EDUCATION AND VALUES |
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Millennium Assembly Regional Hearings “The UN: Moving into the 21st Century” organized by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) 7-8 July, 1999, Geneva Switzerland
Mr Chairman,
I represent the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, an international organisation
with branches in over 70 countries, working at all levels of society to promote moral
and spiritual values. We have organised a number of international and community projects
aimed at creating a better world where people live in peace and harmony. The Brahma Kumaris
works closely with the United Nations, bringing an ethical and spiritual approach to world
concerns. Over the last few years we have been awarded a number of peace messenger awards
by the UN. Recently we were honoured to be granted general consultative status with ECOSOC.
During these two days it has been inspiring to hear of the variety of work that is being
carried out by the UN and the non-governmental organizations that are represented here.
In spite of all the challenges that the UN faces, I have felt a tremendous spirit of optimism. It has also been most encouraging to hear how much the work of the NGOs is appreciated and the extent to which they have been involved in these hearings. It has been a wonderful experience to be here with people from all backgrounds working together in an atmosphere of such respect and friendship. I see this community as a role model of co-operation for the world.
There's a quotation that I particularly like that " At the heart of the human problem
lies the problem of the human heart". As we are all very aware, peace is not just the
absence of war, and it cannot be enforced. Peace is something within us. I feel that
alongside the important work being done to ensure the protection of human rights,
to provide necessary resources, and to promote disarmament, people also need hope,
love, peace and a sense of dignity, and also to develop an awareness of their
responsibilities, without which true freedom surely cannot exist.
As a school teacher, I was particularly interested to note how often reference
has been made to the importance of education, especially education in human values.
Many of you will be familiar with article 26 in the UN charter which refers to the
right of every child to education – not just in academic terms, but in its broadest
sense. Our children are our future and they need to be given the opportunity to
develop the values that make a civil society and the self-esteem that is needed
to make the right decisions in life. There is a special project that has been
operating for 3 or 4 years called "Living Values: An Educational Program" that
I should like to mention briefly. It is a partnership between a number of educational
organisations including the Brahma Kumaris; it is supported by UNESCO and sponsored
by the Spanish Committee of UNICEF. The aim of this programme is to put values right
at the heart of education - at grass roots level. I would be glad to provide further
information for anyone who may be interested.
Finally, I should like to put a question to the panel: “How can the UN further
help to promote the empowerment of people to develop the values needed to create
a better world - and how can we NGO's cooperate with the UN in this area?"
Thank you
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©2004 BKWSU |
