Global Peace Summit 2024
Join grassroots changemakers and global leaders in Paris for this working summit.
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In The Voices Of 8 Volunteers
“The biggest challenge we have today is the need for global peace. This summit addresses that challenge. It is where we can make real change happen!”
Like you, the world is yearning for peace. From individuals to communities, from institutions to nations – everyone deserves to live in peace. And we have the power to help make it a reality. The Global Peace Education Network (GPEN), in partnership with UNESCO, is organising a landmark conference at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, and online. This is a call out to all ‘peace educators’ on the planet, individuals and institutions, to join in this unique event.
If you are engaged in human security, health and wellbeing, human rights and justice, sustainability and conservation, if you’re building and maintaining the Culture of Peace, then you are a peace educator. GPEN is here to support you in your work to support peace.
“We might think we know what peace and peace education are, but this summit could make us see things in a whole new light.”
This Summit offers a fresh view of Peace Education as a transformative tool. The Culture of Peace requires a set of skills, behaviours and values which can be learned, taught, practised and improved. Peace is no different than every other human skill: we can learn how to live in peace and reach better decisions from that vantage point – for ourselves, our families and communities, our institutions and governments, and for here on our fragile planet.
“Did you know that peace skills can actually be learned and then implemented in a practical way? That’s our goal.”
Peace education includes building awareness of UNESCO’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals which provide a universal road map to peaceful, prosperous living. Thousands of groups worldwide teach peace-building skills, in different forms, with different labels. The results are dramatic. These proven skills are practical, actionable, and ready to be implemented right away. The Summit aims to share all of these skills so they can be scaled into a massive mobilisation for peace.
“Grassroots change-makers and global leaders in peace are going to work together to not just talk,
but deliver.”
Some of the most recognised architects of the culture of peace from all corners of the globe will participate in this summit. Why? Because they see that something can be done on-the-ground. Organising partners include the Permanent Delegation of the Kingdom of Spain to UNESCO, the Spanish Federation of UNESCO Associations and Clubs, the UN University for Peace, the Institute for Peace Education, and the Global Campaign for Peace Education.
Grassroots leaders and active architects for global change from around the globe will collaborate to implement this massive mobilisation for peace. Delegates will be engaging with such global notables as the UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Tunisia’s Ouided Bouchamaoui, Nobel Peace Prize Winner for 2015. Volunteers will be working hand in hand with such notables as Federico Mayor Zaragoza, scientist, scholar, poet, and previous Director-General of UNESCO; Ambassador Kehekashan Basu, who founded the international Green Hope Foundation for youth at the age of 12; and many other such pioneers to trigger urgent action in these turbulent times.
“This is a working summit: and the working sessions are about deeply understanding peace, then learning how to apply actual tools for peace education in our home countries now.”
Delegates in the room and online from around the world will engage in critical dialogues for two full days first to develop the necessary deep understanding of all aspects of peace education. They will then create actionable strategies for implementing proven peace-building tools used effectively by NGOs worldwide, enabling them to be applied immediately in their home countries.
“Online Participation means this can be scaled into a massive global intervention. We have up to 40 breakout rooms discussing 4 critical topic areas.”
Delegates from stakeholders in more than 60 countries will join in the Summit online by pre-registering for one of four topic areas based on UNESCO’s Recommendations. The topics are: Peace Education for Human Security, Health and Wellbeing; Peace Education for Human Rights & Justice; Peace Education for Sustainability; and Empowering the Culture of Peace. The delegates will gain a much deeper understanding about the many facets of each of these topics, and then will learn about proven tools to expand peace education in their communities. Multiple break-out workshops will support this learning, both in Paris and online.
To achieve global impact, scalability is essential, and GPEN, the Summit’s host partner, is built for this. While GPEN does not directly provide peace education, it functions like a trade association—dedicated to supporting its members. As a network, its role is to connect, amplify, and enhance the work of peace educators around the world.
“We are going for massive mobilisation, and that includes you! I personally invite you to join us in this global movement for peace!
We are here to support you! This Summit harnesses UNESCO’s dedication to long-term transformative action and GPEN’s strategy for the rapid implementation of proven tools. It represents a global mobilisation – uniting changemakers from around the world and grassroots leaders capable of delivering real impact on the ground. The time for waiting has passed. Join us in driving the urgent actions needed to help millions live safer, more peaceful lives.
“The need IS urgent. And the time for action IS now! What can you do?
I’m 24 years old, and I need peace now and for my future! I am here to remind all of you how important peace is to everyone in our world,whatever our age and wherever we live. Every evolution begins with those who see a possibility and then act. We CAN make a real difference.
Click here if you are part of an organisation and want to apply to be a delegate at the Summit, whether online or in Paris.
Click here if you are an individual who supports our goal and wants to stay in contact.
GPEN Advisory Council
Prem Rawat
Founder, The TPRF Peace Education Program,
USA
Ambassador Anwarul K. Chawdhury
Former USG, High Representative of the UN
Bangladesh
Federico Mayor Zaragoza
Former Director General
UNESCO
Spain
Ouided Bouchamaoui
2015 Nobel Peace Prize
Laureate
Tunisia
Dr. Doudou Diene
Former UN Special Rapporteur on Racism,
Senegal
Garry Jacobs
President & CEO, World Academy of Art & Science
India
Dr. Francisco Rojas Aravena
Rector, UN University for Peace
Costa Rica