#195

After the events of recent weeks, the notion of peace is more pressing, potent and precious than ever before. During her keynote speech at the 2015 EARCOS Leadership Conference, Loung Ung (author of First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers) stated that "peace is an action". This phrase resonated with me then and continues to do so as it contrasts with the typical understanding of peace and how a state of peace is reached.

Mindful that September 21 is the International Day of Peace (also known colloquially as World Peace Day), it seems apt to consider how one can - to benefit members of our immediate communities as well as those further afield - embed within the mission, vision and values of our schools the concept of peace not just on this day, but throughout the year. The UN assigns a theme to each International Day of Peace. With the world easing out of a pandemic and climate concerns becoming increasingly critical, this year’s theme is, “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world”.

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I like to share quotes. To provoke. To highlight a perspective. To act as a starting point for discussion. Quotes can both empower and inspire. Mindful of this year’s theme with regards to an equitable world, I find Frederick Willem de Klerk’s quote, "Peace does not fare well where poverty and deprivation reign. It does not flourish where there is ignorance and a lack of education and information" especially pertinent.

I do hope that the following quotes - some of which I have previously posted - will provoke, shed light on perspectives and lead to fruitful discussions with students, faculty and other stakeholders with regards to creating an equitable and sustainable world through reflections and acts of peace.

“Peace comes from being able to contribute the best that we have, and all that we are,

toward creating a world that supports everyone.

But it is also securing the space for others to contribute the best that they have and all that they are.”

~ Hafsat Abiola

~ Kofi Annan (2001 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate)

“It is not enough to win a war; it is more important to organize the peace.”

~ Aristotle

“When you make peace with yourself, you make peace with the world.”

~ Maha Ghosananda

“If someone thinks that peace and love are just a cliche that must have been left behind in the 60s,

that’s a problem. Peace and love are eternal.”

~ John Lennon

“If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.”

~ Nelson Mandela (1993 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate shared with the aforementioned Frederick Willem de Klerk)

~ Mother Teresa (1979 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate)

“Inclusive, good-quality education is a foundation for dynamic and equitable societies.”

~ Desmond Tutu (1984 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate)

~ Elie Wiesel (1986 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate) __________________

With regards to creating an equitable and sustainable world through acts of peace, we still have much to accomplish. Good luck!