to end Britain’s involvement in wars of aggression. While the electoral choices look bleak in the US, we have the opportunity to send an anti-war message around the world by committing to a sharp change in direction, including an end to new interventions and a withdrawal of troops from the Middle East, Central Asia and beyond.

1)  An end to foreign policy based on Washington’s global ambitions or on a junior imperial role for Britain.

2)  Recognition of the illegality of wars for regime change and the rights of peoples to self-determination and to oppose foreign occupations.

3)  No war by executive decision of the cabinet.

4)  Action to be taken against those found to have misled parliament and the people in the run up to the Iraq War by the Chilcot report, and a recognition that the series of foreign wars have made the world a more dangerous place.

5)  Withdrawal of all British troops, including special forces from Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries.

6)  Opposition to all military interventions and an effort to end the war in Syria rather than escalate.

7)  An independent investigation into Britain’s involvement in extraordinary rendition during the War on Terror.

8)  An end to military support and arms sales to countries involved in foreign military aggression or domestic repression, including Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

9)  An immediate initiative to de-escalate tension with Russia, including the withdrawal of all British troops from Eastern Europe and the Baltic, and opposition to the Eastward expansion of NATO.

10)  Freedom for Palestine and an end to illegal settlements and the siege of Gaza.

After fifteen years of catastrophe it is time to end Britain’s involvement in wars of aggression. While the electoral choices look bleak in the US, we have the opportunity to send an anti-war message around the world by committing to a sharp change in direction, including an end to new interventions and a withdrawal of troops from the Middle East, Central Asia and beyond.

Question related to this article:
DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, Europe

Pangolins, elephants win big protections at United Nations wildlife gathering

.. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ..

An article from Humane Society International

There’s mostly good news, but also some disappointing outcomes, coming from Johannesburg and the meeting of delegates from 183 nations at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In a marker of continuing momentum for our anti-ivory-trade campaign, the parties have approved a resolution recommending the closure of domestic ivory markets that contribute to poaching and the illegal ivory trade. This is the first time that a United Nations body has agreed on the urgency of shutting down ivory markets worldwide, and the resolution comes in the midst of a dramatic rise in poaching and the illegal wildlife trade. Legal markets have served as a convenient cover to launder illicit ivory and to perpetuate market demand, and there is no excuse to permit these markets.

wildlife
The parties rejected a proposal to allow limited international trade in rhinoceros horn. Bob Koons

Sign the pledge: Don’t Buy Wild!

The delegates have also recommended that all eight species of pangolins, the world’s most trafficked mammals, should be given the highest protection under Appendix I. Pangolins are covered by keratin scales, and these and other body parts are used in medicines and tonics in some Asian and African countries. The United States imports tens of thousands of pangolin products every year, which find their way into markets around the country, including in Oregon where The HSUS is working to pass a measure protecting 12 types of animals affected by the global poaching epidemic, including elephants, sea turtles, and pangolins. HSI led the fight at CITES for the pangolin proposal.

The parties to CITES also rejected a proposal from Swaziland to allow limited international trade in rhinoceros horn, which could have had potentially disastrous consequences for the remaining global rhino populations. The proposal would have legitimated rhino horn as a commodity, increasing demand in consumer countries, complicating enforcement, and opening a loophole through which horns from poached rhinos could be laundered into the legal trade. This proposal would have also undermined the commendable efforts undertaken by consumer countries to reduce demand for rhino horn, as exemplified by HSI’s demand reduction education campaign, waged in cooperation with the government of Vietnam.

Three other big wins today were the recommendations to list silky sharks, thresher sharks, and devil rays on Appendix II of CITES, which would provide protections for these species from overexploitation for international trade. These two species of shark are in decline due to finning and overfishing, and devil rays are being increasingly targeted for their gill plates, which are virtually indiscernible from manta ray gill plates, a species already protected under CITES.

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Question for this article:

What is the relation between the environment and peace?

