|
||||
|
XIII World Congress 2003 |
||||
|
|
Education is the process through which we try to lead someone from ignorance to knowledge, from confusion to clarity of mind, from darkness to light. Through this international event, education is directed to the full development of the human character and personality; towards greater respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. In addition, education needs to promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations without exception. Despite the diversities we find among people of different race, religion or ethnic background, we all share the same basic spiritual and material needs, we are all part of the same human species. In spite of its weaknesses, the United Nations still remains the best instrument in existence to bring about lasting world peace. Some of the best texts we have on peace education studies and programs come from the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Needless to say, the implementation of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights remains a focal point for genuine peace activities around the world. During the three-day conference period, several topics of national and international concern have been put on the agenda. Education is highlighted as hope for future generations and as an effective instrument in the development of a culture of peace to substitute the culture of war we inherited. For education to be complete we must also care for environmental protection, the pollution of our air and water harms everyone’s health. Hence, educating for the protection of the environment is a sacrosanct duty from which we cannot escape. We need to keep in mind that peace is not merely the absence of war. Peace develops from inside the individual. It cannot be imposed on anyone from the outside; education is not merely based upon culture but also upon spirituality. We can only have lasting and solid peace when people are trained from early childhood to be kind, charitable, humble, patient, concerned for the needs of others. We need to move forward looking forward. The problem we often come across in our societies today is that we move forward while still looking back, and so continue to see the future as a repetition of the past. |
|||
|
in support of |
||||
|
|
||||
 |
||||
|
|
||||
