Up until now, most of the focus has been on intervening in violent conflicts after they erupt and then doing post-conflict peacebuilding. The culture of peace approach alms, instead, at addressing the root causes of violent conflict, thus preventing its emergence. The UN General Assembly has called for the promotion of a culture of peace as an integral approach to preventing violence and armed conflict and has designated the year 2000 as the International Year for the Culture of Peace. The transition from a culture of war and violence to a culture of peace is a process of individual, collective and institutional transformation, developing within particular historical, sociocultural and economic contexts. The Culture of Peace programme supports a global movement that is already underway.
Education is seen as the major modality to promote a culture of peace.
A special programme at the international level looks at the contribution of women to a culture of peace. To see the diagram in detail, click here.