The Education and Academia Stakeholder Group (EASG) invites to this immersive event, where we will delve deep into the intricacies and complexities of transformative education for reaching out lasting peace and security.
In an era marked by turmoil and strife, education emerges as a beacon of hope, offering pathways to understanding, empathy, and reconciliation. As UNESCO stated, peace in the 21st century is not just the absence of violence and conflicts. It is also a positive, participatory, and dynamic process that nurtures our ability to value human dignity and take care of ourselves, each other, and the planet we share. By nurturing critical thinking skills, promoting dialogue, intercultural understanding, environmental stewardship, and fostering a culture of tolerance and respect, education empowers individuals and communities to navigate conflicts peacefully and constructively.
Going beyond the surface-level discourse, this thought-provoking gathering will challenge assumptions, explore realities, and foster a deeper understanding of the transformative potential of peace education in driving sustainable development.
Potential contribution to the forum
Through engaging discussions, critical thinking, and profound exploration, participants will gain valuable insights into the role of education as a catalyst for positive social change and conflict prevention. We will discuss how education can break the cycle of violence, empower marginalized communities, and promote sustainable peace.
In a world where the consequences of conflicts are all too real, our session offers a great opportunity to reflect on the power of education to build bridges, foster dialogue, and cultivate a culture of peace – directly or indirectly, by offering people guaranteed jobs, a pristine environment, equality among people and countries, and fostering healthy identities. Together, let’s explore how we can harness the transformative power of education to create a more just, peaceful, and inclusive world for all.
The event will also discuss how education, as an enabling human right, plays a key role in realizing SDGs 1, 2, 13, 16 and 17, The transformations that education causes are not limited to teaching and learning spaces but are projected in all institutional and community activities. Therefore, this side event provides an opportune moment to examine different interlinkages and the various pathways and mechanisms through which education fosters the development of peace, justice, and robust institutions.
Format
The event will gather experts from governments, academia, civil society activists, youth and students, and UN officials to discuss the trends, gaps and main features from the perspective of vulnerable populations and human rights standards.
In addition to the input from experts, participants will exchange opinions in a panel discussion, opening for the audience and interested participants in co-created solutions.
Welcome, introduction and Moderation. Vernor Munoz, GCE
Transforming education for building peace and justice. Jacob Blasius on behalf of GSF and the Government of Denmark
Curriculum approaches for reaching out SDG16. Grant Kasowanjete, GCE
School-community and teachers training for promoting critical thinking and equality. Government of Guatemala (tbc)
Education for international understanding, peace and human rights. Katarina Popović, ICAE
Concluding remarks and closing, UNESCO (tbc)