Report by Mr. Richard Outram, UK and Ireland Mayors for Peace Chapter Secretary
The Secretary of the UK/Ireland Chapter of Mayors for Peace has responded to a government consultation by calling for peace education to be included on England’s school curriculum and give students the opportunity to achieve a qualification in this subject.
The Department for Education Curriculum and Assessment Panel conducted a consultation which closed in November.
The Chapter Secretary recently graduated from the University of Bradford Peace Studies department, so the subject is close to his heart.
The United Nations has recognised that ‘quality education for peace and tolerance for every child holds the potential to transform societies’. The UN Human Rights Council passed a motion: ‘on ensuring education for peace and tolerance for every child’.
Mayors for Peace places a strong emphasis on peace education, and the present President of the initiative, Mayor Matsui of Hiroshima, is passionate about the promotion of a ‘culture of peace’, particularly amongst younger people.
At the recent Executive Conference of Mayors for Peace held in Manchester, an action plan was adopted which included ‘Promoting peace education in each member city’.
Our Mayors for Peace Chapter stands ready to participate in any future professional/expert panel established by the Panel to take forward the inclusion of peace education in the curriculum.