Brussels, 19 November 2022
The European Development And Research Academy (EDARA) based in Brussels, participated in the international conference titled ‘United Human Values, Sustainable Development of All’, organised in Musqat, the Sultanate of Oman, in November 2022. The conference was attended by various ministers, UN representatives, academics, women and youth representatives, NGO and civil society organizations and others.
The conference was held in the light of celebrating of the United Nations Day of Tolerance on 16th of November, and gathered more then 120 participants from 50 countries. International experts, academics and global leaders shared knowledge and exchange experiences, solutions and best practices to tackle the multiple threats humanity is facing.
Starting with a message of peace from Oman, the conference highlighted that, although to tackle global challenges we need common and shared goals and aspirations, there is no single approach or solution. Instead awareness and solutions has to be created and customized locally, taking into consideration diversities in terms of culture, values, religion and background (elders, youth, gender, ethnicity…) and use a multiple of strategies including governance, education, technology, arts and media. A combination of on- and off-line awareness, educational and supportive programs would be a powerful tool to support this endeavor.
Given the nature of threats as well as a rise in polarization, hate speech and extremism and a hardening of the civil and political discourse both locally and internationally, not only urgent action is needed, but also new strategic thinking and leadership towards sustainable peace-building, tolerance, equality and prosperity.
EDARA proposed to set-up a working group focusing on advancing UN resolution Res.75/26/2020 (promoting inter-religious and intercultural dialogue ) through the development of a ‘theory of peace’, i.e. a world-view or blueprint that can unite the diversity of cultures through their humanity and their shared purposes, ethics, paths and destinies. Moreover EDARA stressed the importance and urgency of translating such ‘theory of peace’ into specific intercultural learning programs to empower youngsters and strengthen their resilience – expanding their minds and hearts and leadership capabilities in the process. Through the conference participants and their network, civil society and multilateral governance structures the ‘theory of peace’ can further be translated into specific actionable plans and initiatives customized towards specific needs, goals and populations.
