Global Campaign for Peace Education Worldwide Activities Brief, Issue #34, June 2006

Peace Boat US would like to extend our thanks to all of you who showed up at the reception on the evening of June 5th, and the second annual People Building Concert on the 6th. Thanks to the hard work by everyone involved and by the warm support extended to us, the ship$B!G(Bs call in to New York and related events during this time ended in a grand success!

The Peace Boat$B!G(Bs next stop in the United States will be in San Francisco this coming October. We will be sure to let you know all the exciting events that will take place at that time.

This edition also highlights the activities and achievements of the World Peace Form 2006 in Vancouver. The Forum began on June 23rd, and culminated on the 28th. Many participated in the workshops and seminars, as well as the arts and cultural events that took place throughout the week. Highlighting the final day of the forum, the Peace Boat called into the port of Vancouver on the 28th and nearly 500 conference participants came onboard to learn about Peace Boat$B!G(Bs activities and the launching of Peace Boat US. We extend our thanks to all who supported us, and look forward to working together with all of you in our new endeavors!!

HIGHLIGHTS & PEACE NEWS
l The World Peace Forum (WPF) – Developments and Future Agendas
l Peace Boat$B!G(Bs Call to New York – A Report of Related Events
l Congratulations Amada Benavides! – A Step Forward in Human Rights (by GCPE)
l Minimally Invasive Education & MDG Education for All & Self-guided Learning – Peace Education Initiatives from India (by Positive News Youth Views PNYV)

GET INVOLVED
l Building a Global Network: Spreading Goodwill and Working for Policies that will Bring Peace and Security to the World (Peaceful Tomorrows)
l Join Nonviolent Peaceforce India Insight Trip (September 1 – 12, 2006)
l Call for Application to the Young Global Leaders Summits (June – August, 2006)
l Support the Fifth International Day for Peace in the Niger Delta (November 18-22, 2006)

EVENTS
l The Annual International Arab Children Congress (July 17–23, 2006 Amman –The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan)

HIGHLIGHTS & PEACE NEWS

The World Peace Forum (WPF) – Developments and Future Agendas

With the Closing Ceremony at the Art Gallery in Downtown Vancouver and the Bon Voyage Ceremony of the Peace Boat at Canada Place, the World Peace Forum (WPF) closed on the 28th of June. As with any international conference, there were developments and achievements, as well as agendas left for the future. The following will illustrate some of the highlights of the six day forum on peace.

To read the vision of the forum visit:
http://www.worldpeaceforum.ca/uploads/JU/2m/JU2mO_UgBRBOsSkQ1XERMw/wpf_vision.pdf
To read the $B!H(BVancouver Appeal for Peace$B!I(B visit:
http://www.worldpeaceforum.ca/

l Peace Walk and Festival – No War No Where (June 24th)
A Peace Walk successfully opened the WPF as several thousands walked down from Seaforth Peace Flame Park to Sunset Beach, colored by flags, banners, drumming and chants. The Peace Walk was followed by a concert event at Sunset Beach, and speakers including Walden Bello, Cindy Sheehan, Cora Weiss, and First Nations representatives spoke out to the many locals who had joined the conference participants on this particular weekend afternoon.

l On Nuclear Disarmament, Abolition 2000, Hibakusha, and Youth
One of the main focuses of the WPF included issues surrounding nuclear disarmament. With initiatives led by Abolition 2000, there were total of almost 50 seminars and workshops on this particular issue.

On the 25th, as part of the Asia Regional Conference, a workshop was held on $B!H(BA Northeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone.$B!I(B Concerns were raised regarding Japan$B!G(Bs promotion of nuclear fuel recycling, and how such measures were complicating the regions$B!G(B security and possibilities for nuclear disarmament. The resumption of six party talks was also mentioned, as a potential tool to promote dialogue.

Further workshops and seminars were throughout the week by the Japanese delegation, which included Peace Depot Inc., Japan Congress Against A and H Bombs (Gensuikin), Japan Council Against A and H Bombs (Gensuikyo), and Japan Confederation of A and H bomb Sufferers Organizations (Hidankyo).

