IAUP/UN Commission on Disarmament Education Conflict Resolution and Peace

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IAUP/UN Commission on Disarmament Education, Conflict Resolution and Peace

Sister Francesca Onley, CSFN, PhD, Chair - Sister Francesca sees the work of this Commission as a natural extension of the University's mission to promote the dignity of the individual and the oneness of the human family.

This Commission was established in 1990 under the sponsorship of the International Association of University Presidents in conjunction with the United Nations Center for Disarmament Affairs. Its overall mission is based on three major objectives: to promote peace in our global society; to promote a more equal distribution of wealth and social conditions; and to promote tolerance, mutual understanding, and respect. Membership consists of representatives from colleges and universities spanning every continent except Antarctica as well as individuals and organizations as diverse as Economists Against the Arms Race in New York City and the Bwafwano Orphanage Centre in Kasama, Zambia.

The Commission has developed and embarked on a multitude of projects that continue today. These include the development of course modules in disarmament education, conflict resolution, and peace introduced at universities in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and countries in the Far East. These modules are taught to potential teachers, security officers, and undergraduate and graduate students. Modules have been translated into languages of the countries in which they are taught, and courses have been and continue to be taught to more than 3,000 students around the world. The Commission has sponsored conferences and workshops around the globe. The Commission’s activities have been reported in national newspapers and have received coverage in newspapers devoted to higher education.

Activities of the Commission
The IAUP/UN Commission on Disarmament Education, Conflict Resolution and Peace held a conference from March 6-8, 2006 in South Africa, entitled “Voices of Africa – Voices for Peace.” The conference, co-sponsored by the IAUP/UN Commission on Disarmament Education, Conflict Resolution and Peace and North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa was made possible by a grant from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), with matching support from Holy Family University. Participants included IAUP leaders, college and university faculty members, graduate students, and interested others.

The IAUP/UN Commission on Disarmament Education, Conflict Resolution and Peace held a conference from March 11-13, 2004 in the Philippines, entitled “Mosaic for Peace—Bringing Together the University, Media, Political and Business Leaders for the Goal of World Peace.” The conference, co-sponsored by the IAUP/UN Commission on Disarmament Education, Conflict Resolution and Peace and De La Salle University, Philippines was made possible by a grant from UNESCO, with matching support from Holy Family University. This conference brought leaders from the university, media, political and business worlds to explore and discover ways that these sectors can make a mosaic for peace.

The IAUP/UN Commission meets twice a year at the United Nations in New York for discussion and presentations. Updates are provided by the United Nations Department of Disarmament Affairs at these bi-annual meetings.

Days of Dialogue for World Peace were held at Holy Family University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and at Cabrini College in Radnor, Pennsylvania.

Dr. L. Eudora Pettigrew, IAUP Member, Executive Committee and Special Advisor to the President and Commission member, graciously invited the Commission to co-sponsor the presentation of “Jerusalem Women Speak: Three Women, Three Faiths; One Shared Vision” sponsored by Partners for Peace. Presentations have taken place in Delaware at Aldersgate United Methodist Church and at Holy Family University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Dr. L. Eudora Pettigrew, past Chair of the IAUP/UN Commission edited a volume entitled Universities and Their Role in World Peace. This is a compilation of the major presentations from the IAUP/UN Commission conferences/workshops held from 1995-2001.

Partnerships
The IAUP/UN Commission works with the International Association of University Presidents.
The IAUP/UN Commission works with the United Nations Center for Disarmament Affairs.
The IAUP/UN Commission has received funding from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization).

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