World peace is an ideal state of non-violence between all nations where conflicts are resolved cooperatively without warfare. While theoretically possible, some believe human nature prevents world peace due to inherent violence, while others argue war is not innate and this view prevents progress. As long as war exists, world peace cannot, but war may be necessary to protect human rights or when there is no peaceful resolution. All wars have consequences like death, injuries, disease, destruction and refugees. Education is seen as key to developing a culture of peace, which governments, organizations and individuals should promote through revising education, economic development, human rights, tolerance, communication, and international cooperation.

1. WORLD PEACE
is an ideal of freedom, peace and
happiness among and within all
nations and/or people. World Peace is
an idea of planetary non-violence by
which nations willingly cooperate,
either voluntarily or by virtue of a
system of governance that prevents
warfare.

2. Is World Peace possible?
• While world peace is theoretically possible,
some believe that human nature inherently
prevents it. This stems from the idea that
humans are naturally violent.
• Others, however, believe that war is not an
innate part of human nature and that this
myth, in fact, prevents people from reaching
for world peace.

3. What about war?
War is defined as “a state of open, armed, often
prolonged conflict carried on between nations,
states or parties”.
As long as there is war, there cannot be world
peace. But, in what situations could war be
considered necessary?
• When human rights are being violated
• When there is no other pacific way to solve the
conflict
• When the AIM is superior to the RISE
• When it is declared by a legal authority

4. All wars have consequences
Examples of these consequences are:
Deaths (of both guilty and innocent people)
People left wounded or mutilated
Physical or sexual abuse. Torture
Illnesses, diseases
Destruction of buildings, homes and services
(money spent on war reduces services, e.g.
Education ...)
• Refugees
• Child soldiers
(the last two not necessarily occur in all wars)
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5. Terrorism
The definition of terrorism has proved to be
controversial. Various legal system and
government agencies use different definitions
of “terrorism”. This is due to the fact that
“terrorism” is politically and emotionally
charged.
Two definitions to think about:
• Extreme violence against people or things
usually for political or religious reasons.
• The use of violence and threats to intimidate
or coerce, specially for political reasons
(provoke fear on people).

6. VIOLENCE is not equal to CONFLICT
Conflict is a natural occurrence in social
relationships. We all have different opinions
and interests and that is perfectly OK. But our
differences can cause conflict. We choose to
solve conflicts either violently or pacifically.
If we reject violence, we prevent escalating
conflicts and instead try to solve conflicts
through dialogue and negotiation.

7. How to obtain a Peace Culture
The U.N.O. Was founded in 1945 after World War II
to replace the League of Nations. Its objective is to
stop war between countries and to provide a
platform for dialogue.
According to UNO, education is the best way to get a
peace culture. Where should this education come
from?:
• Governments
• Civil society
• Mass media
• Parents, educators, politicians, journalists, religious
congregations, intellectuals, artists, health and
social workers, NGOs etc.

8. Taking action!
• Revise education
• Promote sustainable social and economic
development
• Promote respect for human rights
• Promote tolerance and solidarity
• Support freedom of communication, especially
in information and knowledge sharing
• Promote international peace and security
• Travel for peace?
(meet other cultures, people, religions, ways of
doing things so as not to judge others for free)

9. A new role for the Armed Forces
1. Defence
2. Protect peace
3. Cooperation in situations of crisis and
natural disasters