On the 28th, the final day of the conference, a group of students from Peace Boat$B!G(Bs onboard peace education program, the Global University, presented their views on nuclear disarmament in the workshop, $B!H(BYouth, Peace Culture and Nuclear Disarmament.$B!I(B Sophie Lefeez from Mouvement de la Paix (France) and Peace Boat (Japan) were central in organizing this workshop which brought together youth activists from France, Japan, the UK, and the US to further dialogue on roles of youth in realizing a nuclear free world.

l The Japanese Peace Constitution and Upholding Article 9, $B!H(BThe Global Article 9 Campaign$B!I(B
On the 26th, a workshop on Article 9 of Japan$B!G(Bs peace constitution was held, titled, $B!H(BArticle 9 of the Japanese Constitution: A Common Treasure for the Humankind for Peace.$B!I(B Jointly organized by Peace Boat, Japan Council Against A and H bombs, and the local Vancouver Save Article 9, panelists presented their views on Article 9. Professor Kimijima Akihiko presented the necessity of taking Article 9 into the regional and global context, and how such constitutions renouncing war can act as a mechanism for creating security, stability, and peace in a region. It is in the interest, not only of Japan, but of its surrounding countries and the international society to uphold this constitution. $B!H(BThe Global Article 9 Campaign$B!I(B was also introduced in such context, and a call was made for individuals to participate in an initiative to hold a Global Article 9 Conference in 2008, which would bring together all supporters of such constitutions. The Final Document of the Forum, $B!H(BVancouver Appeal for Peace 2006: Make Peace!$B!I(B also called for governments to constitutionally renounce war, and Article 9 is described as the primary example.
To learn more about the Campaign visit: http://www.article-9.org/english/about/index.html
To see full text of $B!H(BVancouver Appeal for Peace 2006: Make Peace!$B!I(B visit:
http://www.worldpeaceforum.ca/

l Hans Blix and the Commission$B!G(Bs Report on Weapons of Mass Destruction
The session with former UN weapons inspector, Hans Blix, was certainly an event of interest for many forum participants on the final day of the forum. Hans Blix presented the report of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission. The report includes some 60 recommendations on approaches and methods to control the proliferation of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons.
To read an interview with Hans Blix please visit: http://www.worldpeaceforum.ca/

l The World Peace Forum on the Waters – Peace Boat Docking at Canada Place
Another event which highlighted the final day of the forum was Peace Boat$B!G(Bs call to the port of Vancouver at Canada Place. Utilizing the docking ship as a venue, a morning session was held with former senator Douglas Roche and the Middle Powers Initiative. Panelists discussed how nuclear disarmament is imperative to an overall improvement in global peace and security.

The afternoon session introduced Peace Boat$B!G(Bs history and activities to WPF participants and announced the launching of Peace Boat US to a crowd of nearly 500. As a unique peace education initiative, the presentation drew interest from many disciplines and initiatives surrounding peace, paving the way to a number of potential collaborations!

l $B!H(BWomen in Conflict Prevention – UN Resolution 1325$B!I(B
A roundtable was also held on Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, titled $B!H(BWomen in Conflict Prevention – UN Resolution 1325$B!I(B which attracted several hundred participants. Presenters included Cora Weiss and the NGO Working Group on Women. The final document of the World Peace Forum incorporated many suggestions and ideas which developed out of this roundtable. This document can be found on the following website: http://www.worldpeaceforum.ca/

l Key Note Panel: Creating a Culture of Peace: Reflections from a Variety of Perspectives
HAP also organized and participated in a panel on peace education. This featured a lesson from Peace Lessons from Around the World (available at www.haguepeace.org) called a Living Graph, comparing allocation of national resources to health, education and military budgets for Mexico, Japan and the US. The participatory event engaged educators in new ways of thinking and teaching for peace.

l Global Campaign for Peace Education, Peace Boat, and the launching of Peace Boat US
Members of the Hague Appeal's Global Campaign for Peace Education and Peace Boat US met for a productive breakfast to plan for their new working relationship. Attendees included Werner Wintersteiner (Austria), Anne Halvorsen (Norway), Alicia Cabezudo (Argentina), Loreta Castro (Philippines), and Alyn Ware (New Zealand) from GCPE, HAP directors, Mary-Wynn Ashford (Canada), Peter Weiss and Cora Weiss (US) and members from Peace Boat and Peace Boat US. Please look forward to hearing more about this creative peace education development, as we plan to regularly update you with any future developments in the news brief!

