[Updated] Draft2-Proposal for an Off-Site Event in support of the United Nations Summit of the Future Action Days on September 20 & 21, 2024.
Date: August  19,  2024, LMGlobal.Org, New York

Open Proposal for Coalition – Title of the proposed side event – panel discussion:
PEACE EDUCATION & Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) from Kindergarten to K-12. (PDF)
Subtitle: Our World To Be Transformed through Compulsory Peace Education & ICTs

Targeted Date(s): On Friday, September 20 or Saturday, September  21, 2024
Proposed time: 6:00 or 7:00 PM.
Format: Panel Discussion
Proposed by:  The Light Millennium, Charitable Global Human Advancement Organization | LMGlobal.Org – www.lmglobal.org 
Specially Accredited NGO to the 2024 #UNGA79 – Summit Of The Future #SOTF

Contact: Bircan Ünver, Founder-President, TV Producer & Head NGO Rep. of the LMGlobal.Org
to the United Nations Department of Global Communications
Email: contact(at)lightmillennium.org

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Light Millennium Global Organization (LMGlobal) proposes a transformative approach: compulsory Peace Education and Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) from Kindergarten to Grade 12. By cultivating empathy, critical thinking, and digital literacy, we aim to empower youth to become architects of a more peaceful and sustainable future. The proposed panel discussion aims to contribute towards the UNGA79 Summit of the Future and invest toward human advancement. 

CONCEPT
To forge a world of peace, security, equality, and sustainability, a global imperative is the implementation of a compulsory Peace Education curriculum, deeply integrated with Information Communication Technologies (ICT), from Kindergarten to 12th grade. By cultivating empathy, critical thinking, and digital literacy, we aim to empower youth as catalysts for change, addressing complex challenges like gender inequality and environmental crises. This foundational approach will eradicate racism, discrimination, and hate while accelerating sustainable development toward a culture of peace and bridging digital divides. Essential to this vision is a lifelong learning commitment, with universal access to continuing education, especially in digital literacy, to equip all citizens for the digital age. Grounded in the UN Charter and aligned with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, this initiative leverages the power of ICT, in guidance with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), to support the Summit of the Future. By investing in Peace and ICT education from Kindergarten to K-12, and beyond, the ultimate goal is to empower current and future generations, including those with disabilities and facing disadvantage, to thrive in a connected and technologically more democratized world. This holistic approach accelerates human advancement in both the short and long term. 

Problem Statement
The pervasive influence of violence, hate speech, and misinformation in the media is shaping young minds negatively.Traditional education systems often fall short in addressing these challenges.

Proposed Solution
LMGlobal advocates for a comprehensive Peace Education curriculum integrated with ICTs. This initiative fosters:

• Empathy and understanding: Cultivating respect for diversity and peaceful conflict resolution.
• Critical thinking: Equipping students to analyze information critically and resist manipulation.
• Digital literacy: Empowering students to be responsible digital citizens, combating misinformation.
• Global citizenship: Fostering intercultural understanding and collaboration.

Implementation Strategy

• Curriculum development: Collaborate with educators to create age-appropriate Peace Education and ICT curricula.
• Teacher training: Provide comprehensive training to equip educators with the necessary skills.
• Technology integration: Ensure accessible and affordable technology in schools.
• Partnerships: Build a global coalition of governments, NGOs, and tech companies.
• Research and evaluation: Monitor program impact and make necessary adjustments.
• Lifelong learning: Establish continuing education programs to ensure digital literacy for all ages.

EXPECTED OUTCOME

Empowered and empathetic youth: Fostering a generation equipped with critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence to navigate complex global challenges.

Reduced violence and conflict: Cultivating a culture of peace through conflict resolution skills and understanding.

Digital equity and inclusion: Bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to technology and its benefits for all.

Global citizenship and collaboration: Promoting intercultural understanding, respect for diversity, and international cooperation.

Sustainable development: Contributing to a healthier planet and more equitable society through informed decision-making and responsible resource management.

Human advancement: Investing in the potential of every individual through quality education, fostering innovation,and promoting lifelong learning.

Gender equality: Empowering girls and women through access to education and technology, challenging gender stereotypes, and promoting gender equality from a young age.

CALL TO ACTION
LMGlobal invites UN Member States, governments, educational and relevant institutions, NGOs/CSOs, technology and media companies (print, electronic, and online), and the public to join this initiative. By investing in Peace Education and ICTs, we empower young people to become agents of change and build a brighter future for all.