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Besides these victories, we have helped secure greater protections for Barbary macaques, African grey parrots, and 56 species of reptiles. African grey parrots are one of the most widely traded birds for the exotic pet trade. Although many are bred in captivity, up to an estimated 18,000 greys are removed from the wild each year, mainly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a result, wild populations have declined by as much as 49 percent in the past 47 years. CITES has recommended an Appendix I listing for this species, which will stop international commercial trade in these wild birds. Fifty-six species of reptiles that are traded in the exotic pet trade were recommended for new or increased CITES protection, including Central America’s arboreal alligator lizards, African pygmy chameleons, Vietnam’s psychedelic rock gecko, Tanzania’s turquoise dwarf gecko, Madagascar’s Masobe gecko, the Borneo earless monitor lizard, and the crocodile lizard of Vietnam and China.

Our CITES team also fought back against a proposal from Canada to reduce protection for the peregrine falcon. The proposal sought to permit commercial trade in the wild birds who are very popular for the falconry trade throughout the Middle East.

But while the delegates at CITES agreed to close domestic ivory markets, they failed to recommend that the African elephant receive the highest level of international protection under Appendix I. The proposal, which would have prohibited all international commercial trade in African elephant body parts, failed to garner enough votes. We are especially disappointed that the United States opposed this upgrading, a stance somewhat inconsistent with its prior good works and its declarations on elephant protection.

In a second disappointing outcome, the parties did not agree to list all African lions on Appendix I. There might be fewer than 20,000 of these lions left in the world. The marginal action they did take will prohibit countries like South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania from selling parts of wild lions, but it won’t prevent trophy hunters from killing lions and shipping them back to the hunter’s home country. Fortunately, for 2016, the United States suspended imports of all lion trophies. The CITES decision also won’t stop the international commercial trade in lion bones from cruel lion farming operations, such as those in South Africa, which offer canned lion hunting, cub petting, and lion walks.

The United States is a top destination for wildlife products, and our work here is aligned with global conservation priorities. We have helped shepherd passage of groundbreaking laws in several states to help combat the illegal wildlife trade, as well as push for strong federal rules. But this is a problem that also requires nations throughout the world to take action. That’s why CITES is such an important gathering, and it’s why our HSI team members are fighting for animal friendly measures and fighting off threats that would imperil animals in even more dramatic ways. Become a Wildlife Defender.

(Thank you to Janet Hudgins, the CPNN reporter for this article)

global, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, United Nations,

Quebec: International Summit of Cooperatives: Discussing the defining role cooperatives and mutuals play in sustainable economic development

.. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ..

Press release from the International Summit of Cooperatives

From October 11 to 13, 2016, top experts and thousands of executives, decision-makers, managers and leaders from the cooperative community and other sectors will be converging on the Quebec City Convention Centre, in Canada, for the third edition of the International Summit of Cooperatives, an initiative of the Desjardins Group and the International Co-operative Alliance.

coops

This year, the Summit is highlighting “cooperatives’ power to act,” a key instrument for sustainable development. Recognized for its contribution to the betterment of communities, the cooperative model contributes just as much to global prosperity; the 2.6 million cooperatives and mutuals with 1 billion members worldwide generate US$3 trillion annually and some 250 million direct and indirect jobs. The world’s 300 largest cooperatives alone produce combined turnover equal to Canada’s GDP. The vital forces of the cooperative community from 103 countries will therefore create fertile ground for discussions on sustainable growth.

210 speakers, including the top five distinguished economic thinkers

While growth is marked by profound changes, five leading experts will share their insights on the new global socioeconomic and geopolitical realities. Joseph Stiglitz, professor at Columbia University in the City of New York and winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, Jeremy Rifkin, American prospective essayist, Robert Reich, professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and prominent opinion leader, Mark Kramer, founder and managing director of the FSG consulting firm in Boston, and Navi Radjou, eminent innovation and leadership advisor based in California, will discuss the major issues of the 21st century and the business models most conducive to global prosperity. More than 200 internationally renowned speakers will address the specific challenges faced by cooperatives and mutuals, and will propose concrete solutions to strengthen their role as the vector for social and economic change.