Peace Boat$B!G(Bs Call to New York – A Report of Related Events
Peace Boat$B!G(Bs ship, TSS The Topaz, called into the port of New York on June 5, with over 1000 people onboard for a two-day program of exposure tours, events and cultural exchange. Highlights included a visit to Muslim and South Asian communities in Brooklyn to understand how life has been affected by the 9/11 attacks and a briefing at the United Nations Headquarters on the role of civil society at the UN. Other members joined a gospel workshop with members of a church in Harlem.

After the stay in New York, Peace Boat$B!G(Bs voyage continued on to Jamaica, Panama, El Salvador, Mexico and Canada. Disarmament Educator Dr. Kathleen Sullivan joined the ship in New York to lead the Global University (Peace Boat$B!G(Bs floating peace education program) Unit on Anti-Nuclear Activism.

For more information: http://www.peaceboat.org or email pbglobal@peaceboat.gr.jp

Peace Boat US launch
Hundreds of New Yorkers, including activists, educators, UN staff and members of Missions to the UN visited Peace Boat$B!G(Bs ship on June 5 for a celebratory evening announcing Peace Boat US and its collaboration with the Hague Appeal for Peace and the Global Campaign for Peace Education. A powerful visual presentation of Peace Boat and the Hague Appeal$B!G(Bs work to date culminated in Peace Boat US staff asking all those onboard to join them in preparing for a Peace Boat US voyage from the United States to Latin America, aimed at building people-to-people dialogue and understanding.

Following messages of support from Hague Appeal for Peace board members and educators on the Global Campaign for Peace Education Advisory Board, Cora Weiss, President of the Hague Appeal for Peace made a symbolic handing over of The Hague Agenda for Peace and Justice in the 21st Century to Peace Boat US staff Ryo Ijichi and Allison Boehm. Yoshioka Tatsuya, Director of Peace Boat, emphasized the value of Peace Boat$B!G(Bs methodology in facilitating direct communication between peoples and first-hand experience of global issues, noting that young people in the United States have tremendous power to change the world for the better.

For more information on Peace Boat US, please see http://www.peaceboat-us.org, or email
info@peaceboat-us.org

Second Annual Concert – People Building Peace, New York, June 6, 2006
The streets outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York beat to the sound of drums from Japan, Nigeria and Latin America on June 6, as the Second Annual People Building Peace Concert was celebrated.

Organized by Peace Boat US, the Hague Appeal and IANSA, the concert, featuring Nigerian, Afro-Cuban, South African and Middle Eastern artists, highlighted initiatives for peace including The Global Article 9 Campaign (http://www.article-9.org), and the Control Arms$B!G(B Million Faces Campaign (http://www.controlarms.org). New York city high school students in Educators for Social Responsibility$B!G(Bs SANITY program (Students Against Nuclear Insanity for Tomorrow$B!G(Bs Youth) staffed a booth sharing information about Nuclear Weapons Free Zones. Demonstrating the power of music and dance as tools for peacebuilding, young participants on Peace Boat$B!G(Bs global voyage performed Nanchu Soren – a dance developed by a teacher in Hokkaido, Japan as a means to encourage students in a school that had been plagued by bullying and violence.

Congratulations Amada Benavides! – A Step Forward in Human Rights (by GCPE)
At the opening ceremony on the Human Rights Council held in Geneva on June 19, Amanda Benavides (Colombia) chaired the working group on the use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination. She was also nominated to be on the Coordination Committee to make new links between Special Procedures and the Human Rights Council.