Illustrative Examples of Successful Peace Education and ICT Programs

• Finland’s Comprehensive School Reform
• Costa Rica’s Peace Education Curriculum
• South Korea’s Digital Literacy Initiatives
• UNESCO’s Global Citizenship Education Program

Focus Area: Implementation Strategies

• Curriculum development and teacher training: How can we ensure that Peace Education and ICTs are effectively integrated into classrooms?
• Partnerships and collaborations: Who are the key stakeholders, and how can we foster effective partnerships?
• Funding and resource allocation: What are the financial implications, and how can funding be secured?
• Evaluation and impact assessment: How can we measure the effectiveness of the program?

Targeted Audience: UN Member States, decision-makers, policymakers, educators, NGOs/CSOs, ICT companies, media, youth, and the global public.

Partnerships for a sustained, unified and peaceful world
Partnerships are essential to the successful implementation of compulsory Peace Education and ICTs. A multi-stakeholder approach is crucial to address the complex challenges involved. Key partnerships include:

• UN Member States: Lead in policy development and resource allocation.
• Educational institutions: Develop and implement curricula, train teachers, and provide learning environments.
• NGOs/CSOs: Advocate for the initiative, support implementation, and engage with communities.
• ICT companies: Provide technology, expertise, and resources for digital infrastructure and education.
• Media: Promote the initiative, raise awareness, and shape public opinion.
• Youth organizations: Involve young people in the design and implementation of the program.
• Disabled and disadvantaged communities: Ensure inclusive and accessible education for all.

To foster collaboration between the education and technology sectors, a global platform or network could be created to facilitate knowledge sharing, resource exchange, and joint project development.

By combining these elements, we can create a robust framework for integrating Peace Education and ICTs, 

CONCLUSION: A Unified Front for Peace and Progress

Peace Education and ICTs are inseparable components of a holistic, 21st-century education. Just as finance and banking are interconnected pillars of the global economy, these two domains must be integrated to foster a peaceful,equitable, and sustainable world. By forging strong partnerships between governments, educators, technology providers,and civil society, we can create a global framework that empowers youth, bridges divides, and cultivates a culture of peace and cooperation.

Thank you very much for your kind attention and support.

Sincerely yours,

Bircan Ünver (She/Her), Founder-President, TV Producer & Head NGO Rep. of 

The Light Millennium, Charitable Global Human Advancement Org.
to the United Nations Department of Global Communications
Web Sites: www.lmglobal.org | www.lightmillennium.org 
Emails: contact(at)lightmillennium.org

References

• UN Charter
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• Sustainable Development Goals#4,  5, 9, 16 & 17.
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
• UNESCO’s Global Citizenship Education
• UNICEF’s Innocenti Research Centre
• ITU’s Connect 2030 Agenda

ABOUT THE LEADING ORGANIZATION
The Light Millennium, Charitable Global Human Advancement Organization  | LMGLOBAL.ORG (2001, New York)

LMGlobal.Org is a UN-associated NGO promoting human advancement, peace, and global connectivity. Founded in New York with a 501(c)3 status in 2001, we’ve been active in public awareness campaigns, producing media content, and advocating for human rights. Our focus includes freedom of expression, girls’ education, cultural diversity, and peacebuilding. Our work includes online content, public events, and television programs (#LightMillenniumTV).

LMGlobal has a track record of organizing impactful events, such as the annual World Water Day, ICTs panel, and the J.U.C.Awards for high school students (deadline October 31, 2024). These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to  youth empowerment and global issues.

We are “Specially Accredited” to the 2024 UN Summit of the Future (September 22-23), reflecting our dedication to addressing pressing global challenges.

www.lmglobal.org (current website.) | www.lightmillennium.org (web archive from 1999 to 2018.)
#LightMillenniumTV: www.vimeo.com/channels/LightMillenniumTV | www.vimeo.com/LMTV
Linkedin profile: www.linkedin.com/in/bircan-ünver-7353207

Open Proposal for Coalition – Title of the proposed side event – panel discussion:
PEACE EDUCATION & Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) from Kindergarten to K-12. (PDF)

Summit of the Future Action Days 20 & 21 September 2024
OPEN CALL FOR SIDE-EVENTS – GUIDELINES

www.lmglobal.org