In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “If we are to teach real peace in this world…we shall have to begin with the children.” Education plays a transformative role in fostering inclusive and peaceful societies, as envisioned in SDG 16: Promote Peaceful and Inclusive Societies and SDG 4.7: Education for Sustainable Development.
This session aims to explore innovative strategies and successful practices for embedding the principles of non-violence into education systems and community frameworks. With a focus on formal education institutions and neighbourhood-based interventions, the discussion will address the pressing need to cultivate a culture of peace and fearlessness among youth in an increasingly polarized world.
The session will draw insights from the “Learning Non-Violence” programme - a collaborative initiative by CEE and SAPMT. This programme has pioneered integrating non-violence into school curriculums across Gujarat, empowering students and teachers through activity-based modules, creative pedagogies, and teacher training. It aligns with global discourses, including UNESCO’s recommendations on education for peace and the guiding principles of the Earth Charter and the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recognizes non-violence as a foundational human value.
This session, “Promoting a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence in Education,” will provide a collaborative platform to exchange ideas and best practices for cultivating non-violence as a way of life. By leveraging education, participants will work toward creating a peaceful, inclusive society that aligns with global frameworks like SDG 4 and SDG 16 while embodying Gandhi’s timeless values.