Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury, has been an advocate for promoting peace and diplomacy, with a particular emphasis on the Culture of Peace. Ambassador Chowdhury served as the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and the UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States.

To advancing the Culture of Peace, which aims to foster peaceful coexistence, understanding, and cooperation among nations and cultures.

  • Education for Peace – Encouraging educational initiatives that promote respect, tolerance, and understanding.
  • Non-violence – Advocating for conflict resolution through dialogue and diplomacy rather than through violence or war.
  • Social Justice – Promoting human rights and social equity as essential components of lasting peace.
  • Sustainability and Development – Linking peace with sustainable development, recognizing that poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation often fuel conflicts.

The Culture of Peace Talk 2009 with
Ambassador Chowdhury

Within the Culture of Peace framework, peace embraces far more than an absence of conflict. It encompasses tolerance, disarmament, sustainable economic and social development, democratic participation, gender equality, freedom of expression and respect for human rights. The transition from a culture of war to a Culture of Peace requires the transformation of individual behavior as well as institutional practices. Learning to live in peace and harmony is a long-term process, and begins with the development of inner peace, and nurturing attitudes that promote the expansion and integration of peaceful principles. Education and awareness-raising play a key roles in this process.

BUILDING A “CULTURE OF PEACE”

Observances and activities for the U.N. International Day of Peace take place on and around September 21, yet Peace Day has an impact on people and communities both before and after this global day, contributing to a “Culture of Peace.”

“Culture of Peace” is a “set of values, attitudes, modes of behavior and ways of life that reject violence and prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation among individuals groups and nations.” Since its founding over 60 years ago, UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) asserted that, “since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.”

For the “8 Action Areas for a Culture of Peace,” CLICK HERE