Global Priorities

Global Priority Africa

Flagship 1: Promoting a culture of peace and non-violence

This Flagship Programme builds on the need towards a common strategy for a Culture of Peace, while emphasising on UNESCO’s Priority Africa. It builds and follows on the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010) and UNESCO’s Intersectoral and interdisciplinary Programme of action for a culture of peace and non-violence (2012-2013). It is meant to contribute to the International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures (2013-2022) and aims at bringing together and better articulating UNESCO’s strategy with respect to relevant African Union’s frameworks for action, including the African Union’s Strategic Plan to build peace, security and democracy in Africa (2014- 2017), the African Youth Charter, the Decade for Youth Development and Youth Empowerment in Africa and its Plan of Action (2009-2018), the African Union Sport Policy Framework for Africa (2008-2018), the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, the African Women’s Decade and its Road Map (2010-2020), but also the International Campaign “Make Peace Happen” launched in 2010. This Flagship Programme will leverage, as appropriate, mechanisms for reflection and exchange (Regional or sub-regional Fora) and mobilise civil society organisations, in collaboration with the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities. It includes specific actions affecting young women and men in Africa, building on the experiences of the UNESCO Strategy on African Youth (2009-2013) and aligning with the UNESCO Operational Strategy on Youth (2014-2021).

Objectives:

▪ Address the causes and increase the capacity of peaceful resolution of conflicts

▪ Promote values and endogenous practices of the culture of peace, specifically involving women and young people on a daily basis

Main actions:

▪ Strengthening peace and non-violence trough education and Media including ICTs and social networks

▪ Developing the use of heritage and contemporary creativity as tools for building peace through dialogue

▪ Promoting scientific and cultural cooperation for the management of natural transboundary resources

▪ Empowering and engaging young people and men for democratic consolidation, community development and a culture of peace.