1. PENGLAI PEACE FORUM Schoolnet for Quality EFA, ESD and Cultural Diversity 19-21 August, 2009 PENGLAI, CHINA Organised by China National Federation of UNESCO Clubs and Associations, Chinese National Commission for UNESCO & Penglai Municipal Government A Review on: “SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION & DIVERSITY IN CIVILISATIONS" Aug. 19, 2009 B. N. Sharma Central Member National Federation of UNESCO Associated Schools of Nepal (NAFUCAN) Kathmandu, Nepal

2. By B. N. Sharma Central Member National Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations ofNepal (NAFUCAN) Kathmandu, Nepal

3. Declaration of United Nations in Nov. 1998: 2001 as International Year of Dialogue among Civilisations: UNESCO played a lead role in Globalisation of : Human/Cultural Aspects Economic Aspects Financial Aspects Technological Aspects

4. This declaration of Dialogue among Civilisations was a sequential event after the year 2000 as ‘The Year of Culture and Peace.’ UNESCO took the role of a catalyst in the Educational Achievement through: a) Dialogue for bridging intl. Cultural Understanding b) Tolerance for Diversity c) Promotion of Ethics and Values of Human Rights

5. The Goal borne in mind was: “ Reduction of Ignorance and Prejudice of the Diverse Cultures of world.” Education was considered as an essential foundation of both: A) Culture of Peace B) Dialogue among Civilisations

6. Values of all Civilisations: Solidarity Tolerance Recognition of Human Rights Fundamental Freedom for all All these values had to be given globally equal impetus. The Task now of Educators globally was to: Change the attitude of the Youth to change the disparity. Emphasize on ‘Attitudes, Skills and Knowledge (ASK) in Education.

7. UNESCO works by: ASP Network Human Rights Education Non-Violence Education * Intl. Ministerial Conference on the Dialogue among Civilisations – Quest for New Perspectives New Delhi Declaration July 9-10, 2003 with its 23 point Resolution declared: * All Civilisations celebrate the Unity in Diversity of human kind by creation of better opportunity for Dialogue between each other: in brief “ Vasaudaiva Kutubakam”.

8. What goes beyond the frontiers of nations: Natural resources Food Human Philosophy Socio-cultural behaviours Education Economic development Science and Technology

9. Common Issue of today (laggings): a) Gender Equality b) Opportunity and Inclusiveness c) Reduction of Defiance between Cultures Goals to achieve in the new millennium: Education for all (EFA) – all kinds: knowledge to skills Justice for all (JFA) – protection of Rights Work for all (WFA) – underprivliged to privileged How to go about this? * By making Science and Technology as a tool for Inter-cultural communication and understanding for Pluralism.

10. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD): Year 2005 – 2014 has been observed as the UN decade of Education for sustainable development: declaration of the UN General Assembly in 2002 and launched from 2005. A Review was done in a ‘World Conference on ESD’ in Bonn, Germany (Mar. 31 – April 2, 2009) It was noted at ‘The Intl. Forum on ESD Dialogue’ held at Tokyo, Japan Dec. 2-5, 2008 (South – Pacific region) that: Future action, Result Oriented strategic projects, involvement of GOs & INGOs along with NGOs & involvement of research contributions through a global consortium would bring effective achievements.

11. Sustainable Development: How can we acheive this? 1) By Education for All (EFA) as stated by Johannesberg Plan of Implementation at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002. 2) Total Quality Education and Total Quality Management for the making of Good Leaders & Managers (Student Quality Circle – SQC movement) 3) National Networking of GOs, NGOs & INGOs and coordination of their International practices

12. Core ESD Issues in Asia-Pacific Region * Issues and Examples: Information and Awareness: Eco-media, media literacy, ICT Knowledge Systems: Learning for local and indigenous knowledge, integrating traditional and modern technologies Environmental Protection and Management: Biodiversity, climate change, natural resources, conservation: Peace and Equity: conflict resolution, peace, equity, appropriate development, democracy Local Context: Community development, empowerment

13. Transformation: Rural transformation, urbanization, sustainable habitat, water, sanitation, public infrastructure Culture: Diversity and intercultural/interfaith understanding Cross-Cutting Issues and Themes: Human rights, citizenship, gender equality, sustainable futures, holistic approaches, innovation, partnerships, sustainable production and consumption, governance Health: HIV/AIDS, malaria Environmentl Education: Integrated pest management, environmental awareness, community recycling programmes Engagement of Leaders: Professional training courses, executive education, partnerships, networking