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Promoting Education for Peace as Foundation of Sustainable Societies
On the 29th of October 2024, Amb. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the 42nd session of the General Conference of UNESCO, delivered a speech at the International Peace Conference organized at UNESCO’s Headquarters by the Royal Thai Embassy, the Permanent Delegation of Thailand to UNESCO and the World Fellowship of Buddhists.
The theme of the conference addressed a timely topic: Continuing Sustainable Society of Peace through Education - The Royal Patron of All Faiths. In her speech, the President of the General Conference called upon the participants to engage in the pursuit of mainstreaming education for peace through the implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation of the Education for Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable Development, adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO at its 42nd session. In this context, she invoked her cornerstone initiative dedicated to revitalizing international intellectual cooperation and the imperative to digitize UNESCO’s Archives, a depository of inspiring resources towards building peace and mutual understanding.
Education for peace goes beyond mere academics. It is about nurturing values such as tolerance, empathy, and respect across generations. This approach transcends borders, shaping global citizens, who are as compassionate as they are responsible, equipped with both local and global perspectives. To deepen this foundation, humanity’s spiritual and philosophical traditions offer invaluable insights into our shared values. Spiritual traditions encourage compassion, forgiveness, and unity, while philosophy promotes critical engagement with ideas of justice, ethics, and wisdom. Integrating these dimensions into education can help young people appreciate diverse beliefs and traditions, fostering respect and unity - a true cornerstone of peaceful societies.
