Friday,

15 March, 2013

Culture of Peace in an ASEAN Regional Perspective

JAKARTA On Thursday 14th March 2013, the ASEAN Foundation in collaboration with The Habibie Center held a roundtable discussion on a Culture of Peace in an ASEAN Regional Perspective in Jakarta. Involving expert participants drawn from across the region, the roundtable discussion came up with the following key reflections, best practices and recommendations with regards to an ASEAN regional perspective on a Culture of Peace: Key Elements of an ASEAN Culture of Peace: Belief and commitment to a spirit of ASEAN unity and an appreciation of the enriching nature of our diversity. Respect and tolerance of one another as human beings and as fellow citizens of ASEAN first and foremost regardless of our national, ethnic & religious cleavages, our political, economic & socio-cultural groupings, and any other forms of identity affiliations. Understanding of the common and shared principles that exist in the region including compassion, the belief in non-harming of one another, and an orientation towards the community. The development of a cooperative mechanism and mindset among ASEAN member-states that fully recognizes that in order to achieve our common goals (peace, prosperity and stability), the peoples of ASEAN are stronger together as one than apart as individuals. Recognition that peace is more than just the absence of conflict (negative peace) but must address the wide-ranging causes that lie at its roots in a comprehensive manner. Key aspects include the engagement and integration of youths, civil societies, women, marginalized groups etc. in the national political, economic and socio-cultural life of all ASEAN member-states and an appreciation of the need for equitable and sustainable development. Acknowledging that all stakeholders including the youth and women have a part to play in peace-building measures and conflict resolution in the region. Acknowledging the importance of education in fostering peace that begins from a very young age and with a particular emphasis on promoting an ASEAN We Feeling that will address the Us vs Them mentality that often leads to violence.

Key Recommendations towards developing an ASEAN Culture of Peace Institutionalize an ASEAN Security Council as a peace-building platform with responsibilities for the implementation of peacekeeping, dispute resolution and humanitarian assistance. Promote greater ASEAN community fieldwork with an emphasis on exchanges to different ASEAN member-states To strengthen education on ASEAN in the school curriculum starting from the primary schools in the region. Encourage and promote innovative ways of propagating an ASEAN spirit, in particular from a bottom-up approach and makes use of information and communication technology such as social medias and apps popular with the young. At the same time, encouraging greater allocation for ASEAN-related content via traditional channels such as in national television and newspaper media, etc. Conceptualize a training design for ASEAN Colleges of Education on Peace Education. Encourage greater youth participation in the governance of ASEAN member-states such as via the establishment of an ASEAN Youth Parliament to give them a greater voice in the region. Development of human resource schools that can foster the next generation of leaders capable of instilling an ASEAN spirit that is essential in building a culture of peace. Encourage womens participation in peace-building measures and conflict resolution in Southeast Asia. Promoting the safeguarding of the ecological safety to tackle climate change and achieving sustainable development.
Contact: A. Ibrahim Almuttaqi ASEAN Studies Program Officer The Habibie Center Jl.Kemang Selatan No.98 Jakarta 12560 Tel : (62-21) 7817211 Fax : (62-21) 7817212 Email : ibrahim@habibiecenter.or.id

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