World Peace

promotion of world peace among teenage students

1. WORLD PEACE is an ideal of freedom, peace and happiness among and within all nations and/or people. World Peace is an idea of planetary non-violence by which nations willingly cooperate, either voluntarily or by virtue of a system of governance that prevents warfare.

2. Is World Peace possible? While world peace is theoretically possible, some believe that human nature inherently prevents it. This stems from the idea that humans are naturally violent. Others, however, believe that war is not an innate part of human nature and that this myth, in fact, prevents people from reaching for world peace.

3. What about war? War is defined as “a state of open, armed, often prolonged conflict carried on between nations, states or parties”. As long as there is war, there cannot be world peace. But, in what situations could war be considered necessary? When human rights are being violated When there is no other pacific way to solve the conflict When the AIM is superior to the RISE When it is declared by a legal authority

4. All wars have consequences Examples of these consequences are: Deaths (of both guilty and innocent people) People left wounded or mutilated Physical or sexual abuse. Torture Illnesses, diseases Destruction of buildings, homes and services (money spent on war reduces services, e.g. Education ...) Refugees Child soldiers (the last two not necessarily occur in all wars)

5. Terrorism The definition of terrorism has proved to be controversial. Various legal system and government agencies use different definitions of “terrorism”. This is due to the fact that “terrorism” is politically and emotionally charged. Two definitions to think about: Extreme violence against people or things usually for political or religious reasons. The use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, specially for political reasons (provoke fear on people).

6. VIOLENCE is not equal to CONFLICT Conflict is a natural occurrence in social relationships. We all have different opinions and interests and that is perfectly OK. But our differences can cause conflict. We choose to solve conflicts either violently or pacifically . If we reject violence, we prevent escalating conflicts and instead try to solve conflicts through dialogue and negotiation.

7. How to obtain a Peace Culture The U.N.O. Was founded in 1945 after World War II to replace the League of Nations. Its objective is to stop war between countries and to provide a platform for dialogue. According to UNO, education is the best way to get a peace culture. Where should this education come from?: Governments Civil society Mass media Parents, educators, politicians, journalists, religious congregations, intellectuals, artists, health and social workers, NGOs etc.

8. Taking action! Revise education Promote sustainable social and economic development Promote respect for human rights Promote tolerance and solidarity Support freedom of communication, especially in information and knowledge sharing Promote international peace and security Travel for peace? (meet other cultures, people, religions, ways of doing things so as not to judge others for free)

9. A new role for the Armed Forces Defence Protect peace Cooperation in situations of crisis and natural disasters