 This information is provided by UNESCO |
HANOI STATEMENT ON THE CULTURE OF PEACE NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON A CULTURE OF PEACE Hanoi, Viet Nam, 15 May 1999
Expressing our active support to the various initiatives undertaken by UNESCO, at national and international levels, to develop and disseminate the concept of a culture of peace Welcoming resolution 52/15 adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1997 on the initiative of UNESCO, proclaiming the year 2000 as the International Year for the Culture of Peace, Warmly appreciating the initiative of Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO to organize a national workshop on a culture of peace thus demonstrating its constant commitment to peace, national independence, freedom and tolerance as expressed throughout the history of the country Acknowledging that, in order to achieve the goal of building a sustainable culture of peace in the world, it is necessary to take into account the historical and cultural background of each society Mindful that a culture of peace and non violence can be achieved only with the participation of all citizens, decision makers, elected representatives, educators, parents, women, young people, community and religious leaders as well as with the solidarity of all nations at regional and international levels Convinced that the best way to respond to the political, economic and social challenges of today is to promote a culture of peace through the reinforcement of the values of tolerance, solidarity, non violence, justice, equity, ethics and mutual understanding as well as through the recognition of and fulfillment of the basic rights of people and nations to live in peace Recalling that a culture of peace cannot be achieved without considering the fundamental importance of preserving and promoting the positive values that constitute the richness of people's culture Recalling as well that education, beginning within the family and at school, is the main vehicle through which it is possible to impart the principles and values of a culture of peace and to effect the corresponding changes in the minds of the people. Convinced that without peace there cannot be development and prosperity, and that without independence and freedom, a culture of peace cannot take place Appeal to the international community, national governments and regional organizations to unite their efforts and resources on the eve of this new millennium in order to save the future generations from the scourge of war Launch an urgent appeal to all political leaders and decision makers from Southeast Asia to work for an effective and rapid transition to a culture of peace, in particular by strengthening the peaceful relations between the nations of their region and to enhance the regional co-operation by supporting joint projects and programmes aiming at strengthening solidarity and mutual understanding between the citizens of their respective countries With respect to culture, stress again the inextricable links between peace, development and culture and recommend that the preservation of cultural heritage (tangible and intangible) be given a priority in all strategies and policies relating to the culture of peace With respect to education for a culture of peace, recommend that, at all stages and levels of the educational process (formal and non formal, from primary to tertiary level), the methods of teaching and the content of curricula in particular be adapted with the view to making the culture of peace an integral component of education Condemn all forms of intolerance, injustice, discrimination and violence and express their commitment to promote the ideals of the culture of peace in their own social environment Acknowledge with deep indignation the suffering of the people of the Balkan region in the current conflict situation, and call upon all the parties concerned to stop the bombing and to seek a peaceful resolution acceptable to all sides. Encourage the Director General of UNESCO to pursue his unrelenting efforts to promote worldwide the ideals of the culture of peace and in particular in the framework of the UNESCO-ASEAN on-going co-operation to promote the culture of peace on the whole region of the Southeast Asia. Renew their deepest appreciation to Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO for having organized this meeting and for the continuous efforts to build a sustainable peace and development in the country and in the region.
Hanoi, 15 May 1999 |
