"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed..." This is a famous opening of the preamble of the Constitution of the UNESCO. It moved the people 50 years ago when the organization was established, and it still moves us.
The preamble further states that "...a peace based exclusively upon the political and economic arrangements of governments would not be a peace which could secure the unanimous, lasting and sincere support of the peoples of the world, and that the peace must therefore be founded, if it is not to fail, upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind." This phrase implies that although UNESCO is an 'inter-governmental organization," meaning that each state becomes its member and pay its contribution, participation and cooperation of the peoples, or citizens, is indispensable in protecting international peace.
UNESCO may be pursuing an ideal. But we need an endeavor to put that ideal closer to the reality, however limited what we can do may be. The first step in achieving this goal should be that every individual on this earth try to understand with each other, respect each other's ethnicity and culture beyond differences in religious beliefs and political systems. We should be eager to learn with each other with modesty, to live together with the spirit of tolerance, and to create a future with our united efforts.
"A journey to the peace" may be a long and hard one. But the "path" set for this journey based on the spirit of UNESCO, or that of trust and collaboration,is open to all of us. This "path" can be "long but short" depending on how we live our life.
UNESCO activities of contributing "to the international peace and of common welfare of mankind ... through the educational and scientific and cultural relations of the peoples of the world" are both wide-ranging and diversified.We would like to unite the wisdom and power of as many people as possible to promote UNESCO activities in the non-governmental sector.
We are committed to the spirit of UNESCO. It is our hope that this spirit be an integral part of each of our life so that we can take a step forward to create a peaceful world. UNESCO activities are not for special kind of people. We hope that anyone can take part in its activities, any time and anywhere in the world we are.
We would be grateful if those of you visiting our website can better understand the activities of UNESCO. We would particularly welcome young people and parents raising children. These people of the next generation are truly our hope for the future.