Promoting Peace and Non-Violence

Aug 24, 2024

Promoting a Culture of Peace

Introduction

  • Presenter: Brother Josh Alfres
  • Topic: Culture of Peace and Non-Violence
  • Question posed: Is there a "vaccine" for war?

Culture of Peace

  • Definition: Promotes values, attitudes, understanding, action, and practices for peace.
  • Key Figures:
    • To Swihin and Virginia Kawagas, founders of peace education in Mindanao.
    • Institutions involved: Notre Dame University, Ateneo, etc.
  • UNESCO's Role: Education as a key element in peace efforts.

Manifesto for a Culture of Peace

  • Year 2000 Declaration: Aiming to turn a culture of war into a culture of peace.
  • Influence: Nobel Prize winners drafted the manifesto to make UN resolutions relatable.
  • Core Elements:
    1. Respect All Life: Dignity for all without discrimination.
    2. Reject Violence: Non-active violence approach, addressing all forms of violence.
    3. Share with Others: Generosity to combat exclusion and oppression.
    4. Listen to Understand: Defend freedom of expression and cultural diversity.
    5. Preserve the Planet: Promote responsible development and consumer behavior.
    6. Rediscover Solidarity: Community development and democratic principles.

Challenges and Hope

  • Ongoing Efforts: UN resolution in 2010 for renewed peace efforts.
  • Mindanao Example: BARMM as a potential solution for peace.
  • Global Vision: Efforts in peacekeeping, conflict prevention, disarmament, sustainable development, human dignity, and democracy.

Role of Nations and Organizations

  • Nations and organizations like UNESCO can promote peace nationally and internationally.
  • Education as a tool for teaching mutual understanding, tolerance, and human rights.
  • Importance of youth involvement in promoting peace values.

Media's Role

  • TV, radio, and internet's potential in educating for peace.
  • Issues with media sometimes promoting violence instead of peace.

International Day of Peace

  • Celebrated on September 21st to halt conflicts and promote peace.

Conclusion

  • Call to Action: Make peace a focus and strive for collaboration.
  • Six Paths to Peace:
    1. Dismantling Militarization
    2. Addressing Structural Violence
    3. Promoting Human Rights
    4. Building Intercultural Solidarity
    5. Living in Harmony with the Environment
    6. Cultivating Inner Peace
  • Inner Peace: Key to achieving outer peace; focus for future lectures.

These notes summarize the main points of Brother Josh Alfres's lecture on promoting a culture of peace and non-violence. The lecture covered various aspects of peace education and the roles that individuals, nations, media, and organizations can play in fostering a peaceful global culture.