Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed..."

Constitution of UNESCO, 1945

The United Nations has declared the year 2000 as the International Year for the Culture of Peace. The Culture of Peace is all the values, attitudes and forms of behavior that reflect respect for life, for human beings and their dignity and for all human rights, the rejection of violence in all its forms and commitment to the principles of freedom, justice, solidarity, tolerance and understanding among peoples and between groups and individuals. .

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Year 2000 - International Year for the Culture of Peace

The Dayton Pledge to Live Violence Free

During the first Season for Nonviolence,  January 30 - April 4th, 1999 more than 400 organizations partnered to create events and activities in more than 115 cities to highlight and honor the organizations, programs and individuals that are making our communities more peaceful. Here is an excerpt of the Message by Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations on the occasion of the launching of A Season Of Nonviolence,                30 January, 1998

 "Nonviolence is the first article of my faith. It is also the last article of my creed." Thus Mahatma Gandhi summed up his defense when charged with agitation against the State in 1922. Thus Gandhi himself embodied the movement we are here to celebrate today.

And this Season of Nonviolence, which we are launching here, sums up the continuing legacy of Mohandas Gandhi. It sums up what I like to think of as the passing of the torch.

Message on the Launching of the Season of Nonviolence

A Season for Nonviolence

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The Decade 2000-2010 has been designated by the General Assembly and UNESCO as a Decade for A Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World. The Appeal for this was signed by twenty-three Nobel Peace Laureates. It urges that the principles of Nonviolence be taught at every level of society. Teacher training and Peace Education are important components of these UN programs.

This year, on September 14, 1999, which is the International Day of Peace, the  Nonviolence and Peace initiatives will be launched by the United Nations at the opening of the General Assembly session,

Decade of Peace and Nonviolence 2000-2010.

Letter from the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates.

Appeal for a Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence