Cultivating and Nurturing the Culture of Peace for Present and Future Generations.
Pursuant to the General Assembly resolution 78/277 adopted on 2 May 2024, the President of the General Assembly at its seventy-eighth session, H. E. Mr. Dennis Francis, will convene a High-Level Forum to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. Background On 13 September 1999, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 53/243 on the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. Since then, the General Assembly has annually adopted a resolution under this agenda item to promote a culture of peace and non-violence by underscoring its enduring value that benefits humanity and future generations. Pursuant to these resolutions, since 2012, annual High-Level Forums have been convened to provide an inclusive platform for all stakeholders to deliberate on the continuing importance of the Culture of Peace. High-Level Forum on the 25th Anniversary of the Culture of Peace This year the High-Level Forum bears special significance as its marks the 25th anniversary of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. It also coincides with preparations for the Summit of Future, which will bring together world leaders to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future. The Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace is a universal document with eight action areas for the development of the Culture of Peace. Its historic adoption sparked a global movement driving collective action for peace among individuals and entities across all levels, including governments, media and civil society. The 25th anniversary Forum comes amid rising conflict, geopolitical tensions and global crises hampering efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Multilateral solutions and international cooperation to further foster a culture of peace are needed now more than ever. Under the theme “Cultivating and Nurturing the Culture of Peace for Present and Future Generations” the anniversary Forum will encourage participants to reflect on the enduring significance of the Programme of Action. In preparation for the Summit of the Future, participants are also encouraged to reflect on how to advance the Programme of Action and ensure a brighter future for all. Format The High-Level Forum to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Culture of Peace will consist of an opening segment and a plenary segment followed by an interactive panel discussion and closing segment. The interactive discussion in the afternoon will focus on the theme “Cultivating and Nurturing the Culture of Peace for Present and Future Generations” and will feature panelistsrepresenting Member States, the United Nations and civil society. Participation The High-level Forum is open to all Member States and Observers of the General Assembly, UN System entities and in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council. The Forum will be webcast live on UN WebTV. Accessibility Delegations are requested to inform the Secretariat of the accessibility requirements of their delegates in order to facilitate participation in meetings. Upon request, adjustments can be made to seating arrangements with a view to enabling the participation of persons with disabilities. For individual requests, please contact the Meetings Support Section of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management (e-mail: [email protected]; phone: 212 963 7348/9) no later than three working days prior to the meeting