Australia, like all nations, has a responsibility to foster a culture of peace within its borders. By institutionalizing peace within government, we can ensure that the voices of peacemakers are heard at the highest levels of decision-making. This blog post calls on Australia to take the necessary steps to professionalize and officially recognize the peace process.
One of the key ways to promote peace is by supporting the peace initiatives of the United Nations. The Australian Federal Government should actively engage with the UN and implement the program of action outlined in the 1999 UN Declaration on a Culture of Peace. By doing so, Australia can contribute to global efforts in building a more peaceful world.
However, establishing a culture of peace goes beyond international commitments. It requires a collective effort from all levels of society, including the state and federal governments. These governments have a unique opportunity to lead by example and set the highest standards for the Australian people.
To truly address the root causes of violence in our society, we must invest in research, facilitate dialogue, and strengthen support for conflict avoidance. This means addressing conflicts in domestic, workplace, national, and international settings. By doing so, we can create an environment that promotes understanding, empathy, and peaceful resolution.