Four main themes, hundreds of topics

Summit communications will focus on four main themes, which will guide the various forums, conferences, round tables, workshops and sectoral meetings.

Acknowledging global socioeconomic and geopolitical trends and challenges will take stock of the global situation by tackling topics, such as growing inequalities, weakening real economies, the employment crisis, innovation and the emergence of the collaborative economy.

Increasing the capacity to act will discuss ways of mastering new business realities, such as the innovation culture, work in the digital era, the use of Big Data, access to capital, talent management and commitment to the community.

Expanding economic power will enable cooperative enterprises to come together and discuss business opportunities and challenges specific to their industry.

Cooperatives in action will be an opportunity to take part in the largest brainstorming session on the Sustainable Development Goals established by the UN. Various workshops will give participants a chance to propose ideas to address the challenges associated with food security, employment crisis, access to health care and social services, poverty and financial inclusion, climate change and sustainable development.

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Click here for a French version of this article or here for a Spanish version.

Question for this article:

What is the relation between the movement of coooperatives and the movement for a culture of peace?

(Article continued from left side of page)

64 inspiring scientific projects

On October 10 and 11, members of the scientific community from diverse backgrounds will be presenting their findings and thoughts on the power of action and the impacts of cooperatives and mutuals. These 64 research projects will be discussed by professionals from the cooperative community. This formula, linking research and practice, will provide for a dynamic and practical delivery of the authors’ work.

14 insightful studies

The Summit also offers an exceptional opportunity for participants to access exclusive information targeted specifically at cooperatives and mutuals. The results of the most recent studies on the situation of cooperatives around the world and on the most effective practices will be presented during sectoral meetings and conferences by leading experts.

More than 50 specialized activities

Alongside regular programming, the Rendez-vous give members of cooperatives, mutuals, cooperative associations and local organizations an opportunity to attend working, information or training sessions, typically by invitation. In addition to these meetings, there are also three pre-Summit activities that bring together select organizations for discussions of hot topics, namely improved efficiency and visibility of cooperatives, international development, and reconstruction after a natural disaster. Some of the 30 or so events will be open to all Summit participants.

A program for young leaders aged 20 to 35

To keep the power of cooperatives going strong, the Summit also focusses on succession. As part of the Young Leaders Program, young cooperators from around the world aged 20 to 35 will have an opportunity to meet with top executives from the cooperative community and representatives of international organizations, such as the UN and WHO, in order to learn about best practices that guide cooperatives and mutuals. These meetings, combined with the many conferences and discussions, will familiarize them with the essential role that cooperatives and mutuals play in implementing sustainable economic development strategies.

For further information on Summit activities and to register, visit: www.intlsummit.coop.

About the International Summit of Cooperatives

The International Summit of Cooperatives is the world’s leading event for business development in the cooperative and mutual community. It offers managers, decision-makers and leaders of cooperative and mutual enterprises of all size and in all sectors, as well as anyone in the world of business, a unique venue for reflection, discussion, cooperation and training on major trends, as well as on current and future economic and financial issues. By demonstrating that the cooperative business model is one answer to the major socioeconomic issues of our times, the Summit aims to promote and foster the development of cooperative enterprises in all countries. The event attracts more than 2,500 participants from 103 countries.

Marie-Josée Gauvin, International Summit of Cooperatives
+ 1 514-845-8222, ext. 222 – media@intlsummit.coop

Jan Schiettecatte, International Co-operative Alliance
+ 32 2 743 10 30 Mobile: + 32 478 84 51 30 – schiettecatte@ica.coop

(Thank you to the Good News Agency for sending us this article.)

North America, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Canada: Hamilton celebrates the 24th annual Gandhi Peace Festival

EDUCATION FOR PEACE .

