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Al-Ahram Weekly 10 - 16 February 2000 Issue No. 468 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 10 - 16 February 2000 Issue No. 468
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Features Focus Profile Travel Books Sports People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters Plain Talk
By Mursi Saad El-Din
I whole-heartedly support the UNESCO decision to make this year, the first of a new millennium, the year of the Culture of Peace. I am equally pleased to support UNESCO's Manifesto 2000, prepared by a group of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates on the occasion of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
I am happy to quote this manifesto which calls upon world citizens to join the international movement for the culture of peace and non-violence, and gives the reasons why they should:
"Because the year 2000 must be a new beginning, an opportunity to transform -- all together -- the culture of war and violence into a culture of peace and non-violence; because this transformation demands the participation of each and every one of us, and must offer young people and future generations the values that can inspire them to shape a world based on justice, solidarity, liberty, dignity, harmony and prosperity for all.
Because the culture of peace can underpin sustainable development, environmental protection and well-being of each person.
Because I am aware of my share of responsibility for the future of humanity, in particular to the children of today and tomorrow. I pledge in my daily life, in my family, my work, my community, my country and my region to:
1 Respect all life. Respect the life and dignity of each human being without discrimination or prejudice.
2 Reject violence. Practice active non-violence, rejecting violence in all its forms, physical, sexual, psychological, economic and social in particular towards the most deprived and vulnerable such as children and adolescents.
3 Share with others. Share my time and material resources in a spirit of generosity to put an end to exclusion, injustice, and political and economic oppression.
4 Listen to understand. Defend freedom of expression and cultural diversity, giving preference always to dialogue and listening without engaging in fanaticism, defamation and the rejection of others.
5 Preserve the planet. Promote consumer behaviour that is responsible and development practices that respect all forms of life and preserve the balance of nature on the planet.
6 Rediscover solidarity. Contribute to the development of my community, with full participation of women and respect for democratic principles in order to create together a new form of solidarity."
Of course many may find this simple manifesto too general and vague. Already articles have appeared reflecting doubts about the idea of a culture of peace. I do not hesitate to embrace the manifesto, in the belief that all of us can give meaning to its articles.
