Reaching a peaceful resolution to conflict is an admirable goal, but there are different approaches as well as different types of peace. These from the negative peace of stopping violence, to the positive peace of the structural and behavioural changes that address the social, economic and environmental injustices that might be a cause of violence.
There are challenges at a global level, when dealing with issues like climate change, poverty and inequality. There are regional and domestic challenges, that can range from political polarisation to the question of how to move beyond a genocide. Even at the most basic, personal level, our children need to learn how to deal with each other after fighting.
An essential component of tolerance is empathy, and understanding that whether you agree with them or not, others have the same rights as you want for yourself. In 2019 we learned lessons from history, and one of the most important lessons from history is work out what you want to achieve, to let go of the past to build a better future. Don’t hold on to the negatives, find a way to forgive and build together.
The need for fairness is a universal truth for children and building on that as the basis for how they approach each other, and the world in which we live, can only improve their relationships and their approach to the social contract.
A focus on what we have in common, from responding to emergencies, doing no harm and building a peaceful future together, can transform the way our societies work. Mutual understanding and dialogue underpin a better world.
This article first appeared in the March 2020 issue of Education Today.
There are challenges at a global level, when dealing with issues like climate change, poverty and inequality. There are regional and domestic challenges, that can range from political polarisation to the question of how to move beyond a genocide. Even at the most basic, personal level, our children need to learn how to deal with each other after fighting.
An essential component of tolerance is empathy, and understanding that whether you agree with them or not, others have the same rights as you want for yourself. In 2019 we learned lessons from history, and one of the most important lessons from history is work out what you want to achieve, to let go of the past to build a better future. Don’t hold on to the negatives, find a way to forgive and build together.
The need for fairness is a universal truth for children and building on that as the basis for how they approach each other, and the world in which we live, can only improve their relationships and their approach to the social contract.
A focus on what we have in common, from responding to emergencies, doing no harm and building a peaceful future together, can transform the way our societies work. Mutual understanding and dialogue underpin a better world.
This article first appeared in the March 2020 issue of Education Today.
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