Every year on 2 October, everyone gathers to celebrate the ideals of peace by marking the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. international non-violence day. The day presents an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to address the causes of violence and to build a culture of dialogue through education.
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new forces of division globally. The level of hate speech and ‘other’ fear has risen, as people have blamed the virus. Forms of structural violence – economic, racial and gender forms of injustice built into the social system – have been amplified as marginalized groups, including displaced persons and racial groups, have been disproportionately affected. Around the world, the resulting surge in inequality is fueling instability and tension, potentially fueling social unrest.
To rebuild in solidarity, we must understand the root causes of human enmity and make peace with each other. We should think about the structures, attitudes and skills that create and maintain peace.
The World Bank and the United Nations’ major 2018 report ‘Pathways for Peace’ showed that many of the world’s conflicts stem from feelings of exclusion and injustice. So the question is, how can ignorance and fear of the unknown be overcome through understanding and communication?
equity strengthening policy
For UNESCO, education is an important part of the answer because it can provide the skills and values needed to recognize and prevent potential conflicts and promote tolerance. As teacher Maria Montessori said: “It is the job of politicians to stop war, it is the job of academics to make peace”.
India has a rich history of education for peace. Non-violence, syncretism and tolerance are at the core of various religions, cultures and Gandhi’s philosophy.
The National Policy on Education (NEP) 2020 also presents a unique opportunity to contribute towards strengthening equality, justice and social integration. The policy has a broad focus on value-based and experiential learning, including promotion of critical thinking, cultural exchange, teaching in regional languages and a commitment to education for all.
This historical document also advocates for reforms in curriculum and pedagogy. As schools reopen, we believe that peace education can be further integrated into the national curriculum and wider learning environment to promote nonviolence, conflict resolution and compassion. Equipping children with the skills to respect the dignity of others from an early age is the key to building a resilient and peaceful society. Teachers and teachers also need to be equipped with the skills to promote peace through experiential and interactive methods. Intercultural abilities, such as empathy and critical thinking, are best learned through intercultural exchange and scenario-based learning, not by rote.
road ahead
Global best practices promoted through UNESCO may offer the way forward. Our organization’s approach to global citizenship, education and intercultural dialogue reinforces the idea that peaceful societies are those that embrace diversity and difference. UNESCO’s work to promote media and information literacy and sports for peace equips young people with the skills to break down harmful stereotypes and stand up to injustice.
Focusing on inclusion, UNESCO highlights the need to recognize and improve opportunities for disadvantaged groups, such as women and girls and persons with disabilities. UNESCO also promotes schools as safe and non-violent places.
One year into NEP 2020 and almost two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to assess priorities in education. Beyond discussions about innovation, technology and schools for a smart future, we need to understand the potential of education systems and schools in building peaceful societies. Education has the potential to provide hope and confidence in times of crisis.
Eric Falt is the Director and Representative of the UNESCO New Delhi Cluster Office
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