By Dr. Khursheed Ahmed, Editor, Living Gandhi Today

It rained all night and everyone was anxious that Gandhi Peace Festival would be rained out. But, the gods of rain were kind and while it was cloudy all day, the rain held off for Mahatma Gandhi’s 147th birthday in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. This was the 24th year that over 250 people gathered at Hamilton City Hall despite cool autumn weather to celebrate this popular peace event. The theme this year was “Refugees and Sarvodaya – Opening Our Hearts and Homes”.

gandhi
Everyone gathered around Gandhi’s statue to garland and reflect
(Click on image to enlarge)

Gandhi Peace Festival is jointly sponsored by India-Canada Society of Hamilton and McMaster University Faculty of Humanities and Centre for Peace Studies.

This year’s theme reflected the growing refugee crisis in many parts of the world and the high toll it has taken on millions of people. Dr. Chandrima Chakraborty, an Associate Professor in Department of English and Cultural Studies at McMaster University was the Master of Ceremonies. She warmly welcomed the audience and thanked the Gandhi Peace Festival Organizing Committee for their hard work, and also thanked the many volunteers, donors and supporters for making this event possible.

Joanna Frketich of the local newspaper, The Hamilton Spectator covered
the event with a very succinct article published on Monday, October 3rd, which nicely summed up the event. She wrote:

‘Canada can do better’ for refugees says peace festival speaker

The federal government was urged at Hamilton’s Gandhi Peace Festival to make a number of key improvements to how it deals with refugees. Better mental health support for traumatized refugees and funds to fight racism are badly needed, said Nora Melara-Lopez, social worker and co-ordinator of the emergency support committee for refugees at the North Hamilton Community Health Centre. Her keynote address Saturday to about 250 attending the 24th annual festival at City Hall urged the government to do more to help refugees work in their field after they arrive. She said increased funding for loans is needed while unfair charges need to be removed. She said delays in family reunification have to be reduced and backlogs cleared for those facing long waits for decisions both here and abroad. “I think Canada can do better,” she said. It’s significant at a time when more than 31,000 Syrian refuges have arrived in Canada, including more than 1,000 in Hamilton.

(Article continued in right column)

Question for this article:


What is the message to us today from Mahatma Gandhi?

(Article continued from left column)

Mayor Fred Eisenberger said bringing Syrian refugees to Canada “is the right thing to do.” He called the ongoing refugee crisis “a tragedy for our humankind.” He talked about the importance of peace and generosity during his address “notwithstanding things happening across the border.” He referenced the American presidential election as bringing out a lot of “racism, hatred and misogyny.” “In Canada we represent something different,” he said.

The youth community service award was given at the festival to Rahma Ahmed Abdi, who was born in Ethiopia but grew up in a refugee camp in Eretria. She came to Hamilton in 2009 at the age of 12. She now supports more than 20 students a week in the Empowerment Squared Homework Circle Program and is credited with more than tripling its enrolment. “I want to show that peace can come out of someone who has experienced extreme violence as a child,” she said.

The adult community service award went to Leo Johnson who was born in Liberia and spent his teen years and early adulthood in refugee camps before coming to Canada in 2006. He has since founded a successful not-for-profit organization called Empowerment Squared that helps refugees, immigrants and underprivileged communities. He has twice represented Hamilton at the Canadian Council for Refugees’ International Conference.

In addition to the speeches and awards, the Festival featured music, poetry and dances to warm up the spirits. The Colombian Refugee Association dazzled the audience with 20 dancers in traditional colourful costumes with lively music. This was followed by the popular Hamilton musician Kojo “Easy” Damptey, an Afro-Soul music producer, song writer, composer and poet, born and raised in Accra, Ghana. Three animated Hamilton Youth Poets also entertained the audience with their poetry. The last presentation after the Peace March was a beautiful performance of an Indian classical dance by Lamia Syed, who is well-known in Hamilton and has performed in previous festivals.

A number of groups providing services to refugees in Hamilton set up information tables. Darshana Limbachia, an avid Gandhi admirer, brought her impressive collection of books and photographs on Gandhi to display.