This development is groundbreaking in that issues of human rights have been placed on the same level of discussion as peace and development issues. It is also worthwhile to note that Amanda has years of experience in human rights education. It is truly exciting and encouraging to see an appointment of a non-lawyer, South American woman who has been committed to this issue. We at Global Campaign for Peace Education (GCPE) extend our warmest congratulations and support to you, Amada!

To read the press release for the opening ceremony of the Human Rights Council please visit:
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/hrc2.doc.htm

Minimally Invasive Education & MDG Education for All & Self-guided Learning – Peace Education Initiatives from India (by Positive News Youth Views PNYV)

Positive News Youth Views reports on a successful peace education initiative in India called Minimally Invasive Education (MIE), very much similar to their own concept known as the Informal Sustainability Learning Environments (ISLE) approach.

l ISLEs - Informal Sustainability Learning Environments
"No youth or adult leader was ever born from formal education in the classroom. Competence in sound societal participation evolves in an informal process of self-guided interdisciplinary learning."

What are Informal Learning Environments? Take Physical Education as an example. You can learn it formally in the gym hall. But you also acquire competence in physical exercise in various other ways: when playing soccer in the backyard, when going swimming, diving, jumping, playing water rugby with your friends, when jogging through forests, playing beach volleyball in your holidays...

In many cases, the effects are higher than in the gym hall: improving your condition, exploring and learning new movements, having joy, self-organizing your activities, developing and agreeing on rules. This list already included a lot of high value learning beyond physical exercise - creative thinking, social skills, cooperation; skills that enrich your personal life and competence as a citizen.

To learn more about ISLE, visit: http://www.pnyv.org/index.php?id=67

l Minimally Invasive Education (MIE)
The central idea behind Hole-in-the-Wall is that groups of children learn on their own without any direct intervention. This was conceptually explained by Dr Sugata Mitra, Chief Scientist of NIIT, as Minimally Invasive Education (MIE).

He found that children using Learning Stations required little or no inputs from teachers and learnt on their own by the process of exploration, discovery and peer coaching. The idea of MIE has crystallized over a period of time based on observations and educational experiments conducted at NIIT.

Minimally Invasive Education is defined as a pedagogic method that uses the learning environment to generate an adequate level of motivation to induce learning in groups of children, with minimal, or no, intervention by a teacher.

To learn more about MIE, visit: http://www.pnyv.org/index.php?id=443

GET INVOLVED

Building a Global Network: Spreading Goodwill and Working for Policies that will Bring Peace and Security to the World (Peaceful Tomorrows)

On the fifth anniversary of 9/11, September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows will launch an ambitious new phase of our work to turn our grief into action for peace. In the days leading up to September 11, 2006 we will convene a meeting of more than 30 extraordinary individuals from around the world who are devoted to cooperation, healing and reconciliation. Together we will meet to establish an international network that will share ideas and information.

To learn more about the initiative, and for a biography of the attendees, visit:
http://www.peacefultomorrows.org/article.php?id=685#biographies

Join Nonviolent Peaceforce India Insight Trip (September 1 – 12, 2006)

Nonviolent Peaceforce presents an Insight Trip to India, visiting Delhi, Agra, and Dharamsala this September. The trip will be dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's first nonviolent action in South Africa on September 11, 1906.

l Learn about India and Tibet
l Visit the Taj Mahal: Memorial to Love in Agra
l Study and discuss Gandhi's writings
l Journey into Dharamsala -- the seat of His Holiness Dalai Lama's Tibetan Government-in-Exile - for 4 days and 3 nights
l Meet with leaders of the Tibetan government
l Meditate with Tibetan teachers
l Discuss nonviolence with NP Member Organizations
l Take the Pledge of Unarmed Soldiers (voluntary)
l Attend the Satyagraha Centennial Commemoration in Delhi

Trip Cost: $5,000 per person. Please send $500 non-refundable deposit to: Erika Shatz, Major Gifts Officer, Nonviolent Peaceforce, 425 Oak Grove, Minneapolis, MN 55403. Fee includes double occupancy accommodations and in-country transportation. A large portion is tax-deductible. Air travel to and from Delhi, India is not included. Space not guaranteed for deposits received after June 30.

