A Vision For The Summit Of The Future and in support of the #PactForTheFuture:
Compulsory Peace Education and Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) from Kindergarten to K-12, and Beyond
Summary of the Opening Section, Keynote Speakers, and Concluding Remarks
Inaugural Event
Organized & Presented virtually by LMGlobal.Org on October 5, 2024.
Contributed and/or represented by the members of the 17 international NGO/CSO organizations.

CONCEPT & PURPOSE:

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, and Beyond. 
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 aims to leverage the power of ICT, in guidance with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), to support the Summit of the Future. 
By investing in Peace and ICTs 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.
(Based on the LMGlobal.Org’s Open Proposal to the United Nations 2024 Summit of the Future #SOTF).

By Mimoza İRTEM, Youth Representative of The Light Millennium Global to the United Nations

[LMGlobal.Org] A Vision For the #UNGA79 Summit Of The Future #SoTF towards #OurCommonFuture through “Compulsory Peace Education and Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) from Kindergarten to K-12, and Beyond” (CPE-ICTs-K12) an international virtual session occurred on October 5, 2024.
For this concept, a coalition was formed with 18 international NGO/CSO member organizations through the leadership of the LMGlobal.Org. This session provided an opportunity to the members of the coalition coming together and exchanging visions on the proposed concept. As part of the Opening Session, the vision and spectrum of the concept and purpose (above section in pale blue background) was introduced by Bircan Ünver, who also moderated the session, and some of the coalition members had the opportunity to contribute their ideas through speeches and presentations.

Prior moving to the Opening Remarks, she quoted from the United Nations’ Press Release dated on October 2, 2024, as a direct reference and ground to the Inaugural Session:

World leaders yesterday adopted a Pact for the Future that includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. This Pact is the culmination of an inclusive, years-long process to adapt international cooperation to the realities of today and the challenges of tomorrow. The most wide-ranging international agreement in many years, covering entirely new areas as well as issues on which agreement has not been possible in decades, the Pact aims above all to ensure that international institutions can deliver in the face of a world that has changed dramatically since they were created. As the Secretary-General has said, “we cannot create a future fit for our grandchildren with a system built by our grandparents.” Source: PRESS.UN.ORG

RAMU DAMODARAN

For the Opening Remarks Section of the panel, Ambassador Ramu Damodaran, the first Chief of the United Nations Academic Impact Initiative and current permanent Observer for the University for Peace to the United Nations, delivered a pre-recorded video address emphasizing the intersection of peace education, information and communication technology (ICT), and artificial intelligence. He celebrated the visionary efforts in integrating these disciplines into a structured framework through the Light Millennium initiative.

Reflecting on his experience at the United Nations, Damodaran highlighted the role of communicators and advocates in shaping global opinion, praising Light Millennium’s dedication to fostering global dialogue. Damodaran underscored the importance of peace education as a lifelong process that transcends generations, advocating for its integration into all levels of education, from kindergarten to adulthood. He shared insights from the University for Peace, emphasizing that peace is not simply taught but learned through active engagement and collaboration.

Recalling his time as a young delegate at the United Nations General Assembly, Damodaran noted the historical segmentation of life stages and celebrated the advancements in technology and AI for creating a continuum that bridges generational divides. He encouraged the audience to view AI as a tool of opportunity rather than a source of fear, highlighting its potential to unite diverse age groups in a shared global society.

In conclusion, he referenced the concept of an “eighth continent” as a metaphor for unexplored opportunities, urging humanity to embrace innovation and collaboration to shape a future of hope and promise. His remarks reinforced the transformative power of education, technology, and collective action in building a more inclusive and peaceful world.
• VIDEO (11:27 min.) – Ambassador Ramu Damodaran’s Opening Remarks

Summary of the Three Keynote Presentations of the Inaugural Session

PETER R. REGINA
The first keynote speaker, Peter R. Regina, Co-Founder of Project Peace Lights, emphasized the importance of promoting peace and human rights education, aligning these efforts with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which aspires to nurture a culture of peace among youth. He shared the origins of Peace Lights, a symbol of cultural harmony displayed at global events, marches, and the United Nations over 50 times, inspired by interactions with peace advocates, including African leaders. Regina highlighted the story of Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old civil rights pioneer whose courage, fueled by her education, illustrated how peace education can empower individuals and save lives. Noting gaps in the African Union’s Agenda 2063 regarding the implementation of peace education, Regina collaborated with African leaders to propose a curriculum development working group. This initiative aims to include diverse ethnic groups and address challenges in implementing peace education across the continent.

