President John F. Kennedy claimed that world peace is the most important topic on earth.
It is estimated that around 180 million people have been killed in one 20th Century atrocity or another — a far larger total than for any other century in human history. This means 4 to 5% of all deaths were the result of political violence. Moreover, according to Search for Common Ground,
- in 2003 global military spending was 170 times greater than what the world spent on basic education.
- some of our worst environmental disasters are the result of violent conflict: a) 17 million gallons of Agent Orange was used in Vietnam; b) 40 tons of depleted uranium were left behind in Kuwait and Iraq after the Gulf War; c) 90 countries are still heavily affected by landmines that endanger human lives and render large areas of land unusable
- 16 out of 20 of the most destitute countries in the world have recently suffered civil wars.
“Our permanent enemy is the noted bellicosity of human nature. Man, biologically considered, and whatever else he may be in the bargain, is simply the most formidable of all beasts of prey, and, indeed, the only one that preys systematically on its own species. …[N]on-combatants by trade and nature, historians in the studies, and clergymen in their pulpits, have been war’s idealizers.”
To promote world peace, James recommended putting “peace-men” in power, educating editors and statesmen to responsibility, seizing every pretext, however small, for arbitration methods and multiplying the precedents, and fostering rival excitements and inventing new outlets for heroic energy.
International organizations have repeatedly been formed to promote world peace. Most notably, the League of Nations was formed after World War I to prevent future wars but was disbanded after it failed to prevent World War II. Following World War II, the United Nations was formed to also promote peace, yet the continued wars, terrorism and regional conflicts evidence its inability to do so. Nevertheless, international bodies keep trying.
The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the “Culture of Peace” and defined it as a set of values, attitudes, modes of behaviour and ways of life that reject violence and prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation among individuals, groups and nations. It has proclaimed the decade 2001-2010 International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the children of the World and set September 21 as the fixed annual date for Peace Day. It also drafted the 2000 Manifesto which has to date been signed by more than 75,000,000 citizens of the world.
The “Culture of Peace” Initiative seeks to:
- foster a culture of peace through education
- promote sustainable economic and social development
- promote respect for all human rights
- ensure equality between women and men
- foster democratic participation
- advance understanding, tolerance and solidarity
- support participatory communication and the free flow of information and knowledge
- promote international peace and security
While the vast majority of humanity crave peace many, many doubt that it can be achieved. But I think we each need to ask ourselves the following questions: Can we really accept the status quo of bloodshed and grief; do we really have any humane choice but to work towards world peace? While international organizations are often belittled for their bureaucracy and ineffectiveness, is there an alternative vehicle to promoting global cooperation and peace? What can each of us do to speak out for world action towards peace? The 2000 Manifesto was adopted by the United Nations to ask individual citizens of the globe to commit to live the culture of peace and non-violence in his or her daily life, family, work and community. The following six principles are included in the Manifesto:
- respect all life
- reject violence
- share with others
- listen to understand
- preserve the planet
- rediscover solidarity
At this time, more than 75,000,000 individuals have signed the pledge – this includes more than 38 million people in India, almost 16 million in Brazil and 12 million in Columbia. Americans who have signed number less than 46,000. If you want to make the pledge, click here. If you want to join with family and friends to celebrate Peace Day this September 21, you can find information about specific events at the website of Pathways to Peace.
“Acting in concert, we do make a difference in the quality of our lives, our institutions, our environment and our planetary future. Through cooperation, we manifest the essential spirit that unites us amidst our diverse ways.”
Pathways to Peace
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