For more information on the trip, including itinerary and biography of tour leaders visit:
http://nvpf.org/np/english/pressroom/IndiaInsightTrip.asp.html

Sponsoring Organizations:
Nonviolent Peaceforce is a nonpartisan unarmed peacekeeping force composed of trained civilians from around the world. In partnership with local groups, members apply proven nonviolent strategies to protect human rights, deter violence, and help create space for local peacemakers to carry out their work. NP was founded in 2002 and is an International Non-Governmental Organization. For more information visit: www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org

Swarajpeeth, established in 1992, a member organization of Nonviolent Peaceforce, is demonstrating the inspirational power of Mahatma Gandhi's vision, thought and method in India. Swarajpeeth conducts Swaraj Awareness, Shanti Sena (peace army) groundwork, Communal Harmony, Annual 9-11 Program, and Research. For more information visit: www.swarajpeeth.org

Call for Application to the Young Global Leaders Summits (June – August, 2006)

The Americans for Informed Democracy will be organizing conferences for young global leaders taking place in Washington, D.C., New York, and across America this summer. The conference will focus on the global environment, international development, U.S. media reporting on foreign affairs, and Western-Muslim world relations. These conferences will equip participants with the information and tools needed to engage their peers and their community on these critical issues.

Globally conscious young leaders wishing to make a difference in the world are invited to apply for one of Americans for Informed Democracy$B!G(Bs Young Global Leaders Summits. The summits will bring together young leaders from across the U.S. for workshops, speakers, and discussions on how young people can take positive action to ensure a principled and collaborative U.S. role in the world. Participants will hear from top experts and then be immersed in breakout sessions where they will have the chance to weigh in with their own view on the U.S. role in global issues. Thanks to generous foundation support, the conferences are free for selected participants, including meals and tuition.

For more information on specific conferences and venues, visit www.aidemocracy.org/conferences.cfm

Americans for Informed Democracy (AID) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that brings the world home to the next generation of leaders through its network on more than 500 university campuses around the world. The group was started in September of 2002 by Marshall and Rhodes scholars at Oxford University who sought a new vehicle to raise global awareness and it has since become the premiere network for globally conscious young leaders. For more information visit www.aidemocracy.org

Support the Fifth International Day for Peace in the Niger Delta (November 18-22, 2006)
The "International Day for Peace in the Niger Delta" is another step in using all available creative means to continue on our quest for a peaceful, democratic Nigeria especially the Niger Delta by THE HAVIDS Centre for Environment & Development:A non profit, equal opportunity, multi disciplinary, research, consulting and training organization poised to preserve the environment, foster peace, enhance education and community development incorporating HIV/AIDS, environmental and reproductive health, micro finance-poverty alleviation and civic education-deliberative dialogue based in the Niger Delta and ARINA-USA and another non profit, voluntary development organization: African Refugees Foundation(AREF) with it's headquarters in Lagos-Nigeria.

The program was initiated by THE HAVIDS Centre for Environment & Development in 2002 to sensitize world and local political and socio-economic leaders and publics on the root causes of the recurrent crises in the Niger Delta and the multiplier effects. It is to promote equity, peace and justice towards reducing the incidence of war-conflicts/disputes, refugees-internal displacements, kidnap, etc.

Three (3) days to one (1) week are set aside in November/December annually since 2002 to draw the attention of governments across the world and publics to assist in the promotion of the cultivation of the culture of peace by the peoples and residents of the Niger Delta in their homes, communities, state and nation for the promotion of sustainable international peace and development.

The purpose is to highlight practical approaches to dealing with the problematic issues associated with oil/gas exploration communities in Nigeria and explore ways of achieving sustained understanding that will promote the well being of the peoples of these communities.

It is established to develop and manage sustained dialogue that seeks to focus on practical problems and relationship that block the resolution of these problems.