The cultural program was followed by people gathering around and garlanding the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on City Hall grounds. Leo Johnson, this year’s Community Service Award winner recounted the plight of refugees and the struggles they must go through because the international community tries to bring “peace” by bombing their cities and homes. He said “nobody would want to leave their homes if there was true peace”.

The peace march through downtown streets warmed the bodies and souls. There were many students and families that joined the traditional route, singing songs and chanting peace slogans. The walk also built up an appetite for a hot vegetarian lunch that awaited them, catered by India Village Restaurant and paid by donations from several long-time Gandhi Festival supporters.

EDUCATION FOR PEACE, North America

India: 250 schools in Tamil Nadu to get Human Rights Clubs

EDUCATION FOR PEACE .

An article from The Hindu (copyright KSL, reprinted as non-commercial use)

The Institute of Human Rights Education’s (IHRE) initiative of forming Human Rights Clubs in schools is all set to be expanded in the ongoing academic year with 250 schools across 15 districts in Tamil Nadu getting to have the clubs by this year.

Tamil Nadu
E. Devasagayam, Director, Institute of Human Rights Education, speaking on ‘Human Rights Education Clubs in Tamil Nadu Schools’ at Madurai on Tuesday.
Click on photo to enlarge

The initiative, started last year with the support of the School Education Department, already has ensured the functioning of the clubs in 120 schools across six districts in the State.

Speaking at a session here on Tuesday to introduce the initiative to Head Masters from schools across the State, Henri Tiphagne, executive director, IHRE, said the clubs already functioning since 2015 had proven to be considerably successful for students from Class 6 to Class 8.
He said in addition to having clubs, the curriculum designed for creating awareness of human rights would be taught to Class 6 students during class hours at least once a week.

“If you all want to see a Tamil Nadu without any caste-related or other human rights violations, it cannot happen through judiciary or police. But only through schools,” Mr. Tiphagne told headmasters, stressing the importance of imparting human rights related awareness to children.

Dissuading the concern raised by some of the participants that the initiative would encourage unruly behaviour among students in an already vitiated atmosphere, Aruna Rathnam, education specialist associated with United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund, said the experience so far had proven otherwise.

“Most of the issues that you associate with indiscipline in schools will go away if you teach children about human rights using the right approach. You cannot do it alone. You need to work hand-in-hand with students and other teachers,” she told the headmasters.

Pointing out the general anxiety towards any new initiative, K. Devarajan, former Director with School Education Department said he faced a similar problem when activity-based learning was introduced. “Initially, everyone was wary of it. Later they embraced it,” he said. “Lots of issues related to indiscipline arises only in schools where there is too much of control. Give adequate freedom and treat the children equally. You will then see the difference,” he said.

Highlighting the need for democratising education at all levels, I. Devasahayam, Director of IHRE, asked the participants not to discourage rebellious attitude of children since only such attitudes directed in the right manner had resulted in societal change towards equality.

J. Ponniah, Joint Director (National Service Scheme) of School Education Department, J. Angelo Irudayasamy, Chief Educational Officer of Madurai and P. Vijayakumar, former general secretary of Madurai Kamaraj, Manonmaniam Sundaranar, Mother Teresa and Alagappa University Teachers’ Association (MUTA) spoke.

(Thank you to the Global Campaign for Peace Education for calling this to our attention.)

Question for this article:
EDUCATION FOR PEACE, South Asia

Solomon Islands: Malaita and Guadalcanal support peace education

EDUCATION FOR PEACE .

An article by George Manford in The Island Sun

MALAITA and Guadalcanal provincial governments have supported the idea of peace education for both province’s education authorities.

Solomon
Click on photo to enlarge

Deputy Premier of Guadalcanal Hon Peter Aroanisaka said this is a step forward to find lasting peace through education.

“We could find links for our students to have access through attending our various high schools in our two respective provinces.

“This initiative is much important for both education authorities (EA’s) to build relationship for malaita and Guadalcanal provinces.

“It also creates a goal which is peace through education within these two EAs and for the rest of Solomon Islands.

“We want to see true peace and true education among our students and leaders.

“They are time bombs in the future if we don’t create this kind of initiatives for these future generations.”

Speaking on behalf of Malaita provincial government, deputy and the acting premier of Malaita province Hon Alick Maeaba said, “We have to come up with re-creative ideas to contribute on the values of our education.

“The Malaita provincial government see this importance to build this relationship not only through education but through political levels.

“The Malaita provincial government will stand and support the initiative for the betterment of our children in the future.

“We are looking forward for the idea to be implemented Maeaba revealed.”

The delegation also visited Aligegeo PSS and Kware community high school in west Fataleka north Malaita.

(Thank you to the Global Campaign for Peace Education for calling this to our attention.)

Question for this article:
East Asia, EDUCATION FOR PEACE

Berlin: World Congress of International Peace Bureau: Opening Speech

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

Speech by Ingeborg Breines to International Peace Bureau

Excellencies, peace activists, honorable women and men, friends. Good evening and thank you for being here – and thank you to Arja Saijonmaa and the Berlin Metropol Orchestra for the wonderful music and song. We are lucky, and will hear more to them later.

More than thousand people have registered for this congress and we know that thousands more would have loved to come. We also know that several thousands are with us in the struggle for a world without war, the struggle to make WAR a thing of the past, something unheard of, something obsolete that humanity only in its infancy could think of.

IPB

So we are here to sharpen our non-violent tools, to deepen our understanding and strengthen our cooperation and friendship, so as to be that peace force for a transformative shift presenting alternatives to the insane, dangerous and naïve thinking that inequality, injustice, insecurity and marginalization can be solved by military means. We must develop together the strategies to stop this basically imperialistic thinking that if you want peace, you have to prepare for war. This old fashioned patriarchal way of insisting on the importance of having strong muscles and being militarily strong, is just a sign of moral and creative weakness. If we want peace, and most women and most men do, then we have to prepare for peace and use our financial and intellectual resources accordingly.

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Question related to this article:

How can the peace movement become stronger and more effective?

(continued from left column)

Excessive military expenditures not only represent a theft from those who are hungry and suffer, but are also an ineffective means of obtaining human security and a culture of peace. Substantial reductions in military costs would eliminate the crushing poverty whereby nearly one third of humanity lives in insufferable conditions, a majority being women, children and young people. We need to move the money from the military sector and instead tackle the real security issues such as the threat to the very survival of the planet and humanity, be it by climate change, nuclear weapons or excessive inequality. We suggest that all countries reduce their military spending by 10% per year over the 15 years of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda. Although it will not change any power imbalance, it would go a very long way in meeting the needs and aspirations of people. Since one year military spending equals about 615 years of the UN annual budget, such a reduction in military costs would also strengthen the United Nations’ efforts and possibilities to “ save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”.

Rich and poor states alike seem to be pressured into arms races, spending more on armament than they need and can afford. To continue a process of militarization, often outside democratic control, that mainly serves the arms producers and dealers and even brings corruption is a dangerous path that will not bring hope to young people in desperation but may lead into extremism.

There is no way to justify war, killing and suffering. In IPB’s own words, we have to choose between warfare or welfare. We have only this one very unique and beautiful planet. The global climate change warrants urgent remedial actions and an holistic approach which again requires changing attitudes and rethinking of unsustainable and destructive production and consumption patterns.

The path of confrontational policies and accompanying militarization that we are on, is not leading us ahead. So let us create “an active disgust for war” to use Bertha von Suttner’s wording and create the world we want based on the vision and the principles of a culture of peace so well described by UNESCO.

Finally, allow me to share with you an encouragement that former president Gorbachev gave to the peace movement at one of the Nobel Summits in Rome. He said that he would never have dared take the steps he did to end the cold war if it had not been for the urging of the strong peace movement.

Friends, we have work to do.

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, Europe