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Definitions
“Peace”
is both an innate state of Mind/Being, and a dynamic evolutionary
process.
“PeaceBuilding
is the construction of new environments and new cultures which
transform deficient structures and capabilities and which
unite the strengths of emerging innovations in all pathways
of our local-global planetary life. PeaceBuilding creates
and maintains beneficial conditions for sustainable (life-enhancing)
social, economic, political and spiritual development of all
peoples.”
Adapted
from speech given at the U.N. by Pathways To Peace and “An
Agenda for Peace”, a U.N. report of the Secretary General,
1992
“Unlike peace-making
and peace-keeping, which are related to warfare and settlement
of conflicts, ‘the concept of peace-building (is) the
construction of a new environment---the transformation of
deficient national structures and capabilities, and --- the
strengthening of new democratic institutions’”.
Excerpted
from “Agenda for Peace”, a U.N. Report of the Secretary-General
in January 1992, which globally and officially recognized
the emerging field of PEACEBUILDING.
The above mentioned Report concludes that the “... authority
of the United Nations system to act in this field and would
rest on the consensus that social peace is as important as
strategic or political peace. There is an obvious connection
between democratic practices --such as of the rule of law
and transparency in decision-making --and the achievement
of true peace with security …These elements of good governance
need to be promoted at all levels of...communities."
“Aware that --- to the establishment of a lasting peace
on earth and represents the primary condition for the preservation
of human civilization and the survival of mankind,
“Recognizing that the maintenance of a peaceful life
for peoples is the sacred duty of each state,
“1. Solemnly proclaims that the peoples of our planet
have a sacred right to peace;
“2. Solemnly declares that the preservation of the
right of peoples to peace and the promotion of its implementation
constitute a fundamental obligation of each state;
“4. Appeals to all States and international organizations
to do their utmost to assist in implementing the right of
peoples to peace to the adoption of appropriate measures...”
From
the “Declaration on the Right of Peoples to Peace”
U.N. General Assembly Resolution 39/11 of 12 November 1984
“Aware of
the overwhelming desire to maintain peaceful and secure conditions
for …social and economic development..“ "Invites
all States (and international organizations) to guide themselves
in their activities by principles enshrined in the Declaration
aimed at establishing, maintaining, and strengthening a just
and durable peace for present and future generations…”
From
“Implementation of the Declaration on the Preparation
of Societies for Life in Peace” U.N.G.A. resolution 33/73
of 15 December 1978 and 12 December 1990 A/RES//45/81
“Peace is
too important to entrust to States alone ...non-governmental
organizations are now considered full participants in international
life."
From
DPI/NGO Conference 1994, International Day of Peace, on “WE
THE PEOPLES BUILDING PEACE”, opening address by Secretary-General
of the United Nations”
“We need to build not only geographical but spiritual
bridges between people and strengthen the intellectual, cultural,
and communication linkages between our societies. (Let us)
stand ready to participate in the effort to promote social
integration and create a culture of peace. "
From
UNESCO Press Report at World Summit For Social Development
by Director-General UNESCO, Federico Mayer
"Where there
is a Peace there is Culture
Where there is Culture there is a Peace ... Nicholas Roerich
"Positive
creativeness is the fundamental quality of the human spirit.
Let us welcome all those who, surmounting personal difficulties,…propelled
their spirits to the task of Peace-building, thus ensuring
a radiant future ."
---
Nicholas Roerich
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