It features dance, drama, art exhibitions and the deliberative dialogue fora. It also features award to distinguished personalities and corporate bodies that advocate peace, reconciliation and/or development and the conference and draws it$B!G(Bs participants from a wide spectrum of the society: governments-local to the federal, civil society organizations-trade union groups, NGOs and CBOs, the academia, traditional, religious, women and youth leaders and the private sector-oil/gas companies and manufacturers, etc.

This year$B!G(Bs event shall feature a new segment CHANNELS OF HOPE, intended as an exhibition platform for (that will bring) donors and international agencies domiciled in Nigeria and those outside but interested or engaged in the development of the Niger Delta with the communities to showcase themselves and/or projects to explore potentials and opportunities for progress and development. It will highlight and/or identify projects and/or activities that can be undertaken for peace and development together.

The Proposed theme for this year$B!G(Bs event is Working on the Democratic and Humanitarian Issues of the Niger
Delta: Our Challenges, Our Prospects and Active Responses and Sara Ross of ARINA-USA is expected as one of the special facilitators and keynote speakers.

We hereby request for your financial and/or material assistance and/or other resources to improve on this Year$B!G(Bs event or in collaboration with us.

For further information, please contact: Harry Awolayeofori Macmorrison Tel: 234-0803-342-2651
Email: thehavids_socialworkers@yahoo.com / thehavids_socialworkers@hotmail.com
harry_socialworker2000@yahoo.com

EVENTS

The Annual International Arab Children Congress (July 17–23, 2006 Amman –The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan)

The annual event will gather children from all over the world for a week of visiting learning and cultural interaction especially designed to promote peace, understanding tolerance & solidarity amongst youth. This year will be the celebration of the 26th annual Arab Children Congress under the theme Communication is Knowledge & Understanding.

To learn more about the event, visit: http://www.pac.org.jo/index.php

Founded in 1999, the Hague Appeal for Peace Global Campaign for Peace Education (GCPE), is an international organized network which promotes peace education among schools, families and communities to transform the culture of violence into a culture of peace. The Hague Appeal for Peace Board of Directors voted to transfer the responsibilities for the coordination of the GCPE to Peace Boat US which has moved into the Hague Appeal for Peace$B!G(Bs office in New York City.

Peace education is a holistic, participatory process that includes teaching for and about human rights, nonviolent responses to conflict, social and economic justice, gender equity, environmental sustainability, disarmament, traditional peace practices and human security. The methodology of peace education encourages reflection, critical thinking, cooperation, and responsible action. It promotes multiculturalism, and is based on values of dignity, equality and respect. Peace education is intended to prepare students for democratic participation in schools and society.

The Global Campaign for Peace Education has two goals:
- To see peace education integrated into all curricula, community and family education worldwide to become a part of life
- To promote the education of all teachers to teach for peace.

The Worldwide Activities Brief e-newsletter highlights how and where the GCPE network is active and growing. Submissions are encouraged! Please contribute how you are working for peace education including dates, locations, a brief description, and a website and/ or contact information and send it to maiko@peaceboat-us.org. For more information on Peace Boat US visit http://peaceboat-us.org/. The website for Peace Boat US is under construction! Please e-mail info@peaceboat-us.org for more information!

Special Thanks

The Hague Appeal for Peace is grateful to the following for their generous support: The Ford Foundation, Robert and Fran Boehm, The Arsenault Family Foundation, Olof Palme Minnesfond, Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, Compton Foundation, Stewart R. Mott Charitable Trust, Samuel Rubin Foundation, The Simons Foundation, Norwottock Foundation, CarEth Foundation, Loretto Community, Rissho Kosei Kai, General Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Church, Tides Canada Foundation Exchange Fund of Tides Foundation, Wade Greene and several anonymous donors.

Allison Boehm
International Coordinator
Peace Boat US, A project of the Hague Appeal for Peace
777 United Nations Plaza, 3E
New York, NY 10017, USA
Phone: 1-212-687-7214
Fax: 1-212-661-2704
allison@peaceboat-us.org