ŞAHANE SULTAN BEDENLİER

The second keynote speaker, Şahane Sultan Bedenlier, a lecturer at California Polytechnic State University, delivered a keynote on “How the Village Institutions’ Reintroduction in Present Times with the Use of Technology and Digital Tools Would Greatly Benefit the World.” She emphasized the relevance of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s vision for peace education, grounded in his principle of “Peace at home, peace in the world.” Bedenlier highlighted the importance of national sovereignty and the need for education to foster global peace without exploitation.

She discussed Atatürk’s educational reforms, focusing on secular, co-educational systems that promoted independence, equality, and democracy. Central to her address were the Turkish Village Institutes of the 1940s, which combined academic, technical, and practical education, allowing students to learn by doing. These institutes were ahead of their time, emphasizing self-sufficiency and community development.

Bedenlier suggested that reintroducing the Village Institutes’ principles with modern technology and digital tools could promote equity, empower communities, and create global citizens. She concluded by asserting that this model could help shape a more peaceful and sustainable future.

DR. ROBERT GOODMAN

The third and last keynote speaker of the session, Dr. Robert Goodman, Executive Director of the New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning (NJCTL), discussed how equitable access to education and good jobs can be achieved through STEM education and ICT. He highlighted NJCTL’s efforts to improve STEM education, especially in underserved areas like Africa, by providing online, asynchronous courses to train STEM teachers. This approach helps reach more students and improves access to high-quality education.

Dr. Goodman emphasized the need to shift from traditional printed materials to digital resources, enabling real-time, cost-effective learning. He also proposed importing high-paying jobs digitally into local economies, allowing workers in regions like Africa to stay in their home countries while contributing to the global economy. He concluded that equitable access to education and jobs is key to creating a more peaceful and prosperous world.

Delivered three keynote speeches represented in connection with Africa, Türkiye and the United States, each with a different focus point such as #Africa2063 vision, Türkish Village Institutions and STEM Education at NJCTL in the U.S.

• Dr. Robert Goodman’s Power Point Presentation

• REPORT OF THE PANELISTS SESSION

• SUMMARY OF THE YOUTH SESSION

• INTRODUCING THE MEMBERS OF THE COALITION & TWO WRITTEN MESSAGE

BRUCE FEIN, Esq.

For the concluding remarks of the session, Bruce Fein Esq., Attorney at Law & Author shared his knowledge and vision about compulsory peace education. A week before, on September 29, 2024, the Light Millennium presented jointly with TADAlliance.Org, an exclusive session with Bruce Fein, Esq. on, “Stopping War Through Separation of Powers: Entrusting The Powers Exclusively To Legislators”; in support of the 2024 #UNGA79 Summit Of The Future, in correlation with the CPE-ICTs-K-12 vision. The previous session laid the groundwork for the Compulsory Peace Education Session, and he shared more on the topic during this panel.

Mr. Bruce Fein emphasized the urgency of institutionalizing peace to prevent humanity’s self-destruction, particularly given its capacity for large-scale violence. He identified “species narcissism“, the belief in human superiority, as a key obstacle, arguing that organized war is rooted in biological instincts rather than morality.

Mr. Fein called for comprehensive education on war’s destructive nature and lessons from history, such as the U.S. Constitution’s emphasis on limiting executive war powers. He criticized the glorification of war in society and urged a shift toward honoring peace advocates. He highlighted the dangers of unrestrained power and technological misuse and stressed the need for collective action to prioritize peace over violence.

The LMGlobal.Org’s Youth Rep. to the United Nations, Mimoza Irtem presented the below certificates (in the video) to each speakers and members of the coalition.

Follow by the certificates, author of the vision and founder-president of the LMGlobal.Org, Bircan Ünver expressed her gratitude for all delivered speeches and presentations along with to joining to the Coalition for a long term joint campaigns with 18 international organizations towards gaining new members and members states to be presented to the United Nations General Assembly in the long run. She then stated that we plan to advocate on this concept twice a year if not more. Based on a prior survey via email with the members of the coalition, Bircan announced that the next of this vision on “Compulsory Peace Education through ICTs”, which is scheduled for January 25, 2025, in support of the International Day of Education (January 24).

Stay in tune for January 25, 2025!

• REPORT OF THE PANELISTS SESSION

• SUMMARY OF THE YOUTH SESSION

• INTRODUCING THE MEMBERS OF THE COALITION & TWO WRITTEN MESSAGE