Why is Culture of Peace important?
There is no doubt that every human in the world wants peace, but peace is not easy to achieve given the complex situations facing the world today. People have been using different methods such as diplomacy and liberalism to set a peaceful order. There is, however, a unique method to achieve peace that encompasses many values in itself as one total notion. The theory of a Culture of Peace was first introduced by the 53/243 Declaration and Programme of Action in the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1999. According to that Declaration, Culture of Peace is a distinct set of values encompassing freedom in all aspects of human life, environmental sustainability and principles of sovereignty [1]. One of the very impressive and inspirational individuals who strives to achieve a Culture of Peace is Martha Gallahue, a member of the Movement for Culture of Peace and Nonviolence, who shares her experience being a Culture of Peace agent in the following paragraphs.
Martha’s involvement with Culture of Peace started in 1970 when Rachel Carson published her book about birds dying from pesticides at the same time Exxon oil company misled people about the climate change caused by oil emissions [2]. The culmination of these events made her realize the negative impact of human actions leading to environmental issues [3]. She understood that she needed to help implement universal values to achieve her goal of helping the environment and, as a result, she joined the UN [4]. As a deep believer that Sustainable Development Goals are the key to Culture of Peace, she joined the Global Movement for Culture of Peace and Nonviolence [5].
Martha has a very profound understanding of Culture of Peace and she believes in its definition described in the Earth Declaration. The Earth Declaration suggests wholeness as a culture of peace and its various relations, be it humans with humans, humans with nature, and so on [6]. She says that this definition of peace adds another element, in which peace is not exclusive only to humans, but also for nature [7]. She knows that her place on the earth is very small but she also recognizes that she is responsible for doing her part to make the “earth healthier” [8]. For her, wholeness promotes peaceful societies, increases a sense of interconnectedness and interdependence, while opposing tribal and national sovereignty. It crosses beyond national boundaries [9]. Martha would like people not to be afraid of embracing culture of peace [10]. She says “Culture of Peace is not homogenic, it flourishes diversity” [11].
Understanding, learning, and spreading Culture of Peace is indeed very crucial in our current time when people are divided in their opinions. Culture of Peace brings people together regardless of their nationalities, religions, and cultural background. Martha Gallahue says that the most rewarding part of being an agent of Culture of Peace is the “inspiring, energetic, persevering people whom you work with” [12]. To learn more about the global movement for a Culture of Peace and those who work to bring peace through nonviolent means, please check out the website of Culture of Peace and Nonviolence.
References
[1] United Nations General Assembly. “A/RES/53/243 — Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.” UN Documents, United Nations, http://www.un-documents.net/a53r243.htm
[2] Martha Gallahue. Gulzada Mitalova. Telephone conversation, September 26, 2018, Nonviolence International Office at 58 West 126th Street.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Ibid.
[8] Ibid.
[9] Ibid.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Ibid.
